An Enchanting Holiday to Pisa

Pisa may be best known for its iconic Leaning Tower, but this vibrant Tuscan city offers far more than its famously tilted landmark. With its elegant squares, Romanesque architecture, rich history, and surprising modern touches, Pisa makes for a rewarding and enjoyable holiday—whether you're exploring on a short city break or incorporating it into a wider tour of Tuscany.

The Piazza dei Miracoli, or Square of Miracles, is the heart of Pisa’s historical and artistic legacy. Alongside the Leaning Tower, you'll find the striking Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the ornate Baptistery, and the monumental Camposanto cemetery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an awe-inspiring collection of medieval architecture, framed by immaculate lawns and steeped in centuries of history.

Yet Pisa is far from a city frozen in time. Wander beyond the Piazza, and you’ll discover a lively university town, with a youthful energy and a thriving cultural scene. The University of Pisa, one of the oldest in Europe, has shaped the city's intellectual life for centuries—Galileo Galilei himself studied and taught here. Today, its large student population keeps the cafés, markets, and riverside promenades bustling.

One of Pisa’s most unexpected and colourful treasures is the enormous mural by American artist Keith Haring, titled Tuttomondo. Painted in 1989 on the wall of the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, this joyful work was Haring’s final public mural before his death. Composed of 30 vibrant figures symbolising peace, unity, and social harmony, it’s a vivid reminder that Pisa is not only about history—it embraces contemporary culture too.

No visit to Pisa would be complete without sampling its local cuisine. Tuscan food is known for its simplicity, seasonal ingredients, and bold flavours. Look out for traditional dishes such as cecina, a delicious chickpea flour pancake; pappa al pomodoro, a hearty tomato and bread soup; and trippa alla pisana, a local version of tripe cooked with tomato and spices. Fresh seafood from the nearby coast is also popular, along with regional wines and sweet treats like torta co’ bischeri, a rich chocolate and rice tart unique to the area. Whether you're dining in a rustic trattoria or enjoying street food by the river, eating well is part of the experience.

With its unique blend of the ancient and the modern, the iconic and the unexpected, Pisa is a city that continues to surprise and delight.

If you are staying four days, take a short train ride to Lucca, a beautiful Tuscan town with well-preserved medieval walls, or relax on the nearby beaches of Marina di Pisa before heading home.

Let Time-Pressed Travel plan your perfect holiday—hassle-free, personalised, and unforgettable!