Perfect 2-Day Pisa Itinerary: Explore Top Landmarks, Hidden Gems & Local Experiences

Pisa is more than just its famous Leaning Tower—it’s a city filled with history, charming streets, and vibrant local life. This itinerary helps you explore beyond the tourist hotspots while using public transport and walking to get around.

Morning: Iconic Pisa Landmarks

1. Start at Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles)

• Visit the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa (pre-book tickets if you plan to climb!).

• Explore the stunning Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa) with its intricate marble façade.

• Step inside the Baptistery, known for its incredible acoustics—catch a live demonstration if you’re lucky.

• Walk through the Camposanto Monumentale, an ancient cemetery with beautiful frescoes.

2. Photo Time & Coffee Break

• Capture classic shots of the Leaning Tower.

• Grab a coffee and pastry at a nearby café before moving on.

Midday: Riverfront & Local Life

3. Walk to Piazza dei Cavalieri

• This historic square was once the political center of Pisa.

• Admire the Palazzo della Carovana, designed by Giorgio Vasari, and the Statue of Cosimo I de’ Medici.

4. Lunch at a Traditional Trattoria

• Try a local dish like Pisan-style pasta with wild boar ragù or cecina, a savory chickpea pancake.

Afternoon: Hidden Gems & Relaxing Strolls

5. Explore Borgo Stretto

• Wander through Pisa’s most charming street, lined with cafés, boutiques, and historic arcades.

• Stop by Keith Haring’s Tuttomondo mural, a vibrant street art piece in an unexpected spot.

6. Relax Along the Arno River (Lungarni)

• Stroll along the scenic Lungarno Mediceo, enjoying views of Pisa’s elegant riverside buildings.

• Visit Santa Maria della Spina, a tiny yet stunning Gothic church right by the river.

Evening: Aperitivo & Dinner

7. Sunset Aperitivo with a View

• Head to a rooftop bar or riverside café for a classic aperitivo (drink + small snacks).

8. Dinner at a Cozy Osteria

• Enjoy a relaxed meal featuring baccalà alla pisana (salted cod) or pappa al pomodoro (Tuscan tomato-bread soup).

2-Day Pisa Itinerary: Day 2

For your second day in Pisa, we’ll explore more of its hidden gems, local culture, and even take a short trip outside the city for a different perspective.

Morning: A Peaceful Start & Local Markets

1. Breakfast in a Local Café

• Start your day at a café in Piazza delle Vettovaglie, a lively square with a daily market.

• Enjoy a classic cornetto and cappuccino while watching locals go about their morning.

2. Visit the National Museum of San Matteo

• A hidden gem for art lovers, this museum houses incredible medieval paintings and sculptures from Tuscany.

• It’s a quiet spot, perfect for escaping the crowds.

3. Cross the Ponte di Mezzo & Explore the Other Side of Pisa

• Walk across this iconic bridge to Lungarno Pacinotti, a less touristy side of the Arno River.

• Visit Palazzo Blu, a beautiful blue-colored building that often hosts interesting art exhibitions.

Midday: A Short Escape to the Tuscan Countryside (Optional)

4. Half-Day Trip to San Miniato (Optional & Highly Recommended)

• Take a 30-minute train ride from Pisa to San Miniato, a charming Tuscan hilltop town famous for white truffles.

• Wander its medieval streets, visit the Rocca di Federico II for panoramic views, and enjoy a slow lunch.

• Try truffle pasta at a family-run trattoria before heading back to Pisa.

OR

4. Lunch in Pisa & Local Shopping

• If staying in Pisa, return to Borgo Stretto and try a classic porchetta sandwich from a deli.

• Visit local artisan shops for handmade ceramics, leather goods, or unique souvenirs.

Afternoon: Green Spaces & Relaxation

5. Orto Botanico di Pisa (Botanical Gardens)

• Take a relaxing walk in one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.

• A peaceful place with exotic plants and shaded benches, perfect for a mid-day recharge.

6. Explore the University of Pisa & Surrounding Area

• Pisa is a university town, giving it a lively atmosphere. Walk through the University of Pisa area to see student life in action.

Evening: A Memorable Goodbye to Pisa

7. Sunset at Torre Guelfa

• Climb this medieval watchtower for a final panoramic view of Pisa as the sun sets over the Arno River.

8. Final Dinner in a Hidden Gem

• End your trip with a relaxed dinner at an authentic Pisan osteria. Try caciucco, a Tuscan seafood stew, or pici pasta with truffle sauce.

Pair it with a local Chianti wine to toast your Pisa adventure.