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Pisa Travel & Sightseeing Guide

January 10, 2008 |

A trip to Pisa

Pisa conjures up images of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, but this compact city has more to offer than just that one architectural treasure. Pisa is full of other historical buildings and is famous for its superb food, making it a popular destination for Italians and visitors alike. The city is serviced by one main airport, Pisa Galileo Galilei International Airport.

Flights to Pisa
Pisa’s international airport is located less than two miles from the city centre. It is one of the many regional airports of Italy servicing a selection of airlines including: Air France, Air One, British Airways, Hapag-Lloyd Express, Iberia, Lufthansa, Ryanair, and Thomsonfly, as well as the national Italian carrier Alitalia and local Air Dolomiti.

Since the airport is so close to the city, it is easy to use taxis or public transportation to get to the action. Bus number 3 from the city centre makes several stops in town before arriving at the Arrivals Hall at the airport. There is also a train linking Pisa with the airport, with options to travel to other Italian cities. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Pisa try lastminute.com.

Pisa


Sightseeing in Pisa
Pisa is a compact city that is easy to explore on foot. The three must-sees are what locals call the three architectural wonders of Pisa: the Leaning Tower, the Duomo (cathedral) and the Baptistery. The Leaning Tower of Pisa’s construction began in 1173 and was completed in 1350. Due to the soft soil below, the tower has always tilted, but the degree of the tilt has increased over the years. It is worthwhile to climb the almost 300 steps to the top of the tower to take in the amazing views of the city. The Duomo was built in the 12th century and is a beautiful mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The Baptistery, famous for its acoustics, is the largest of its kind in Italy and was constructed in 1152.

Besides these sights, Pisa offers plenty of museums and parks for visitors to explore. The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Il Museo della Navigazione or Museo delle Sinopie are favourite choices. Otherwise, a stroll in the Camposanto Cemetery or a climb among the medieval ramparts at the Torre die Santa Maria are great ways to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Pisa is a young city, with many students milling around from early evening to early morning. The numerous piazzas are favourite hangouts for locals, who gather among the cafés, bars and restaurants on offer in the squares. However, the place to see and be seen is the Lo Sfizio on Borgo Stretto.

Known for its mixture of ‘surf’ and ‘turf’, Pisa’s cuisine offer both seafood dishes and dishes from the land. Alfresco dining is the way to go and if the local delicacy of eel is not your cup of tea, there are plenty of other dishes to choose from. Try Piazza delle Vettovaglie and Via San Martino for good quality but reasonably priced restaurants.

Fun by day - shopping and activities
No visit to Italy would be complete without some time spent shopping. The Borgo Stretto is where you must go. Right near the Piazza del Duomo, this is Pisa’s main shopping street. Here you can stroll along the porticoes and shop for all the famous Italian brands. There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants here in which to rest your weary feet.


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