Pisa
Once a forceful maritime power with its position on the Mediterranean, Pisa is known around the world for its famous Leaning Tower or “Torre Pendente”. The city has an excellent university, and therefore a busy young population, and a great selection of affordable shops and restaurants. The international airport in Pisa makes it an excellent starting point for anyone exploring Tuscan towns such as Lucca, Florence, Siena, Volterra or San Gimignano.
Highlights
Piazza dei Miracoli
This is the name of the large Piazza on the north side of the Arno river which is the site of the Leaning Tower, the Duomo and the Baptistry. The Leaning Tower can once again be visited – although it is limited to small groups at any one time – and therefore booking in advance is advised. Tel +39 055 387 2210 or www.opapisa.it/boxoffice. Separate tickets are required for entrance to the Leaning Tower and the Duomo, available from the ticket office on the Piazza. Situated close to the cathedral, the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo houses many of the fine works of art which were once displayed in the Duomo and the Baptistry. Open 8.00-20.00 April to September, or 9.00-18.00 March and October.
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina
Cross the river and head in a westerly direction to see this beautifully ornate church, built in the 13th century, on the banks of the Arno. It is an extraordinary example of the Pisan Gothic style and was originally an oratory. Its name comes from the reliquary containing a thorn from Christ’s crown, which the small church acquired in 1333, though it is today found in the Church of Santa Chiara, also in Pisa.
The Walls of Pisa
Recently refurbished and reopened, Pisa’s Walls give visitors a new perspective on the city, and a chance to see the Piazza dei Miracoli from the height of 11 metres. The total length of the full walkway is 3 km, and there are 4 points where you can climb up to join. Open mornings only from Monday to Friday and you can book online at https://www.muradipisa.it/en/. Highly recommended, with a top tip to walk the walls from east to west.
Palazzo Blu
Palazzo Blu (it is literally a Blue Palace), formerly a noble residence, is now a center for temporary and permanent art exhibitions and cultural activities, situated on the southern bank of the Arno River. The collection is made up of more than 300 works of art, many formerly owned by the Cassa di Risparmio di Pisa, purchased in order to document the artists and collectors of the region. The paintings span the period from the 14th to the 20th century. Find out more at https://palazzoblu.it/
Historical Ships Museum
Also close to the Arno on the northern bank, housed in the wonderful Medicean Arsenals, is the Historical Ships museum. On display are seven Roman-era ships dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 7th century CE and around 8,000 artefacts. Parts of the exhibition also reconstruct the relationship Pisa has had with water over the centuries: floods, canals, the port in Pisa, fishing and agriculture, which have contributed to the instability of the area’s earth. Also on show are objects which describe the challenging life on board the ships. Find out more at https://www.navidipisa.it/en/visit/
Local Guide
If you have a few days in Pisa and the area around then we can recommend a local guide, Alessandra Antonelli, who can tailor an artistic and cultural tour to suit your interests. You can contact Alessandra via her email at alessandraantonelli@yahoo.it.
Where to stay
Some of the hotels listed below are known to Hedonistic Hiking, and others are recommendations from people who have extended their walking tour in Italy in Pisa.
Royal Victoria Hotel
Located in the heart of Pisa with views over the Arno river, this historical hotel has been run by the same family for over 160 years.
Hotel Bologna
A very comfortable four star just 5 minutes walk from Pisa Centrale station. Excellent breakfast and pretty terrace. We have always had very positive feedback from guests staying at this hotel, and if you book direct,they can arrange for a minivan to collect you from the airport.
Hotel Galilei
This hotel is conveniently located 1 km from the airport and has a useful shuttle service to and from the terminal and ample parking. It is large and modern but ideal if you have an early departure or late arrival.
Albergo Villa Marta
This delightful former hunting lodge is now an elegant 4 star country resort with its own restaurant. It is ideal if you are hiring a car but equally the hotel can arrange a driver for airport transfers or day trips. By road it is 10 minutes to Lucca, 20 minutes to Pisa or 60 minutes to Florence.
Where to eat
€€ La Buca
A short walk from the station, La Buca serves traditional Tuscan fare in atmospheric surroundings. Via Massimo D’Azeglio 6. Tel +39 050-24130 Closed Sundays
€€ Osteria San Paolo
Recommended by Hedonistic Hikers in 2022, this Osteria is close to the Hotel Bologna and serves good food at competitive prices with great service. Via San Paolo 16 Tel. +39 050 501194 Closed Sundays
€€ Ristorante Galileo
Recently moved to a new site in Pisa, Ristorante Galileo offers a good selection including pizza, fish and steak. There are over 200 wines on the menu, most from the Tuscan region. Via S. Martino 6/8 Tel. +39 050 28287
€€ Osteria dei Cavalieri
With an extensive wine list, this “knights tavern” serves good Tuscan classics and is centrally located near the Piazza of the same name. Via San Frediano 16 Tel +39 050 580858
€€ Radici
Friends from the south of Italy came together to open a restaurant in Pisa to celebrate the flavours of Puglia, Basiliciata and Sicily. Recommended by Jackie in 2024. Piazza Carrara 16 – Tel +39 050 53 81 249
€€Branzo
Streamlined eatery offering modern seafood dishes and excellent fresh fish. Via Ulisse Dini, 14. Tel +39 348 355 6225
€ Il Montino
Great for a snack or quick bite, this pizzeria is famous for a Pisan speciality – the cecina – which is a pizza made with chickpea flour. Vicolo del Monte 1
For an interesting dining experience in Pisa take a look at this site and think about trying a home restaurant. Those with the Verified Host badge have been visited personally by the BonAppetour team and been given their seal of approval.
What to order
So close to the sea, the Pisan cuisine includes as much fish and seafood as meat and game dishes. A favourite fish soup is known as cacciucco. Young eels known as cieche fried in garlic and sage are also a local delicacy.
For red wines, look out for Chianti Colline Pisane or white, the Montecarlo from the hills towards Lucca. The Bolgheri wine region on the coastal area south of Pisa is responsible for some of the most famous “super-tuscan” wines available. Try a Vermentino white with fish. If you are interested in the wines of Bolgheri we visit the area on our Lucca, Volterra and Elba tour.
Transport
Pisa airport is Tuscany’s main international airport, and the city has good rail links to Florence, Rome and La Spezia. As from 2017 the new Pisa Mover monorail link is open between the airport and Pisa Centrale train station. It runs continually back and forth and tickets can be purchased from the self-service machines by the barrier. They cost €5.00 each way. There is a regular Terravision bus service between Pisa airport and Florence.
For all train information visit www.trenitalia.com which has an English version.
Train travel in Italy is inexpensive and comfortable. Major cities are served by non-stop fast trains known as the Eurostar.
If you are making plans for wider Europe then www.raileurope.com is a useful site. Another highly recommended train travel website is Seat 61.
Italo
NTV (Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori) is a new private company which started operating it’s Italo high-speed trains on the Milan-Florence-Rome-Naples route in April 2012, in competition with State-owned operator Trenitalia. NTV have added new routes subsequently and are Europe’s first private high-speed train operator, with a real emphasis on customer service. Travellers should be aware that the city stations used are not always the same as those used by Trenitalia.
From Pisa you can easily take a day trip to Lucca or Florence using buses and trains. If you would like a guide in Lucca we can recommend Elena Benvenuti for her entertaining tours, local knowledge and perfect English. For a guided tour of Florence contact Freya Middleton for a personalised and highly memorable tour.
For help with car hire, or a chauffeur driven car or minibus in the Tuscany area, or airport transfers and taxi services contact Marco at ABC Rental Tel +39 0577 924542 or email info@abc-rent.com. Another useful car transfer website which has been recommended by HH guests is mydaytrip which can arrange private cars to and from most European cities.