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- Georgina D'Angelo
What to See in Pisa in One Day: Ultimate 1-Day Itinerary
Updated: 7 days ago
The city of Pisa, Italy, located in the Tuscany region, is quite small and yet it offers so much charm, history, and art. You do not want to miss out on all the wonder Pisa has to offer! There’s more to see than just the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and there’s lots of great food and drinks to be enjoyed.
Pisa is a popular place to visit, but I found that most people you see are locals. You'll see more people riding their Vespas to work, or families walking to and from school than you will large groups of tourists.
If you want to experience an iconic Italian city without the overflow of tourists, then Pisa is for you. The Leaning Tower and the surrounding Piazza del Duomo are very busy, but once you’re away from this small area, the streets aren’t crowded.
I spent 3 days exploring this beautiful Italian city, but even one day will give you plenty of time to admire the best parts of Pisa, Italy. So if you’re planning a day trip to Pisa, check out what to see in Pisa in one day!
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Where to Stay in Pisa
Pisa is on the smaller side of cities; it's much smaller than Rome and Florence. There are many hotels and Airbnbs/guesthouses in Pisa, so finding the best accommodation really depends on your travel style. However, the places below are well worth considering.
La Lu Hotel | Breakfast Included, $130 night average
La Perla del Borgo B&B | Breakfast Included, $153 nightly average
Casa San Tommaso | Great Location, $79-140 nightly average
Studio in Medieval Tower (Airbnb) | Airbnb, great location ($81/night)
Best Time to Visit Pisa
Pisa is wonderful any time of year, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do and what weather you enjoy traveling in. Pisa is the least crowded in winter, from around November through March. However this is the coldest time.
Pisa is warm during the summer, from May through August, but these months will also be the busiest. Generally, the busier it is, the more expensive accommodation will be, and the less busy, the cheaper it will be.
Overall, if you're okay with traveling in cooler weather, the best time to visit Pisa is September through October or March through April.
Before You Visit Pisa, Italy
Make the most of your trip and enjoy your time in the country of Italy with these guides. Prepare for you trip to Pisa and you'll be able to enjoy it so much more!
What to do in Pisa in One Day Overview
Breakfast at Filter Coffee Lab
Leaning Tower of Pisa and Piazza del Duomo
Lunch at Ristoro Pecorino
Tuttomondo
Gelato Break at Gelateria De’ Coltelli
Stroll Down to the River Arno
Dinner at I Porci Comodi
While Pisa is a relatively small Italian city, there are many things to see and do that keep you busy while exploring its streets. But if you only have a short time in this quaint Tuscan city, here's just what to do in Pisa for one day.
Breakfast at Filter Coffee Lab
Grab a yummy breakfast meal and delicious coffee or tea at Filter Coffee Lab to start your day of Pisa adventures.
This cafe has many options when it comes to drinks, pastries, and food, so there will be something for everyone here. We loved Filter Coffee Lab so much, that we went three days in a row!
Leaning Tower and Piazza del Duomo
You simply cannot go to Pisa, Italy without visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa! While you’re by the tower, stick around and enjoy the rest of the historic sites and museums around the Piazza del Duomo.
You can buy tickets that allow you to enter the Cathedral and the Leaning Tower at a reserved time slot. If you have any more time, check out the Camposanto, Battistero di San Giovanni (Pisa Baptistery), Sinopie Museum, and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (Opera Museum).
There is a lot to see here, but if you’re short on time, you should definitely check out at least a few of these places.
Lunch at Ristoro Pecorino
Enjoy a delicious pasta or pizza meal for lunch at Ristoro Pecorino. We tried multiple pastas here, as well as appetizers, and everything was delicious. One of our favorites was the Pici Cacio e Pepe, and an Aperol Spritz is also a must-add to your meal here!
READ ALSO: How to Get to Cinque Terre
Tuttomondo & Piazza Vittoria Emanuele II
Are you a fan of murals or street art? Head over to “Tuttomondo” next and admire this vibrant artwork completed by the late Keith Haring. “Tuttomondo,” meaning “All World,” is a tribute to peace in the world and living in harmony together.
This is a beautiful piece of art, and definitely worth the walk if you have time! It's located near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II which is a nice area to stroll around; there are shops and restaurants here.
Gelato Break at Gelateria De’ Coltelli
Wander down to this delicious gelateria, and grab some of the best gelato in Italy. Gelateria De’ Coltelli is an original, family-run gelateria located right next to the Arno River in Pisa. They are known for their one-of-a-kind flavors.
They have a few staples, like vanilla and caramel, but they also have unique flavors like goat cheese macadamia nut. We loved every flavor we tried, even the ones we weren’t sure about. You do not want to miss out on this gelato!
Stroll Down to the River Arno
Once you have a gelato in hand, take a stroll down the Arno River. Enjoy the city coming to life as the evening approaches. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful houses and architecture lining the river while you eat your delicious gelato.
And you can immerse yourself in an authentic night in Pisa while people begin meeting their friends and family and going out for dinner. Don't forget to snap some photos of an iconic Pisa view.
Dinner at I Porci Comodi
Enjoy dinner at I Porci Comodi, an upscale sandwich shop known for its rather unique and incredible sandwiches. We ordered the Capriccio Vegetale and the Il Panino di Corinna; both were delicious and great vegetarian options!
They also have soups, hot dishes, meat and cheese platters, and desserts. This is a great option for dinner after a busy day exploring Pisa, as it’s delicious, affordable, and very filling.
Bonus: Botanical Garden and Museum
If you find you have a couple of extra hours during your day, head to the Pisa's Botanical Garden and Museum. This lush garden is perfect for you outdoor lovers who always add a slice of nature to your trips.
Covering almost five acres of land, this botanic garden hosts plants from all around the world. There are multiple gardens to meander through and admire all the different flowers.
There's even a succulent greenhouse. It's well worth a visit if you have a few hours to spend here!
Have more than 24 hours in Pisa?
Check out the best free things to do in Pisa to explore more of the city without spending a fortune! This small Italian city will surprise you; there's lots to see and do in Pisa.
READ ALSO: Ultimate 2-Day Florence Itinerary
What to See in Pisa in One Day: FAQ
Is Pisa worth visiting?
Pisa is worth visiting if you have an extra day or two to fill while in Italy. It makes for a great day trip or overnight trip from nearby cities like Florence and Rome.
Pisa isn't a large city which makes it convenient to explore in a short time. There are some iconic places you don't want to miss in Pisa, like the Leaning Tower and the Arno River.
Is one night in Pisa enough?
One night in Pisa is plenty. You can easily explore the best parts of the city with just one day in Pisa. It's not very large, and most sights and activities are within walking distance.
I stayed three days in Pisa and found I had seen most of the city after 2 days. If you have extra time, you can find more things to do here, but overall, one night in Pisa is plenty.
Is Pisa a walkable city?
Pisa is a very walkable city which is another reason that one day is plenty of time to explore. Because it's not a big city, Pisa is easy to get around on foot.
In fact, you don't want to rent a car in Pisa because many neighborhoods are specifically for locals to drive in (a special permit is required).
Is Pisa worth a day trip?
Pisa is best explored on a day trip or overnight trip from a bigger city like Rome or Florence. You can see many of the most popular sights of Pisa in just 1 day.
If you have the time, add on a day trip to Pisa to your Italy itinerary and see for yourself the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, Arno River, and more.
Is there more to do in Florence or Pisa?
Florence is a much bigger city than Pisa. While both places are worth visiting, Pisa makes for a great day trip from Florence. I recommend staying in Florence as your base and visiting Pisa for a day or overnight trip.
24 Hours in Pisa, Italy
This 1-day in Pisa Itinerary is made up of some of my favorite activities I found in Pisa. There’s so much more to see here, but if you only have one day, you have to check these all off your list!
Stop by the iconic Leaning Tower and check out the magnificent details of the cathedral. Grab a delicious Tuscan lunch, and don't forget an Aperol spritz and a gelato too! Pisa is a relatively small Italian city, but it's so charming and welcoming you don't want to miss it.
Plan to spend a couple of nights here or even stop by on a day trip from Rome or Florence. Explore the best of Pisa and see for yourself how lovely this city is. Ciao, buon viaggio. Have a nice trip to Pisa, Italy!
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