One-day Pisa Itinerary: How to Make the Most of Your Trip

Piazza dei Miracoli

I recommend you book the earliest time slot for visiting Leaning Tower (at 9 am) and start your one day in Pisa with the most iconic landmark of this Tuscan city. The visit will last 30-45 minutes.

Keep in mind that you should arrive to the Leaning Tower at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time slot. I recommend you come even earlier, so you can take photos of the Piazza dei Miracoli before it gets too crowded.

Once you are done, head to see the interior of Pisa Cathedral. Once you step inside, you’re greeted by high ceilings, black-and-white striped marble columns, and a magnificent gilded coffered ceiling. Plan around 15 minutes for your visit.

If you don’t want to visit any more attractions, you can purchase a single ticket for the Leaning Tower, which costs 20 euros and includes a Cathedral visit. However, I recommend buying a combined ticket for 27 euros and seeing a few other attractions in Pisa.

I personally think that visiting the Baptistery of San Giovanni is an absolute must-do for one day in Pisa. Once you go up, you will have a wonderful view over the Cathedral and Tower (even better than the view from the Leaning Tower itself!).

Later head to Camposanto, which is a historic cemetery. It is known for its impressive Gothic architecture, beautiful frescoes, and serene atmosphere. Visitors often admire its marble tombs and the sacred soil brought from Jerusalem.

👆🏻Other places included in the combined ticket: the Opera del Duomo Museum, Sinopie Museum, and any temporary exhibitions. Depending on your interests, you might want to add these places to your one-day Pisa itinerary.

Piazza dei Cavalieri

Piazza dei Cavalieri is one of Pisa’s most important historical landmarks. Once the political center, the square was later transformed during the Renaissance into a center for the Knights of St. Stephen. Today, it is another beautiful gem that most tourists miss.

Palazzo della Carovana is the main building in the square. This Renaissance masterpiece by Vasari was the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen. Its facade features graffiti-style designs (sgraffiti), depicting allegorical figures and zodiac signs.

On one side of the square stands the Palazzo dell’Orologio, a building with an intriguing past. It was built to incorporate the remains of the Torre della Fame (Tower of Hunger), infamous for the tragic story of Count Ugolino, as recounted in Dante’s Inferno.

Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri is an elegant church, also designed by Vasari. It was built for the Knights of St. Stephen. Unfortunately, it is temporarily closed now, but I have to say that the interior is extravagant.

Lunch: Trattoria da Stelio ($) or I Porci Comodi ($)

If you are looking for local dishes Trattoria da Stelio is your go-to. Authentic experience with home-cooked Italian meals. The menu is small, but it helps them keep low prices with fresh products.

Unfortunately, this restaurant is closed for dinners and weekends, so lunchtime on a weekday is the only time to try their delicious dishes. Hope you can match it with your schedule because it was still one of my highlights of Pisa.

As an alternative, I can recommend I Porci Comodi, which is a famous sandwich shop. It may seem like just a sandwich, but the quality of Tuscan cold cuts makes all the difference. Vegetarian options are also available, so there’s something for everyone.

Borgo Stretto & Arno River

After lunch, you can follow Borgo Stretto and head to Arno. On your way, you will find a lot of beautiful palaces like Palazzo Poschi and typical loggias surrounded by bars and local shops. It is a lively and fun area of Pisa.

Once you reach Arno River, take a walk from Palazzo Blu to Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina and end with Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno.

Located on the south side of the Arno, the best view of Palazzo Blu is from the north bank. Today, it serves as an art museum, so if you’re a fan of art, check out the ongoing exhibitions. It’s a cultural highlight of the city.

The compact size of Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina means it won’t take much of your time, but the beauty and unique charm of this tiny Gothic gem are sure to leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss it!

Instead, Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno looks like a little sister of the Cathedral. It’s well worth a visit if you’re looking for something off the beaten path in Pisa.

Botanical Garden (optional)

Once you have seen all these beautiful buildings and historical sights, it’s time to find your green oasis in the heart of Pisa. Botanical Garden dates back to the 16th century and is home to plants from all over the world.

In summer you will find a lot of beautiful flowers and even some healing plants. There is also a museum where you can learn more about famous botanists and artwork.

Even if you are not passionate about plants, I still advise you to stop by. It’s a lovely place to visit in Pisa for a couple of hours. 

🎟  The entrance fee for the Botanical Garden is 4 euros and 2 euros for the Botanical Museum. Every first Sunday of the month is free, so certainly don’t miss this opportunity if you are around.

Dinner: La Pergoletta ($$$) or Il Ristoro della Pe’ ($$)

Il Ristoro della Pe’ is another excellent choice for authentic Tuscan cuisine. Known for its warm atmosphere and locally sourced ingredients, this spot offers a range of traditional dishes that highlight the region’s flavors. 

Maybe you are looking for something more sophisticated? La Pergoletta should be your number one choice. It still offers local dishes combined with the best wines in a modern setting.

If you want to get intimate with Tuscanian cuisine and learn more, I suggest you book Dining Experience at a Local’s Home. They also offer the same dining experience with an additional market tour and you can book it here.

Other things to know before visiting Pisa

What is Pisa known for?

The city’s most famous attraction is the Leaning Tower of Pisa or Torre Pendente. Its unique tilt, caused by unstable ground, has made it a symbol of architectural uniqueness and one of the most photographed landmarks in the world. 

The tower is part of the Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as the Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Baptistery of St. John, and the Camposanto Monumentale.

Pisa is also known for its academic importance. It is home to the University of Pisa, one of Italy’s oldest universities. The university attracts students from all over the world, giving the city a youthful and dynamic atmosphere. 

The city has a fascinating maritime history. During the Middle Ages, it was a powerful maritime republic. This legacy can be explored through its architectural landmarks, such as the Palazzo Blu and the gothic Church of Santa Maria della Spina. 

Pisa’s culture extends to its culinary scene, where you can savor traditional Tuscan dishes like cecina, a savory chickpea flatbread, and pappa al pomodoro. Local wines, including the famous Chianti, complement these flavors perfectly.

🎉 Do you like to party? Thanks to its large student population, Pisa offers a lively nightlife scene. After dark, the city comes alive with bars, pubs, and live music venues.

When is the best time to visit Pisa?

The best time to visit Pisa is in spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. 

Summer brings peak tourism and high heat, but early mornings or evenings can be enjoyable. Winter offers a quieter experience with fewer tourists and lower accommodation costs, though temperatures are cooler. 

Pisa is also lively during local festivals, such as the Luminara di San Ranieri in June, which features stunning candlelit displays along the Arno River, or the Gioco del Ponte, a traditional bridge battle reenactment.

How to move around Pisa?

Pisa is a compact city with most attractions within walking distance. This means you can easily explore it on foot. Walking is the best way to enjoy landmarks like the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli while discovering hidden corners. 

For a faster option, rent a bike or use the buses operated by CTT Nord. The PisaMover shuttle links the train station and the airport. Taxis are available for short trips, but driving is not recommended due to restricted zones in the historic center.

How to arrive in Pisa?

Pisa is home to the Galileo Galilei International Airport (PSA), one of Tuscany’s main airports. It serves both domestic and international flights.

From the airport to the city center, you can use the PisaMover shuttle train (6.50 euros), which runs every 5-8 minutes and connects the airport to the Pisa Centrale train station in 5 minutes. Taxis and buses are also available for a quick 10-minute ride to the city center.

Pisa is a major railway center connected to some iconic cities like Florence, Rome, and Cinque Terre. Long-distance bus companies like FlixBus connect Pisa to various Italian and European cities. Buses arrive at Pisa Centrale station.

While you don’t need a car to visit Pisa, renting a car is a great option to explore small villages and charming towns in Tuscany. Keep in mind that parking near the city center can be limited.