Things To Do In Pisa

Things to do in Pisa

Collect your hire car at Pisa airport and drive into the city to see all that it has to offer.  You will be glad you hired your car after walking around the sights or for the best way to get around in and out of Pisa.

Pisa is a small town in the north of Italy. Pisa is known firstly for its leaning tower but there are a more attractions in Pisa worth a visit. Pisa has a long history and was a strategic Roman naval base.  Pisa, in the 12th century had become a powerful maritime and trading city. Most of the historical buildings in Pisa date back to the glory days of the 12th century. So look for them and enjoy Pisa.

Things to do in Pisa – The Leaning Tower

Things to do in Pisa – number 1. The Leaning tower of Pisa is undoubtedly  the best known attraction in Pisa Ironically, had the tower not developed a fault it might never have been so famous.The slanting tower draws tourists from all over the world to Pisa to be photographed beside the  tower. Access to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is restricted for safety reasons but you had better arrive early in the day before the daily quota of people has been reached. There is an admission fee to the tower but well worth it . It’s best to reserve a place in advance.

Things to do in Pisa – The Baptistery

Things to do in Pisa – number 2. The baptistery in Pisa is where most people  in medieval Pisa would have been baptised. The original structure of the baptistery in Pisa dates back to the 12th century but notcompleted fo another 200 years later. This piece of architecture in Pisa fascinating as it tells of both Romanesque and Gothic influences. Inside inside the baptistery you can see the pool shape in the middle of the building which would have been full of water and people would have been totally submerged in the baptism process.

Things to do in Pisa – The Museum of the Ancient Ships

Things to do in Pisa – number 3. In 1998, builders made an amazing discovery a short distance from the Piazza dei Miracoli: they found the remains of the ancient Etruscan and Roman harbour,with  ancient ships, amazingly well preserved.  There are about 16 ancient ships, 9 of which are presently being recovered. Even more amazingly,  cargo was found, including  ropes, rigging, fishing equipment,anchors made of stone, wood and iron, baskets and fishing pots.  These things don’t usually survive centuries of interment, but the conditions of the ground in this site managed to preserve even fragile objects.  A real insight into how life was in Roman times.

Things to do in Pisa – Shopping

Things to do in Pisa – number 4. The wonderful weather in Tuscany creates great outdoor shopping in open air markets. The best ones for tourists are adjacent to the Leaning Tower. This area is called Piazza dei Miracoli, the “Field of Miracles”, because of the green lawns that surround the Cathedral. This is actually “souvenir central”.   The leaning tower can be found on a keychain, pocket-sized or a big sculpture scaled to fit!!  These stalls offer cheap keepsakes and touristy stuff. Further on from the Piazza dei Miracoli is more interesting.

Piazza dei Cavalieri and Ponti di Mezzo have open markets every second weekend of the month. For those who are interested in high demand Tuscany antiques, keep space in the car for your “finds”!! A Da Vinci sketch might possibly be lying under your nose. But be cautious and keep a wary eye open when the price seems too good to be true!!  In the absence of shopping malls, you’ll find several arcades offering  branded clothing and fashion accessories. Via Buonarroti and Via San Martino are  well known rows  stores, bargain shops, and fashion houses. The Borgo Stretto contains a  variety of  goods such as clothing, jewellery, artisan crafts and food are all available  here.

Things to do in Pisa – Dining Out

Things to do in Pisa – number 5. The Beni restaurant near the river Arno in Pisa is a place for fantastic seafood and is excellent in service value for money and atmosphere.

The Hostaria Le Repubbliche Marinare Restaurant is where the locals and tourists eat and is a wonderful place to eat but book first!!!!  Great food!!!!

The Ill Campano is a must for pasta, fish and steaks but the desserts are yummy, such as green apple sorbet, pistacchio cheesecake and panna cotta!!!!

The Pizzeria Tavola Calda La Tanna. Firstly this is a restaurant used by local people.. Secondly the food is really good and reasonably priced Pisa. The pizza is great here. The staff welcome the locals and pamper the tourists. Fantastic service

Things to do in Pisa – River Arno

Things to do in Pisa – number 6. The Arno River flows through the center of Pisa, and along its banks are many lovely sites. Take a walk and just enjoy the views.  The same river that flows through Florence also flows through the city of Pisa. Other than the Leaning Tower I found admiring the picturesque view of the river winding through the city to be the second most beautiful sight.  Lungarno Mediceo (Medicean River Walk), has the Romanesque San Matteo Church, the Palace of the Medici, and the National Museum of San Matteo, which is housed in the Benedictine Monastery all along its path. Buy a gelato somewhere and just enjoy the views.  There are also boat trips you can enjoy too.

Things to do in Pisa – Beaches

Things to do in Pisa – number 7 .There are several beaches you can drive your hire car to from Pisa.  Depending how far you want to you will have a choice between Marina di Pisa, Tirennia and Calambrone.  Drive further north of Pisa to more upscale beaches at Viareggio or Forte Dei Marmi.  To the south  of Pisa you can find Castiglioncello and San Vincenzo.  Make good use of the hire car and discover all of the beaches outside of Pisa and all the wonders in Pisa.

So that is our list of the top things to do in Pisa!