What To See in Pisa in a Day: A Complete Guide to Making the Most of Your Visit

Pisa

Pisa is that rare Italian city where you can truly see all the main highlights in a single day. Famous and recognised worldwide for its leaning tower, this Tuscan city (though small) boasts an impressive historical heritage. In just a few hours, it is possible to visit its most iconic monuments, wander through the old town, enjoy the local gastronomy, and stroll along the banks of the River Arno.

In this guide, we’ll tell you what to see in Pisa in a day, how to organise your visit, and offer some tips to make the most of your time. ver en Pisa en un día, cómo organizar tu visita y algunos consejos para aprovechar al máximo tu día.

Why Pisa is Worth A Visit

Pisa is usually an almost mandatory stop if you are visiting Florence, but the city has enough of its own appeal to justify a full visit, even if you only have one day available. Its historic centre allows you to explore its most important monuments on foot, while enjoying  its squares, streets, and hidden corners alongside the Arno.

The Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Monumental Cemetery form a unique ensemble in the world, joined by streets, squares, and a gastronomy that surprises with its simplicity. Pisa combines history, art, and a university atmosphere, offering everything needed for a complete experience in just a few hours.

A Day in Pisa: The Essentials

To make the most of your day in Pisa, we suggest a route that allows you to explore all the city's most interesting corners.

The Leaning Tower

The symbol of the city and one of the most visited monuments in Italy, the tower is undoubtedly an essential stop and the perfect starting point for discovering the rest of Pisa.

Standing 55 metres tall across eight storeys, it took 177 years to complete and is actually the bell tower (campanile) of the Cathedral. But why is it called the Leaning Tower? It’s all due to a foundational error that occurred right at the start of its construction in 1173.

Interestingly, the Tower of Pisa was closed to the public for several years, from 1990 until 2011.

Top tip: If you don’t want to miss the views from the top, we recommend booking your tickets well in advance, as there is a limited daily quota.

Pisa Cathedral (The Duomo)

Located right next to the Tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli, the cathedral is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Its white and grey marble façade, along with its imposing bronze doors, makes it a spectacular monument. The interior does not disappoint: Corinthian columns, wooden ceilings, and black-and-white marble floors create a space just as impressive as the exterior.

It is believed that the construction of the cathedral was made possible thanks to war booty seized in 1063.

The Baptistery

Another place you cannot miss in Pisa is the Baptistery, dedicated to St John the Baptist and considered the largest in Italy.

At a similar height to the famous Leaning Tower, this white marble jewel combines elements of Romanesque and Gothic art. While the interior may seem sober at first glance, it is nonetheless impressive: the octagonal baptismal font in the centre and the 1260 pulpit by artist Nicola Pisano are true wonders.

Don’t miss the Baptistery’s famous acoustics, which are demonstrated every 30 minutes. Head up the side stairs to the upper floor for a unique perspective of both the building's interior and the entire Piazza dei Miracoli.

The Monumental Cemetery (Camposanto)

Completing the ensemble of the Piazza dei Miracoli is the Camposanto Monumental, a historic cemetery housing frescoes and sculptures of great artistic value. Walking through its cloisters offers a peaceful, cultural experience—ideal for understanding the city's history.

Piazza dei Cavalieri

After visiting the Piazza dei Miracoli, walk for a few minutes to the Piazza dei Cavalieri, the former seat of political power in Pisa. Here you will find the prestigious Scuola Normale di Pisa, a historic building with stunning architecture. The square itself is worth a pause to take in the details of its palaces and enjoy the university atmosphere that defines the city.

Borgo Stretto

Continuing through the historic centre, you’ll reach Borgo Stretto, one of Pisa's liveliest streets. Its arcades, shops, and cafés are perfect for a leisurely stroll to discover daily life in the city. It’s the ideal spot to grab a coffee, enjoy an aperitivo, or pick up a traditional souvenir.

A stroll along the River Arno and Santa Maria della Spina

To finish your tour, head towards the River Arno, crossing one of its bridges for a relaxing walk by the water. In this area, you’ll find the church of Santa Maria della Spina, a small but delicate Gothic temple and one of the most photogenic spots in Pisa. The San Martino district, on the other side of the river, offers a more local, less touristy perspective of the city.

How to get to Pisa

There are several ways to reach Pisa depending on your starting point and travel plans, but the most convenient option, and the one most travellers choose, is to book a hire car. You can choose to collect your vehicle directly at Pisa Airport if you are flying in, or in Florence if you are visiting Pisa as a day trip.

One of the great advantages of Pisa is that it has its own airport, the Galileo Galilei International Airport, located just a short distance from the historic centre. If Pisa is your arrival point, hiring a car directly at the airport allows you to start your journey the moment you land. It is the ideal choice if you plan to continue your route through Tuscany afterwards. Using DoYouItaly, you can compare the best deals from leading rental companies in seconds and choose the one that best fits your budget and travel style.

On the other hand, many travellers visit Pisa as a day trip from Florence or other Tuscan cities. In this case, hiring a car in Florence is a very practical alternative, as the journey is short and allows you to organise the day your way, making stops along the road or combining your visit to Pisa with other nearby destinations.

In short, while there are other ways to get to Pisa, a hire car is the most comfortable and flexible option, whether you are heading straight to the city or including it as part of a wider Italian road trip.