Almost everybody automatically thinks of the leaning tower when they think of Pisa, Italy. But the Pisa leaning tower is just one small aspect of this interesting city that has many other monuments and a university that gives it flair.

Pisa, Italy is set along the Arno River and it also is home to several museums, a cathedral and a beautiful tower. During the middle ages, Pisa was one of four maritime republics, so it still has many fine monuments from the era of the middle ages. You’ll also find lots of good shopping, nice cafes to enjoy and an overall nice area to stroll while on vacation in Tuscany. 

The University of Pisa has bout 60,000 students in a town of about 100,000 total residents. There are many student events, parties and other festivities in the streets at night. The city has a real “college town vibe” once you leave the main touristy areas.

Getting Around Pisa

Pisa is also an easy day trip from Florence. They are only about an hour apart. The city offers rental cars, public transportation and easy walking for pedestrians. Most people don’t use a car in Pisa, but it may be helpful if you are traveling between Florence and Pisa. There are many regular buses around Pisa. You can buy bus tickets at small shops and from vending machines around town. You can also walk to many of the major tourist attractions in Pisa. 

Pisa is best enjoyed on foot. The city streets are interesting with many shops and a great atmosphere. You will also find good Pisa restaurants, cafes and Pisa shopping to enjoy.

Best Time to Visit Pisa 

Pisa is popular during the summer with many visitors, but it can also be hot during that season. This is considered the high season, and most tourists come during the day. So a nice way to catch the sites of Pisa during the high season can be with an overnight stay. Then you should seek out the sites in the morning hours or once everybody else has left. However, the best overall times to visit are spring and fall when the weather is very pleasant and the crowds have thinned out.

Pisa Annual Events 

Pisa is a popular place year round with visitors, but there are also many annual events that attract many. One special event is called the Gioco del Ponte. It re-enacts a contest from the medieval times that took place between Pisa residents living north of the Arno River and those who lived south of the river. It includes a parade with many costumes. The overall contest involves two teams that each have 20 people. They push a massive cart along the middle of a bridge and try to push it into the other team’s area – in a kind of tug of war. This takes place annually on the last Sunday in June.

Pisa is also home to the annual Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics. It takes place in Pisa every four years. This is a special boat race between Pisa, Venice, Genoa and Amalfi, which where the four maritime republics in the middle ages. This event also includes a parade with many costumes that represent the four republics.