Free walking tours in Pisa and what to see

Must-sees

A visit to Pisa begins on the Square of Miracles, the monumental complex declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Rising from the grass are the cathedral, in white marble and Pisan Romanesque style, the round baptistery and the bell tower, the famous Leaning Tower, which you can climb. The Camposanto, an old monumental cemetery with a cloister and remains of frescoes, closes off the square.

It is worth staying a little longer and heading down into the centre. Piazza dei Cavalieri, home of the Scuola Normale Superiore, was the political heart of the medieval city. Borgo Stretto, with its arcades, is a lively shopping street, and the walks along the Arno, known as the Lungarni, offer good views. On the riverbank stands the small church of Santa Maria della Spina, in richly decorated Gothic.

Free tours and guided visits

Pisa has free walking tours of the city, which usually cover the Square of Miracles and the historic centre. There are also guided tours of the cathedral and the baptistery with a climb up the Leaning Tower, and skip-the-line tickets for the tower and the cathedral with an audio guide. If you are flying in, there is a direct bus between Pisa airport and Florence, handy for combining the two cities.

How long to spend

Many people see Pisa on a half-day trip, enough for the Square of Miracles and the climb up the tower. If you also want to see the centre, the Lungarni and Piazza dei Cavalieri, allow a full day. Pisa combines well with Lucca, a short train ride away, or as a first stop if you land at its airport.

Where to stay

Staying near the Square of Miracles lets you see the tower early in the morning or at dusk, when there are fewer people. The historic centre, between Borgo Stretto and the Lungarni, has more atmosphere and restaurants. The central station area is practical if you are travelling by train or have an early flight, as the airport is very close.