Pisa is a fantastic destination in Italy and definitely deserves a spot on every Italian itinerary. While is often overshadowed by larger cities like Florence and Rome, thanks to a certain Leaning Tower, Pisa is a popular day trip and quick stop destination for those adventuring around Tuscany. The streets inside the city are cute and walkable, the old town is still fortified, and the historical square of miracles features is truly a sight to see.

Take a stroll along the Arno River and discover what makes Pisa such a special destination, and pose with the Leaning Tower for long-lasting memory. Whether you decide to visit for a few days, or just for a quick pit stop, take a look at the beginner’s guide to Pisa Italy, and see why it’s so much more than just a leaning tower.

The obvious answer as to why most visitors go to Pisa is to gaze upon the iconic leaning tower and take silly photos pretending to push it over. While that’s definitely a must-do while visiting, It’s also an easy day-trip destination from Florence or, a relaxing weekend getaway from larger bustling cities. What many visitors don’t know, is that Pisa a lively college town with a vibrant young and artsy nightlife scene, has a lively historical side, the beautiful banks of the Arno River, plus, a stunning mountainous backdrop to top it all off.

While Pisa is often a day trip or stop-over destination, you can easily spend a few days in this city before becoming bored. Whether you are staying for just a few hours or for a long weekend, keep these tips in mind to reduce stress and make the most out of your Pisa experience.

• Best time to visit: Summer is the high tourist season in Pisa, during the month of June-Septemper. If you are looking to avoid crowds, consider visiting in April or October, when there are fewer tourists, but still plenty of nice weather and off-season prices, which is great for those traveling on a budget.
• Weather: Pisa is a city in Italy that experiences all four seasons. Expect sunny skies and warm temperatures in the summer, and cold and wetter climates during the winter months, though not too severe. Spring and autumn tend to have comfortable weather conditions, with comfortable mid-range temperatures.
• Safety: Pisa is very low risk and an overall safe destination to visit in Italy.  Although it is very touristy and typically full of people, pickpocketing is common, so it’s important to pay attention and be aware of your surroundings.
• Getting around: Pisa is too small to have a subway system, so public transportation is limited to bus and taxi services. However, Pisa is very compact and very walkable, making it super easy to reach most major sites on foot.
• Where to stay: The best area to stay in Pisa consist of Santa Maria, Sant’ Antonio, San Martino, and San Francesco. If you are a first-timer, opt for Santa Maria, which is the best area for sightseeing and has easy access to the airport.

While Pisa is rather small in size compared to other popular Italian cities, it’s full of exciting things to do and intriguing destination highlights. Most people come to see the infamous leaning tower, but what else is there to see in this unique city? Here is our top destination highlights to experience while visiting Pisa:

History buffs can enjoy an afternoon of learning while visiting the National Museum of Pisa. Sitting on the banks of the Arno River, the museum features artifacts and sculptures from the 12th century, old paintings, ancient manuscripts, and other religious relics of Pisa’s pastime.

The Square of Miracles is a sacred area in Pisa, according to the Catholic church, and is dominated by 4 different religious edifices including the Pisa Cathedral (Duomo), the Campanile (leaning tower), Pisa Baptistery, & Monumental Cemetery.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is definitely the most well-known landmark of the city and is famous worldwide. After construction was finished on the tower, it was found its foundations were unsteady and has been leaning ever since the 12th century. If you choose, climb to the top of the tower to see stunning panoramic views of the city.

• The Arno River is one of the main rivers in Italy, and one of the most beautiful parts of the city of Pisa. Walk along the banks of the river and find a beautiful scenic landscape and a gorgeous view of the city. The Ponte di Mezzo bridge is  ⅕ bridges spanning the Arno River, but by far the most beautiful, constructed out of White Verona stone and designed by Sergio Aussant.

• Next to the Ponte di mezzo sits Borgo Stretto, the best shopping street in the city. For those who love retail therapy, this is the place to be. It’s full of high retail shopping, gorgeous towering architecture, quaint boutiques, and cute coffee shops to relax while people-watching or window shopping opportunities.

Pisa is home to one of the most famous gelato shops in all of Italy; Gelateria de Coltelli. Be sure to stop in for a sweet treat during your time in the city for delicious homemade gelato that can’t be beaten. They have various flavors, such as ginger, mango, kiwi fruit, and plenty of others.

We hope you have enjoyed this beginner guide to Pisa Italy, and that it has helped you plan the most exciting and fun-filled itinerary possible! Remember to keep all of our tips in mind and you are sure to be impressed by more than just the infamous leaning tower.