Things to do in Pisa

A marble square in a river city

Pisa's famous sights stand together in the north-west corner of the old city, on Piazza del Duomo, better known as Piazza dei Miracoli and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The Baptistery, the Cathedral, the Leaning Tower and the long Camposanto rise in white marble from the grass. Beyond the square, Pisa is a university city on the Arno: Vasari's Piazza dei Cavalieri, the arcaded shops of Borgo Stretto, the little Gothic church of Santa Maria della Spina on the riverbank and, near the station, Keith Haring's Tuttomondo mural of 1989. Tower climbs run on timed slots in limited numbers, so book ahead, and every climber must be at least 8 years old. The Cathedral opens to visitors from 10:00, and access is limited during Mass and services, mainly on Sundays and religious holidays. Pisa San Rossore station is a 5–10 minute walk from the square; from Pisa Centrale allow 20–30 minutes on foot, or take bus line 1+ to the Torre 1 stop. Florence is about an hour away, so Pisa fits easily into a half day or a day trip.

Good to know