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The things to do in Pisa, Italy, offer a perfect introduction to a city where history, art and culinary delights await every traveller. The iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa draws visitors from around the world, while ancient churches, museums and walks reveal the city’s genuine character. Stroll through historic streets, sample local cuisine and enjoy fascinating architecture that tells centuries-old stories. From medieval frescoes hidden in shadowy cemeteries to Renaissance art collections and sunset picnics along the Arno River, these things to see in Pisa reveal the city’s layered history and local culture.
10 Best Things To Do In Pisa, Italy
The things to do in Pisa, Italy, spark adventure. Stroll historic streets, savour flavours and uncover charm on your Italian escape.
1. Climb The Leaning Tower’s Spiral Staircase
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / pxhere / Image For Representation Only
Embark on an unforgettable climb of the Leaning Tower’s spiral staircase, a quintessential experience among things to see in Pisa. Ascend 294 irregular steps carved in 12th‐century marble, noticing the unique 4° tilt that challenges your balance, proving pure excitement. As you reach the summit, enjoy amazing views over terracotta rooftops, the winding Arno River, and the distant Apuan Alps. At sunset, observe the tower’s striking silhouette casting a sundial‐like shadow over Piazza dei Miracoli.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM (summer) and 10 AM – 5 PM (winter)
Best Time To Visit: April or October
2. Attend Mass At Pisa Cathedral
Photo: Tobias Bär / Wikimedia Commons
Experience a moment of cultural reverence by attending mass at Pisa Cathedral, one of the holy sites to explore in Pisa. Admire the well-defined striped marble arches, detailed Byzantine mosaics, and intricate Romanesque design while listening to Gregorian chants during the service. The stunning Giovanni Pisano’s pulpit draws your attention, and the unique bronze griffin above the entrance, originally from 11th‐century Sicily, showcases Arabic inscriptions. Immerse yourself in the cathedral’s atmosphere of historical grandeur.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Best Time To Visit: December (Christmas liturgy)
3. Test Acoustics In The Baptistery
Photo: Bradley Weber / Wikimedia Commons
Discover one of the most fascinating things to experience in Pisa by testing acoustics inside the Baptistery. Stand beneath its impressive 97-foot dome as the staff showcase a 7-second echo using precise vocal harmonies. Ascend to the upper gallery to examine carefully preserved 13th-century frescoes depicting crusader ships and to observe the distinct hexagonal pulpit, notable for being the site of Galileo’s baptism. Delight thoroughly in the acoustics and artistry.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 23, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: June 24th
4. Walk The Walls Of Piazza dei Cavalieri
Photo: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Explore one of the captivating things to see in Pisa by walking the historic walls of Piazza dei Cavalieri. Once a Roman forum and later the base for the Knights of St. Stephen, this triangular square features striking engravings on the Palazzo dell’Orologio’s façade and displays the statue of Cosimo I de’ Medici. At midday, the square fills with students from Scuola Normale Superiore, energising the nearby cafés with a lively atmosphere, creating lasting memories.
Location: Central Pisa
Timings: 24*7
Best Time To Visit: May
5. Picnic At Giardino Scotto
Photo: sailko / Wikimedia Commons
Located within a 15th-century fortress converted into a park, you can enjoy grassy moats and sheltered benches beneath lemon trees. Watch locals play chess on stone tables while children cycle along ancient ramparts. In the evenings during the summer months, outdoor cinema screenings showcase Italian films complete with English subtitles, offering a unique blend of leisure and culture indeed.
Location: Lungarno Leonardo Fibonacci, 2, 56125 Pisa PI, Italy
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Best Time To Visit: April
6. Sketch Frescoes At Camposanto Monumentale
Photo: Luca Aless / Wikimedia Commons
Engage in one of the most creative things to see in Pisa by sketching the exquisite frescoes at Camposanto Monumentale. This historic cemetery, known as the “Holy Field”, proudly exhibits detailed 14th-century depictions of the Last Judgment, preserved through turbulent times. Bring your sketchbook to capture the striking image of dancing skeletons from the Triumph of Death and notice the central lawn containing soil brought from Golgotha during the Crusades for a lasting connection.
Location: Piazza dei Miracoli
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
7. Taste Truffle Panini At Mercato di Vettovaglie
Photo: LivornoDP / Wikimedia Commons
Get a taste of a truffle panini at Mercato di Vettovaglie. In this 19th-century market housed in iron and glass, lively vendors offer porcini mushrooms, pecorino cheese, and Chianina beef. Visit the Da Nando stall to savour a panino filled with fresh truffles and wild arugula, while upstairs, local trattorias serve delicious pasta plates enjoyed by enthusiastic card-playing patrons, making a perfect treat.
Location: Scali Aurelio Saffi, 27, 57121 Livorno LI, Italy
Timings: 7 AM – 2 PM (closed Sundays)
Best Time To Visit: November
8. Row A Gondola On The Arno River
Photo: Fred Souza / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Rowing a gondola along the Arno River. Hire a traditional barchetta from Club Canottieri to paddle under the historic Ponte di Mezzo. As you glide past 17th-century palazzos mirrored in shimmering golden waters at sunset, skilled rowers may extend the journey to reach the venerable 12th-century San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno church, adding an element of adventure to your experience.
Location: Lungarno Pacinotti
Timings: 3 PM – 7 PM
Best Time To Visit: September
9. Sip Coffee Where Galileo Studied
Photo: Chevanon Photography / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Enjoy one of the distinctive things to see in Pisa, sipping coffee at Caffè dell’Ussero. Established in 1775, this historic café invites you to savour a strong espresso beneath elegant chandeliers, where Galileo once delivered lectures. In the backroom, Italy’s oldest cinema plays Fellini films, providing cultural context to your visit. Do not miss trying the famous Pisan cake, a delightful rum-soaked layered dessert adorned with pine nuts, completing an authentic Italian experience.
Location: Lungarno Pacinotti 27
Timings: 7 AM – 10 PM
Best Time To Visit: February (Pisa Film Festival)
10. Photograph Santa Maria della Spina
Photo: Joanbanjo / Wikimedia Commons
Capture one of the most beautiful things to see in Pisa by photographing Santa Maria della Spina. This Gothic church, resembling a jewel box and built to house a revered Holy Thorn from Christ’s crown, appears to float on the Arno banks. Arrive at golden hour to record its spires as the marble glows softly pink, and then step inside to study the Madonna of the Rose statue’s intricate drapery for timeless beauty.
Location: Lungarno Gambacorti, 56125 Pisa PI, Italy
Timings: 10 AM – 1 PM and 2:30 PM – 5 PM
Best Time To Visit: June (Rose Festival)
This guide to things to do in Pisa, Italy, leaves an unforgettable mark on every visitor. Experience history, art and modern Italian life while exploring stunning architecture and delightful cuisine. Each step reveals a story and invites you to discover a deeper connection with this ancient city. Plan a trip with TripXL and enjoy curated adventures and stress-free planning.
Cover Photo: Arne Müseler / Wikimedia Commons
