10 Awesome Things to Do in Pisa for First-Timers

10 Best Things to Do in Pisa

1. Go Up the Leaning Tower of Pisa

One of the first things I would recommend you do when you are in Pisa is to buy a ticket and book a time slot to go up to the top of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is probably the best viewpoint you will see here.

In case you do not know, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a freestanding bell tower and is considered to be one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

The tower was originally built as part of the Pisa Cathedral complex in the 12th Century but the construction was halted a few years after due to wars and financial problems.

When construction resumed again in 1272, the foundation of the tower had already begun to sink due to the soft ground on which it was built. As a result, the tower began to lean to one side, which is what gives its name, and it has continued to do so over the centuries.

In order to get up there, you will first have to buy a ticket and book a time slot. Keep in mind that this is one of the most popular things to do here and it can get booked out incredibly fast hence why I recommend you get the ticket first thing when you arrive in Pisa.

Once you are inside, you will find that the tower is actually hollow, which is rather disappointing, but you are not there to see the interior, you are there to see the incredible view it offers of the Pisa Cathedral Complex and its beautiful surroundings.

After queuing up, you will be ushered into an elevator which will take you all the way up to the top in a few minutes. From up there, you can see the beautiful orange sea of the iconic Italian roofs as well as the beautiful mountains surrounding it.

Despite the crowds in Pisa, it didn't feel crowded at all up there thanks to the time slot system and I found this to be the most enjoyable thing to do here. The Leaning Tower is open from 9 AM - 8 PM every day and you can get a ticket as part of the Cathedral Pass for around 30 EUR per person. Definitely one of the best things to do in Pisa.

2. Admire the Beauty of Cattedrale di Pisa

Another beautiful landmark in Pisa you should not miss is Cattedrale di Pisa, one of the most important and beautiful architectures you will see in this city. The cathedral is located right at the center of the Pisa Cathedral Complex together with the Leaning Tower and other museums in the area.

The cathedral was built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style, with later Gothic and Renaissance additions. It is best known for its beautiful marble facade and its striking interior, which features a large nave, several chapels, and an altar adorned with gold and precious stones. The cathedral also contains several important works of art, including frescoes, sculptures, and stained glass windows.

I found the interior to be extremely interesting and definitely worth seeing especially the beautiful golden ceilings and the iconic black and white stripe columns that adorn the cathedral's hallway. It is quite a sight to behold.

Again, the Pisa Cathedral is open from 9 AM - 8 PM every day and you can get a ticket as part of the Pisa Cathedral Pass for around 30 EUR per person which will also include going up the Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, and the museums in the area, but unlike the Leaning Tower, you do not need to book a time slot for the cathedral.

3. Check Out Battistero di San Giovanni

Next up, we visit Battistero di San Giovanni or the Pisa Baptistery, another important religious building that was constructed as part of the Pisa Cathedral Complex.

The baptistery was built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style, with a glimpse of some Gothic and Renaissance influence as the building expanded over time.

The place is known for its exterior's striking marble facade as well as its beautiful interior, featuring a large octagonal dome, several chapels, and an altar adorned with gold and precious stones.

It isn't very big and only requires a quick glance but since it is included in the Pisa Cathedral Pass, you might as well check it out and see what is inside for yourself.

4. See the Evilest Painting of Satan at Camposanto

Camposanto is a historic cemetery built in the 13th Century as a burial place for the citizens of Pisa. The cemetery also contains the remains of many important figures from Pisa's history, including members of the Medici family.

The cemetery is known for its beautiful marble tombs and monuments, as well as its collection of frescoes and other works of art with one of the most iconic of all, "the evilest portrayal of Satan you will ever see" as I eavesdropped when a local guide told his clients 😂.

The marble columns that adorn the cloister that goes around a beautiful green courtyard are a great place to stroll around. Along each wall of the cloister, you will find all kinds of artifacts, monuments, and tombs set against the beautiful murals that cover most of the cloister's wall.

Out of all the museums here, I find Camposanto to be the most interesting and impressive. The paintings are awesome, the history behind them is as interesting, and surprisingly, it isn't as crowded as in the courtyard outside which makes for a great place to escape the crowds.

Camposanto is open from 9 AM to 8 PM every day and since it is part of the Pisa Cathedral Complex, you can access the cemetery with the same Cathedral Pass.

5. Learn More About The Leaning Tower at Museo dell'Opera del Duomo

If you want to learn a little bit more about Pisa and its iconic landmarks, you should also drop by Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, a museum located within the Pisa Cathedral Complex, not too far from the Leaning Tower.

The museum contains a rich collection of art and artifacts from the cathedral, including sculptures, frescoes, stained glass windows, and other works of art that might pique your curiosity about how these iconic monuments came to be.

There are several rooms inside spread out on 2 floors with a variety of religious artworks and sculptures as well as a miniature model of the Leaning Tower of Pisa itself so that you can see just how crooked the tower is.

The museum is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day and the entrance fee is also included in the Pisa Cathedral Pass which makes for a great place to check out while you wait for your time slot to go up the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

6. Be Amazed at the Buildings Around Piazza dei Cavalieri

Now we are going to get out of the Pisa Cathedral Complex and explore other parts of the city starting with Piazza dei Cavalieri, a popular historic Renaissance square located in between the cathedral complex and the train station.

The square was originally built in the 13th century as the political and military center of Pisa. It was home to the city's government and the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen, a military order that played a significant role in the city's history.

Today, the square is home to several important buildings, including the Palazzo della Carovana, which was once the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen, the Scuola Normale di Pisa, a prestigious university founded in the 19th century, and the striking statue of Medici.

One of my favorite buildings here is the Palazzo della Carovana, which is a palace turned university built in the 16th Century and its beautifully-ornated facade that houses a collection of fine art and sculptures.

Unfortunately, I don't think the building is open to the public at the moment. It certainly wasn't open when I was there. If this is no longer the case, please do let us know in the comments below.

7. Stroll Along Lungarni di Pisa

If you are tired of the crowds at the Pisa Cathedral Complex, I highly recommend you go for a little walk along Lungarni di Pisa, a beautiful promenade that goes along the banks of the Arno River with old beautiful houses lined on both sides.

The streets and promenades were built in the 19th century and are lined with beautiful buildings and landmarks, including Museo delle Navi Antiche di Pisa, a museum of ancient Roman boats, the National Museum of the Royal Palace, a museum containing the artifacts found here, and Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina which we will discuss next.

The Lungarni di Pisa is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making them a great place to relax and enjoy the city's lively atmosphere. If you want to take it down a notch in Pisa, this is the place to be.

8. Check Out Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina is a small Gothic church located right around the corner along Lungarni di Pisa which makes for a great stop as you stroll along the Arno River.

The church was built in the 13th century and is best known for its beautiful marble facade, which is decorated with extremely intricate carvings and sculptures with the number of details not seen in bigger churches.

The interior of the church is pretty small and you will find a number of sculptures and artworks inside. For me, the beautiful facade of the exterior is worth a visit in and of itself. Highly recommended if you are already exploring Lungarni di Pisa.

9. Visit Palazzo Blu

If you are interested in art and you are looking for a nice museum to visit around Lungarni di Pisa, Palazzo Blu is a great stop for you as you stroll along the Arno River.

Located inside this iconic blue-painted medieval house right on the riverside, Palazzo Blu is an art museum known for its great permanent collection of Italian art with temporary exhibitions that will interest those who love seeing these beautiful medieval artworks.

The museum is open from 10 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 8 PM on weekends. The entrance fee is 3 EUR per person and if are wondering what is currently being displayed here, check out the museum's official website.

10. Stroll Around Borgo Stretto

If you are traveling to Pisa by train, you will be walking through Borgo Stretto, a vibrant historic shopping street in Pisa lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a great place to stroll around, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax with a shot of espresso as you people-watch.

Borgo Stretto is also home to several important landmarks and buildings, including the Chiesa di San Michele in Borgo, an 11th-century church known for its beautiful frescos, the beautiful Piazza Garibaldi, and Piazza dei Cavalieri, a must-visit plaza I also mentioned in this travel guide.

The street connects the Pisa Cathedral Complex with the other side of the city across the Arno River via a long cobblestone road that stretches over 1.5 km.

Be sure to check out some of the cool attractions along the way as you walk to the Pisa Cathedral Complex like Palazzo Gambacorti, an opulent, late 14th–century riverfront palace, Logge dei Banchi, a wide open-air hall surrounded by vintage shops and markets, and the popular Tuttomondo mural painted by the American artist Keith Haring to depict various figures and symbols representing peace, love, and human rights. Definitely one of the best things to do in Pisa.

Further Reading for Northern Italy

I hope you found this Italian travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Italy, here is a selection of articles you might like:

• First time visiting Italy? Here are the 15 Best Places to Visit in Italy.
• Want to see the highlights of Italy in 2 weeks? Be sure to check out our 2-Weeks Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
• Want to travel around Italy for one month, from the Dolomites in the north to Sicily in the south? You are going to love this backpacking itinerary packed with information: One Month Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
• Looking for a complete itinerary for Northern Italy? Check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Northern Italy Itinerary.
• Every trip to Northern Italy starts in Milan. If you are a first-timer, here are the 16 best things to do in Milan.
• Have a day to spare in Milan? Why not spend it in the hilltop fortress of Bergamo. Here are the 11 best things to do in Bergamo.
• Ah... Venice, the city of art, culture, and the birthplace of the Renaissance. You just can't visit Italy without seeing it with your own eyes. To help you plan a trip there, here are the 15 best things to do in Venice.
• Planning a trip to Lake Como but not sure where to begin? Check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in Lake Como.
• For a complete backpacking guide to Lake Como, check out: The 3-Day Lake Como Itinerary For Those Without A Car.
• Want to visit Lake Como as a day trip from Milan? Check out: One-Day Lake Como Itinerary from Milan.
• For an off-the-beaten-path place to visit in Northern Italy, you can't go wrong with Bologna. For a complete travel guide, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Bologna.
• Want to explore the Dolomites but not sure where to begin? Check out: the 10 Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites.
• For a complete backpacking itinerary for the Dolomites, check out: the 7-Day Dolomites Itinerary For Those Without A Car.
• At the heart of sunny Tuscany lies Florence, one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Italy. If you are planning to visit Florence, check out: 16 Best Things to Do in Florence.
• Cinque Terre, known for its picturesque stacked houses on cliffs and coastlines, is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the bustling city life in Northern Italy. To start planning, be sure to check out: A Complete Guide to Backpacking Cinque Terre.
• Siena, a medieval town in Tuscany, will transport you back to the Middle Ages the moment you step in it. If you want to visit Siena, here are the 10 Best Things to do in Siena.
• For a complete 7-day backpacking itinerary in Central Italy that will take you from Rome to Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast, be sure to check out: 7 Days Backpacking Central Italy Itinerary.
• Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
• To see all the articles about Italy, visit the Italy Travel Guide page.
• Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
• Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
• Or if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Southern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.