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There are an array of things to do in Italy, with Pisa sharing quite a few of those!
Step right up and brace yourself for a breathtaking journey through the city of Pisa, where time seems to have paused, and every corner exudes a touch of enchantment.
It’s a place where the world-famous Leaning Tower stands tall and proud as the emblem of the city, but there is so much more to explore.
From magnificent cathedrals to picturesque bridges and quaint cobblestone streets, there’s a myriad of things to do and see that will leave you in awe.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Pisa:
1. Leaning Tower of Pisa
A freestanding bell tower in Pisa, Italy that leans due to a shifting foundation.
What to see or do: Take a tour to climb up the tower’s 294 steps for an unbeatable view of Pisa and its surroundings. Admire the intricate design and architectural brilliance of the tower as you make your way up.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to take the quintessential tourist photo of you “holding up” the leaning tower with your bare hands!
Insider travel tips: Book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues, and wear comfortable shoes as the climb can be quite tiring.
Combine your visit to the tower with exploring the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli, which houses other impressive attractions such as the Pisa Cathedral and the Baptistery.
2. Campo dei Miracoli (Piazza del Duomo)
A square located in Pisa, Italy, housing four historical landmarks.
What to see or do: Admire the architectural marvels – Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa Cathedral, Pisa Baptistry, and Camposanto Monumentale.
Don’t miss: Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Insider travel tips: Visit the square early in the morning or late evening to avoid the crowds of tourists. Consider purchasing a combined ticket to access all the landmarks at a reduced price.
Wear comfortable shoes as the tower climb involves a lot of steps.
3. Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Cathedral in Pisa, Italy, located in Piazza dei Miracoli.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning Romanesque architecture of the cathedral, including the intricate façade with its famous bronze doors. Step inside to see the beautiful frescoes, artwork, and marble sculptures.
Don’t forget to climb the 294 steps to the top of the bell tower for incredible views of the city.
Don’t miss: The impressive pulpit carved by Giovanni Pisano, considered a masterpiece of Gothic sculpture. Also look out for the impressive mosaic inside the apse, which depicts Christ and other religious figures.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It’s also worth buying your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
Remember to dress appropriately – no shorts or bare shoulders – and bring a bottle of water if you plan to climb the bell tower.
4. Baptistery of St John
The Baptistery of St. John is a Romanesque-style building located in Pisa, Italy.
It is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and is known for its impressive acoustics.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the intricate details of the Baptistery’s exterior, including its four tiers of columns and marble decorations. Inside, you can marvel at the beautiful baptismal font and the painted dome ceiling.
You can also listen to the amazing echo of the Baptistery’s acoustics by standing in the center and singing or clapping your hands.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the incredible artwork adorning the Baptistery – including several sculptures, mosaics, and paintings. In particular, the pulpit by Nicola Pisano is a highlight, showcasing his incredible skill in carving marble.
Insider travel tips:
5. Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is an art museum located in the Piazza dei Miracoli complex in Pisa, Italy.
What to see or do: The museum is home to a vast collection of sculptures, paintings, and other artworks that once decorated the Pisa Cathedral and surrounding buildings.
Visitors can explore the museum’s many galleries and admire artworks ranging from medieval religious paintings to Renaissance sculptures.
Don’t miss: Make sure to see the museum’s star attraction, the stunning Gothic masterpiece, the Pisa Griffin. This bronze statue once graced the top of the Pisa Cathedral and is now a symbol of the city.
Insider travel tips: – The museum can be crowded, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s best to book your tickets in advance.
6. Palazzo della Carovana
An impressive palace located in Piazza dei Cavalieri in the historic center of Pisa, Italy.
What to see or do: Admire the exquisite Renaissance architecture and the beautiful façade adorned with stunning sculptures.
Visit the main courtyard and the spacious halls adorned with frescoes, art pieces, and other decorative elements from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Don’t miss: The stunning frescoes by Giorgio Vasari, a renowned Renaissance artist, in the upper floor of the palace. Also, take a stroll through the beautiful Piazza dei Cavalieri, which is a hub of activity in Pisa.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, visit Palazzo della Carovana early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
It is also recommended to hire a guide or join a walking tour to fully appreciate the history and culture of the palace and the city of Pisa.
7. Museo Nazionale di San Matteo
The Museo Nazionale di San Matteo is a medieval and Renaissance art museum located in Pisa, Italy.
What to see or do: The museum’s collection includes a vast array of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and textiles.
Visitors can view works by some of the most renowned artists of the time, such as Simone Martini, Francesco di Giovanni, and Taddeo Gaddi.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the 14th-century Madonna di Pisa by Giovanni Pisano, which was originally located in the city’s cathedral.
Other noteworthy pieces include a marble sculpture of the Archangel Gabriel and stunning frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St.
Matthew.
Insider travel tips: -Check the museum’s website for information on guided tours and special exhibitions.
8. Santa Maria della Spina
A small Gothic church located on the banks of the Arno River in Pisa, Italy.
What to see or do: Admire the intricate Gothic architecture of the church, take in the stunning views of the Arno River, and appreciate the detailed sculptures and frescoes inside.
Don’t miss: The exterior of the church, which features stunning spires and intricate details, as well as the delicate rose window.
Insider travel tips: Visit the church early in the morning or late in the day to avoid crowds. Take advantage of the nearby river walk and visit other nearby attractions, such as the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
9. Giardino Scotto
Giardino Scotto is a public park located in the heart of Pisa, Italy.
What to see or do: The park offers visitors a scenic escape from the bustling city center. It features beautiful gardens, ponds, and walking paths perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Don’t miss: The centerpiece of the park is a historic villa, Villa Scotto. Be sure to take a look at the stunning architecture and take in the history of the property.
Insider travel tips: The park is a popular gathering spot for locals, making it an excellent spot for people-watching. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or closer to sunset.
Additionally, bring a picnic and enjoy lunch on one of the park’s many benches.
10. Palazzo Blu
Palazzo Blu is a cultural center and museum housed in a bright blue building in the heart of Pisa.
What to see or do: The museum hosts temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, as well as shows focusing on history and science. Visitors can explore the galleries and take part in educational activities and events.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the museum’s beautiful courtyard, where you can relax with a cup of coffee or a snack from the on-site café.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting with children, look out for the museum’s family-friendly activities, which include workshops and guided tours.
And don’t forget to take advantage of the free admission to the permanent collection on the first Sunday of each month.
11. Church of San Sisto
The Church of San Sisto is a Romanesque church located in Pisa, Italy. Its construction began in the 11th century and it was completed in the 12th century.
What to see or do: The church boasts stunning architectural features, including columns, arches, and intricate carvings.
It also houses some beautiful works of art, such as the painting “Madonna and Child with Saint Peter and Saint Sisto” by Francesco Rustici.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the beautiful rose window, which is a remarkable feat of medieval craftsmanship. Also, be sure to check out the crypt, which houses several ancient tombs.
Insider travel tips: To beat the crowds, try to visit the church early in the morning. Keep in mind that it is an active church, so be respectful when visiting during services.
Finally, take some time to wander around the small adjoining cemetery, which is home to some interesting tombs and gravestones.
12. Chiesa di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria
Chiesa di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria is a beautiful 13th-century Gothic church located in the heart of Pisa, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive façade of the church, which features intricate decorations and elegant arches. Inside, visitors can see stunning frescoes and artwork from the 14th and 15th centuries.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the church is the beautiful marble altar, which is decorated with stunning sculptures and intricate details. Be sure to also see the impressive pulpit, which features a statue of St.
Catherine and beautiful carvings.
Insider travel tips: – The church is located in a quiet area of Pisa and is often less crowded than other popular tourist attractions.
13. Museo delle Sinopie
Museo delle Sinopie is a unique museum located in Pisa, Italy. It is situated in the magnificent Campo dei Miracoli complex, right behind the famous Leaning Tower.
What to see or do: The museum offers an incredible opportunity to witness a rare art form, known as “sinopia.” These are preliminary sketches or paintings that artists used to create frescoes in the 14th century.
You’ll get to see them up close, in all their intricate and detailed glory. The museum also displays some finished frescoes that were once located in the same complex.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is undoubtedly the massive mural depicting the Triumph of Death by Buffalmacco, one of the most famous artists of the 14th century.
The mural, which was once located in the Camposanto Monumentale, is mesmerizing in its detail and scale.
Insider travel tips: – Make sure to purchase a ticket that includes admission to both the Sinopie Museum and the Camposanto Monumentale.
14. Piazza dei Cavalieri
A historic square located in the heart of Pisa, Italy.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning Palazzo della Carovana, a palace built in the 16th century by Giorgio Vasari for the Order of the Knights of St.
Stephen.
Visit the Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri, a beautiful Baroque church that houses a collection of art and artifacts from the order.
Don’t miss: The statue of Cosimo I de’ Medici, which stands in the center of the square.
The statue was created by sculptor Pietro Francavilla in the late 16th century and is a stunning example of Renaissance art.
Insider travel tips: Take a guided tour of the square to learn more about its fascinating history and the significance of its buildings and statues.
The square can get crowded, so try to visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds.
Also, take a stroll through the nearby streets to discover hidden gems and local shops and restaurants.
15. Torre Guelfa
Torre Guelfa is a historic tower located in the heart of Pisa, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the tower’s five stories and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city from the top.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the surrounding landscape from the top of Torre Guelfa.
Insider travel tips: – The tower can be reached by climbing a narrow spiral staircase, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a bit of a workout.