When my American, French, or Spanish friends first arrive in Tuscany—especially in Florence—they usually come with the same checklist: visit Cinque Terre, see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and explore the Chianti countryside. And every time, I tell them there’s so much more. These are the guidebook staples, sure—but there’s a richer, more local experience just beyond the obvious.
That’s exactly how it went with Pisa.
Yes, Pisa—one of Italy’s most famous cities. It’s just about an hour from Florence by train, and I promise: this city deserves more than a rushed photo stop at the tower. The Campo dei Miracoli is beautiful, no doubt. But Pisa isn’t just about the tilt.
For me, Pisa truly begins at Ponte Solferino—especially at golden hour. The bridge, the river, the shimmering light: it creates this dreamy, almost unreal atmosphere. It’s the kind of moment you don’t forget.
Everyone knows the Leaning Tower, but what surprised me most is how much more there is to see and feel here. Pisa has a quiet, magnetic beauty. There are hidden gems all over the city that are just as impressive, if not more.
The Piazza dei Miracoli is home to four iconic landmarks:
- The Cathedral of Pisa
- The Baptistery (if you’re lucky, you’ll hear the echo of a guard’s short chant—pure magic)
- The Monumental Cemetery (Camposanto)
- And of course, the Leaning Tower itself. There are 297 steps to the top, and yes—it’s absolutely worth the climb for that view.
But Pisa isn’t short on beautiful churches either. My favorite? Santa Maria della Spina—a tiny Gothic treasure right by the Arno River. Legend says it once held a thorn from Jesus’ crown.
Spending just one day in Pisa can be so much more than ticking off the tower. Grab a gelato and walk along the Arno, wander through quiet piazzas, sip an aperitivo at a tucked-away bar, and look up—always look up. The details will surprise you.
Start your visit at Pisa Centrale station. A short walk brings you to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, then follow Corso Italia into the heart of the city. It’s Pisa’s main artery, buzzing with life, shops, cafés—a great intro to the real Pisa beyond the postcard.
And yes, climb the tower. Just because there’s more to Pisa than the Leaning Tower doesn’t mean you should skip it. It’s famous for a reason—just don’t let it be the only thing you remember.