How to Plan a Full-Day Trip to Pisa from Florence

A visit to Pisa, Italy, is one of the most popular excursions for travelers to the Tuscany region of Italy. 

The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa certainly helps bring the crowds to the square, but I found the city somewhat misunderstood on my second trip there.

It was my insistence on spending a full day in Pisa that helped me see the value of this place beyond the cheesy staged photos.

Yes, it’s fun to pretend like you’re holding up a leaning tower with brute strength alone or whatever else people do when they’re feeling silly. It’s also fun to brag on a Pisa that few discover without a little extra planning.

This guide gets into everything we did on our day trip to Pisa from Florence. While we didn’t overnight there, we did spend a full day in Pisa. I’d HIGHLY recommend it.

Is Pisa worth a day trip?

Pisa is worth a day trip on your Italian trip for more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Yes, it’s an iconic Pisa attraction that deserves a visit at least once, but Pisa holds more intrigue beyond the crowds of tourists plotting their next round of novelty photos. 

When I say day trip, by the way, I mean a full day in Pisa. So many of the guides I read through to prep for my own trip only allotted half a day in this vibrant city.

Three to four hours in Pisa is enough for the main attractions on the Piazza dei Miracoli. A full day in Pisa will allow you to get away from the main square and experience a side of Pisa that not all tourists see.

You’ll only scratch the surface in a short amount of time and likely come back home with a “Meh, it’s fine,” attitude about it all.

Getting From Florence to Pisa the Easy Way

The easiest way to get from Florence to Pisa is to go on a private tour. This is the most efficient (but also most expensive) way to have some control over a day tour without having to plan the transportation there.

Here are a few options:

A guided group trip to Pisa is another easy option that’s more affordable than private tours. I just caution you to seek out smaller group tours vs. big bus tours for your Pisa day trips. 

As someone who was on one of those giant bus tours during my first trip to Pisa many years ago, I can say with experience that it was like herding cattle.

Very little time was spent outside of photo ops at the tower, and I was honestly embarrassed that I was even involved in that whole scene. 

A packed itinerary doesn’t always mean a guided tour is bad.

Just read through the posted itineraries before making your decisions. Stops to towns like Lucca like with this tour are very doable on a full-day trip from Florence to Pisa. Just don’t expect a deep dive into these places.

Our choice for a day trip to Pisa from Florence took a little more effort, but it was still relatively easy. You can plan a self-guided tour of your own using Italy’s excellent train system. 

Getting From Florence to Pisa the Better Way

There is a train from Florence to Pisa and it’s a scenic journey at that.

You don’t need to make reservations in advance for this one because there are typically dozens of trains between Florence Santa Maria Novella station and Pisa’s central station daily.

For those who do wish to buy tickets in advance for the Florence to Pisa train vs. at the train station the day of their travel, it’s easy to do so on the Rail Europe website. 

You can choose a more premium option this way and reserve seats. That’s never a bad idea if you’re visiting Pisa in the high season. 

Note: While I may not always buy tickets in advance, I always check train times in advance. If you’re traveling over the spring or winter Catholic holidays, for example, you may encounter more limited train options. 

Florence is under an hour from Pisa by train if you book the high-speed option. It’s about 42 miles (69 km) between the two cities by train.

There are scenic routes that take you through Lucca, too, if you’re interested in a half-day trip to Pisa from Florence.

We visited Lucca separately and recommend a full day in both of these very impressive Italian cities, but it’s an option if you’re limited on time in Tuscany.

READ MORE: I LOVED Lucca. Check out my guide to the medieval walled city!

Once you get to the Pisa Centrale railway station, you’ll have about a 20-minute walk or a speedy cab ride to the main square with the Leaning Tower.

There’s also a bus that takes you from the main train station to the tower if you want to save some euros for snacks.

If it’s a nice day out and you’re able to handle it, I’d highly recommend the walk. You’ll cross a lovely bridge over the Arno River to get there and get a better understanding of the city layout.

Fun fact: The Arno River is pretty famous in Florence, but it’s quite lovely in Pisa, too. It’s the same river, by the way, not a reflection of Italians’ lack of creativity. They are VERY creative.

Can you drive from Pisa to Florence?

You can drive from Pisa to Florence if you’re comfortable with that idea while abroad. The estimated driving time is about an hour and 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions. 

Yep, that means you can get to Pisa from Florence faster on a high-speed train.

One perk of driving is that you can make stops along the way like Montelupo Fiorentino just outside of Florence on the southern route or the walled city of Lucca that I’ve already talked up on the northern route.

The train was just so cheap and easy for us that it didn’t feel necessary on this day trip.

Note: If you’re an American, you’ll need either an International Driving Permit before you leave the United States or an official Italian translation of your American driver’s license. You’ll also need proof of insurance to legally drive in Italy.

Things to Do in Pisa

There is so much to do in Pisa. Start with the famous Tower of Pisa. Leave time for the rest of the Piazza dei Miracoli, stroll along the Arno River, and eat your way through this delicious city before returning to Florence. 

Take those Leaning Tower photos. You know the ones.

The Piazza dei Miracoli, formerly known as the Piazza del Duomo and also known as the Square of Miracles, is where most of the tourists congregate on Florence to Pisa tours.

With just one day here, you’ll likely want to start here, too.

If I’ve convinced you to spend a full day in Pisa, you’ll want to buy a combo ticket for the Piazza dei Miracoli before you even step foot onto the square. Seeing the tower from the outside is free, but you can do better than that.

The entire square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there’s a lot to see here. I know you’re here for that tower action, though.

I’d suggest getting your cheesy tower photos out of the way as soon as you arrive. Assuming you got an early start — I hope you did! — it will only get more crowded the longer you hang out. 

Watch where the tourists are congregating for the best angles. If they’re here for photos, they’ve already done the requisite research for you.

Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The combo ticket I told you about includes timed entry to climb the Leaning Tower. Unless you get vertigo, I’d highly recommend this as a very bucket listy thing to do while in Pisa.

You’ll get a view of the square from the top and a look inside not all tourists get on day trips to Pisa.

There are two sets of spiral staircases inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa. That’s about all. These are the stairs you’ll take to get up to the top.

Yes, you will feel the lean.

Even if you’re not interested in seeing anything else in the square, reserve your tower tickets at least a few days in advance in the off-season and further out at peak travel times.

These tickets sell out, as there is a limit to how many tourists can climb the tower on any given day.

Before you get in line, check any bags in for free in the cloakroom through the middle doors of the Opera del Duomo Museum. This includes small purses.

There are NO bags allowed inside the tower. 

Fun fact: If heights scare you a bit, bathroom breaks are available at paid toilets on the square. Have a euro or two handy or keep your credit card with you before turning over your bags. These cans take credit.

Is it hard to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa? It’s not hard to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and it should take most healthy adults about 10 minutes to get to the top. The trickiest part for most is the dizziness.

I felt disoriented at the top and found it challenging to navigate the views without grabbing onto things for support. Your initial climb gets you to the first level, then you stand in line for a second level that made Brian’s palms quite slick.

If you’re afraid of heights, this might be a tough sell for you. I’m usually fine with heights, but the leaning bit was the most barf-inducing experience of our time in Italy…and I tried tripe!

Admire the architecture of the Baptistery of San Giovanni.

Let’s get into all of the OTHER Pisa attractions on the square. The Battistero di San Giovanni, or Pisa Baptistery of St. John, is possibly even more striking than the Leaning Tower when you first arrive at the Piazza dei Miracoli.

Admire the exterior of a place that has been in this spot since construction began in 1152.

I didn’t think the interior was as impressive as the outside, but I had already spent some time in Florence admiring dozens of painted ceilings in epic places like the Duomo.

This is the largest baptistery in Italy, though, so it deserves at least a peak inside for a look up into the dome.

If you notice this one leaning a little, too, you’re not still feeling the effects of vertigo from your tower climb. The same unstable surface that caused the Leaning Tower to do its thing is also at play here.

See Pisano’s pulpit in the Pisa Cathedral.

A look inside the Pisa Cathedral is included in any ticket if you didn’t take my advice for the full combo option. This is a must for trips to Pisa, as there would be no Leaning Tower without the Pisa Cathedral.

Once inside, don’t miss the pulpit from Giovanni  Pisano.

It was the most important work that survived a damaging fire in the church in 1595, but it wouldn’t appear again inside the cathedral until 1926.

You can also see the body of St. Rainierius, the patron saint of Pisa and travelers, apparently. DNA analysis was used to reconstruct his face into the silver mask you see today.

It’s pretty grim to think about people exhuming the body to stick it in a glass case, but I’m not entirely shocked after seeing bones and other bits of patron saints and historical figures across churches and museums in Florence.

Pay your respects at the Camposanto Monumentale.

Visit this important grave site and pay your respects to famous figures in Pisa’s history. That includes Fibonacci, a mathematician who came up with a sequence I’m not sure I understand.

As you explore the grounds, look for a small chapel with a lamp hanging from the ceiling. This is the Aulla chapel, and that lamp is the same one Galileo used for his calculations of pendular motion.

I’m not sure I understand that either, but I believe in science.

We had to do some searching, but I believe in you. If you hit the ramps, you’ve gone too far!

The incredible frescoes in this place will likely need some restoration work at some point, but they’re still quite impressive. You’ll learn more about how they came to be at another stop on your tour of the square.

Sneak more tower views at the Museum of the Opera del Duomo.

This museum, also known as the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, boasts some impressive Pisano sculptures inside, but my favorite space was the cafe and its panoramic views.

Grab a ticket at the front desk to scan for the cafeteria even if you’re just heading up for said view.

You don’t pay for this ticket, by the way. If you’re here, you’ve already purchased a combo ticket for the museum online as I told you.

You’ll get unobstructed views of the tower without any humans in your shots from the cafe.

Enter the museum itself behind the Leaning Tower and not where the cloakroom is. We had some trouble finding it the first time around.

Imagine frescoes of yesterday at the Sinopie Museum.

This is your last stop on your combo ticket of the piazza. We enjoyed this museum more than the Museum of the Opera del Duomo because it offered something different outside of the dramatic sculptures and religious art we had gotten used to.

You’ll need to use your imagination here, but you’ll be treated to large images that show the design phases of frescoes that adorned the Camposanto back to the Middle Ages.

It’s a glimpse into the prep work necessary for making these frescoes happen, which I found to be a real treat.

READ MORE: Love ancient history? Check out my guide to visiting Pompeii from Rome.

Get one more round of people-watching on the square.

That’s it for the Square of Miracles. Take one last look at the Leaning Tower and any weird stuff that may have appeared since you began your adventure here before you see the rest of Pisa.

Maybe you’ll see a guy dressed as a Subway sandwich. Maybe not. 

Grab sandwiches for lunch at L’Ostellino.

We fit in all of those landmarks on the square before lunch, and it was a packed morning. This is why I’m telling you that you need a full day here.

Half-day tours only get the most touristy bits in and then it’s time to hit the road again.

You get the impression that all there is to see in Pisa is the Leaning Tower, and that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Don’t make the same mistake so many other tourists make, especially when there are delicious sandwiches waiting for you at L’Ostellino.

There’s an added layer of fun when they call your name over this echoing speaker that makes you feel like you’re in a wrestling competition. I got a salmon sandwich and it had to be ham and Brie for Brian.

If you’re not interested in sandos, I’m not sure you’re in the right place, as they are one of my favorite things. That said, I’m still glad you’re giving Pisa your time.

Here are a few more options for lunch in Pisa:

• I Porci Comodi: Oops. I found another sandwich shop. This one also serves up daily soups and ready-to-eat charcuterie boards for you to snack on over wine.
• Il Ristoro della Pe’: If you’re in Italy to eat, you probably want more pasta. This casual family-run spot serves traditional Tuscan fare, including hearty pasta dishes.

Check out the Palazzo della Carovana.

This 16th-century building in Knights’ Square is home to the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, one of the most prestigious universities in Italy.

When it was built starting in 1562, it served as the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen.

The name of the building, the “Palace of the Convoy,” reflects this time period and what I imagine were all kinds of secretive quests and whatnot. This was a training ground for the knights. What that entailed, I’m not sure. I’m not a historian, either.

Before you leave this piazza, check out the clock tower on the other side of the square. It’s made up of two medieval towers joined together at an archway.

Visit the National Museum of San Matteo.

The National Museum of San Matteo houses a large collection of religious art and artifacts, including an exhibit of crucifixes and how they’ve changed over the years. 

It’s the setting of this place that’s most impressive, though. You’re inside an 11th-century monastery while you’re here.

See medieval cloisters and much of the original church on your tour, likely without the prying eyes of many tourists. 

Find your favorite piazza.

If you’re walking through Pisa’s old town and the surrounding alleyways, you’ll pass by lovely piazzas like the Piazza Garibaldi. 

Embrace the Italian vibes and spend some time in these squares doing little else outside of eating, drinking, or people-watching. Italy was made for slow travel.

Even if that’s not your thing, set aside some time if you’re able to watch and observe.

I know. It sounds super nerdy. You’ll love the city a lot more, though.

Tour the Palazzo Blu.

You’ll know you’re at the Palazzo Blu when you reach the blue facade. This is an art museum, exhibit hub, and historic home, all in one space. 

I enjoyed the permanent exhibition space here best. You can walk through the noble quarters for a glimpse of the good life back then. This was the former home of the aristocratic Giuli Rosselmini Gualandi family until the 1970s.

I wasn’t as interested in the religious art inside, as we had just seen San Matteo, a much more scenic space. A small archaeological exhibit on the bottom floor features finds from excavations during the building’s restoration.

Stroll along the Arno River.

The Arno River lends itself to all kinds of riverside promenading. Admire the colorful buildings of Pisa on either side as you take a leisurely stroll along the Pisan lungarnos.

These are the walkways and pathways that run alongside the river, with plenty of cafes and tipple spots for you to stop at if you’re tired from all the tourism.

See the picturesque Santa Maria della Spina.

The Church of Santa Maria della Spina is a lovely little house of worship with one of the most perfect placements I’ve ever seen.

The Gothic-style church sits right along the Arno River, looking all small and cute and adding to the architectural intrigue of your river strolls.

The church got its name for allegedly housing one of the thorns from THE crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. You won’t see the thorn there today as it has since been moved to the Chiesa di Santa Chiara, also in Pisa.

The exterior here is the most impressive part. Notice all of the intricate detail work along both entryways and the statues that line the facade. 

Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit. If you’re not as unlucky, you can visit the simple, single-room interior for a glimpse at Madonna of the Rose, a sculpture by Andrea and Nino Pisano.

Find Pisa pop art.

Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate is a lovely old church on Piazza Sant’Antonio in its own right, but you’re here for the large pop art mural on its back side.

This is Tuttomondo, a public work of art by Keith Haring from 1989 that is meant to depict peace, harmony, and triumph over evil.

Haring died of AIDS-related complications in 1990, so this was one of his last works. Spend some time staring at all of the quirky details in this piece before moving on.

Grab dinner at one of Pisa’s best restaurants.

We had those enormous sandwiches quite late in the day, so we decided to skip out on dinner in favor of the train back to Florence. That doesn’t mean you don’t need to do the same.

Trains run late in Italy, so I’m all about lingering if you have more impressive stamina.

Just know that many restaurants close down for a midday break between lunch and dinner. If you’re staying in Pisa for dinner, many restaurants won’t reopen again until around 7:30pm. You’ll really have to commit here.

Here are a few options for the best restaurants in Pisa:

• Art Burger: This casual eatery is just opposite the pop art church, and I must say it looked and smelled really good when we were snapping our photos there. You can certainly order a burger, but their tartare game looked strong, too.
• La Taverna di Pulcinella: Pizza should always be an option, and this one serves up Neapolitan-style pies. You’ll be on the right side of the river for the train station back to Florence at this one, too.
• Ristorante Allabona Pisa: This friendly establishment is a favorite in Pisa a short walk from the Leaning Tower. If it’s a nice day, enjoy some Chianti and a plate of fresh pasta at one of their outdoor tables.

More Things to Do in Pisa

I just gave you a full day’s worth of stuff to do on your , but if you fall in love with the city and want to stay longer, there are a few more we didn’t get to for one reason or another.

Time was mostly the reason, but we did experience some closures, too. Italy travel begs for flexibility.

• Wander through the Orto Botanico di Pisa. This botanical garden was closed for palm maintenance during our trip, but it looks like a lovely escape from the throngs of tourists on the main square.
• See the ballet at the Teatro Verdi. How classy does that sound? They have a full roster of family-friendly shows, too, if you’re traveling to Pisa with kids.
• If you’re visiting in the summer, take a bus to the beach. Marina di Pisa and Tirrenia, a coastal stretch between Pisa and Livorno, both look lovely.
• Don’t miss the Museo Delle Aviotruppe if you love history. This military museum is focused on exhibits about Italian parachute regiments during the two world wars.
• Visit the Museo del Instituto de la Anatomía Humana, or the Museum of Human Anatomy in Pisa. This one was closed during our visit, but if you’re at all into anatomy or dark tourism, this may be right up your alley.

Is Pisa a walkable city?

Pisa is a very walkable city. If you enjoy walking, you won’t need any public transportation outside of the train from Florence to Pisa and back again.

If you want to explore more of the city but walking isn’t feasible, Pisa buses are a cheaper option than local cabs. The main bus station is at the central train station. You can take that one straight to the Leaning Tower.

If you need the airport, the red LAM route connects to Pisa’s main attractions, Pisa Centrale, and Pisa International Airport.

Pisa and Cinque Terre in a Day

You can do Pisa and Cinque Terre in one day with the understanding that it will be a long day. Expect to spend three to four hours on regional trains if you choose to use public transportation for the trip.

Guided tours are another option if you don’t feel like planning all of that.

Honestly, Cinque Terre will be much more enjoyable if you’re able to stay overnight, but I’m not here to tell you how to live your life. I can just give you suggestions.

Where to Stay Overnight in Pisa

One of the biggest recommendations I read about day trips from Florence to Pisa was to stay overnight in Pisa to watch the crowds melt away. 

We didn’t do that because there just wasn’t enough time on our Italy trip, but I love the idea of watching the day-trippers head back home at the end of the day. Pisa can also be a great base for more travel in Tuscany. 

You can take day trips from Pisa to San Gimignano, Lucca, Bologna, and more. If you’re a wine lover, day trips to the Chianti region are very possible, too. Just don’t expect to do Pisa and Florence in one day. Firenze demands more of your time.

If you’d like to spend a night in Pisa, use the map below to get you started:

Pisa isn’t overrated.

Pisa can feel like an overrated place if you’re only here to see the Leaning Tower. It’s an incredible thing to see in person, but the crowded square does get old.

Step away from the tower scene and Pisa becomes a very different experience.

Visit on a Florence day trip to Pisa, but try to spend the full day there soaking in the city. You’ll have much better memories of your trip to Pisa.

Want more Italian adventures? Here you go:

• Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Parma
• A Guide to the Best of Bologna, Italy
• Should You Book That Venice Gondola?
• How to Plan the Best Day in Verona
• Trips to Venice: Are They Worth It?

I’m not done yet! Here are a few more Italy posts:

• The Best Food Tour in Bologna
• How to Spend Three Busy Days in Rome
• Should You Visit Bologna? My Honest Thoughts
• A Detailed Guide to the Venetian Lagoon
• How to Spend Three Incredible Days in Venice

Want to see more?