Pisa
Far more than a leaning tower—a proud maritime republic with an extraordinary Piazza dei Miracoli.
About Pisa
Everyone comes to Pisa for the tower, but the city deserves so much more than a selfie. The Piazza dei Miracoli—with its leaning tower, cathedral, baptistery, and Camposanto—is one of the world's greatest architectural ensembles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of dazzling white marble against green grass. But Pisa was once one of Italy's most powerful maritime republics, and traces of that grandeur survive in the elegant Lungarni (river embankments), the Gothic churches of San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno and Santa Maria della Spina, and the vibrant university quarter around Piazza dei Cavalieri. With 50,000 students, Pisa has a youthful energy, excellent restaurants, and prices that undercut neighbouring Florence significantly.
Best Time to Visit
April to June or September to October. The Luminara di San Ranieri on June 16 sees the entire Arno riverfront lit with 70,000 candles—one of Italy's most beautiful festivals. Summer is hot but the student bars stay lively.
Local Tips
- See the Piazza at dawn.
The Piazza dei Miracoli is mobbed by midday. A local will tell you to arrive at 8am when the white marble glows in morning light and you can photograph the tower without 500 people pretending to hold it up.
- Explore the Lungarni.
The Arno riverbanks are lined with palaces, churches, and the tiny Santa Maria della Spina—a Gothic jewel. A local knows the aperitivo bars with river views and the streets where the real Pisan life happens.
- See the Luminara festival.
On June 16, 70,000 candles illuminate the Arno embankments in honour of San Ranieri. A local will find the perfect viewing spot and explain the traditions surrounding this magical night.
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Amanda
Lucca, Pisa +1
Foreign Language Teacher and National Tourist Guide officially authorized by the Italian Ministry of Tourism. I combine my experience in language education with a deep passion for cultural heritage and historical interpretation. My main areas of interest include Florence, Pisa, and Lucca, as well as the theme of shifting boundaries in history, culture, and landscapes. I have been living in Tuscany for over 32 years, although I am originally from Southern Italy. This personal and professional background allows me to offer a broader perspective on Italian culture and to help travelers discover not only Tuscany but also Naples and the surrounding area. If you are planning a trip to Italy, feel free to contact me. It will be a pleasure to help you design a meaningful and memorable journey.
Renata
Florence, Siena +2
I am an expert local guide in Tuscany, half Italian half Brazilian with a great passion for Art! Throughout my life I have done numerous courses about art history, painters, theatre and music. I love going to museums, concerts, art galleries, theatres but also walking in the nature and relaxing on the beach. I love being around people from different cultures. I graduated in Art and Drama and I concluded a Master and a Doctorate Degree in these areas. Professionally, I've been working for 20 years as a touristic guide, a teacher and an actress. I've been living in Florence for 12 years. During this period I have taken people from all over the world to see the gorgeous landscapes in Tuscany and to visit the beautiful medieval cities such as Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Val D'orcia, Chianti, Pisa, Lucca, Volterra and many more. Visiting the historical buildings, the museums, squares and parks with so much history is a unique experience!
Edoardo
Amalfi, Sorrento +11
Born and raised in Italy's Marche region, I have explored the country from north to south during travels and study periods away from home. I have lived part of my life in amazing cities such as Venice and Bologna, and have visited Rome a lot since I have family and friends there. I am an experienced trip planner for destinations all over Italy, from the breezy Cinqueterre in Liguria down to the sun kissed Amalfi coast. If you want someone to help you with all-encompassing guidance and make the best out of your trip to Italy, I will be most happy to help you!
greta
Catania, Syracuse +8
Hi there! I am Greta. I’m naturally curious and like to explore and understand new things, which is why I’ve studied in different areas such as philosophy, HR, yoga, communication, etc. I’d describe myself as passionate and straightforward. I love to connect with people, places, idea. I’m a problem solver and fully committed to finding solutions, even unconventional ones. I value clarity and simplicity. I used to guide groups across Italy, and over the past few years I’ve been based in Sicily, working as a licensed local guide. I design experiences tailored to each traveler, combining local insight with practical planning. If I don’t know something, I’ll tell you directly - and hen find the right answer!. In my free time, I’m drawn to slow, local experiences - walking through small villages, discovering hidden food spots, and talking to people who have a story to tell. I enjoy observing details that others might overlook, from daily life scenes to small cultural habits. I like simple, well-designed things.