Pisa, Italy
Italy

How to Spend One Day in Pisa, Italy: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

Pisa is best known for its iconic Leaning Tower, but this Tuscan gem offers much more than just its famous tilt. With a rich history, stunning medieval architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine, Pisa makes for the perfect day-trip destination. If you have just one day in Pisa, follow this itinerary to make the most of your time in this charming Italian city.

Morning: Iconic Landmarks and Historic Sights

Start Your Day at Piazza dei Miracoli

Begin your exploration at Piazza dei Miracoli, one of the most stunning squares in Italy and home to Pisa’s most famous landmarks.

  • Must-See:
    • Leaning Tower of Pisa – One of the most famous buildings in the world
    • Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa) – A masterpiece of Romanesque architecture
    • Baptistery of St. John – The largest baptistery in Italy
    • Camposanto Monumentale – A striking cemetery with medieval frescoes
  • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Entrance Fees:
    • Leaning Tower: €20 (includes tower climb)
    • Cathedral: Free
    • Baptistery & Camposanto: €7 each or €10 combined ticket

Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa

No trip to Pisa is complete without climbing the Leaning Tower! The 294-step ascent offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond.

  • Pro Tip: Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially in peak season.
  • Photo Spot: Capture the classic ‘holding up the tower’ pose for a fun souvenir!

Walk Along Via Santa Maria

After exploring the Piazza dei Miracoli, take a scenic walk down Via Santa Maria, a historic street lined with cafés, boutiques, and local artisan shops.

  • Optional Treat: Grab an espresso and a cornetto (Italian croissant) at Caffè dell’Ussero, one of Pisa’s oldest coffee houses.

Midday: Authentic Tuscan Cuisine and Riverside Views

Lunch at a Traditional Trattoria

Pisa boasts some incredible Tuscan flavors, so take a break and enjoy a delicious meal at a local trattoria.

  • Recommended Restaurants:
    • Osteria dei Cavalieri (great for traditional Tuscan dishes)
    • Ristorante La Scaletta (family-run with a cozy atmosphere)
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Pappa al Pomodoro (Tuscan tomato and bread soup)
    • Tagliolini al Tartufo (homemade pasta with truffle)
    • Cecina (chickpea flatbread, a local specialty)
    • Tiramisu or Cantucci e Vin Santo (almond biscuits with sweet wine)
  • Price Range: €20-35 per person

Walk Along the Arno River and Ponte di Mezzo

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the Arno River, which runs through the heart of Pisa. Stop by Ponte di Mezzo, the city’s main bridge, for spectacular views of the historic buildings lining the river.

  • Must-See:
    • Lungarni di Pisa – The picturesque streets along the riverbanks
    • Santa Maria della Spina – A tiny yet exquisite Gothic church right on the water

Afternoon: Hidden Gems and Cultural Treasures

Explore Piazza dei Cavalieri

Once the political center of Pisa, Piazza dei Cavalieri is home to stunning Renaissance architecture and historical significance.

  • Must-See:
    • Palazzo della Carovana – Designed by Giorgio Vasari, this palace now houses the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore.
    • Statue of Cosimo I de’ Medici – The grand duke of Tuscany
    • Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri – A historic church with a rich naval history
  • Pro Tip: This quieter square offers a nice break from the tourist crowds of Piazza dei Miracoli.

Visit the National Museum of San Matteo

For art and history lovers, the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo offers an impressive collection of medieval paintings, sculptures, and artifacts.

  • Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee: €8
  • Must-See: Medieval wooden sculptures and 13th-century paintings

Evening: Aperitivo and a Romantic Dinner

Enjoy an Aperitivo at Piazza Garibaldi

Before dinner, indulge in the Italian tradition of aperitivo at Piazza Garibaldi, a lively square lined with bars and cafés.

  • Best Aperitivo Spots:
    • Argini e Margini (riverside cocktails and live music)
    • La Bottega del Gelato (try their artisan gelato!)
  • Popular Drinks: Aperol Spritz, Negroni, or a glass of Chianti wine

Dinner at a Scenic Restaurant

End your day in Pisa with a romantic dinner at a traditional Tuscan trattoria or a rooftop restaurant.

  • Recommended Restaurants:
    • Hostaria Le Repubbliche Marinare (rustic setting, amazing seafood)
    • Antica Trattoria il Campano (historic charm and local wines)
  • Must-Try Dinner Dishes:
    • Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Tuscan-style steak, ideal for meat lovers)
    • Pici Cacio e Pepe (handmade pasta with cheese and black pepper)
    • Panforte (a dense, spiced fruitcake from Tuscany)
  • Price Range: €35-50 per person

Final Tips for Visiting Pisa

  • Getting Around: Pisa’s compact city center is best explored on foot. Public buses are available for longer distances (€1.50 per ride).
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
  • Safety Tip: Pisa is safe, but be mindful of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.
  • Language: While Italian is the main language, many locals speak English in tourist areas.

Conclusion

In just one day, you can experience Pisa’s world-famous landmarks, hidden gems, and delicious food. Whether you’re marveling at the Leaning Tower, enjoying Tuscan cuisine, or strolling along the Arno River, Pisa offers an unforgettable taste of Italy’s rich history and culture. With this well-planned itinerary, you’ll leave with wonderful memories and a newfound love for this charming city.

Buon viaggio!