Pisa
Far more than a leaning tower—a proud maritime republic with an extraordinary Piazza dei Miracoli.
About Pisa
Everyone comes to Pisa for the tower, but the city deserves so much more than a selfie. The Piazza dei Miracoli—with its leaning tower, cathedral, baptistery, and Camposanto—is one of the world's greatest architectural ensembles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of dazzling white marble against green grass. But Pisa was once one of Italy's most powerful maritime republics, and traces of that grandeur survive in the elegant Lungarni (river embankments), the Gothic churches of San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno and Santa Maria della Spina, and the vibrant university quarter around Piazza dei Cavalieri. With 50,000 students, Pisa has a youthful energy, excellent restaurants, and prices that undercut neighbouring Florence significantly.
Best Time to Visit
April to June or September to October. The Luminara di San Ranieri on June 16 sees the entire Arno riverfront lit with 70,000 candles—one of Italy's most beautiful festivals. Summer is hot but the student bars stay lively.
Local Tips
- See the Piazza at dawn.
The Piazza dei Miracoli is mobbed by midday. A local will tell you to arrive at 8am when the white marble glows in morning light and you can photograph the tower without 500 people pretending to hold it up.
- Explore the Lungarni.
The Arno riverbanks are lined with palaces, churches, and the tiny Santa Maria della Spina—a Gothic jewel. A local knows the aperitivo bars with river views and the streets where the real Pisan life happens.
- See the Luminara festival.
On June 16, 70,000 candles illuminate the Arno embankments in honour of San Ranieri. A local will find the perfect viewing spot and explain the traditions surrounding this magical night.
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Rosa
Florence, Pisa +13
5.0(1)Hi, I’m Rosa - your local Italy travel planner based in Florence. I live in Florence, in the heart of Tuscany. Italy is not just where I live, it's what I love sharing with others. Over the years, I've explored many cities like Bologna, Milan, Venice, Rome Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, Puglia and many more. Each region has its own flow, flavors and traditions, and understanding these differeces is what makes a trip truly special. I help travelers experience Italy beyond the typical tourist path. From selecting the perfect area to stay, to reccomending authentic restaurants, wineries and hidden villages. I desing trips that feel personal and deeply Italian. If you want to experience Italy with local insight and thoughtful planning, I’ll help you create a journey you’ll never forget.
Mike
Rome, Florence +7
5.0(2)I’m Mike from Rome with Mike, an American who’s called Italy home since 2003. I help travelers plan relaxed, unforgettable Roman holidays—at a local’s pace. Think hidden corners, underground sites, and experiences not everyone gets to see. No rushing, no tourist traps—just smart planning and insider insight. Whether you’re here for art, history, or food and wine, I’ve got you covered. Let’s slow it down and make Rome feel like home. The goal is simple: to help you experience Rome not as a tourist, but as a Roman.
Massimo
Florence, Pisa +3
My name is Massimo Coppo, I live in Florence, I am a tourist guide in English and French, I also work as a driver and sommelier, I have a degree in philosophy and a degree in literature, I love being able to introduce my country to those who come from far away and always learn something new.
Renata
Florence, Siena +2
I am an expert local guide in Tuscany, half Italian half Brazilian with a great passion for Art! Throughout my life I have done numerous courses about art history, painters, theatre and music. I love going to museums, concerts, art galleries, theatres but also walking in the nature and relaxing on the beach. I love being around people from different cultures. I graduated in Art and Drama and I concluded a Master and a Doctorate Degree in these areas. Professionally, I've been working for 20 years as a touristic guide, a teacher and an actress. I've been living in Florence for 12 years. During this period I have taken people from all over the world to see the gorgeous landscapes in Tuscany and to visit the beautiful medieval cities such as Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Val D'orcia, Chianti, Pisa, Lucca, Volterra and many more. Visiting the historical buildings, the museums, squares and parks with so much history is a unique experience!