2 Days in Pisa: Itinerary to Maximize Your Visit [2025]
Pisa may be best known for its iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, but there’s more to the Tuscan city than its famous crooked tower.
Home to lovely medieval architecture, the world’s first university botanical garden, great museums, and amazing Tuscan restaurants, Pisa is a perfect Italian city to explore on a weekend trip — especially with so many budget airlines flying into the local airport, which is only a few kilometers from the city.
| ⌛ Planning your Pisa trip in a hurry? Here are my quick picks. 🏝️ Best Pisa Tours & Experiences 1. Leaning Tower & Cathedral Complex Tickets (#1 attraction in Pisa!) 2. Chianti Half-Day Wine Tour (top-rated wine tour) 3. Pisa Food Tour (tastings from 5 eateries on a lunch tour) 🛏️ Best Pisa Hotels 1. Grand Hotel Duomo (best Leaning Tower views!) 2. The Rif (art hotel in a renovated 1900s villa) 3. Palazzo Feroci (luxury converted palazzo with designer interiors) ✈️ Flying into Pisa? Book your airport taxi in advance with Welcome Pickups for a stress-free arrival. 🚘 Planning to travel around Tuscany independently? Look into car rentals in Pisa. |
While living in Rome, I traveled to Pisa on one of my many trips around Italy, and I loved it — it’s so much more than just its most famous and obvious sights, and I absolutely recommend spending a couple of days in Pisa on your next trip to Italy if you’re in the Tuscany region.
In addition to admiring the peculiar leaning tower, you can enjoy strolling along Borgo Stretto or the Arno River (which also flows through Pisa’s more famous neighbor, Florence) and sample delicious Tuscan food at charming local restaurants.
This 2 days in Pisa itinerary includes all the highlights in Pisa, from the complex with the Pisa Cathedral and Leaning Tower to some of the city’s the top-tier, but lesser-known, museums.
Even better, you can decide whether you join activities like wine and food tours (though I strongly recommend you include them if you’re at all into gastronomy and wine!). If not, you can easily adapt this Pisa itinerary to your needs by swapping things around to fit your schedule and preferences.
Where to Stay in Pisa
BEST VIEW | For the most epic views over Pisa’s most famous attractions, Grand Hotel Duomo is all about that central location and stunning views, including a rooftop terrace. With a rather affordable price tag, especially in the off-season, this is a great mid-range option in Pisa.
ARTSY BOUTIQUE | This trendy hotel has excellent amenities — and best of all, it’s just a five-minute walk from Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli, making it central and incredible. Set in a renovated villa from the early 1900s, The Rif is dripping with artwork, including temporary exhibitions in the hotel! Plus, some rooms even have a spa bathtub. Sold.
DESIGNER LUXURY | In an old palazzo building in the center of Pisa, Palazzo Feroci is a fantastic choice for opulence and elegance, with interior design straight from the best-curated Pinterest board. Rooms balance antique details like crown molding, intricate fireplaces, and exposed beams with avant-garde furnishings for a one-of-a-kind experience that won’t come cheap but is impossible to forget.
Day 1 of Your Pisa Itinerary
Start at the monuments in the Square of Miracles.
As I’ve already mentioned, Pisa is practically synonymous with its iconic Leaning Tower… but what you may not know is that the tower is just one small piece of the complex of landmarks located in the same square — and arguably, not even its most impressive part.
The square is officially called Piazza del Duomo but is commonly known as Piazza dei Miracoli, which means Square of Miracles in Italian.
In its entirety, the complex includes six distinct sites: namely, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo (Pisa Cathedral), the Baptistery, the Camposanto Cemetery, the Sinopie Museum, and the Opera del Duomo Museum.
As you can probably see… you could spend an entire day of this Pisa itinerary exploring these sights. But we’ll try to do what we can with just half a day, to save your time for other incredible places in Pisa.
You can get a combined skip-the-line ticket that includes access to all the monuments, including the Tower, for about €27. This is the only way to get one of the coveted spots to climb the leaning tower — which is definitely worth it! — so I highly recommend book your ticket online in advance.
Budget Tip: If you just want to visit the Duomo and none of the other sights, you might be able to get a free entrance ticket at the on-site office, but be aware that these spots are limited so you might not get in (go very early if you try this)!
Take in the sights of the Duomo.
While everyone gets excited about the Leaning Tower, where I think Pisa shines the best is its Duomo, or the Pisa Cathedral.
This spectacular cathedral was built in the 11th century, and it’s known for its eclectic mix of architectural which reflects its longstanding history, from typical Carrara marblework (meant to symbolize the wealth of the Republic of Pisa) to influences drawn from Moorish architecture.
But of course, you should absolutely visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa if you can. After all, it is the symbol of the city. I mean, if you went to Pisa and didn’t take a cheesy picture of the tower, did you even go?
I go into a lot of detail about the Leaning Tower in this blog post about climbing the tower, but I’ll give you the abridged version.
The iconic bell tower dates to the 12th century, but the structure started leaning before construction was ever even finished, since two main critical architectural errors occurred: 1) the marble they used was far too heavy and 2) the ground they built on was far too soft and uneven.
The tilt of the tower worsened with time, reaching 5.5 degrees by 1990, until finally, they closed the tower. From 1993-2001, they successfully integrated a series of interventions to correct the tower’s tilt to a stable and safe 4 degrees.
To reach the top of the Leaning Tower, you must climb nearly 300 steps, which are uneven and wind upward through a very narrow corridor, so definitely get ready for a workout… but it’s worth it for those views!
Unfortunately, there is no elevator, which does mean that going up the Leaning Tower of Pisa isn’t accessible to wheelchair users and people with physical disabilities that make stairs difficult.
If you want to go up the tower, be aware that you cannot buy tickets on the spot as they will almost certainly already be sold out. You should buy your tickets online in advance, preferably at least a few weeks before your trip.
Book your tickets to the leaning tower and other complex sites here!
While the Tower and the Duomo are absolute musts, you should also visit the other monuments. One of my favorites is the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist, which features sculptures and architectural elements by local artists like Nicola and Giovanni Pisano.
Another must-see is the peaceful Camposanto Monumentale, a walled cemetery that instantly transports you away from the crowds of the Piazza dei Miracoli. I love its elaborate arcades that house the ornamental tombs of famed noble families as well as plenty of beautiful frescoes.
The cemetery name (which means ‘sacred field’) refers to its soil — which was brought to Pisa all the way from Cavalry near Jerusalem, back during the days of the third Crusade. Pretty wild, right?
There are two lesser-known museums that are also included if you have a Duomo complex ticket, which are worthy of a quick visit if you have the time and the ticket.
There’s the Opera del Duomo Museum, which displays decorative elements of the cathedral from its various stages, and also the Sinopie Museum (which I love!) which houses some of the impressive preparatory sketches used by artists to help them plan their frescoes they would later paint in the Camposanto.
Have a lunch break.
After visiting some (or all) of the monuments in the Square of Miracles, which will depend on your pace and how thoroughly you want to see the sights, it’s time for a lunch break!
If you want to stay in the area to complete your visit in the afternoon, have a quick lunch with tasty pizza or sandwiches at Po’stò Cafè Pisa or try the delicious pasta dishes at Il Peperoncino.
Alternatively, if you’re ready for a change of scenery, walk towards Pisa’s historical center, roughly 10 minutes away, and have lunch in a rustic Tuscan restaurant at Osteria del Tumi.
Enjoy delicious pasta or try one of the traditional meat-based Tuscan specialties if you’re in the mood for something hearty.
Pro Tip: Their wild boar ragu with polenta is absolutely delicious!
Explore Pisa’s historical center.
In the afternoon, you can either go back to visit any monuments or museums you skipped in the Square of Miracles or head directly to Pisa’s historical center.
If you’re ready to move onto Pisa’s center, let’s head to one of the most charming areas: Borgo Stretto, right at the heart of the action.
Borgo Stretto translates to “narrow village” and is, appropriately, a long and narrow commercial street starting in Piazza Garibaldi and ending at Galileo’s Statue.
The colorful buildings on both sides of the street have covered arcades, practically guaranteeing a pleasant stroll no matter the weather or time of year.
There’s lots of great shops, coffee bars, and small restaurants to stop in if you’re wanting to take a break and get off your feet for a bit.
Another place worth checking out while you’re in the historic center is the vast Renaissance-era square, the lovely Piazza dei Cavalieri, Italian for the Knights Square.
It’s surrounded by gorgeous buildings like the Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici and the imposing Palazzo della Carovana.
But in my opinion, the square’s most intriguing landmark is the Palazzo dell’Orologio, a medieval building incorporating the ancient Torre della Muda, famous for being name-dropped in Dante’s Divine Comedy!
Take some time here to wander around the beautiful cobweb-like sprawl of narrow streets around Pisa’s historical center; no matter which small street you find yourself wandering down, you’re guaranteed to stumble across some remarkable medieval architecture.
After that? Stop by the charming Piazza Carrara, stroll along the Arno River, and check out Casa Ammannati, the birthplace of Galileo Galilei.
Visit one of Pisa’s excellent museums.
If you have any time left in the afternoon, you can visit one of the many museums in Pisa. There are a number of museums in Pisa, but in my opinion, the two museums most worth checking out are Palazzo Blu and Museo delle Navi Antiche di Pisa.
Palazzo Blu houses an impressive collection of paintings that are all somehow related to the city of Pisa: either they were painted by local artists or they are paintings from artists who visited the city and represented it. You’ll find art from seven centuries, the 14th to the 20th centuries, showcasing the lasting (yet ever-changing) beauty of Pisa.
The museum is open Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM, and on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 10 AM to 8 PM. Full price tickets are priced at €5, with reduced fares available.
On the other hand, Museo delle Navi Antiche di Pisa is a modern history museum dedicated to telling the story of Pisa through the centuries, starting from its prehistoric settlement and passing through the city’s Etruscan and Roman phases and beyond.
The museum also houses a collection of naval artifacts, including remains of ancient Roman ships, which is really cool to see and definitely something unique to this particular museum.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM. It’s closed Mondays, as well as the following holiday dates: Christmas Day, New Years Day, Easter Sunday, April 25th, May 1st, and August 15th. The full ticket price is €8, and you can also purchase it online if you prefer.
Have dinner and stroll along the Arno.
End your day with dinner in a traditional Tuscan restaurant followed by a pleasant stroll along the Arno River, which will take on an even more magical vibe when it’s all lit up by the street lamps along the waterway.
For dinner, you ca try a tasty pasta dish or enjoy traditional Tuscan meat dishes at either Ristorante alle Bandierine or Il Ristoro della Pe’ (with some delicious local Italian wine, of course).
After dinner, head to Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti and walk along the river to enjoy the beautiful view of the city at night — you definitely won’t be the only ones enjoying the view, but that’s what makes this river walk especially lovely.
Day 2 of Your Pisa Itinerary
Go on a half-day wine-tasting or food tour.
A great way to spend half a day in any Tuscan city is to join a wine tour in one of the charming hill towns of Tuscany. Most cities in the region provide tours like this one (I did an amazing wine tour from Florence), and Pisa is no exception!
If you’d rather stay in Pisa than explore the countryside, I recommend taking a food-focused walking tour in the morning to experience the city in the most Italian way possible—through your stomach!
Option One: Half-day Chianti Wine Tasting
This 4-hour wine-tasting tour is a great activity if you are short on time but want to get a taste of the wonderful Chianti region. You’ll take a guided tour of a local winery just outside Pisa, with the opportunity to learn about both winemaking and and olive oil pressing — plus you’ll get the chance to sample some delicious Tuscan reds and whites.
The small-group tour is available for a minimum of two people and includes transportation, a tour guide, a winery tour, and wine tasting. Note though that it doesn’t include lunch, so bring snacks.
It starts at 10 AM so it should have you back to Pisa by 2 PM, just in time for a late lunch. To save time for your final day in Pisa, I recommend something grab-and-go for lunch, then a long and leisurely dinner: I Porci Comodi and L’Ostellino are two great spots in Pisa for quick and delicious sandwiches.
Option Two: Pisa Food Tour
If you prefer staying in Pisa rather than exploring the countryside, such as if you’ve already explored around the wineries and small towns of Tuscany, you can also join this food tour in the heart of Pisa.
On this highly-rated, well-loved food tour of Pisa, you’ll stop by five local eateries to experience the authentic flavors of Pisan cuisine, from local cheese and cured meats to traditional soups and stews.
You’ll also get to try the famous cecina (a chickpea flour flatbread — so delicious!), and of course, finish the tour with some delicious gelato, like any good Italian meal!
This food tour lasts roughly 3.5 hours, starting in the late morning, so it’s the perfect lunchtime activity! Note that this tour does not run on Sundays.
Explore more areas of Pisa.
In the afternoon, you can cross the Arno and explore the sights on the southern riverbank, which you likely haven’t gotten to yet if you’re following this Pisa itinerary to a T.
Start by crossing Ponte di Mezzo for a lovely view of the Arno river flanked by its many colorful buildings, then stroll along Corso Italia, the main shopping street of Pisa.
As you continue, make sure you make a detour near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, where you’ll find the Sant’Antonio Abate Church, which has its rear wall covered in a massive mural by the famous American artist Keith Haring, Tuttomondo.
This was one of the artist Keith Haring’s final murals — it was completed in 1989, and he died in 1990 from complications related to AIDS. Haring was an outspoken advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, and he used his art to raise awareness about the disease, including one of his most poignant works, Unfinished Painting.
His works, including Tuttomondo, often carried messages of hope, resilience, and LGBTQ+ activism. This work, which was commissioned by the Sant’Antonio Abate church and placed on its rear wall, is symbolic in its message as well as who commissioned it and where.
Understanding Haring’s death and his activism gives a deeper layer of meaning to Tuttomondo, and seeing it for yourself is rather moving. In a way, it’s a final message from Haring to the world, filled with symbolism related to his own experiences, activism, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
From here, walk back toward the river to check out the charming Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina, a small 13th-century church with a beautiful Gothic façade — it’s one of my favorite small churches in the city.
After that, you can cross the river again via Ponte Solferino and find your way to the Botanical Garden and Museum, which is actually the world’s first university botanical garden and was founded back in 1543.
Along with the stunning botanical garden housing plants from all continents, you can visit a museum dedicated to the teaching of botany (open from 10 AM to 5 PM daily).
The venue opens every day at 8:30 AM, with closing hours varying from 5:00 PM in the dark of winter to 9:00 PM in the height of summer (generally speaking, it aligns with the daylight hours). If you wish, you can book your tickets online to save time when you get there; a full-price ticket is €4.
Rest (or wander!) and have one last dinner in Pisa
You can spend the rest of the afternoon and early evening resting in your hotel or wandering around the city before heading to dinner.
If you decide to explore more, you ambitious person you, you can check out Chiesa di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, the ruins of the Baths of Nero, Porta a Lucca, and the Medici Palace. Any or all of these would make a fantastic addition to your Pisa itinerary!
Finally, have one last delicious Tuscan dinner at Ristorante Cantina Vasari or Ristorante Allabona. After dinner, you can enjoy a relaxed stroll around Borgo Stretto to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere without the day crowds and say goodbye — and promise to return — to Pisa.
Roxana is a Romanian-born freelance travel writer who has lived in Italy for over 15 years. She has a Master’s in Journalism and a Bachelor’s in Film Studies, and she studied at Università degli Studi di Roma Tre. Besides her native Romania, Roxana has lived in Rome, Lisbon, and Berlin, and she has traveled through much of Europe in search of hidden gems, history, and culture.
