Did you know that Pisa is one of the most visited places in Italy? Whatever the season, the Piazza dei Miracoli is packed with visitors. And with good reason: it's packed with must-see historical monuments, including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa! Follow us as we discover all the things to do in Pisa in 3 days, from the Piazza del Duomo to the historic city center.
Good to know: Avoid stress by booking your transfer from Pisa airport to Pisa central station right here.
Day 1: What to do in Pisa in 3 days Visit the monuments of the Piazza dei Miracoli
Clearly The Place To Be, Pisa's top must-see during your long weekend!
Morning: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Cathedral and Baptistery
To reserve: The Leaning Tower of Pisa is very touristy. Avoid long queues by booking your Tower of Pisa and Cathedral tickets here . You'll be met directly at the time you booked.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the world-famous landmark of this beautiful Italian city. Conceived as the bell tower of the cathedral, it owes its inclination to unstable ground. Climb its steps for a spectacular view of Pisa and its surroundings.
Stay on Piazza dei Miracoli to visit Pisa Cathedral, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta. This Romanesque gem, built between the 11th and 12th centuries, boasts a superb white marble façade adorned with biblical sculptures. From chapels housing artistic treasures to the relics of San Ranieri, the visit is well worth it!
Finally, complete the first morning of your 3-day visit to Pisa at the Baptistery, inspired by monuments in Jerusalem. Inside, frescoes and sculptures enrich this sacred site.
Good to know piazza dei Miracoli is named after the writer Gabriele D'Annunzio, who called it " Forse che sì forse che no " in his novel.
Afternoon: Pisa Cemetery, Cinopie Museum... + bonus!
To book: Enjoy a 2-hour guided walking tour of the city of Pisa by booking right here. You'll discover the city's main attractions and visit sites off the beaten track.
Don't go anywhere - the Piazza del Duomo still has some great sights in store for you! You won't want to miss Pisa's Monumental Cemetery, or Composanto, with its sublime Gothic architecture. Its walls house Roman and medieval tombs, and the interior reveals priceless Renaissance frescoes.
Next door, visit the Musée Sinopie, housed in a former medieval hospital. Here you can admire preparatory sketches for the frescoes in the Monumental Cemetery, restored after damage during the Second World War. You'll discover a fascinating insight into the creative process of Renaissance artists, complemented by a collection of historical objects tracing the rich culture of Pisa.
Before leaving, we invite you to continue your discovery by climbing the city walls, the Mura di Pisa, accessible from the Piazza dei Miracoli. As you walk along these 3 kilometers, you'll have a breathtaking view of the city and the Piazza dei Miracoli!
As a bonus, treat yourself to a visit to the Duomo Opera Museum, which exhibits many of the cathedral's treasures: statues, decorations, liturgical vestments and wood carvings.
Tip from Petit Futé: don't hesitate to buy a skip-the-line ticket here. That way, you'll avoid the long queues at the monuments in Piazza del Duomo.
Day 2: What to do in Pisa in 3 days? From the historic quarter to the Palazzo Blu
There's plenty more to do in Pisa during your 3 days. Back to downtown!
Morning: Piazza dei Cavalieri and Botanical Gardens
Get your second morning off to a gentle start with a stroll along the banks of the Arno. Here, you'll take time to admire the historic buildings lining the river, while enjoying a soothing view.
Unusual activity to book: Enjoy the beauty of Pisa from the Arno by booking this rafting excursion. You'll see the Church of La Spina, the famous medieval art museum of San Matteo and the various strategic points that have shaped the history of Pisa's marina.
You will then reach the Piazza dei Cavalierione of the nerve centers of Pisa. This square, once the political heart of the city, is now dominated by the Palazzo della Carovana, home to the École Normale Supérieure.
Your morning ends at the Botanical Garden of the University of Pisa, the world's first university botanical garden, founded in the 16th century. Over no less than three hectares, you'll discover medicinal plants, century-old trees such as a magnolia and a camphor tree, and other plant wonders. We also invite you to visit the Botanical Museum, where watercolors, herbariums and historical objects related to botany reveal the scientific and artistic wealth of the university.
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Afternoon: Palazzo Blu and Jardin Scotto
The afternoon begins with a visit to the Palazzo Blulocated on the banks of the Arno. It's impossible to miss: with its superb blue facade, it doesn't go unnoticed! Inside, you'll find a museum of art and culture that's well worth a visit (and for a very small price). In addition to permanent exhibits by renowned artists such as Picasso and Warhol, you'll find temporary exhibitions focusing on contemporary art.
Less than a kilometer away on foot, continue your day in the Jardin Scotto, a green oasis of serenity in the heart of Pisa. Created in the 15th century and transformed into a public garden in 1939, this historic site promises a peaceful stroll between the bastions of the ancient fortress.
Good to know the garden occasionally hosts events and concerts. Keep an eye out!
Last but not least, we invite you to round off this pleasant day with a tasty homemade ice cream in one of the city's gelaterias . Let's not forget that Tuscany is a gourmet destination!
To book: We recommend this culinary tour of Pisa: you'll visit the city's most popular and historic landmarks, sample the true taste and flavors of "pisano", starting with salamis and typical cheeses or the traditional "cecina" focaccia.
Day 3: What to do in Pisa in 3 days? Shopping, museum and church
Pisa has some great shopping spots. Let yourself be tempted...!
Morning: shopping on Corso Italia and Borgo Stretto
A little shopping is a must in Pisa during your 3-day long weekend. Start your morning with a stroll along Corso Italia, Pisa's main shopping street. It stretches from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele to the Ponte di Mezzo, combining historic buildings with modern boutiques.
Good to know along the way, you'll find small courtyards and alleyways leading down to the Arno River. A great way to add an extra touch of sightseeing to your stroll!
Your steps then lead you to Borgo Stretto, another of Pisa's shopping districts, just a 500-metre walk from Corso Italia. Here, the setting is much more authentic, lined with ancient arches and colorful buildings. Yet this authentic place is also full of boutiques and cafés to make the most of a morning of shopping and sightseeing.
Afternoon: National Museum of the Royal Palace and Santa Maria della Spina Church
Find a nice place to eat nearby, because your first visit of the afternoon, the National Museum of the Royal Palace, is just 500 meters from Borgo Stretto. Nestled in a historic building designed for Ferdinand I de' Medici, this superb museum houses works from the Medici, Lorraine and Savoy collections, as well as a few local treasures. Among the highlights are :
- stradano tapestries,
- the clothes of Eleonora of Toledo,
- a collection of armor dating from the 15th to 17th centuries,
- works by Rosso Fiorentino,
- ivory miniatures from the Ceci collection.
Now it's time for the last visit of your 3 days in Pisa! Just 400 metres from the previous museum, end your stay with a visit to theChurch of Santa Maria della Spinaa Gothic marvel built in 1230 on the banks of the River Arno. Known for housing a relic of Christ's crown, it also boasts other treasures such as Andrea and Nino Pisano's Madonna of the Rose. But beware! It can only be visited on Saturdays and Sundays.
Read the article: What to do in Italy? 27 must-sees!
Where to stay in Pisa for 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
Accessible in less than 2 hours from France, Pisa is a prime destination for a long weekend in May. The Santa Maria district is the best place to stay in Pisa. Just 10 minutes from the Piazza del Duomo, it's also close to the city's main attractions.
- Just like home, with service to boot!
At Vele Storiche Pisane, you'll find a family atmosphere. Simplicity and comfort are the watchwords of thisremarkably welcoming establishment. Click here to book your room.
- The newest
Recent, but not without interest! The Grand Hôtel Bonanno offers large, pleasant rooms and a good breakfast. Situated not far from the Piazza dei Miracoli, it has a great advantage: parking ! Book your room in Pisahere .
- The cheapest
Inexpensive, yet ideally located in the city center,Hotel Bologna boasts a full range of services: large, comfortable rooms, hearty breakfast, bike rental, all in a beautiful old-fashioned decor! Click here to book your stay.
You'll also find below a list of the trendiest things to do in Pisa:
If Pisa is one of the must-sees in Tuscany, it's not just for its famous Leaning Tower! Museums, historic alleyways and other treasures of the past: the city has plenty to offer. So do its surroundings, so don't hesitate to visit the most beautiful villages in Tuscany, or even the most beautiful villages in Italy, if you have time. Another must-see is Florence, about 1 h 30 from Pisa. Are you tempted? Discover the 21 must-sees in Florence! Our itinerary tips for visiting Florence in 2 or 3 days may also come in handy.
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