I recently spent a bit of time in and around Pisa, choosing the city as my base. Instead of rushing from place to place, I went for a slower type of travel, taking my time and visiting everything at a more relaxed pace.
Based on that experience, I put together this one day in Pisa itinerary, designed to make the most of your time in the city without feeling overwhelmed.
Everything in this itinerary follows a logical route, with attractions close to each other and in an order that makes sense. You won’t have to go back and forth across the city or waste time figuring out where to go next. It’s all laid out so you can simply follow along and enjoy your day, whether you’re visiting Pisa on a day trip or staying a bit longer.
One Day in Pisa Itinerary
Breakfast at La Borsa
During my stay in Pisa, I made it a little ritual to try a different café every morning. For this itinerary, I’ve chosen La Borsa because of its convenient location. It’s located close to the main train station, which is where you most likely will begin your day in Pisa. You will either come to Pisa by train, from nearby Florence or from the airport, or maybe stay in a hotel nearby (they are more affordable in this part of the city). Either way, this café is on the main road leading towards the Tower of Pisa, and it has a great selection of pastries. The coffee is great as well, they have milk alternatives for lactose intolerant people such as myself, and they also have a lovely terrace where you can take your coffee after you’ve paid.
Morning at Piazza dei Miracoli
The main reason most people visit Pisa is, of course, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You’ll find it in Piazza dei Miracoli, which is not just a square, but an entire complex of important landmarks and museums. This is where you will spend most of your morning, and probably part of the early afternoon as well. There is more to see here than just the tower, and it’s worth taking your time to explore everything.
I recommend buying the combined ticket online instead of separate ones. It’s more affordable and gives you access to multiple sites, so you can take your time and see everything without worrying about individual entry fees. The price for the combined ticket, which includes climbing the Tower of Pisa, the Baptistery, the Camposanto, the Opera del Duomo Museum, the Sinopie Museum and any temporary exhibitions available costs 27 euros. Without the tower, you will pay 11 euros. Each attraction, individually, costs 8 euros. You can also queue to buy the ticket from the ticket office – but you will lose time queuing, so it’s best to just get it online by clicking here.
Climb Torre di Pisa
No one day in Pisa would be complete without climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The tower dates back to the 12th century and was originally built as the bell tower for the cathedral. Not long after construction began, the ground underneath started to shift, causing the famous tilt. Instead of abandoning it, the builders continued over the years, adjusting the structure slightly to compensate. That’s how it ended up with its unique curved shape.
Architecturally, it’s a beautiful example of Romanesque design, with white marble, elegant pillar-like columns, and open galleries stacked on top of each other. But of course, what made it famous is the lean.
You can climb the tower, and I would recommend doing it if you don’t mind a bit of effort. The staircase is narrow and spiral, and you will feel the tilt as you go up, which makes the experience a bit unusual. At the top, you get a view over the entire square and the surrounding city.
The ticket to climb the tower costs around 20 euros on its own. If you’re planning to visit other attractions in Piazza dei Miracoli, it makes more sense to get the combined ticket, as it will save you some money overall.
Visit the Cathedral of Pisa
Right next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you will find the Pisa Cathedral, one of the most important buildings in Piazza dei Miracoli.
The cathedral dates back to the 11th century and is a key example of Pisan Romanesque architecture. From the outside, it stands out through its white and grey marble façade, detailed arches, and layered design that feels both grand and very elegant at the same time.
Inside, the cathedral is just as impressive. One of the most notable features is the ornate pulpit by Giovanni Pisano, as well as the richly decorated ceiling, which adds a lot of warmth to the space. The large mosaic in the apse is another highlight, drawing your attention as soon as you walk in.
To visit the cathedral, you will still need a ticket, even though entry itself is free. You can get it from the ticket office located inside the Sinopie Museum. It’s a quick process, but it’s something to keep in mind so you don’t just walk up to the entrance and wonder why you can’t go in.
Visit the Battistero di San Giovanni
Another stop in Piazza dei Miracoli that you shouldn’t skip is the Battistero di San Giovanni.
The baptistery dates back to the 12th century and is actually the largest of its kind in Italy. It was built over several centuries, which is why you will notice a mix of architectural styles. The lower part follows the Romanesque style, while the upper sections have more Gothic elements, especially in the details and decoration.
From the outside, it looks impressive, with its circular shape and layered design. Inside, the space is much simpler, but what makes it special is the acoustics. Every now and then, a member of staff will demonstrate it by singing a few notes, and the echo fills the entire building.
It’s worth going inside not just for the architecture, but also to experience that atmosphere, which is very different from the cathedral next door.
The baptistery is included in the combined ticket for the attractions in the square. If you choose to visit it separately, the ticket costs around 8 euros.
See the Camposanto
Another place worth visiting in Piazza dei Miracoli is the Camposanto Monumentale.
The Camposanto is a historic cemetery, but it feels more like a peaceful cloister than a burial ground. It was built in the 13th century and, according to tradition, the soil used here was brought from the Holy Land, which is how the site got its name.
Architecturally, it is very different from the other buildings in the square. Instead of marble façades and open galleries, you have a long rectangular structure with high walls on the outside and a covered walkway on the inside. The inner courtyard is a green space, surrounded by elegant Gothic arches.
Inside, the walls were once covered in frescoes, some of which are still visible today, even though many were damaged during World War II. As you walk along the corridors, you will also see a large collection of ancient Roman sarcophagi and various tombs, some dating back centuries.
What I liked about the Camposanto is how quiet it felt compared to the rest of the square. After the crowds around the Leaning Tower of Pisa, this is a place where you can slow down a bit and take your time.
It’s included in the combined ticket, so it’s easy to add it to your itinerary while you are already exploring the area.
Check Out the Opera del Duomo Museum
This museum preserves the original artworks and architectural elements that once adorned the Pisa Cathedral, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and other monuments in the square. Over time, these pieces were moved indoors to protect them from the elements.
Inside, you can see some truly remarkable originals, including the intricate pulpit by Giovanni Pisano, original bronze doors from the Baptistery, and various medieval sculptures and reliefs that once decorated the cathedral’s façades. These pieces give a much deeper appreciation of the artistry you admire from the outside.
Visit the Sinopie Museum
While you’re in Piazza dei Miracoli, it’s worth stepping into the Sinopie Museum, especially since it’s included in the combined ticket.
The museum is dedicated to the sinopie, which are the original sketches drawn on the wall before the frescoes were painted. These were discovered when the frescoes from the Camposanto Monumentale were removed for restoration after being damaged during World War II.
Inside, you can see these large preparatory drawings up close. They give you a different perspective on the artworks, showing the process behind them rather than just the final result. You start to notice details, corrections, and the way the artists planned entire scenes before applying the paint.
It’s not a very big museum, and it doesn’t take long to go through it, but it adds context to what you see in the Camposanto. If you’ve already visited the cemetery, this makes even more sense, as you understand better what was lost and what has been preserved.
Walk on the Walls of Pisa
After visiting the main attractions in Piazza dei Miracoli, one of the nicest ways to see Pisa from a different perspective is by walking along the Walls of Pisa.
The walls date back to the 12th century, with construction starting in 1154 on the north side of the Arno River. They were later extended, with additional sections completed in 1284 around the area of Cittadella Vecchia. Today, a large part of them has been restored and opened to the public.
The walkway sits around 11 metres above ground and stretches for about 3 kilometres. It’s an easy and pleasant walk, and it doesn’t take long, but it gives you a completely different view over the city.
As you walk along the walls, you can see the rooftops of Pisa, small gardens hidden behind buildings, and parts of the historic centre that you wouldn’t normally notice from street level. You also get a different angle over Piazza dei Miracoli, which is worth it on its own.
The access costs around 5 euros, and it’s a good option if you want to take a break from the crowds and see a quieter side of the city.
Lunch at I Porci Comodi
By the time you finish exploring Piazza dei Miracoli, it will most likely be well past lunch time. That’s exactly what happened to me. I spent longer than planned there, and by the time I started looking for food, most of the good places were already full. That’s how I ended up at I Porci Comodi. I found it by chance, and luckily, they still had a couple of tables free outside on the terrace. This is what I would call a Tuscan street food spot. Even though they have a proper location and seating, the food they serve is based on traditional recipes that go back to what used to be eaten on the streets centuries ago.
I ordered lampredotto, one of the most typical dishes in Tuscany. It’s made from the fourth stomach of a cow, slow cooked until it becomes very soft and full of flavour. It might not sound like something you would immediately go for, but it’s one of those dishes where the taste matters more than anything else. And it really was good.
However, if you are not a fan of adventurous dishes, they also serve porchetta, and have a counter full of meats and cheeses where you can build your own sandwich inside schiacciata bread. They also serve Tuscan platters with cold cuts and cheeses, which are a good option if you want something lighter while still trying local flavours.
Piazza del Cavaleri
After lunch, make your way to Piazza dei Cavalieri, one of the most important squares in Pisa, and a place that feels very different from Piazza dei Miracoli.
This square used to be the political centre of Pisa during medieval times. Later, it was redesigned during the Renaissance under the direction of Giorgio Vasari, which is why it has a more refined and balanced look compared to the rest of the historic centre.
What makes it special is the harmony between the buildings and how everything comes together in one space. It’s not as crowded as the main tourist area, so you can actually stop and take it in.
The most notable building here is the Palazzo della Carovana, which now belongs to the Scuola Normale Superiore. Its façade is covered in detailed sgraffito decorations, which makes it stand out immediately.
Next to it, you’ll find the Palazzo dell’Orologio, with its clock tower and a more medieval appearance. This building is also linked to one of Pisa’s darker historical stories, the tragic fate of Count Ugolino della Gherardesca, the Pian traitor who was imprisoned here and died of starvation.
The square is also home to the Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri, designed by Vasari, with a simple façade but a richly decorated interior.
During my most recent visit to Pisa, the square was a temporary host to the Operae sculptural tower designed by Gianni Lucchesi, a tribute to Fibonacci who was born in Pisa.
Visit Chiesa di San Sisto
Just around the corner from Piazza dei Cavalieri, I came across Chiesa di San Sisto. The door was open, so I stepped inside without really planning to visit it, and I’m glad I did.
The church dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest in Pisa. From the outside, it has a simple Romanesque style, built from stone with clean lines and very little decoration compared to the grand buildings in Piazza dei Miracoli.
Inside, it feels even more stripped back. The space is quite plain, with stone columns and minimal ornamentation. It’s very different from the cathedral, and that contrast is quite interesting when you see both on the same day.
There is also some history attached to the church. It is said that important public documents were once kept here, including records related to the government of Pisa during medieval times.
It’s not a must-see in the way the main landmarks are, but if you’re walking nearby and find it open, it’s worth stepping in for a few minutes.
Stroll Around the Old Town of Pisa and See the Palaces
After ticking off the main landmarks, take some time to simply walk around the historic centre of Pisa. This was my favourite time of the afternoon. Pisa was once a powerful maritime republic, and a very wealthy one at that. Much of that wealth went into building grand residences for noble families, which is why you will notice so many palaces scattered around the city.
As you walk through the old streets, especially along the Arno River, you will see elegant buildings with decorated façades, large windows, and sometimes faded frescoes. Some of them look a bit worn, but that only adds to the character. A few notable ones you can spot from the outside include Palazzo Blu, known for its distinctive colour, and Palazzo Agostini, one of the most recognisable buildings along the river. Most of these palaces are not open to the public, as many are still used as private residences or offices. But even just seeing them from the outside gives you a good idea of how important Pisa once was.
Shopping on Corso Italia
If you want to add a bit of shopping to your one day in Pisa, head to Corso Italia. This is the main shopping street in the city.
You’ll find a mix of well-known brands and Italian fashion stores, so there’s plenty to browse through. What I liked the most though is that some of the shops are set inside historic buildings, so you’re not just shopping, you also get to see parts of these interiors that you wouldn’t normally have access to.
I have to admit, I got a bit carried away here. I ended up rocking at the airport with two extra bags because of everything I bought in Pisa. It’s not Milano, but that also means the prices are not at Milano level either, which makes it a lot more tempting to actually buy things.
Watch the Sunset From Ponte di Mezzo
River Arno cuts Pisa in two, and it’s the best place to watch the sun setting over the city. Both sides of the river are flanked by beautiful buildings, stretching for as long as you can see. The orange and pinks of the sunset, reflecting into the water, are mesmerising.
Dinner at Osteria di Culegna
From all the restaurants I ate around Pisa, Osteria di Culegna was the most outstanding. It’s a very small, family-run restaurant, and if you want to eat here, you should make a reservation. I wouldn’t rely on just showing up, as the chances of finding a free table are quite low. I was here in March, out of the touristy season, and only got a table because of some late reservations.
The menu is handwritten and changes depending on what the chef finds fresh at the market that day, which is always a good sign. I started with spinach and ricotta ravioli covered in a slow-cooked wild boar ragù. It was so good that I didn’t stop eating until the plate was empty. And of course, I had to do the scarpetta with the sauce left behind.
For the main, I went for the special of the day, tripe cooked the Pisan way, like a stew with root vegetables. It came with a slice of polenta on the side. It was so flavourful! I washed everything with a glass of red house wine, which was a local Tuscan chianti.
Gelato at La Bottega del Gelato
I first visited Pisa about 15 years ago, on an Interrail journey around Italy. I don’t remember much from that trip, but I do remember having an outstanding gelato, enjoying it on a bridge. Imagine my surprise when my footsteps dug back into my memory and led me to the same gelato shop, La Bottega del Gelato, just near the river.
The gelato was just as good as I remembered. And I say this after spending five days in Pisa trying quite a few places. This was still the best.
I went for my usual combination, pistachio and amarena, and then walked back to the bridge and sat down to eat it, just like I did all those years ago.
Spending the Night?
Stay at 6 Keys
I know a lot of you would be in town just for a day trip to Pisa. But just in case you are spending the night, I can highly recommend the cosy B&B I stayed at. Located only five minutes from the train station and near a large supermarket, this small apartment is run by a lovely lady who made my stay very welcoming. The room was quite spacious and themed after the Italian author Niccolo Machiavelli. On the table there were loads of treats and snacks, as well as plenty of pods of coffee for my entire stay. I appreciated the heating being on, as I’m one of those people who is always cold. There was even an extra blanket in the room. I paid 150 euros for 4 nights here, which is so little for what I got.
You can check the latest rates by clicking here, or the reviews on Tripadvisor by clicking here.
Final Words
Spending one day in Pisa is more than just a quick stop to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Yes, that’s the main highlight, but as you’ve seen from this itinerary, there is a lot more to the city if you take the time to explore it properly.
If you follow this itinerary, you will be able to see the main sights, try some great food, and still have time to just wander a bit and take it all in.
And if you end up liking it as much as I did, you might find yourself doing what I did which is staying for longer or already thinking about coming back.
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