Stunning architecture
The image of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is instantly recognisable, even to those who have never set foot in Italy. During your stay in Pisa, be sure to visit Piazza dei Miracoli, formerly known as the Piazza del Duomo, early if you want to try and beat the crowds during the summer months. It's here that you'll also find Pisa's impressive cathedral, Cattedrale di Pisa, Pisa Baptistry and the Camposanto Monumentale cloistered cemetery.
Also worth visiting is Santa Maria della Spina, a wonderful Gothic church next to the south bank of the Fiume Arno, which flows through the heart of the city.
Museums and galleries
Housing a fantastic collection of medieval art is the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo. Look out for sculptures by Donatello and Nicola Pisano, along with paintings by artists including Ghirlandaio, Giunta Pisano and Lippo Memmi. It's a must-visit spot during a weekend in Pisa.
The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo is home to another impressive collection of sculptures and religious artwork. If you have time, try and squeeze in a visit to Palazzo Blu, a restored 14th-century building that regularly hosts temporary exhibitions alongside its collection of works by local artists, mainly created between the 14th and 17th centuries.
Explore the city
Escape the crowds around the Piazza dei Miracoli by taking a stroll along the river, or visiting the lush surroundings of Giardino Scotto to enjoy a picnic among the trees. Head off to explore some of Pisa's wonderful squares, such as Piazza dei Cavalieri, the Square of Knights, home to an impressive statue of Cosimo I de Medici by Pietro Francavilla. Perhaps take a table at one of the many cafés and restaurants dotted around Piazza Alighieri Dante, where you'll be able to take time out to rest your feet and watch the world go by.
Pisa’s Hidden Gems
Pisa offers more than just its famous Leaning Tower. For a deeper dive into the city’s charm during your city break, visit Piazza delle Vettovaglie, a lively square filled with bars and restaurants, especially vibrant in the evenings. Don’t miss San Michele in Borgo, a Romanesque church on Borgo Stretto, Pisa’s main shopping street. For a modern twist, check out Tuttomondo, Keith Haring’s vibrant mural, which adds a splash of colour and contemporary art to the city’s historic streetscape.
Eating and drinking
It's impossible to fully enjoy city breaks in Pisa without sampling the fabulous food and drink on offer. There's a wealth of fine dining restaurants and relaxed cafés to try and it makes complete sense to sample as many as possible.
Hidden down the small alleyway Vicolo del Monte is Il Montino, a restaurant widely considered to sell the best pizzas in the city. If you're looking to start the evening with a cocktail, try the nearby Millibar Ristorante & Pub. With its bare stone walls and simple terracotta floors, La Grotta is known for its wonderful ambience as well as its exceptional food. No short break in Pisa would be complete without trying cecina, a delicious Tuscan flatbread made from chickpea flour. Often served warm and perfectly paired with a glass of local wine, it’s a simple yet satisfying snack.
