Is Pisa Worth Visiting 2024? The Pros and Cons – You Decide!

If you’re wondering if Pisa is worth visiting , I’m here to tell you it is! Jack and I were in Italy for eight weeks, road-tripping around in our campervan with no intention of visiting Pisa. However, the city fell on our route home, so we decided to make a stop.

Pisa is perfect for culture enthusiasts thanks to its iconic landmarks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa Cathedral and the Santa Maria Della Spina. It’s also a great place for couples to visit, thanks to a wonderfully upbeat evening scene, aperitivo and shopping. 

There are, of course, reasons not to visit Pisa. I don’t think it’s the best city in the whole of Italy and if it’s your first time visiting, it’s not somewhere I would suggest spending your entire trip. But we thought it was a fun place with good energy. Here are all the pros and cons of visiting Pisa.

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Uncover Whether Italy’s Pisa Is Worth Visiting Or Not This Year!

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Why Do I Think Pisa Is Worth Visiting?

As I mentioned, we visited Pisa on our way home after a lovely three days in Florence. In comparison, Pisa is a small city, but we were still left impressed. It doesn’t have the same pizazz that Florence does, which is, after all, the cultural capital of Italy, nor the charm of San Gimignano, but it does have a more rustic beauty.

We enjoyed visiting the Piazza dei Miracoli (The Square of Miracles) as much as the next tourist, but what we really enjoyed was our evening stroll along the Arno River, wandering around the side streets, grabbing a delicious pizza and being quite surprised by the evening buzz.

Half expecting a dead zone outside of the main attractions, we were surely mistaken. Pisa was alive and kicking! Locals were enjoying their evening aperitivos, and there were endless streams of shops from fashion to delicatessens. In fact, the city had a wonderful atmosphere, and I wish we had more time than the day we had allocated.

That said, we did visit on a Friday, so I imagine could be a different story during the weekdays, but another full day in Pisa wouldn’t have gone a miss. I also think Pisa is worth visiting if you’re a couple looking for somewhere a little offbeat. Outside of the Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa’s side streets are like little hidden gems.

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Summary: The Pros And Cons

• Pros – What Makes Pisa Worth Visiting: The Piazza dei Miracoli, which includes the Tower of Pisa, Pisa Cathedral, Monumental Cemetery and the Baptistery, is a beautiful attraction. Pisa also has lively dining and shopping experiences, with food tours as a must! For budget travellers, check out the free walking tours; for culture, enjoy museums, cycling tours, and street art. Don’t miss the Arno River at sunset!
• Cons – What Makes Pisa Not Worth Visiting: Pisa isn’t as impressive as other cities, and it also isn’t surrounded by beautiful countryside. We didn’t think Pisa was too family-friendly either, and it can be quite expensive as well.

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Where Is Pisa, Italy?

Pisa is located on the banks of the Arno River on the west coast of northern Tuscany, Italy. It’s easy to get to with good roads and rail links connecting it to the larger cities. It’s about one hour from Florence, one hour forty-five from Siena and one hour forty from Cinque Terre.

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Pros: The Best Reasons To Visit Pisa

After our trip to Pisa, I took a deep dive into its history and did a little more research, kicking myself for not doing it before we arrived. 

Nevertheless, I discovered that there is tons more to see and do in Pisa than the obvious, and had we had more time; we would have spent at least another day. But you still can! I’ve rounded up all the reasons to visit Pisa so that you don’t miss out.

1. The Piazza dei Miracoli Is Beautiful

Of course, the number one reason for visiting Pisa is to witness the Square of Miracles, and no visit would be complete otherwise. It is, after all, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The square is impressive, enclosed within the city walls. It includes the iconic Tower of Pisa, the impressive Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistry and the Monumental Cemetery, all of which are surprisingly mesmerising. 

2. The Tower Of Pisa

The Bell Tower is made of white marble and stands 56 meters tall with eight floors. It’s one of Italy’s most famous landmarks, featuring a spiral staircase with exactly 294 steps leading to the top. The top of the tower is said to offer stunning views of Pisa and the surrounding countryside.

We didn’t go up as we thought the price of €20 was steep, but I’ve found a ticket online here if you do want to. I don’t think it’s essential to climb, as I’m not totally convinced the views would be that “stunning”.

To be honest, the fun is in trying to get the perfect picture, holding the tower and watching everyone else trying to do the same!

3. The Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa)

Are you ready to have your mind blown? We think the inside of Pisa Cathedral (Duomo Santa Maria Assunta) is much, much prettier than the inside of Duomo in Florence! Bold statement, I know, but honestly, the inside is spectacular. 

Don’t get me wrong, Duomo di Florence on the outside is breathtaking and trumps this one in Pisa, but we were left unimpressed by the inside. Pisa, on the other hand, features beautiful artistry, such as intricate carvings and decorations, including bronze doors made by Bonanno Pisano. 

It’s a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral built in the Romanesque style almost a thousand years ago. With a Carrara marble facade, it stands centre stage in the Piazza dei Miracoli.

4. The Camposanto Monumentale (the Monumental Cemetery)

We missed entering the cemetery, only seeing it from the outside. After reading more and seeing photos, it looks like somewhere not to be missed, and I wish we had entered! The cemetery was built in the 13th century and is famous for its beautiful Gothic architecture and frescoes, the most famous being the Triumph of the Death. 

If the lighting is right, I reckon you could grab some stunning photos inside. It looks like an architecturally interesting and peaceful place to visit, with a large collection of tombs offering a glimpse into the history of Pisa.

5. The Baptisterium (the Baptistry)

Another attraction we didn’t enter was the Baptistry of Pisa. It’s a circular building with a cone-shaped roof, built in Romanesque style. The building is decorated with columns, arches, and sculptures; it does look pretty. 

It’s a shame we didn’t get to go inside, but if you get the chance, I think you should. Inside, it is said to have beautiful murals, a hexagonal pulpit, and famous acoustics designed to enhance the sound of the choir. It’s definitely worth a visit if you are interested in Pisa’s history and architecture.

6. Shopping And Dining In Pisa Is Fun

One activity we did enjoy was shopping or more window shopping, I should say. We were coming to the end of our road trip, and Pisa isn’t the most budget-friendly city in Italy. We were left to gawk at the beautiful but expensive designer wear and have our mouths water over the delicious delicatessens that adorned the porticos.

7. Fantastic Food & Wine Tours 

One of the best things we did in Italy was to go on a food tour, albeit we went in Florence, but potato patato, it’s the same thing. A Pisa Food Tour will be amazing; our guide filled our morning with historical insights and an array of delicious foods. 

We tried a traditional Tuscan ragu, learned what “Cuddles” were, and experienced lampredotto, costine di feato, and a series of truffle-infused oils, plus much, much more. If you’re a foodie like us, I highly recommend a food tour during your trip to Italy.

⭐ Pro tip >> While you’re in Pisa, there’s nothing better than taking to the rolling hills of Tuscany on a wine-tasting tour in the Chianti wine region area.

8. There’s a Free Walking Tour

If you feel like your waistline could use a break – too much pizza, maybe? Then GuruWalks also offer a “free” walking tour. I say free, but you are expected to leave a tip, but you don’t have to. 

GuruWalk is an international community providing free walking tours, helping to guide travellers around the world. The Pisa walking tour begins in Vittorio Emanuele II Square and ends in Piazza dei Miracoli. The tour visits most of the attractions on this list; you can check it out here: GuruWalks Pisa

⭐ Pro tip >> If you prefer to book a paid walking tour so you can budget accordingly, check out this 2-hour guided walking tour of the city of Pisa and go off the beaten track!

9. Great For City Cycling

Pisa is undoubtedly a fantastic destination if you enjoy cycling and sightseeing. Since it’s got such a long ol’ history, the city boasts numerous attractions that can be explored on a bike, and a bike tour is sure to be a fun experience. 

One of the best ways to explore Pisa is by starting your tour at the historic centre. From there, you can ride through the city’s charming squares, cross the picturesque Lungarni and the bridges, and uncover the hidden gems that are scattered throughout the city. 

⭐ Pro tip >> If you want to, you can cycle to Lucca or even cycle to the sea. All in all, a bike tour is a great way to explore all that Pisa has to offer. 

10. Interesting Museums

Even though we didn’t have time to visit the museums (although by this point in our trip, we had seen enough museums), I’ve selected a handful of the most popular ones in the city.

11. The Arno River

During our evening in Pisa, and after we had filled our bellies with pizza and wine, we took a stroll through the rest of the city, heading towards the Arno River. We walked along the Lungarno to the Lungarni di Pisa, a scenic point known for its beautiful view over the river. 

Over the years, the Arno River has been the site of many battles, but on that day, it was a magical and romantic place to visit, especially if you’re travelling as a couple. I recommend allocating some time to walk along its banks.

We reached it at sunset, which made it even more special; catching the last of the sunrays bouncing off the colourful buildings adorning the bank was romantic.

12. Famous Street Art

We didn’t see it, but I’ve read that Keith Haring, an American artist, created a graffiti mural in Pisa in 1989. The mural – known as Tuttomondo – is located on the side of a building near the Arno River and features his trademark bold, colourful figures and symbols. 

It was created as part of an exhibition of Haring’s work in Pisa and has since become a beloved landmark in the city. If you’re interested in seeing it, the location is here: Pisa Keith Haring Mural.

13. Upbeat Nightlife (Friday & Saturday Only?)

The most surprising thing to us when we visited Pisa, was how much of an evening buzz there was in a place many have said is not worth visiting. I couldn’t disagree more; after we had visited the Piazza dei Mericoli and ate a late lunch, we wandered around and stopped at Piazza Cairoli for a tipple on our way home. 

⭐ Pro tip >> The Via Santa Maria, Borgo Stretta and Piazza Cairoli were bustling hubs, and I think you’ll be quite surprised by how lively Pisa is on a Friday night. There are plenty of music venues, bars and clubs in the city, but I’ve also read that for the biggest party scene, you have to go north to the Versilian coast. 

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Cons: The Reasons Not To Visit Pisa

Now that I’ve covered all the reasons why Pisa is worth visiting let’s dive into some of the reasons it isn’t. There aren’t many that I could think of, but for the ones I could (four in total), they might be reason enough for you not to visit Pisa.

14. Not As Impressive As Other Italian Cities

If you’re visiting Italy for a short period or if it’s your first time in the country, I don’t think Pisa has to be on the itinerary. This is simply because there are many more places which are, in comparison, much nicer. For example, Florence wins over Pisa, as does Siena and San Gimignano. 

These are bigger Tuscan cities (although San Gimignano is a town) with a lot more character and activities. If I had the choice, I’d visit any of these three over Pisa. Luckily we didn’t have to choose!

Ultimately, you need to think about what you want from your trip, as they all offer different things. This can be a deciding factor when deciding whether to visit Pisa or not. 

Siena is the perfect destination for culture and shopping, Florence is full of art, museums and stunning architecture, and San Gimignano is a beautiful medieval town, but then again, Pisa has a laid-back charm. 

⭐ Pro tip >> You can visit them all! This day trip to San Gimignano, Pisa, and Siena from Florence includes a typical lunch and a stop at a Tuscan winery for a tasting!

15. The Countryside Around Pisa Is Not That Nice

If I remember correctly, we were on the motorway for most of the journey, and it wasn’t anything special. Considering we had spent two weeks driving around the Tuscan countryside, this drive to Pisa was boring and uneventful.

Assuming you’re based in Florence (which is a good base for exploring Tuscany), you’ll have the opportunity to visit other towns. I’ll stay on the Siena and San Gimignano train as the journey to these two offer stunning views over the countryside.

Everything you imagine Tuscany to be, including green hills, picturesque hilltop towns, vineyards, and olive groves, is exactly what you’ll get. On the way to Pisa, not so much.

So, if you’re limited on the number of day trips you can take and want to experience the Tuscan countryside, this can be a drawback worth considering when visiting Pisa.

16. Not As Family-Friendly As Other Destinations

I could be completely mistaken, but from what we saw, Pisa didn’t strike us as a family-friendly location. In truth, we didn’t see many families once we left the Piazza dei Mericoli – I assume the majority that were there were visiting on day trips.

I’m sure there are some family activities – the Natural Museum, maybe? But we didn’t see much geared towards children. That said, Pisa is near the coast, so a visit to Marina di Pisa could offer some entertainment, and the cycle tours I mentioned earlier are always fun family activities. You could also consider a visit to Polle di Malbacco – Pozzo della Madonna, a swimming hole and waterfall about a fifty-minute drive north from Pisa. 

17. Pisa Can Be Expensive

Surprisingly, we found Pisa to be quite expensive, but I guess it depends on your budget. For us already travelling for a long period of time, paying €20 to climb to the top of Pisa’s leaning tower was too expensive.

We’d previously paid €25 in Florence for a combination ticket to climb the Giotto Bell Tower (which is much more impressive), the Santa Reparata and the Duomo Museum. Plus, in San Gimignano, our combination ticket was €13 for basically the same activities: climbing to the top of the tower, museum and cathedral entrance.

We also found that the food and drink were marked around the same as Florence, which we found surprising. In the end, we settled on a pizzeria, which was delicious and always affordable in Italy!

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Is Pisa Safe?

Going by our time in Pisa, I can say that the city felt safe. We actually got lost on our way home, probably a little too much wine affecting my map reading skills, but we ended up down quiet residential roads a long way from the central buzz.

It didn’t feel unsafe at all; the streets were well-lit, and we felt comfortable walking around trying to find our camper site. 

Italy has an extremely low crime rate. When looking at violent crimes such as murder, the country experiences only 1% per 100,000 people, the same as Australia, Austria, France and Norway.

However, that’s not to say that crime doesn’t happen, and like any other destination, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing does occur in Italy, especially in busy parts of the cities like Pisa’s Square of Miracles. I would advise you not to walk around alone after dark either, and staying away from quiet areas is a smart choice.

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Planning Your Trip To Pisa

If you’ve decided that Pisa is somewhere you want to add to your Italian Itineary, I’ve put together a quick travel guide to help you plan your trip. This includes tips and practical information on how many days to spend and how to get there, top tours, hotels and places to visit and where to eat.

How Many Days In Pisa Is Enough

We spent one day in Pisa, which is enough if you want to see the main attractions, but I think a two-day trip would have been better. We missed out on exploring a lot of the city, and I would have enjoyed visiting a museum or the Botanical Garden, the market, taking a bike tour, maybe a walking tour and probably another food tour – I love my food!

⭐ Pro tip >> It’s worth saying that if you’re planning on visiting Pisa, I would go on a Friday and/or Saturday. Since this is when we were there (Friday), I can’t speak for the rest of the week, and the thing we enjoyed the most was the lively evening atmosphere. If it wasn’t for this, Pisa might not have left the same impression.

There are plenty of day trips from Florence or Siena to Pisa, which, if you’re travelling as a family or short on time, are worth doing. Pisa can be visited in a day, for sure, but if you want to experience the real Pisa behind the glamour of the Square of Miracles, you’ll need at least another full day.

Top Rated Tours To Pisa

For the best experience in Pisa, I highly recommend booking your tours in advance. These are the top attractions for you to consider pre-booking.

Helpful Accommodation Ideas

We stayed in a campervan site about a thirty-minute walk to the Square of Miracles. If you’re visiting Italy in a campervan, this site is easy to get to, the manager is friendly, and it didn’t cost a lot. We were there during the off-season, so we were given the lower rate of €15 with electricity.

We use the Park4night app, and the address is Parcheggio Camper, 78 Via di Pratale, 56127 Pisa PI, Italy.

For those of you considering an overnight trip. There are numerous accommodation options in Pisa to suit all types of budgets. Although we didn’t stay in these, I’ve selected a few to give you some ideas on what’s out there and to help you plan your visit.

• The Rif – Boutique Hotel (doubles from £190/$240): Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• La Lu Cozy Rooms 2 (doubles from £131/$165): Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• Travel B&B (doubles from £106/$135): Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.
• Villa Noemi Bed & Breakfast (double from £81/$100): Check and review prices on Booking│ Book a room on Agoda.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Pisa

Although you can visit Pisa all year round, you might find some of the shops are closed for the winter months. That said, if you’re on a budget, visiting Pisa in winter can save you money on accommodation and activities.

However, I would say the best time to visit Pisa is during the shoulder month of October. 

How To Get To Pisa

Getting to Pisa is very easy. It has well-connected roads, rail links and an international airport.

CAR RENTAL
If you’re renting a car, the SS67 connects Pisa to Florence, while the SS1 runs along the west coast south to Lovorno and north to Cinque Terre. 

TRAIN
If you’re in Florence, the most convenient way to get to Pisa is to catch the train. It’s a direct route, and if you catch the fast train, it’s about one hour; otherwise, expect a journey time of around one hour twenty. It’s also possible to catch trains from other major cities like Milan and Rome.

BUS
It’s also possible to take a bus from Florence and some other major cities to Pisa. Busbud is a popular third-party bus company in Italy that offers affordable travel packages. 

PLANE
Pisa’s airport is very central; it’s only about a forty-five-minute walk to central Pisa, although not ideal if you’re carrying luggage. It’s easy to catch a taxi and be at your hotel within ten minutes.

The airport connects many European cities and operates a number of low-cost airlines, making it an affordable option for budget travellers. We like to use Skyscanner to find the best deals.

⭐ Pro tip >> If you’ve had any problems with your flights like they’ve been delayed or cancelled, contact AirHelp and see if you can get any money back!

The Best Ways To Travel Around Pisa

The historic centre of Pisa is quite small, and therefore, the best way to explore it is on foot. It’s easily walkable, with the main attractions gathered within the Square of Miracles. 

BIKE
Another popular option is to rent bikes and cycle around the city. This is a good option if you want to explore further afield or even cycle to Lucca, which takes about an hour.

TRAIN
Since the airport is central, once you arrive, it’s only a seven-minute train ride to Pisa Central Station. So, if your hotel is near the train station, this is a good option, with the main attractions mere minutes from there.

DRIVING
Parking is available throughout the city; where we parked, there was also a Parcheggio – car park – which, if you don’t mind the half-hour walk, is a good location. There’s also a petrol station opposite. the address is Parcheggio, 78 Via di Pratale, 56127 Pisa PI, Italy

BUS
Finally, it’s possible to use the city buses, we didn’t use them, but there was a bus stop on the main road next to the car park, so I assume there are buses running into the centre. The main bus companies in Pisa are Compagnia Pisana Trasporti (CPT) and Linee ad Alta Mobilità (LAM).

Where To Eat In Pisa

You’ll notice there are plenty of places to eat in Pisa. The area surrounding the Leaning Tower and along Via Santa Maria is full of restaurants. We ate at a pizzeria along there, which was great, but we should have chosen somewhere away from the tourist hub. 

This area is more expensive and touristy, so keep walking a little further to the Piazza delle Vettovaglie, and you’ll find a lively square with lots of choices. 

What To Pack

Depending on what time of year you visit, prepare suitable clothing to match the weather. Pack layers and a lightweight waterproof jacket if you’re visiting in autumn, winter or spring and wear loose clothing during summer.

⭐ Pro tip >> There is a dress code for the cathedral and basilicas in Pisa; your shoulders and knees should be covered. 

Additionally, don’t forget you’ll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and a shawl to cover your shoulders, and remember to pack water, sunglasses, and sunscreen. 

Tips For Visiting Pisa

• I recommend visiting on Friday and/or Saturday to experience the upbeat atmosphere we enjoyed in Pisa.
• It’s possible to walk along the ancient city walls. It’s a 3km walk with four different access points and costs €5.00; more information here: MuradiPisa website.
• You can purchase tickets online to skip the queues and save waiting. This is particularly helpful if you’re short on time.
• Be careful in crowded areas. Pisa has pickpockets who like to take advantage of tourists who are busy snapping photos.
• If you’re anything like us and try to avoid the crowds, know the day trippers arrive during lunchtime and early afternoon. It’s best to visit during the early morning or just before sunset.
• Don’t be like us and miss out on visiting all the historic buildings in the Square of Miracles. I wish we had stopped by the cemetery as it looks very interesting, so make sure you’ve allocated enough time to see it all.
• For drinks, head to Piazza Cairoli on the Arno embankment for lovely river views and good energy.

⭐ Pro tip >> If you’re going to be using your phone, don’t forget about overseas data roaming. You’ll get charged for using your data. Try Airalo’s eSIMs, and download a digital data pack. It’s quick and easy; great if you’re in a hurry.

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In Summary: Is Pisa Worth Visiting

As always, I leave you with a few final words about whether Pisa is worth visiting or not. By now, it should be quite clear that we enjoyed Pisa, and I do think it is worth visiting. We liked the rustic beauty of the city and enjoyed exploring both within and outside of the tourist hub.

The leaning tower is quite magnificent; it is bright white and stands tall with intricate detailing. It’s worth seeing. The whole Piazza dei Mericoli was stunning and we enjoyed walking around admiring the cathedral and watching the people trying to take photos. Wandering along the streets was entertaining: Borgo Stretto and Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti being my favourites.

I don’t think you need more than two days in the city, and the main attractions can be seen in a day, but remember to visit on the weekend for an upbeat and lively evening vibe.