Most visitors head straight for the Leaning Tower, but you’ll find many more historic sights to explore in Pisa, including a magnificent cathedral and baptistery. The city is also home to a large student population, giving it a lively modern feel with plenty of restaurants and cultural venues.
Renting a car means you can also venture further afield and discover more of Tuscany during your vacation in Italy.
The heart of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most famous sights in all of Italy. The structure was completed in the 14th century, but its tilt – caused by soft ground on one side – gradually grew worse over time until it was eventually stabilized in the late-20th and 21st centuries.
Today you can climb to the top of the tower, and enjoy some excellent views over the city – the north-facing side has 294 steps, two fewer than the southern side. It’s recommended that you reserve tickets online in advance, as this is one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions and entrance is limited, with time slots strictly observed.
The tower is just one of the attractions visible around Pisa’s Field of Miracles square in the heart of the city. Here you’ll also find the city’s cathedral, a building that dates back to medieval times with grand decoration that offers a glimpse of the past wealth and prestige of the city when it was an important maritime trade center.
In front of the cathedral is another magnificent monument, the Baptistery. This marble structure is the largest of its kind in Italy and showcases an incredible blend of architectural styles, from its Romanesque rounded arches to the Gothic-style pointed arches above.
Historic highlights
Pisa is home to some fascinating museums and galleries, including the National Museum of San Matteo where you will find many works spanning the medieval and renaissance periods. Highlights include sculptures by Pisano and Donatello, and many antique paintings and manuscripts.
Palazzo Blu, not far from the river Arno, is one of the most important cultural venues in Pisa. It’s home to many exhibitions all year round, and the building itself is also an impressive sight with its restored façade painted in a striking blue.
If you still want to soak up more of the city’s culture, head to the Botanical Garden and Museum, a calm and peaceful site that is hundreds of years old and features many interesting displays of exotic and aquatic plants, some of which can no longer be seen in the wild.
Sun and sea
Renting a car in Pisa means you can explore some of the Tuscan coast during your stay, with many beautiful beaches and attractions to explore. Just 10 miles outside the city you’ll find Marina di Vecchiano, a sandy beach along the Tyrrhenian Sea.
This part of the coast is surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Migliarino Nature Park, giving it a unique atmosphere with rolling green hills and olive groves located close to the sand.
Not far away you’ll find the resort of Tirrenia, situated on the coast between Pisa and Livorno. This modern resort is home to long, sandy beaches with great activities on offer, including sports facilities and plenty of beach bars and cafes.
Renting a car in Pisa means you’ll be able to explore all this and more during your time in this wonderful part of Italy.