How to Spend One Day in Pisa Italy
Are you planning a trip to Italy & wondering how much time to spend in Pisa?
What are the best things to see and do? How should you create your itinerary to make the most of your trip?
Use this guide to plan your one-day adventure to Pisa, Italy!
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A trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without visiting Pisa and its famous Leaning Tower. Of course, the tower is a must-see, but Pisa has so much more to offer than this iconic landmark. There are plenty of interesting sights and activities to enjoy. A well-thought-out itinerary will ensure that you make the most of your time, have a realistic plan and stay within budget. You’ll also be able to book transportation, entrance tickets and accommodations in advance.
As tempting as it can be to have a jam-packed itinerary, it’s best to prioritize must-see destinations. Give yourself enough time to discover the highlights, but remember you won’t be able to see everything Pisa has to offer in a single day. Have some flexibility built into your itinerary for unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather, long queues at attractions or flight/train delays.
This guide is structured to provide an overview of the best activities, historical sites and cultural experiences that can be accomplished during a one-day visit to Pisa. Adjust accordingly to suit your own travel timeline, budget and personal preferences.
How Many Days to Spend in Pisa
Do you prefer to pack in as much as possible in a short period of time or travel at a more leisurely pace?
Are you visiting in the summer when there are plenty of daylight hours for exploring?
Are you travelling luxuriously or on a budget?
The main highlights of Pisa can be seen in a single day. One day is perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time in their travel itinerary. Pisa is an essential stop in Italy, especially if you plan to visit nearby regions such as Florence or the Cinque Terre.
Take into consideration your arrival and departure time when creating your itinerary. This guide assumes travellers have one full day available to explore. It’s best suited for those who can spend two nights in Pisa.
Even if you only have a short period of time, exploring Pisa for the day will certainly be worthwhile.
Pisa – One Day Itinerary
This itinerary has been created with the must-see highlights presented in a logical, geographical order. Follow this route to maximize your travel time and make the most of your budget. Although you will have to pay for admission at the main attractions, there are several places in Pisa you can visit for free.
Decide ahead of time which attractions you want to explore in more detail. This will help you to better organize your trip and to figure out if your itinerary is going to be busy or more easy-going. Some travellers prefer the non-stop pace, while others would rather have a little down-time.
Pisa is a very popular travel destination, especially during peak summer season. Make sure to book entrance tickets to popular attractions, such as the Leaning Tower, well in advance. You don’t want to arrive in Pisa to find that tickets are sold out for the day.
If your itinerary allows, stay in Pisa the night before and after your visit. When you wake up first thing in the morning, you’ll have exclusive access to Pisa’s best attractions before all the other tourists arrive! You’ll also have the same experience in the evening once the crowds have gone home.
Although Pisa is an affordable city to visit compared to other nearby Italian destinations, it’s best to have an idea of how much things cost before you arrive.
Costs for airfare, accommodation, meals, entrance fees and entertainment add up quickly if you are not prepared. Planning in advance is the best way to save money and to have an unforgettable experience.
With so much to see in Pisa, let’s get started!
Morning – Piazza dei Miracoli
Whether you arrive the night before or same day, the majority of travellers reach Pisa by air through Pisa International Airport (PSA) or by train via the city’s main station: Pisa Centrale Station.
From the airport, board the Pisamover train shuttle to reach the city in less than 5 minutes. The shuttle will bring you right to Pisa Centrale Train Station. The shuttle operates to/from the airport daily between 6:00 am and midnight.
From the train station, Pisa’s main attractions are easy to reach on foot. It’s possible to walk to the Miracle Square in less than 30 minutes.
Once you have arrived in Pisa, check into your accommodation. If you will only be in Pisa for the day and need a place for your belongings, there is luggage storage (Deposito Bagagli) available at the train station.
With those details out of the way, it’s time to start exploring the city! Start today’s adventures by making your way to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles).
Very Important: Make sure that you have already purchased your entrance tickets before arrival!
Miracle Square encompasses the Leaning Tower, Duomo (Cathedral), Baptistery and Campo Santo (Cemetery). If you are planning to visit all 4 attractions, consider purchasing a Pisa Pass for discounted prices and skip-the-line entry.
Walking tours with a licensed guide are also available. Visiting the entire complex and climbing the tower will take approximately 2-3 hours.
1. Leaning Tower of Pisa
The most famous tower in the world, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, is an absolute must-see. Climb the marble staircase to the top of the bell tower for a tilted view of the city. Only climb the 300 steps to the top if you are in good physical health. Remember that there is no elevator and what goes up must come down!
During its construction in the 12th century, the tower began to lean. It was built on soft ground which could not properly support its weight. Despite attempts over the years to correct it, the tower continues to lean. This unique feature continues to make the city famous and put Pisa on the tourist map.
You can now cross the Leaning Tower of Pisa off your bucket list. Just don’t forget to capture that iconic photo of yourself holding up the tower!
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 am – 10:00 pm.
Cost: €18.00.
2. Duomo di Pisa
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo di Pisa) is located beside the Leaning Tower. Admire the architectural design with its ornate façade, bronze doors and white marble arches.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm. Sunday 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Cost: Free (reservation required). If you have purchased a ticket for the Leaning Tower, you can enter at any time without a reservation.
3. Baptistery
Dedicated to Saint John, the Baptistery stands proudly amongst the Leaning Tower and Duomo di Pisa. Climb to the viewing level to capture a unique perspective of the square.
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm.
Cost: €7.00.
4. Camposanto
Camposanto is also worth a visit while wandering the complex. Here you will find an ancient burial ground. The walls of the cemetery are decorated with beautiful frescoes.
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 8:00 pm.
Cost: €7.00.
5. Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (Cathedral Museum)
The Cathedral Museum features treasured art collections related to the Duomo and Baptistery. The building also offers stunning views of the Leaning Tower from its huge second floor windows.
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 8:00 pm.
Cost: €7.00.
Afternoon – Medieval Pisa
You’ve probably worked up an appetite from climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa and trying your best to avoid the crowds around the Duomo Complex. It’s time to eat! For a more local experience, try to find a restaurant located a bit further from the most popular tourist sites.
Tourist trap restaurants are easy to spot. You’ll see a host standing in the street encouraging you to dine there, or elaborate menus filled with colourful pictures. These places are more likely to have inflated prices and serve inauthentic food.
1. Stroll Borgo Stretto
Borgo Stretto is a lovely street located between the Arno River and Pisa’s main tourist attractions at Miracle Square. Stroll this narrow street to get a sense of medieval Pisa. Admire the architecture of the old buildings and the arches that line the walkways.
Mostly pedestrianized, Borgo Stretto is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. Stop for a refreshing drink at one of the many outdoor terraces. Explore the many side streets, some of which lead to markets selling flowers, fruits and vegetables.
2. Pisa Food Tour
Italy is known for its delicious food – cured meats, cheeses, pizza, pasta and so much more! Join a guided food tour to enrich your travel experience and enjoy real Tuscan flavours.
Learn about the history of the Pisa and discover local eateries you may never have found on your own. Food or walking tours are also a great way to meet like-minded people if you are travelling solo!
3. Piazza dei Cavalieri
After a break for food and drinks, it’s time to wander over to Knight’s Square (Piazza dei Cavalieri). This historic plaza was once the center of medieval Pisa. Several palaces, churches and statues can be found here. The area is now home to Pisa University.
4. Mura Di Pisa (Walls of Pisa)
Find yourself back in the Square of Miracles this afternoon. Hopefully the tourist crowds from earlier will have lessened. Noon is typically the busiest time of day at the Duomo Complex.
Look for the Mura Di Pisa or the Walls of Pisa, constructed along the northern end of the square. The walls are among the oldest in Italy, and remain in great condition. Construction first began in the year 1154. They were intended to protect the Cathedral and future monuments from invasion.
Porta Santa Maria is the main gate into the former walled city, and often the viewpoint from which visitors have their first glimpse of the Leaning Tower. Depending on which direction you came from, you may have already walked through this gate today without even noticing!
Climb up the staircase at Torre Santa Maria, (located behind Camposanto) to reach the elevated walkway. Enjoy a new perspective of the city from above.
There are 4 different access points, the most common being at the Square of Miracles. The medieval walls stretch for 3 km around the city, but keep in mind that this is not a complete circuit. You can start and stop wherever you like in either direction. It takes about 1 hour to walk the full length. Access is via staircase, however there are a few accessible entry points for people with disabilities.
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 am – 8:00 pm. (Last access at 7:30 pm)
Cost: €5.00.
5. Giardino Scotto
For those that walk the entire length of the medieval walls from Piazza die Miracoli to Piazza del Frederico Rosso, you will end up at the River Arno. If you enjoyed walking the city walls and want to see a walled fortress, cross over to the south side of the river to explore Giardino Scotto.
This former fortress, also known as Citadella Nuova, has been converted into a public park offering a relaxing atmosphere for both locals and tourists. In the summer, the park hosts concerts and an open-air cinema.
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 7:00 pm.
Cost: Free.
Evening – Romantic Riverbanks
Evenings in Pisa are often spent enjoying scenic views from its bridges while taking a romantic stroll along the lungarnos. Lungarnos are the streets of Pisa that pass beside the riverbank. Here you will find some of the city’s most beautiful and colourful buildings.
1. Ponte di Mezzo
Ponte di Mezzo (Middle Bridge) is the main bridge that crosses the River Arno, connecting the north and south sides of the city. This is a common path between Pisa Central Train Station and the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles).
Cost: Free
2. Iglesia de Santa Maria della Spina
Iglesia de Santa Maria della Spina is a beautiful gothic-style church situated on the Arno Riverbank. Capture its elegance from across the river or pay to enter and view the famous sculptures inside.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm & 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Closed Monday.
Cost: €2.00.
As sun set approaches it’s time to make plans for dinner. Remember that in Italy, the evening meal is usually served from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. Treat yourself to some delicious, traditional Italian cuisine! You may choose to return to Borgo Stretto or explore other charming neighbourhoods in Pisa.
Depending on your schedule, you may have a final night at your accommodation in Pisa before heading off to another part of the county or you may need to prepare for a flight home. Although it was a brief visit, you will leave Pisa with memories that last a lifetime!
Start Booking Your Trip
Use the helpful resources below to start booking your trip to Pisa, Italy!
- Reserve your accommodation with Hotels.com or Hostelworld.
- Book your rental car with Discover Cars.
- Book your flight with SkyScanner.
- Book activities with Get Your Guide.
- Traveling Solo? Book a Group Tour with G Adventures.
- Buy Travel Insurance with SafetyWing or World Nomads.
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Have any questions about planning your trip to Pisa, Italy? Please share your questions or comments below!
