A last minute trip is always fun and spontaneous. This year we made a short 4 day city trip to Pisa. I will tell you which sights not to miss in Pisa and where to go by train from Pisa.
The city is of course known for the leaning tower of Pisa. You must of course have seen it during your visit! It is also very nice to walk through the cozy streets outside the center and enjoy the surroundings. The city isn’t very big. Actually, you’ve seen all the highlights of the city in one day. Therefore, don’t try to stay in Pisa for a week, because then you will probably get bored. I found it an attractive city to stay for a few nights and to use as a base for nice day trips. I therefore recommend that you visit other nice cities in Tuscany by train from the this city.
From the airport (Aeroporto di Pisa Galileo Galilei) it’s about 10 min by PisaMover shuttle train to the train station (Stazione di Pisa Centrale). A return ticket costs € 5.40 and is valid for 30 days.
Sightseeing in Pisa
Most places of interest in Pisa are located in Piazza dei Miracoli (The Field of Miracles). These are the Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral, the Baptistery (the baptistery) and the Camposanto (walled cemetery). Entry to this large square is free.
1. The tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower is really beautiful to see up close and also quite large. It’s located in Piazza dei Miracoli. Many tourists can always be found on this square. It’s a funny sight how many tourists are standing with their arms in the air for a real cliché photo. Try taking a picture with so many people in the square! Entrance fees to climb the tower of Pisa are € 18.
2. Pisa Cathedral (The Dom)
This insanely large building dates from the Middle Ages. The cathedral looks very nicely decorated from the outside. The interior was largely destroyed after a fire in the 15th century, but has been restored and redecorated afterwards. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but you need a receipt for this. You receive this receipt without a time slot when you visit one of the other monuments.
3. The Camposanto
The Composanto, or the Sacred Field, is a walled cemetery with many frescoes. Al the frescoes have been restored since 1945. Entrance to the Camposanto is € 5.
4. The Baptistery
The Baptistery is the largest baptistery in all of Italy. This round building is opposite the western end of the Dom. The Baptistery is also beautifully decorated from the outside. Entrance to the Baptistery is € 5.
It’s possible to buy a combination ticket for the Baptistery, the Composanto and Sinopie Museum. Then you pay € 5 for one monument, € 7 for two and € 8 for three monuments. Check the website for more information about the combination ticket.
5. The city of Florence
Florence is the capital of Tuscany. It’s a large and busy city with plenty of nice sights. Florence may not be one of the sights in Pisa, but it’s a very nice city to visit for one or more days. The train connection between Pisa and Florence is excellent. You can be in this impressive city in about an hour.
Read all about the 7 best sights in Florence here.
6. The city of Lucca
Also Lucca isn’t really among the sights in Pisa, but Lucca has really become one of my favorite cities! The town is very attractive and especially in the spring also beautiful greenery. You must have visited this typical Tuscan town! It’s extremely easy to travel between Pisa and Lucca by train.
Read all about the great sights in Lucca here.
Hostel tip in Pisa
A perfect place to stay in Pisa is near the train station. You will be in one of the other beautiful Tuscan cities in no time.
That is why Hostel Pisa is highly recommended for me. The hostel is located a 10-minute walk from the central station. They have a laundry service, a cozy common room and the kitchen is open 24 hours. So definitely backpacker-friendly! I’m glad I chose this hostel.
