I had the perfect layover in Pisa: Here’s what I did

I’m embarrassed to say how little I knew about Pisa before visiting. And to be honest, it was never on my list of places I really wanted to experience.

Like most people, I knew about the Leaning Tower, and that was pretty much it.

But when the opportunity of a long layover in Pisa presented itself, I jumped on it. And after spending a whirlwind day in this charming Italian city, I realized Pisa has way more to offer than just this one famous landmark.

From stunning piazzas and colorful alleys to delicious street food and a riverside stroll that took me by surprise, Pisa totally won me over.

If you’ve only got one day here, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with the best things to see, do, and eat to make the most of your visit. Let’s go!

How to get around Pisa

I flew into Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei) from Oslo with Ryanair. I only paid €59, including check-in luggage. You can also visit Pisa by direct train from most major Italian cities, including Florence, Rome and Milan.

Getting to the city center from the airport is quick and easy. I was surprised by how close the city is to the airport.

Since I had under 24 hours in Pisa, I booked this B&B just 3 minutes from the airport. As soon as I had dropped off my bags, I walked to the Leaning Tower in under 40 minutes. It was such a nice day with the sun shining and 17°C in February.

Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower

As any first-time visitor to Pisa, I started my day at Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), the heart of the city and home to its most famous sights. Once I rounded the corner, I was literally in awe.

The moment you step into the square, you’ll see a breathtaking open space with bright green grass, surrounded by four stunning white-marble landmarks: the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto (monumental cemetery).

I’m so embarrassed I didn’t know about the Baptistery and the magnificent Pisa Cathedral until now. Bad travel blogger. They are two of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen. You can buy separate or combined tickets here.

Since I got here around noon, it was already very crowded. I could barely find a spot to take photos of the tower. If this weren’t a layover, I would have been here at sunrise to experience the beautiful area in peace.

🏛 The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Let’s be real—this is the reason most people come to Pisa! It’s even more striking in person, tilting dramatically to one side. You’ll see tons of tourists attempting the classic “holding up the tower” pose (yes, it’s silly, but I get it).

If you want to climb to the top, be prepared for a slightly dizzying experience—the 294 steps feel uneven because of the tilt, but the view from the top is so worth it.

Construction started on the tower in 1173 as the freestanding bell tower for Pisa’s Cathedral, but it started tilting soon after due to unstable, soft soil.

Over the centuries, multiple attempts were made to correct the lean, but the tower continued to shift until modern stabilization efforts were completed in 2001, reducing its tilt.

⛪ Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa)

Right next to the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. The intricate marble facade, huge bronze doors, and stunning mosaics inside will blow you away.

I can’t believe it is almost 1000 years old. I got tears in my eyes thinking about the incredibly skilled craftsmen who built this so long ago.

The interior is free to enter, but you need a ticket (which you can get with the tower or Baptistery).

🎶 The Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni)

This round, domed building is the largest Baptistery in the world. It is my favorite building in the complex. I stood in awe just staring at the beautiful Romanesque-Gothic architecture for like ten minutes.

Every 30 minutes, a staff member demonstrates the incredible acoustics by singing a few notes, which echo beautifully around the dome. It’s a must-hear experience!

⚰️ Camposanto Monumentale (Sacred Cemetery)

Often overlooked, this beautiful cemetery has incredible frescoes and a peaceful atmosphere. Legend says the soil here was brought from the Holy Land during the Crusades, making it a “holy field.” If you have extra time, it’s worth a visit. The interior is not what you’d expect.

Next, I stopped at the picturesque Piazza dei Cavalieri. This historic square, once the political center of medieval Pisa, is now a hub of culture and education, featuring the grand Palazzo della Carovana.

A few minutes later, I found myself on Borgo Stretto, one of the most picturesque streets in Pisa, known for its vibrant colors and high-end boutiques. It dates to the Medieval period and the name loosely translates to “narrow village”. At Christmas, there’s a market at the little square.

From there, I wandered down to the Arno River, and wow, it was so beautiful with the reflections of the colorful buildings on the river. I got lucky to visit on a day with no wind. I especially loved Santa Maria della Spina, a tiny but gorgeous Gothic church literally right on the riverbank.

Palazzo Blu, formerly Palace Rosselmini Gualandi, is a museum, identified by its unique blue exterior, that showcases diverse artworks, ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary creations. I visited because I love grand old buildings but didn’t particularly care for the contemporary pieces.

I also squeezed in a little shopping. You’ll find most everyday stores on Corso Italia Street, but also many cute boutiques and galleries throughout the Old Town. Many are set in grand, old buildings; just take a look at the H&M store below.

📸 As I travel solo most of the time, I really miss having someone to take photos of me. It was so crowded by the tower that I didn’t even attempt to use a tripod. This walking tour with a photographer would have been the perfect option had I only known about it.

Food in Pisa

The only thing I love more than history is food. So, of course, I had to book a food tour. I always think it is the best way to get to know a new city. (You can click on the widget below to book the same tour.)

Tuscan cuisine is all about simple, high-quality ingredients, with an emphasis on traditional recipes passed down through generations. The tour brought us to some of the oldest restaurants and bars in Pisa, and our guide Sasha did an incredible job explaining everything.

My favorite was the Pici Cacio e Pepe, it was sooo good. Pici is the traditional thick spaghetti from Tuscany.

I also loved the Cecìna, a savory thin foccacia, almost like a pancake, made from chickpea flour, water, olive oil and salt. It is soft inside and crisp on the outside.

For dinner, before I headed back to the hotel, I bought a pizza slice from Po’stò Cafè Pisa, right by Piazza dei Miracoli. I can highly recommend it if you need to grab something on the go.

Also, try L’Ostellino if you’re in the mood for a loaded sandwich, La Bottega del Gelato for, you guessed it, gelato, and Il Ristoro della Pe’ for the most mouthwatering pasta you’ve ever had.

And that’s a wrap on my perfect day in Pisa. If you want more Italy inspiration, check out:

👀 Rome >> Where to stay in Rome: This is how you find the right area for you

👀 Matera >> I spent a week in a cave in Matera with the most stunning view

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