How to Spend 24 Hours in Pisa, Italy

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Pisa is a university town in Italy renowned for its art and architectural treasures, most notably the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

I had some hesitation about visiting Pisa, as many people had told us it was a lot of hype and after you’d seen the Leaning Tower, you’d completed Pisa. I slightly disagree with that as there is more to Pisa than just the tower. However, a day or two is enough to see the highlights.

So keep reading to learn how to spend 24 hours in Pisa Italy.

Getting to Pisa, Italy

By Plane

From Pisa International Airport you can hop on the Pisa Mover which will take you to Pisa Centrale station in less than 5 minutes. It runs from 6 am to Midnight with regular departures, check out the full timetable here. Pisa isn’t massive so most central accommodations will be within walking distance of the train station.

The distance from the airport to the city centre is about 5km. You’ll find a taxi rank outside the airport should you want a more direct transfer to your accommodation/city centre.

By Train

Pisa Centrale is well-connected to the Italian train network, with direct trains to Florence, Rome, Cinque Terre (La Spezia), Livorno, Genoa and Naples. If you are visiting multiple destinations in Italy or taking day trips the trains are a very affordable mode of transport, particularly if you book them in advance.

I booked all my trains in Italy through Trainline which helped me manage the planning and find the cheapest seats, check out the best offers here.

How to Spend 24 Hours in Pisa, Italy

To start the day right in Pisa, I would head straight to the main attraction and the earlier the better. The Field of Miracles (Piazza del Duomo) is where you will find the Leaning Tower of Pisa, along with 3 other significant structures; the Cathedral, the Baptistery and Camposanto (the cemetery). You will need a ticket to enter any of the structures and if you want to climb the Leaning Tower you’ll need to book tickets a few weeks in advance.

Spend the morning exploring this wonderful square at your own pace, choosing the buildings you want to visit. Or maybe you are there to get the perfect Instagram shot of you and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I enjoyed simply sitting in the square and watching people get creative with their photoshoots of the tower.

If you don’t mind groups, you can take a guided tour of this historic square to learn more about these architectural wonders, check it out here.

Next, it’s time to refuel away from the crowds and grab a coffee and maybe some lunch. I recommend Filter Coffee Lab, only a short walk from the Piazza del Duomo it serves delicious coffee and has a brunch-style menu, that will have you back to exploring in no time.

After a little stop, head back to the Piazza del Duomo and at the back of the square, behind the baptistery, you will find one of the Pisa City Wall entrances. These walls are some of the oldest in Italy, with the construction of the city walls around the Piazza del Duomo beginning in 1155.

Following many years of restoration, you can now walk along these ancient city walls for 3km leading you from the Piazza del Duomo through the city and ending near the riverside. Tickets cost 5 euros and can be purchased from the entrance tower. We barely saw anyone else whilst walking on the walls, got great views of the Leaning Tower and learnt more about the city and less famous monuments thanks to signs along the walls and the free app you can download for the walk. It’s a fabulous and underrated activity for your 24 hours in Pisa.

Once you have completed a stroll along the Pisa City Walls you’ll come down the Torre di Legno and find yourself alongside the River Arno which flows throughout Pisa. Strolling along the riverside is the perfect afternoon activity, perhaps with a gelato in hand. On a sunny day you’ll find people sitting up on the riverside walls, reading books, chatting with friends or soaking up the afternoon rays. All fantastic options if you ask me.

Did you know? The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the world’s most monitored buildings thanks to its famous flaw. Sensors on and around the tower give hourly readings on temperature levels, wind velocity, soil movement, and micro-fissures, to ensure this treasured landmark doesn’t lean too far.

From the riverside, wander over to Borgo Stretto, a well-known shopping street in Pisa. It’s not only shopping that draws visitors here the buildings alongside the street are an attraction in themselves. It is an example of traditional Tuscan designs, with wooden shutters, wrought-iron balconies, and colourful facades.

As the sun begins to lower and you start nearing the end of your day, you might find yourself a little peckish for some Italian food. Along some of the more popular streets of Pisa, you can be overwhelmed by the choice of restaurants, especially with persuasive hosts trying to drag you in as you ponder a menu. So to make it simple for you I recommend trying Ristoro Pecorino, it’s close to the tourist hotspots and the food and service are wonderful.

To end the day right stop by the wine bar Le Parisien and enjoy a glass or two whilst soaking up the last moments of your time in Pisa.