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Planning a trip to Pisa, Italy? You’re in for a charming Tuscan adventure!
Pisa may be famous for its Leaning Tower, but the city has so much more to offer, from its elegant historic center to the scenic Arno riverfront. But if you only have a day or two, it can feel tricky to know what to prioritize.
After spending time wandering its streets, visiting its landmarks, and tasting its local flavors, we’ve put together a simple and stress-free itinerary that hits all the highlights. This guide will help you make the most of your time in Pisa, whether you’re here for a quick stop or a relaxed two-day visit. Let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Pisa was this all-inclusive city tour! We loved exploring Pisa’s charming streets and hearing its rich history. Plus, climbing the Leaning Tower made seeing the city’s most famous icon even more special!
Itinerary Overview
To make the most of your time in Pisa, we’re going to ensure that you hit all of its top landmarks. Of course, you’ll visit the Leaning Tower, located in the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli, which is also home to the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto. Beyond the famous tower, Pisa’s historic center and the Arno riverfront are full of elegant architecture, lively cafés, and picturesque streets that are perfect for wandering – and don’t worry, we’ll be exploring these areas too!
The great thing about exploring Pisa is that it’s very walkable. Most attractions are within a 20-30 minute stroll of each other, and by checking them off on foot, you’ll get to soak in the atmosphere along the way.
Day 1: Hit the highlights with a guided sightseeing tour (yes, it includes the tower!) and then spend the afternoon exploring Borgo Stretto, Piazza dei Cavalieri, or the Arno River at your own pace. In the evening, learn how to make pasta and tiramisu, and then end the night with gelato by the river.
Day 2: Spend the day exploring the Tuscan countryside on a wine tasting tour from Pisa. Then back in the city, enjoy dinner at a cozy pizzeria and wrap up your trip with a relaxed drink in the lively Piazza delle Vettovaglie.
Day 1
Breakfast – Cavalieri
Start your day in Pisa with breakfast at Cavalieri, a local favorite just a short walk from Piazza dei Cavalieri. It opens at 7:30 am, and from here it’s just a 10-minute walk to your morning tour of the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli, so this is a convenient spot for breakfast, but more importantly, it serves delicious coffee and pastries!
I highly recommend trying the cornetti here and washing it down with either a strong espresso or a creamy cappuccino—and if you’re tired from a travel day yesterday, maybe both! When in Italy…
Morning – See the iconic leaning tower and other highlights
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most iconic buildings in the world, so if there’s one thing that you should do while you’re here, it’s visit! This top-rated guided tour was our favorite way to visit because we got to see all of Pisa’s top attractions in one day, so it’s perfect if you’re only here for a day or two.
Book the tour for 10 am so that it will finish up around midday. You’ll start at Piazza del Duomo, where your guide will give a fascinating introduction to the Square of Miracles and Pisa’s rich past. From there, it’s onto the Baptistery, where you’ll admire its impressive acoustics and stunning architecture.
The Cathedral is equally mesmerizing, but of course, the real showstopper is the Leaning Tower of Pisa! If you’re doing this tour, I highly recommend booking the option that includes tower entry. Climbing its famous tilted steps was an unforgettable experience, and the view from the top was absolutely worth it. After all, you can’t come to Pisa and not climb the tower that put it on the map!
This tour is the best way to experience the magic of Pisa in just a few hours. In fact, if you only do one thing in the city, it should be this tour—just check out the hundreds of five-star reviews here and you’ll see why!
Book your spot on this tour here, before it sells out!
Lunch – I Porci Comodi
By the time your morning tour wraps up, anywhere from around 11:30 am to 12:45 pm, depending on the option you chose, you’ll be ready for a satisfying lunch, and we just happen to know the perfect spot! Just a 12-minute walk from Piazza dei Miracoli, I Porci Comodi has some of the best sandwiches we’ve ever tasted!
It’s a lively, informal spot that’s celebrated for its signature panini, which is packed with local cured meats and cheeses, as well as other seasonal ingredients. For a true taste of Tuscany, you can also try the porchetta, pecorino, or truffle spreads. Seating is limited, so we recommend grabbing a takeaway and enjoying it at the nearby botanical garden or along the Arno River.
Afternoon – Explore your way!
After a busy morning, it’s time to slow the pace and explore Pisa at your own rhythm. You’ve got around 2–3 hours before your cooking class, so pick a few spots that catch your eye and go check them out:
- Piazza dei Cavalieri – This elegant square was once the heart of Pisa’s civic life, and it’s dominated by Palazzo della Carovana. It’s also home to the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore. We recommend spending 20-30 minutes here, admiring the architecture and soaking up the atmosphere.
- Borgo Stretto – A charming medieval street lined with arcades and boutique shops. Its lovely cafes make this area a favorite amongst students! It’s the perfect place to shop for souvenirs or grab a gelato. Allow 30-45 minutes for a relaxed wander around here.
- Museo delle Sinopie – A small museum where you can see the sketches for Pisa’s famous frescoes. It’s located next to the Camposanto, and we suggest spending about half an hour checking out the exhibits.
- Stroll along the Arno River – We always enjoy walking along the scenic riverfront and admiring the Gothic church of Santa Maria della Spina. It should take you about 30-45 minutes to stroll and snap some photos.
Dinner – Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Pisa
Instead of just grabbing dinner at a random restaurant tonight, do a deep dive into Tuscan cuisine with this hands-on pasta and tiramisù cooking class! It starts at 5 pm and lasts for 3 hours, during which you’ll learn how to make two kinds of pasta from scratch and prepare everyone’s favorite Italian dessert—tiramisu!
What’s special about this tour is that it’s a small group experience that takes place in a local home. You really get an authentic taste of Pisa’s culinary culture here, which is something you just can’t get in a touristy restaurant.
The hosts are so warm and friendly. They’ll treat you like family, and they’re super patient, too, so there’s no need to feel intimidated if you’re not much of a cook back home.
Once everything is ready, you’ll sit down with your group to enjoy the dishes you’ve made, paired with a glass of local wine. It’s a relaxed evening and the ideal way to wrap up your first day in Pisa. Bon appetit!
Book this fun cooking class here with free cancellation!
Evening – Toast to your first day with gelato
After your cooking class wraps up around 8 pm, you’ll want something sweet to finish the night, and gelato is obviously the answer. (Let’s be honest, it’s the answer to most questions in life!)
Head over to La Bottega del Gelato, a little gem right on the Arno. The gelato here is next-level delicious, and you can’t really go wrong with any flavors, but I really love the pistachio, which is insanely creamy. The hazelnut is great too, or on a hot day, the seasonal sorbets are an ideal way to refresh.
After you’ve grabbed a cone, take a slow stroll along the river and watch Pisa glow at night! It’s a low-key but pretty lovely way to end your first day in this beautiful, refined city.
Day 2
Morning/Afternoon: Sip your way through the Tuscan Hills
We dived into Pisa’s food scene yesterday, but today is all about Tuscany’s wine! The world-famous Chianti region is only about 1-1.5 hours from Pisa by car, so it would be a shame not to check it out. But of course, no one wants to be the designated driver on a wine tasting trip, which is why we recommend booking this half-day tour.
The tour begins at 9:50 and lasts for 4-5 hours, so you’ll finish at around 3 pm with time to tick off any more of the afternoon spots you might have missed yesterday. But first, you’ll enjoy a beautiful drive through the Tuscan countryside and the chance to taste local cheese, olives, and of course, wine!
We had a blast on this tour, and our driver, Adriano, was a delight. He was charming, funny, and knew so much about the region! He took us to an organic winery where we strolled through the sun-drenched vineyards and learned about the Chianti region, before going inside the cantina for an in-depth guided wine-tasting session.
Alongside the wine, we savored freshly made bruschetta with organic extra-virgin olive oil, as well as local pecorino cheese and cured meats. Whether you’re a food and wine connoisseur or just looking for a memorable day in Tuscany, this tour is a must—just read the glowing five-star reviews here if you still need convincing!
Grab your spot on this exceptional wine tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Dinner – La Taverna di Pulcinella
One of my favorite things about traveling in Italy is visiting cozy, authentic trattorias, and La Taverna di Pulcinella fits the bill perfectly. It’s also just a short walk from the center of Pisa, so it’s easy to get to.
The restaurant specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza, which is baked in a wood-fired oven for that perfect thin crust. You can top yours with tons of fresh mozzarella and cured meats if you like, but to be honest, it doesn’t matter what you choose because it will be incredible.
We also like this spot because the prices are very reasonable, so it’s a nice alternative to the many expensive tourist traps around. It has a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere, and you can enjoy dining al fresco when it’s warm outside.
Evening – Toast to your trip in Piazza delle Vettovaglie
Piazza delle Vettovaglie is one of the liveliest spots in Pisa once the sun goes down. It’s a favorite hangout spot for locals and students, and it’s lined with casual bars that offer plenty of outdoor seating. It’s perfect for people-watching and sipping an aperol spritz—what else? Take a stroll around and then pull up a chair and toast the end of your Tuscan adventure—saluti!
Related Read: For even more ideas on what to see, eat, and experience during your visit, check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Pisa here!
Where to Stay in Pisa
Picking the right place to stay in Pisa can make your trip even better. Whether you want to be right by the Leaning Tower or somewhere quieter away from the crowds, there’s a great option for you. To help you choose, I’ve put together my top picks for every budget below!
Luxury – $$$
For a luxurious stay in Pisa, Palazzo Cini is a standout choice. This elegant boutique hotel offers beautifully designed rooms with a mix of modern and classic Italian decor, plus spacious bathrooms with spa baths. The location is central yet quiet, perfect for exploring Pisa’s main sights while enjoying a peaceful retreat!
Prices vary depending on the time of year but usually range between €300 and €400 during peak season. You can check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Residenza d’Epoca is a charming and stylish stay in the heart of Pisa, right beside the iconic Leaning Tower. Many rooms offer stunning views of this famous landmark, making it a truly special place to stay. It’s set in a beautifully restored historic building, and it blends classic charm with modern comfort, plus, you’re just steps away from the city’s top attractions!
Prices usually average around €200 per night. Read the great reviews and book your stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Hostel Pisa Tower is a fun, budget-friendly place to stay just a 2-minute walk from the Leaning Tower and Pisa Cathedral. It’s sociable but relaxed, with plenty of communal spaces like a shared lounge, games room, and outdoor terrace complete with BBQ facilities. There’s even a small library and PlayStation corner for downtime between sightseeing. It’s a great pick for travelers who want to meet others and stay close to Pisa’s top sights without spending much.
Dorm beds start around €20 per night, and you can book your stay here on Booking.com!
For more options, see all of the hotels in Pisa here!
Renting a Car in Italy
Renting a car in Italy is one of the best ways to explore the country beyond the cities—think charming Tuscan villages, dramatic Amalfi Coast drives, and hidden gems in the countryside. While Italy’s roads can be a little chaotic (especially in cities), with the right preparation, renting a car here can be an unforgettable and rewarding experience!
We always use Discover Cars when booking our rentals, and highly recommend them. They compare dozens of providers to find you the best rates, include important filters like “automatic transmission,” and offer affordable full insurance coverage. For more info, you can read our in-depth Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Italy
- Drive on the right: Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Right turns on red are illegal, and you must often yield to vehicles coming from the right at intersections.
- Stay alert and confident: Italian driving can feel aggressive in cities—expect assertive drivers, scooters weaving through traffic, and liberal horn use (often just a form of communication). Stay calm and practice defensive driving.
- Insurance is a must: We highly recommend adding full coverage insurance when booking. Minor damage like scratches and dents is common, especially in cities, and Discover Cars’ full protection gives you peace of mind at a low cost!
- Mind the ZTL zones: Many city centers have restricted traffic zones called ZTLs. Entering without a permit can result in a fine. Check with your hotel and use GPS with ZTL alerts.
- Choose the right vehicle: Roads in Italy can be narrow and parking tight, so a compact car is usually best. Most rentals are manual, but if you need an automatic, you can easily filter for one when booking with Discover Cars.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Italy
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- You must be at least 18 years old, but renters under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Italy on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Pisa is so much more than its famous Leaning Tower—this Tuscan gem is packed with history, flavor, and charm. After exploring its squares and tasting its local flavors, you’ll see why we fell in love with it. Whether you’re stopping between Florence and the coast or staying a few days, Pisa perfectly blends culture and laid-back Italian living.
If you’re planning more Italian adventures, be sure to check out our other Italy travel guides here! We love sharing our favorite cities, tours, and insider tips to help you plan unforgettable trips across Tuscany and beyond. Or here are a few related posts below to inspire your next getaway!
Where to Stay in Florence, Italy: 5 Best Areas & Hotels
How to Spend TWO DAYS in Bologna, Italy: The Best 2-Day Itinerary