What to do and see in Pisa

places worth seeing in Pisa

Pisa is famed globally for its Leaning Tower, but this charming city in Tuscany is much more than just a quick photo stop. For travellers staying several days, perhaps at an affordable, centrally located hostel in Pisa, the city serves as a fantastic, low-cost springboard for exploring some of Italy’s most celebrated destinations. Its strategic position on major railway lines means that magnificent cities, medieval towns, and rugged coastlines are all within easy reach for a comfortable return journey the same day.

View from the window of the Safestay hostel in Pisa

Here is your essential guide to the most rewarding day trips from Pisa, Italy, covering everything from Renaissance masterpieces to UNESCO-protected fishing villages.

The Renaissance Heart: A Day Trip from Pisa to Florence

Florence (Firenze), the birthplace of the Renaissance, is an unmissable destination for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking the true essence of Tuscan culture. While many visitors complete the Pisa day trip from Florence, the reverse route is equally rewarding, allowing you to settle into Pisa’s quieter pace in the evenings.

What to See and Do in Florence

In one day, focus on the city’s key highlights, which are mostly clustered within walking distance:

• The Duomo Complex: Marvel at the exterior of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, climb Brunelleschi’s Dome (book tickets well in advance!), or ascend Giotto’s Campanile for breathtaking city views.
• Ponte Vecchio: Stroll across the Arno River via the iconic bridge, lined with jewellery shops.
• Uffizi Gallery: Home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Pre-booking tickets here is essential to avoid spending your entire morning in a queue.
• Piazzale Michelangelo: Head here in the late afternoon for the most spectacular panoramic view of Florence, perfect for capturing that sunset moment before heading back to Pisa.

Florence at sunset

How to Get to Florence from Pisa?

• Train: This is the easiest and most efficient method. Direct regional and fast trains (e.g., Regionale Veloce) run frequently from Pisa Centrale station to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN). The journey is remarkably quick, typically taking only about 50 to 90 minutes, depending on the service.

Day Trips from Pisa, Italy: Exploring the Walled Beauty of Lucca

Just a short distance from Pisa lies Lucca, a perfectly preserved medieval city famous for its intact Renaissance walls. A day trip from Pisa to Lucca offers a delightful change of pace—it’s quieter, easily walkable, and oozes historical charm without the intense crowds of Florence.

What Makes Lucca Special?

• The Walls: The most unique feature is the 4.2-kilometre-long ring of walls that encircles the old town. Rent a bike near one of the gates and spend an hour cycling or walking atop the wide, tree-lined ramparts, which now serve as a public park.
• Piazza dell’Anfiteatro: This unusual oval-shaped piazza was built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre. It is now filled with delightful cafes and shops—a perfect spot for a Tuscan lunch.
• Torre Guinigi: Climb this medieval tower, which is famously crowned with a cluster of live oak trees. The view from the top offers a striking perspective over the terracotta rooftops.

The Guinigi Tower in Lucca

How to Get to Lucca from Pisa?

• Train: Direct regional trains run very frequently between Pisa Centrale (or even the closer Pisa S. Rossore station, depending on your Pisa accommodation) and Lucca. The journey is short, taking only about 25 to 35 minutes.

Coastal Wonders: Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre, or “Five Lands,” is a UNESCO World Heritage site comprising five picturesque fishing villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—clinging dramatically to the rugged Ligurian cliffs. Visiting the Cinque Terre is a spectacular day trip from Pisa, though it requires an early start to make the most of the trails, views, and harbours.

Navigating the Five Lands

The best way to explore the Cinque Terre in a day is to purchase the Cinque Terre Treno MS Card, which includes unlimited train travel between La Spezia and Levanto, plus access to the paid hiking trails.

• Hiking: If the famous coastal paths are open, hiking between two villages (e.g., Monterosso to Vernazza) is the most rewarding way to experience the scenery.
• Train Hopping: Use the quick regional trains to hop between the villages, spending an hour or two exploring each harbour and enjoying the colourful views. Manarola, with its terraced vineyards and iconic harbour, is a must-see.

The Cinque Terre

How to Get to Cinque Terre from Pisa?

• Train: The fastest route is to take a regional or Intercity train from Pisa Centrale north to La Spezia Centrale (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes). From La Spezia, you transfer onto the local regional train line that serves the five Cinque Terre villages. Alternatively, you can find direct trains to Monterosso in the peak season.

Should I Stay in Pisa or Florence for the Cheapest Base?

While Florence has countless accommodation options, Pisa often offers significantly cheaper lodging and lower overall dining costs, making it a smarter choice for budget travellers who plan to take several day trips from Pisa, Italy. The efficiency of the Italian rail network means you sacrifice very little travel time by basing yourself in Pisa, especially when visiting Lucca or the Cinque Terre.

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