Pisa is located in Tuscany, a region in central Italy. The Arno river runs through the city and empties at Marina di Pisa (beach of Pisa). Famous for its Leaning Tower but let me tell you, it has much more to offer. I share some of my favorite things to do in Pisa below.
I was ambivalent about this trip. The only thing I knew was that tourists flocked there and that is usually my signal to keep my distance. I’m truly so happy that I went and now I cannot stop raving about it. On with the article…
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Planning a trip to Italy? These articles might help!
- How to Spend One Day in Bologna
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- Why You Should Never Drive in Italy Without an International Drivers License
- Exploring Verona, Italy in 24 Hours
Table of Contents
1. Watch everyone take funny pictures at the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) is where you will find the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery, and part of the old walls. This is where you will also find massive crowds. There are hoards of tourists taking funny pictures which is probably the most entertaining thing to do. The architecture is beyond impressive. Get close to the buildings to admire the details!
Caution! Some online ticket sales for the Leaning Tower of Pisa can charge almost 30€.
Leaning Tower of Pisa €18 more info
Pisa Cathedral: Free, but a ticket is required.
Pisa Baptistery €5.00
Walls of Pisa € 3.00 more info.
2 Visit a church that once housed part of the crown of thorns.
Santa Maria della Spina a small church next to the Arno River. Its name refers to a thorn from the crown of thorns that was once housed here (now in another church in Pisa). It is a beautiful building done in a Pisan gothic style and iconic in many photos of the city.
3 Admire the intricate art on buildings.
Visit Italy you will quickly realize visiting the squares are where you will find all of the most beautiful buildings. In Pisa, that square is Palazzo della Carovana (Knight’s Square) and the building is Scuola Normale Superiore, a university. La Normale is covered in paintings of zodiac signs and mythology. On the bottom right photo, you can see how details were carved into the building.
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4 Find the other leaning towers of Pisa.
The Leaning Tower is not the only tower in Pisa! In fact, there are two other lesser-known leaning towers. The first is not far from the Square of Miracles, walk ten minutes south on via Santa Maria and it will be on your left at San Nicola. The second tower is the bell tower of San Michele degli Scalzi in the eastern end of Pisa.
5 Find the best gelato in Pisa.
There are more gelato places than you can try. Believe me. We attempted to eat as many as we could and failed miserably (haha). I do highly recommend Il Gelato di Toto their pistachio is light but very full of flavors with bits of pistachio throughout. Yum!