Pisa was one of the biggest surprises on my trip to Italy. I was always hearing that it’s not much worth to visit and with one day you have enough of it, but I was gladly surprised by what I saw and I’m sharing here the best places to choose to make your stay the best!
The city has over 91,000 residents and has not only the leaning tower as important attraction, but also is having beautiful bridges across the Arno river, several churches, and medieval palaces, with archaeological remains dating back to the 5th century B.C.
We included Pisa in between our stay in Livorno and Cinque Terre and Florence, and our plan was to stop for few hours, but we made a mistake and our hotel was booked for one day earlier, so we decided to stay overnight in Pisa.
That’s when mistakes turn to be a positive thing!
We were on our way to Pisa and found a very cute hotel the same day at a very decent price, and the best: located right few blocks from Piazza Dei Miracoli, formerly called Piazza del Duomo.
This is where the famous medieval structures including the leaning Pisa tower is located, together with most of the must-visit in the city, like the Baptistery, the Cathedral, and the Cemetery or Camposanto Monumentale.
The Piazza Dei Miracoli is owned by the catholic church and since 1987 is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Tower of Pisa or Torre di Pisa in Italian is the campanile or bell tower of the cathedral and its 4° lean started during the construction in the 12th century as a result of an unstable foundation.
Practical Information about Pisa
– Currency: Euro (EUR).
– Spoken languages: Italian.
– Best time to visit from April to October but be aware that in summer temperatures can go very warm.
– How to get to Pisa: Via Galilei Airport, located only 1 km away from the city center, easily walkable on foot or a cheap taxi or local bus with CPT for 1.10€ for a single journey.
Trains are a great way to travel in Italy too and Pisa station is very well connected with Florence, Rome, and Livorno
To visit the touristic sites in Pisa you can buy a ticket in the tourist office located in the Piazza del Duomo.
The ticket to visit the Baptistery, Camposanto, Museo Della Sinopie costs 5€ to visit one monument, 7€ for two, and 8€ for three. Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo, Palazzo dell’ Opera del Duomo where not possible to visit when I was there in July.
To go inside the Cathedral is free, and, in some hours, you must get a free ticket to get inside.
You can climb the leaning Tower and it costs 18€ with a fixed time. Buy this one ahead if you have only a few hours as it gets very crowded.
Pisa Tower is 55.86 meters (183.27 feet) high from the ground on the low side and has 296 or 294 steps to keep in mind if you want to climb it.
Where to stay in Pisa
If you are ready to book your hotel for your next trip to Pisa, in this little guide I have organized the best options for you to choose according to the best location and budget, ranging from luxury hotels to hostels and homestays.
There are two main areas to choose to book your hotel in Pisa:
- The city center near the Pisa tower and Piazza del Duomo
- The area in the sides of the Arno river
- Staying outside the city center
- Where to stay in the Tuscany near Pisa
We had a hard time when booking apartments in Italy.
It was very often hard to deal with the owners of the places were definitely not what was shown on the pictures.
I would recommend you book hotels/hostels with a good amount of reviews
Staying in Piazza Dei Miracoli area
This is my favorite area when thinking of visiting the most famous sites in Pisa.
If you are staying one or two nights, I will recommend this area as it’s at Piazza del Miracoli where most of the monuments are located.
There are also several and very good restaurants to eat in the area, our favorites were the Trattoria Della Faggiola and Cantina Vasari, both having very good quality food with a home-made style and great service.
One curiosity I’ve found when booking my hotel in Pisa is that the majority of the hotels in Pisa are keeping a traditional old-style decoration, preserving the architecture and also the vibe of former times.
I made this selection when booking my hotel to stay and I’m sharing here with you my best finds to help you with your own search.
Luxury Hotels
Palazzo Cini Luxury Rooms in Pisa is one of the few modern style decorated bed & breakfast.
With a perfect location, is a 13-minute walk to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, 10-minute walk to the Botanical Gardens of Pisa, and only 2km to Pisa International Airport.
All the rooms have air conditioning and coffee kettle included.
Prices starting at US$180 per night
Relais dell’ Orologio is a beautiful four-star hotel located 200 meters from the Pisa Tower in a classic decorated 14th-century house.
If you love classic desgin you will love this cute hotel and its painted walls with beautiful designs.
The rooms might be not so spacious but they have everything you need for a comfortable stay and their terrace is the perfect place to enjoy the summer mornings and evenings!
Double rooms cost starting at US$75 for a single and US$140 for double rooms per night.
Grand Hotel Duomo is a 4star located just two minutes walking from the Piazza dei Duomo, perfect location to explore the main attractions in Pisa.
One of the nices features is the roof terrace with beautiful city views and good facilities for disabled passengers.
Some rooms have a view of the leaning tower and the Duomo! And its pet-friendly!
Prices starting from US$109 per night
Mid-range Hotel
Villa Tower Inn is located in a restored traditional villa from 1920 and is in the perfect location in Pisa’s city center. Just 600 meter to the Piazza del Miracoli.
The rooms are having high ceilings and are nicely decorated, and the hotel hosts a bar and terrace to enjoy the sunny days.
Casa San Tommaso set in a traffic-free zone of central Pisa, just 300 m from the Leaning Tower.
The rooms are simple but clean, they offer air conditioning, wood-beam ceilings, and free Wi-Fi. The bathroom in our room was huge!
The San Tommaso is set in a historic building. Most rooms are found on the 1st floor, which was built during the 18th century.
Rooms starting at US$86 for a double room
Low budget Hostel
Hostel Pisa Tower is one of the best low budget options right in the heart of Pisa.
If you like the vibe of a hostel and meet people while traveling then this place is your spot.
The colorful rooms and bathrooms are clean and the terrace is a really nice place to enjoy in warm days, and in winter the living room with a fireplace will be your favorite.
Bed in dorm starting at US$22 per night.
Staying near the Arno River
The historical city center in Pisa is having a special ban for driving through its streets, so if you arrive in Pisa by car it’s a good idea to stay a bit away of the main area so you can drive through and park more easily.
Staying near the Arno river will allow you to still be close to the main touristic spots, and enjoy the charm of this part of the city, that was one of my favorites.
Luxury Hotel
Hotel Bologna is a four-star located within a 5 minute walking to the train station and only 12 to the Pisa Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli.
They offer buffet breakfast you can ask for takeaway and free tasting of local products daily at the bar.
The rooms have big windows, air conditioning and coffee/tea maker free of charge.
Mid-Range Hotel
The Royal Victoria Hotel is located by the river Arno. It has been managed by the same family since 1837 and is keeping a traditional style that will make you feel you are back in time. They still keep original frescoes dating back to the beginning of the 20th century in some of the junior suites, a total treasure.
Rooms are starting at US$91 per night.
Mediceo 42 is the perfect place to stay if you prefer a
modern design with a boutique style. The guest house is located near the river Arno in a very good location, only 1.2km to Piazza del Miracoli
Rooms have private bathrooms and air conditioning. Coffee and tea are available as well as a common kitchen and sitting area.
Prices starting at US$88 per night for a room or $265 for the whole apartment per night for 6 people.
Budget Hostel
Pisa Train Station Hostel is having a great location, especially if you are arriving late or leaving very early as you will be just steps from the train station, but still very close to the main attractions in Pisa.
You can profit the shared kitchen and lounge area and every room is having its own bathroom.
Safestay Pisa is perfect for solo travelers who are wanting to be closer to the train station and it’s just 10 minutes walking to Galileo Galilei Airport.
Perhaps their best feature is the bar/restaurant serving delicious burgers and smoothies!
If you are driving your way through Tuscany…
The Tuscany is an area better to explore by car, so you can go to little towns and see more in less time. Outside Pisa, there are several really nice places to stay for one or two nights, even more, if you like nature and especially thermal baths and wine!
Here are some of the gems I’ve found for staying in the Tuscany around Pisa.
San Ranieri Hotel is located just outside Pisa’s city center and is a good location to stay if you are driving through the Tuscany and want to visit the main attractions in Pisa.
In 10 minutes of driving or a 10€ taxi to the city center is a modern building with all the comfort you need if you prefer to stay in a quiet area.
It’s having a restaurant and a very nice bar with a garden view.
Prices starting at US$100 per night
Great hotels to stay near Pisa
Luxury Hotels
Grand Hotel Imperiale in Forte Dei Marmi, is located 300m from the sea and is having its own private beach.
With classic style luxurious rooms and suites with large marble bathrooms, and private balconies.
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a Spa and a restaurant for you to have all you need in one location is a great place to go for a relaxing weekend.
Double rooms starting at US$466 per night.
Bagni Di Pisa in San Giuliano Terme is one of the most visited Thermal Baths in the area.
The historic architecture together with the quality in service, plus a complete wellness center where you will find an indoor pool, steam bath, and sauna will make your stay perfect.
Some rooms are still having original 300-year-old frescoes!
Double rooms starting at US$278 per night.
Medium-Range Hotels
Cascina Canova B&B in San Giuliano Terme appears to be an old Tuscan refurbished farmhouse.
Located in a very quiet and green place perfect for recovering during your long trip or to escape for a few days.
Hotel Villa Casanova in Lucca is located just 5 km from Massaciuccoli and a 20-minute drive from Lucca in what was a Tuscan farmhouse from the 18th-century.
The hotel is surrounded by the Lucchese hills and between a 40-hectare pine grove and is a delight to visit, with traditional houses around and a patrician chapel.
Rooms are simply decorated with taste and most are having beautiful views of the Tuscany.
Double rooms starting at US$142 per night.
Budget Hotel
Villa Maria Hotel in Montecatinni Terme is located in the Montecatini Alto area.
With beautiful views of the Montecatini Terme and the Tuscan countryside. The perfect place to enjoy warm days is their swimming pool and sunbathing area.
Rooms are simple and classic decorated but they are very clean and some even have beautiful views with a balcony.
Double rooms starting at US$142 per night.
Conclusion
Pisa is definitely a city to include in your Tuscany itinerary.
As many people say I have to disagree, Pisa is worth it, is fun and with a great gastronomic offer with really not many crowds as you will expect for such a touristic city.
I hope this guide helps you to organize the perfect stay and you have a great time while in Pisa!
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Have you already chosen your hotel to stay in Pisa? Do you have a favorite that I didn’t mention here?
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