Pisa is in Tuscany, one of my favourite Italian regions. Whilst historically the city one of Italy’s most important maritime republics, nowadays it is mostly known for the famous leaning tower. Supposedly, this was the place where Galileo demonstrated gravity in 1589, and you’ll find that the city has many more secrets still to discover. If you are looking to spend 48 hours in Pisa, then this quick itinerary will help you get the most out of your time in this Tuscan gem. Enjoy!
48 Hours in Pisa
Getting there
Pisa, located in the Tuscany region of Italy, is well-connected and easy to reach. By air, the Galileo Galilei International Airport is just a short distance from the city centre. Here you’ll find flights from other major European cities and these run frequently.
The Pisa Centrale railway station is as a key stop on Italy’s train network. This means that it is highly accessible from cities like Florence, Rome, and Milan. Train costs vary, but they are significantly cheaper than those in the UK.
For those traveling by car, the A12 and A11 motorways connect Pisa to the rest of the country. Once in Pisa, public transport (buses) run frequently. However, much of main sights can be seen within a 25 minute walk.
Where to stay
For a central experience, consider staying near the Piazza dei Miracoli. This is where you’ll find the Leaning Tower and other major landmarks.
Boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in this area provide both convenience and picturesque views. If you prefer quieter surroundings, the neighbourhoods along the Arno River or slightly outside the city centre offer tranquil stays with easy access to public transport. Budget travellers can find hostels and guesthouses, while those seeking luxury can opt for upscale hotels or historic villas.
Here are my personal recommendations depending on what you are after.
Accommodation Type | Hotel Name |
Budget Traveller | Hotel Bologna |
Modern Chic | The Rif – Boutique Hotel |
Luxury | Prato dei Miracoli Residenza d’Epoca |
Where to eat
Pisa is a great foodie destination and there are plenty of options for indulging in authentic Tuscan cuisine.
If you fancy a taste of the traditional Pisa, then I would suggest Osteria di Culegna. Here you’ll find a warm, cosy atmosphere alongside traditional dishes like pici pasta (Hand-rolled thick pasta, often served with cacio e pepe or a hearty meat ragu) or bistecca alla Fiorentina. Another great option is La Taverna di Emma.
For those after a more modern take on Italian flavours, then Pisa has you covered again. I would suggest that you try Ristorante alle Bandierine, which serves some authentic dishes, but with modern takes. Pizza is always a good idea and Il Montino has been serving Pisa well since the 19th Century. Here you can find plenty of different styles and some incredible pizza.
If you, like me, are a coffee enthusiast, then you will definitely enjoy Filter Coffee Lab, a trendy café offering specialty brews and delicious pastries.
Local Specialities
Pisa and Tuscany have plenty of local specialities that I would recommend. These include:
Cecina: Effectively a savoury crepe, but made with chickpea flour, olive oil and water. You’ll often find this as street food.
Torta co’ bischeri: A local and traditional pie that acts as a dessert. It is traditionally filled with chocolate, rice and nuts.
Baccalà alla Pisana: A delicious salted piece of cod, cooked in a tomato sauce with potatoes and herbs.
Pappa al pomodoro: A thick soup made from stale bread, ripe tomatoes, olive oil, and basil. An absolute staple and extremely simple.
Risotto al nero di seppia: A flavourful black risotto, which is actually made with cuttlefish ink!
Farinata di cavolo nero: This soup is one for those colder days and features black cabbage, beans and cornmeal.
Castagnaccio: A thick and dense chestnut flour cake, filled with pine nuts, raisins and rosemary.
Cinghiale in umido: This is a dish that calls back to the hunting traditions of Tuscany. It comprises of wild boar that is stewed with wine, tomatoes and local herbs.
What to see with 48 hours in Pisa
There is plenty to see with 48 hours in Pisa. As I said before, many of the main attractions can be found within a 25 minute walk radius, and getting around is easy. Here are my top recommendations of how to spend your two days.
Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles)/ Piazza del Duomo
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the main square has many of the main sights of Pisa. Firstly is of course the Leaning Tower, which you can actually climb up for just €18 euros. Nearby is the Cathedral (Duomo), a grand building which is adorned with intricate marble details. In the square is also the Baptistery of St John, and Camposanto Monumentale, which is a peaceful cemetery with beautiful frescoes and a fascinating history.
Tip: Unsurprisingly, this area gets very busy so I would recommend getting here as early as you can. This is especially important if you want to snap some pictures without the crowds.
Santa Maria della Spina
The Santa Maria della Spina is a small but stunning Gothic church which you can find along the Arno River in Pisa. It was built in the 13th century and is renowned for its unique marble facade, which is covered with delicate carvings, spires, and statues. The church was originally built to house a relic of Christ’s crown of thorns and the building dates back to the 13th century. It is well worth visiting.
Borgo Stretto
Borgo Stretto, or the “narrow village”. is the main shopping street in Pisa. It features historic arcades and boutique shops, and plenty of culture. It is found just under a mile away from the Leaning Tower and is perfect for people watching, shopping or even tucking in to some delicious food. Here you’ll also find some landmarks too, like the Church of San Michele in Borgo.
Ponte di Mezzo
Ponte di Mezzo is Pisa’s main, and most historical, bridge, dating back to the 13th Century. It connects the northern and southern part of the city across the Arno River. On either side of this iconic landmark are picturesque colourful buildings and small cafes. It has to be one of the most picture perfect places in Pisa and I think makes for an ideal spot for a coffee.
Keith Haring Mural – Tuttomondo
The Church of Sant’Antonio Abate has one of the most iconic murals in Italy; Tuttomondo by Keith Haring. It spans an entire wall of the church and has incredibly bright colours symbolising peace, unity and social justice.
Pisa’s Museums
The Museo Nazionale di San Matteo is perfect for people wanting to get their art and history fix. It is housed in an old Benedictine monastery and harbours an incredible collection of art from both the medieval and Renaissance periods. Another excellent museum is the Palazzo Blu. Once again it is found in a beautifully restored historic building and features art spanning from medieval to modern eras. Both of these places are definitely worth seeing, if not just for the stunning buildings.
Piazza dei Cavalieri
The Piazza dei Cavalieri translates as ‘The Knights’ Square” and acts as the second main square in Pisa. Interestingly enough, the square was once the political centre in the medieval city but, at some point after the mid 16th century, the square was transformed into the headquarters of the Order of the Knights of St Stephen (a Tuscan dynastic military order). Nowadays, the piazza is the city’s epicentre for education and is the location of the Scuola Normale di Pisa, part of the university. You’ll also find the Palazzo della Carovana, designed by Giorgio Vasari.
Giardino Scotto
Giardino Scotto is a one of the best open spaces in Pisa and is the perfect escape from the business of the city. You’ll find immaculate lawns, fountains and plenty of walking paths. Tip: The Giardino Scotto has events that run throughout the year, so make sure that you read ahead.
Local Markets
For the best markets nearby, head to Piazza delle Vettovaglie. These feature a variety of local, fresh produce, ranging from cheeses, meats, and handmade goods. It is also a perfect location to build a makeshift lunch!
Day Trips from Pisa
Truthfully you could probably see the sights of Pisa within a day due to the city’s compact nature. So, why not spend your remaining time in the city venturing out into the surrounding area. There are so many beautiful places just a short journey away. Here are some of my favourites:
Florence (1 Hour by Train): Discover Renaissance art and architecture, including the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio.
Lucca (30 Minutes by Train): Stroll along its well-preserved city walls, visit the San Michele in Foro church, and enjoy its charming streets.
Chianti Region (1.5 Hours by Car): Embark on a wine and olive oil tasting tour in this world-famous region of rolling hills.
Carrara (1 Hour by Car): Explore the marble quarries that have supplied artists like Michelangelo, or take a guided tour to learn about the industry’s history.
Montecatini Terme (1 Hour by Train): Relax in this historic spa town, famous for its thermal waters and art nouveau architecture.
Final Thoughts | 48 Hours in Pisa
48 hours in Pisa gives you enough time to enjoy the main sights of the city and, if you want, to explore further afield. Whilst the city is predominantly known for the famous leaning tower, I hope that I’ve shown you that there is so much more to see here. Let me know if you have any questions or want any more details; I would love to hear from you.