Is Pisa Worth It?
Pisa, Italy, has one major worldwide claim to fame: they have a 900-year-old tower and it leans precariously. Each day tourists and cruise excursionists from all over the world swarm over the Field of Miracles to gawk and take photos of themselves appearing to hold up the tower with their own two hands. But should you make a day trip to Pisa? Is Pisa worth it?
Since I was a child, that leaning tower has held a certain mystique for me. I simply knew that I had to see it one day in the charming Italian town of Pisa on the Arno River.
The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa is the bell tower that was built to go with the great cathedral of Pisa. The complex of buildings there—the cathedral, bell tower, baptistery, and camposanto—are known as the Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli). I’ve also heard it referred to as the Field of Miracles (Campo dei Miracoli).
The Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, Italy, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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How to get to Pisa by train
We visited Pisa on a day trip from Florence. It was an easy train ride of about an hour to an hour and 30 minutes (depending on which train you take).
Italian regional trains are easy to use. You can check the schedule on the Trenitalia website ahead of time to help you plan your day. There is a frequent service of trains from Florence.
Keep in mind that the Trenitalia website uses the Italian city names, so you’ll be looking for trains from Firenze S. M. Novella (the Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence) to Pisa Centrale.
On the results page, you can click on the little “i” next to the train number to see what stops each train makes. We took the 8:05 a.m. train that got us to Pisa at 9:22 a.m. Regionale Veloce trains will get you to Pisa faster, but may not run at the time you want to travel.
To check the schedule for your return trip, I recommend using the free DB Navigator app. This is a German app, but includes the Italian train timetables. We used the app to help us decide what train we wanted to take back to Florence.
We didn’t bother buying our regional train tickets in advance online. The automatic ticket machines at the station were easy and fast to use. The roundtrip price total was quite reasonable.
Do not forget that your train ticket needs to be validated before you board the train. Trenitalia validation machines will be located on or near your platform. You can also buy and validate tickets through the Trenitalia app.
While neither of us was asked to show our ticket on either the train ride to or from Pisa, the penalty for getting caught without a validated ticket is steep and you are expected to pay immediately.
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Getting from Pisa Centrale train station to the Field of Miracles
To get to the Field of Miracles (or Square of Miracles) from the Pisa train station, you can take a taxi or bus if you’re pressed for time. But if you can, I think you should take the time to enjoy a slow stroll through the city. It will take you about 25 – 30 minutes.
If you have an hour, try the Rick Steves walking tour of Pisa (found in his Florence & Tuscany Guidebook) which starts at the station and ends at the cathedral.
Food in Pisa
If you want to eat in Pisa, I would strongly recommend you not eat anywhere near the Leaning Tower.
Those restaurants, while convenient, are not good. We made this mistake (against our better judgment) because we were tired and hungry…and it was convenient. If we were to go back to Pisa someday, we’d pack lunch.
On your way back to the Pisa train station, stop for gelato at Gelateria de’ Coltelli (just steps from the Ponte di Mezzo). The lemon basil sorbet is one of the best things I’ve ever put in my mouth.
Read More → Day Trip Packing List Essentials
Buying tickets
The complex of monuments in Pisa known as the Field of Miracles (Square of Miracles) includes a cathedral (duomo), baptistery, bell tower, and enclosed cemetery (the Camposanto). There is also the Sinopie Museum and Opera Museum.
The Opera del Duomo Museum houses important artworks from the cathedral complex for their preservation. The Sinopie Museum preserves and protects the “sinopia,” the preparatory sketches done for the frescoes of the Camposanto.
They were discovered when the frescoes that survived the Pisa firebombing in World War II were removed for restoration. These sketches were also removed so they could be preserved in the museum
You can buy entrance tickets for the Field of Miracles monuments up to 90 days in advance and up to the day before your visit. You can cancel or change your reservation up until 24 hours before your visit.
Entrance to the cathedral is free.
If you have purchased a ticket to any other Field of Miracles monuments you can use that ticket to get into the cathedral at any time on the day of your visit; however, if you only want to see the cathedral (again, for free) you will need to get a fixed time free pass from the ticket office on site.
The Cathedral
The cathedral interior recently underwent a four-year restoration project that was completed in time for the 900th anniversary of the cathedral’s consecration in September 1118.
If you don’t have a fixed time to enter the cathedral, I recommend getting there well before noon. As you get on in the day, the piazza and cathedral will be overrun with tour groups from cruises. We got to the cathedral between 10:30 and 11 a.m. and had to wait just a few minutes to get in.
We discovered that, though the area around the Field of Miracles was swamped with tourists, very few were actually going into any of the sites that require a ticket, except the cathedral since it is free. That was our experience anyway.
The Baptistery
The tower isn’t the only building at the Field of Miracles that leans; the baptistery does also. And it’s the largest baptistery in Italy.
While in the baptistery, be respectful of their request for quiet. Every 30 minutes or so, the attendant on duty offers a demonstration of the astonishing reverb by singing a few notes. Other than that, there is to be quiet inside the building.
Take a few minutes to take the stairs up to the gallery overlooking the main floor and a view of the cathedral windows.
The Camposanto
The Camposanto (holy field) was my favorite thing at the Field of Miracles. The enclosed cemetery was established in 1277. During WWII the Camposanto was severely damaged by fire caused by an Allied incendiary bomb.
The fire melted the lead in the roof which dripped onto the marble floor of the interior passageways, leaving them pitted and uneven. The centuries-old frescoes were also badly damaged.
While we were there, we enjoyed taking a few minutes to watch the fresco restorers at work.
The restoration had been going on for decades and the most famous fresco “The Triumph of Death” returned to its rightful home in June 2018.
The Bell Tower
The bell tower, best known by its affectionate nickname the Leaning Tower of Pisa, is most likely why you are considering a visit to Pisa.
You can climb the bell tower if you wish for an extra fee above what you paid for entrance to the other monuments. You’ll need to reserve a time to climb the 273 stairs. In my view, the wonder of the tower is its exterior and not what you can see from the top of the tower, so we passed on the extra cost.
How long should you plan to spend in Pisa?
We arrived in Pisa at 9:30 a.m. and took about an hour to walk from the train station to the Field of Miracles, doing the Rick Steves walking tour.
Allow about two hours to see the cathedral and monuments without climbing up the Leaning Tower. If you do the tower climb, I’d recommend adding an additional 30 minutes to an hour.
Plan on an hour for lunch if you don’t bring it with you (which, again, is what I would do if I ever return to Pisa). Add to that 30 minutes to walk back to the train station. And don’t forget to stop for gelato!
All told we spent five hours in Pisa without rushing any of our sightseeing…or eating.
You could easily spend a full day in Pisa, but you certainly don’t need to. If what you want to do is just check the Leaning Tower off of your travel bucket list, it won’t take much time.
Other things to do in Pisa
If you’re looking for other things to do in Pisa, Italy, you won’t be disappointed. This city offers many more historical sites and cultural attractions beyond just the famous Piazza del Duomo and leaning tower.
Piazza dei Cavalieri
The Piazza dei Cavalieri is a beautiful square in the heart of Pisa. It’s home to some of the city’s most important landmarks, including the Palazzo della Carovana and the Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri.
The Palazzo della Carovana is a stunning building that was once the home of the Knights of St. Stephen. It’s now the main building of the Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa (a public university).
Santa Maria della Spina
The Santa Maria della Spina is a beautiful church in Pisa on the Arno River. This church is known for its beautiful Gothic architecture. The church was built in the early 13th century, and it is one of the most important Gothic churches in Italy.
The name “della Spina” means “of the thorn.” The church was given this name because at one time it housed a relic that was supposed to be a thorn from Christ’s crown of thorns.
Botanical Garden and Museum
Consider visiting the Botanical Garden and Museum in Pisa. The Botanical Garden was founded in 1543, and it was the first university botanical garden in the world. They’ve been at their current location since 1591. This historical garden is home to approximately 3,000 species of plants. The entry fee is only a few euros.
Shop the Corso Italia
The Corso Italia is a main shopping street in Pisa. It’s full of shops from major retailers, plus you can easily find touristy souvenirs here. If you walk from the Pisa Centrale train station to the Piazza dei Miracoli you’ll likely take this street.
Borgo Stretto is another shopping street in Pisa that you could check out if you have time.
Is Pisa worth visiting? The bottom line
If you’re like me and you’ve wanted to see that famous leaning tower basically your whole life, then yes. Why not take a day or part of a day out of your trip to see Pisa?
And if it’s your first time in Tuscany, I think seeing these beautiful buildings should definitely be on your itinerary. Will it be full of tourists? Sure, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t see it once.
It’s a charming town and the day trip is not expensive. Having said that, the next time we find ourselves in Tuscany we’ll more than likely pay a visit to Siena or Lucca rather than go back to Pisa.
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Hi Darcy.
I made this trip on March 9, 2023 (I had to move it back one day due to the weather), and here’s my experience:
I spent 6.5 hours visiting all the buildings at this site. This excludes a lunch break of about 1/2 hour. I did pack a lunch, but drinking water was all I had (about one liter; I did have a big breakfast though). I climbed the Bell Tower and counted 263 steps. The question as to whether it is worth 20 euros is subjective. The view from the top is excellent given that clear day, and if you have a fish-eye lens, you could make very interesting photos. Yes, you are required to drop off backpacks and handbags at the cloakroom and take along the key with you. I had the required dimensioned backpack for this trip, and even so, it had to be left in the cloakroom. I was able to bring along a DSLR for this climb but not a mini-tripod. I had two lenses, a short zoom, and a fish-eye lens. One lens was attached to the DSLR and the other was in a pouch hooked to my waist belt. There is a friendly security guard on the top floor of the Tower. He took pictures of me using my DSLR! The top floor is adequately caged in for safety.
I found the gelato shop you mentioned, but they did not have the Lemon Basil flavor. The Shop told me it was a seasonal flavor, available during the Summer. I have had a Lemon Sorbet and Cappuccino-flavor mix on a cone instead.
The attraction is very easy to find. Likewise, I took a train from Florence, and all one needs to do is to follow the crowd with little backpacks walking northwards after disembarking at Pisa Train Station.
Thanks again for your tips.
George
Hi Darcy,
Thanks for the excellent and helpful article.
I read there is a limit to the size of a backpack (20cm x 30cm x 38cm) when visiting the Field of Miracles. Is this strictly enforced? And is a backpack prohibited inside the Bell Tower (that is if you want to climb the 273 steps)?
George
Hi, George. The best thing is to check out the bag guidelines on the official website: https://www.opapisa.it/en/tickets/a-few-words-of-advice-before-you-buy-your-ticket/. Scroll down to the section called “For Your Safety.”
Hi Darcy,
I’ve booked my visit and climb via the site provided in your posting, and for March 8, 2023. I have a small camera/lens backpack (slightly less than the dimensions I mentioned above). Worst case, I would just hang my DSLR with a small zoom lens, around my shoulders for the climb.
Thanks for the tips on packing lunch, the food quality at Pisa, and not forgetting to stop for a lemon basil sorbet at Gelato.
George
It was so helpful reading your article.
There are many charming Romanesque churches in the historic center. And also the Museum of San Matteo (5e) has fine examples of medieval artwork. You can walk along the city walls for free or walk on top for several kilometers for 3 euro.
Those sound like great options. Thanks for reading!
You can also reach Pisa directly by Plane, landing at Galileo Galilei Airport.
Sadly, you miss a lot from my city. A walk along the river (Lungarni) at sunset, a visit at Museo delle Antiche navi (again in Lungarno), on which are shown ancient ships from I century B.C. and lot of artifacts, either etruscan or romans, Piazza dei Cavalieri (roughly, Knight’s Square) and its church where are displayed Saracen flags captured by Christians Knight in Lepanto Battle (1571). I agree, it’s a bit decadent city, but has more than see other than Piazza del Duomo (the real name of Piazza dei Miracoli).
Cheers!
Marco
Thanks for your feedback. Yes, I intentionally left off air travel to Pisa since one wouldn’t typically fly for a day trip. At least not on my travel budget! If I ever make it back to Pisa, I’ll try to check our some of your recommendations.
€18 to climb the tower?!?! That’s extortionate. Especially as like you say, you go there to see it, not the view from it. I’ve always wondered what else there actually is to do there! I may try and make it there one day but I’m not in any hurry as there are so many other Italian towns I’d like to see.
I visited Pisa for my 19th birthday and definitely loved seeing it up close for myself! But there wasn’t much else in the immediate area. A day trip is definitely worth it IMO
Agreed. Thanks for reading!
The Piazza dei Miracoli is perhaps the most beautiful public space in the world, an experience not to be missed. But it is not all that Pisa offers. A few of the many other experiences:
– Walk the medieval walls from the Pizza dei Miracoli ti the Piazza dei Gondolieri and beyond.
– Stroll through the lovely and peaceful Giardini Scotti, then cross the Ponte della Vittoria and along Le Piagge, a peaceful park running alongside the River Arno, and if you make it to the end have a pastry at the Pasticceria Lilly.
– Attend a performance at the Teatro Verdi.
– Visit the Church of San Paolo di Ripa del’Arno, the model for the world-famous Duomo, and the octagonal Church of San Sepolcro.
– And just stroll through Corso Italia, Borgo Stretto, and the narrow streets and lanes of the city known in the 11th century as the New Rome.
Pisa seems an amazing and day trip there seems like a fantastic idea. On the other hand, I get the downfalls too.
Thanks for reading! Yes, we did have fun there even though we probably won’t be back anytime soon.
to be honest, I’ve been to Pisa, and really, it’s not that much to see, especially you’ve been there after the overwhelming Florence stay!
I think a day trip to Pisa, relaxing with parents, or a young family with little kids could be good also 😀
I didn’t realise that the Leaning Tower of Pisa was located in the Field of Miracles complex. Good informative post with great detail on how to navigate your way to Pisa. Well done Darcy.
I was here on a school trip and back then I definitely didn’t think it was anything special! Had no idea you had to pay to enter! 18 euros is very hefty! Thanks for all the info 🙂