Ultimate Guide to Pisa, Italy - London Southend Airport

Listen. We know you’re going to get a photo where you pretend to hold up the Leaning Tower. Don’t try to fight it. It’s okay. When in ~~Rome~~ Pisa!

But while Pisa might be famous for one wonderfully wonky landmark, there’s far more to this Tuscan gem that first meets the eye. Beyond the tourist traps is a shockingly gorgeous riverside city threaded with medieval streets, buzzing bars, centuries-old markets and authentic local food to die for.

Compact, lively and easy to explore on foot, Pisa works brilliantly as a short city break. Whether you’re already planning an upcoming trip or just figuring out what to do and see in Pisa as you weigh up our destinations for your next holiday, this ultimate guide will help you experience the city properly – from historic landmarks to aperitivo spots and sunset walks along the Arno.

Let’s dive right in. Or lean in? No? Forget it.

Book your flight to Pisa from London Southend Airport

Why visit Pisa?

Pisa has something many Italian cities don’t: breathing room.

The historic centre is compact, elegant and wonderfully walkable, where narrow medieval streets spill into sunlit piazzas and the scent of espresso drifts out of café doorways. The Arno river weaves quietly through the middle of the city, its banks lined with pastel buildings and grand old palazzi that glow honey-gold as the evening light hits the water.

Architecturally, Pisa punches well above its weight. The marble monuments of Piazza dei Miracoli gleam bright against the grass – striped stone, echoing bells and centuries of history all gathered in one extraordinary square. Add the clink of glasses at aperitivo hour, the smell of fresh focaccia from neighbourhood bakeries and the easy rhythm of a city that never feels rushed, and Pisa quickly proves it’s far more than just a quick stop.

When is the best time to visit Pisa?

Pisa is a year-round destination, but spring and early autumn are when the city really shines.

From April to June and again in September and October, the weather is warm but comfortable, café terraces fill up and the Arno glows in soft golden light as evening sets in. It’s perfect wandering weather – ideal for drifting between sights, lingering in piazzas and stretching dinner into a long Tuscan evening.

Summer can be lively but hot, while winter is quieter. But if you want Pisa at its most relaxed, atmospheric and easy to explore, aim for those sweet-spot shoulder months.

Where should I stay in Pisa?

Choosing where to stay in Pisa is refreshingly straightforward because the historic centre is compact and walkable. Most neighbourhoods place you within easy reach of the main sights, but each has its own atmosphere. Here are our top picks.

Grand Hotel Duomo, Santa Maria: Just a few minutes’ walk from the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli, this hotel is all about location. The real highlight is the rooftop terrace bar, where you can sip a spritz while looking out across Pisa’s famous skyline. Book 3 nights from £266pp.
Grand Hotel Bonanno, Santa Maria: A relaxed base within walking distance of Pisa’s main landmarks but slightly removed from the busiest streets. Spacious rooms and an on-site restaurant make it an easy, comfortable choice for a short city break. Book 3 nights from £244pp.
Hotel La Pace, near Pisa Centrale: A practical pick if you’re arriving by train or planning day trips around Tuscany. The historic centre and the Arno are still within walking distance, and the hotel’s classic Italian interiors give it plenty of character. Book 3 nights from £244pp.
B&B Hotel Pisa, outskirts of Pisa: A budget-friendly option just outside the historic centre, ideal if you want a simple base while spending most of your time exploring the city. Modern rooms and easy transport links keep things convenient. Book 3 nights from £191pp.

What is there to do in Pisa?

If you’re wondering what to do in Pisa, the best approach is to mix the city’s big landmarks with a few quieter discoveries along the way. Here are the spots worth building your Pisa itinerary around:

Piazza dei Miracoli: Pisa’s architectural showpiece. The Leaning Tower, cathedral, baptistery and Camposanto cemetery sit together in one vast marble square that feels almost theatrical in scale. Climbing the tower is the obvious highlight, but the entire complex is worth exploring.
Pisa’s medieval city walls: For a quieter perspective on the city, walk the restored ramparts that circle part of the historic centre. The elevated path offers sweeping views over rooftops and across the famous monument square.
Palazzo Blu: A stylish art museum housed in a grand riverside palace. Expect rotating exhibitions alongside collections that explore the region’s artistic heritage.
Keith Haring’s Tuttomondo mural: One of Pisa’s most unexpected sights. This enormous, colourful mural near the train station adds a bold modern splash to a city otherwise known for medieval architecture.
Pisa Botanic Garden: Founded in the 1500s, this peaceful garden is one of the oldest university botanical gardens in the world. A leafy, quiet escape just steps from the main sights.
The Lungarni: The streets lining both sides of the Arno are perfect for wandering, especially around sunset when the pastel buildings reflect in the water.
Borgo Stretto: One of the prettiest streets in Pisa, lined with elegant arcades, independent boutiques and cafés. If you’re interested in shopping in Pisa, this is the place to start.
Piazza delle Vettovaglie: A historic market square that turns into one of the city’s liveliest social hubs after dark, with restaurants and bars spilling out onto the square.

Best places to eat in Pisa

Some of the best restaurants in Pisa keep things refreshingly simple – handmade pasta, grilled meats, rustic Tuscan recipes and excellent regional wine. Here are our recommendations:

Osteria dei Cavalieri: Refined Tuscan cooking in an elegant but relaxed setting, just steps from the historic centre.
Il Campano: A classic trattoria serving traditional dishes with plenty of rustic charm in the heart of the old town.
Il Toscano: A love letter to regional cuisine, pairing Tuscan classics with a carefully curated wine list.
I Porci Comodi: Legendary focaccia sandwiches packed with Tuscan meats and cheeses – perfect for a quick lunch between sightseeing stops.
La Bottega del Gelato: One of Pisa’s most beloved gelaterias, known for creamy, flavour-packed scoops.

Bars and nightlife in Pisa

Evenings in Pisa lean more towards relaxed drinks and lively squares than big club nights. Here’s where to head for the best nightlife.

Orzo Bruno: A popular craft beer bar pouring house brews and Italian microbrews in a lively setting.
Panorama Rooftop Bar: Sunset drinks with sweeping views over Pisa’s historic skyline and the famous tower nearby.
Piazza delle Vettovaglie: A historic market square that turns into one of the city’s liveliest social hubs after dark, with restaurants and bars spilling out onto the square.

Top tips for your stay in Pisa

Before you go, a few practical tips can help you get the most out of your trip.

Book Leaning Tower tickets in advance: Entry is timed and places are limited, particularly during busy travel seasons.
Stay at least two nights: Many visitors rush through Pisa in a few hours, but spending more time here lets you explore beyond the main monuments.
Walk everywhere: The historic centre is compact, and wandering the streets is one of the best ways to discover hidden corners.
Use Pisa as a base for exploring Tuscany: If you’re staying for a week, Pisa works brilliantly as a base for discovering the wider region, with Florence, Lucca and the Cinque Terre all within easy reach by train or car.

Slow down and enjoy the atmosphere when you book your flight to Pisa from London Southend Airport. Pisa isn’t a city that needs rushing – it’s one best experienced between sightseeing stops, over coffee, gelato and leisurely riverside walks.

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