What Is There to Do in Pisa Besides the Leaning Tower?

But what is there to do in Pisa, other than the Leaning Tower?... This is one of the questions I hear most often—and I’m always glad to answer it, because in my opinion, Pisa is one of the most misunderstood cities in Tuscany. Therefore, this guide focuses on what to do in Pisa beyond the Leaning Tower, including museums, churches, gardens, food, and lesser-known historic sites—perfect if you want to actually understand the city rather than just tick it off a list.

Most visitors see a very small slice of Pisa, take a photo of the Leaning Tower, and move on. They don’t realize that the city hides a surprising number of cultural and historical treasures. Granted, Pisa isn’t Lucca. Lucca is beautiful and immediately charming. It’s easy to fall in love with it, while Pisa is different: it’s a university town, and it takes a bit more effort to discover its secrets.

A (Very Brief) Introduction to Pisa’s History

Pisa has a long and fascinating history that stretches back well before the famous Leaning Tower. The city was already an important settlement in Roman times, thanks to its strategic position near the Arno River and the Tyrrhenian Sea. During the early Middle Ages, Pisa grew rapidly in power and wealth, becoming one of Italy’s great Maritime Republics, alongside Venice, Genoa, and Amalfi. Its fleet dominated trade routes across the Mediterranean, and Pisa played a key role in commerce, shipbuilding, and naval warfare, which brought immense prosperity to the city.

This period of wealth and influence is still visible today in Pisa’s extraordinary architecture, especially in the Piazza dei Miracoli, where the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Leaning Tower were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. However, Pisa’s dominance did not last forever. After a series of conflicts with rival city-states—most notably Genoa—and later its conquest by Florence in the 15th century, Pisa gradually lost its political independence. Despite this decline, the city remained an important cultural and intellectual center, especially with the founding of the University of Pisa in 1343, one of the oldest universities in Europe. Today, Pisa’s layered history is woven into its streets, monuments, and daily life, making it far more than a quick stop for a photo of the leaning tower.

Piazza dei Miracoli: What to See Beyond the Leaning Tower

Now that you know a little bit more about Pisa, it’s easier to see why the Leaning Tower is only one part of the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you see the tower, take a photo, and leave, you’re missing most of what makes this square extraordinary.

Even if you have just one more hour, you could still visit:

• the Cathedral (Duomo), a masterpiece of Pisan Romanesque architecture

• the Baptistery, famous for its acoustics

• the Camposanto Monumentale, deeply moving and historically layered

• the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, where works by Nicola Pisano help you understand the artistic importance of medieval Pisa (Nicola Pisano was one of  the most incredible sculptors in medieval Europe).

Taken together, these sites tell the story of Pisa as a powerful medieval maritime republic, not just a city with a leaning tower.

The Lungarni: Walking Along the Arno in Pisa

Once you leave the Piazza dei Miracoli, head toward the historic center and the Lungarni, the streets that run along the Arno River.

This is one of the most pleasant parts of Pisa: colorful medieval and Renaissance buildings, reflections on the water, and a much calmer atmosphere. It’s ideal for an unhurried walk—and yes, for gelato. (I recommend De’ Coltelli.) The beautiful blue colored palazzo that sits infront of you is quite literally called “palazzo blu”, and if often houses good temporary exhibitions. Check with the locals tourist office if anything interesting is on display…

Museum of the Ancient Ships of Pisa

If you’re interested in history, don’t miss the Museum of the Ancient Ships of Pisa.

Housed in the restored Medici Arsenals, the museum displays Roman and medieval ships discovered during excavations near the Arno. These remarkably preserved vessels tell the story of Pisa’s maritime past and its role in Mediterranean trade and warfare. It’s one of the most important archaeological museums in Italy—and still one of the least crowded.

National Museum of San Matteo (Art & Medieval Sculpture)

For art lovers, the National Museum of San Matteo is essential. In my opinion, it’s one of the most underrated museums in Tuscany.

Housed in a former Benedictine convent founded in the 11th century, the museum contains the largest collection of art in Pisa, including:

• Romanesque and Gothic sculpture

• Lesser-known masterpieces by Nicola Pisano, Donatello, Giunta Pisano, Simone Martini, and Masaccio

• wooden sculptures, panel paintings, illuminated manuscripts, medieval ceramics, coins, and seals

You won’t find the world-famous masterpieces of the Uffizi here, but you will encounter beautiful, lesser-known works that can be unexpectedly moving—especially for art lovers and art students.

Santa Maria della Spina: A Gothic Jewel in Pisa

Santa Maria della Spina is small, highly decorative, and unmistakably Pisan. Sitting right along the Arno, it’s covered in spires, statues, and intricate Gothic details.

It once housed a relic believed to be a thorn from Christ’s crown. It’s not monumental in size, but it’s one of the most visually striking churches in the city.

Botanical Garden of Pisa (The Oldest in the World)

Founded in 1543 by order of Cosimo I de’ Medici, the Botanical Garden of Pisa is the oldest botanical garden in the world and the first connected to a university.

Designed as a place of scientific research, study, and contemplation, it played a key role in the development of modern botany. Today it remains a peaceful retreat—perfect if you need a break from sightseeing.

Church of San Sisto

The Church of San Sisto is one of the best examples of early Pisan Romanesque architecture.

Built in the late 11th century after Pisa’s naval victory over Al-Mahdiya, it was dedicated to Saint Sixtus, once the city’s patron saint. The church preserves its medieval character, with reused Roman capitals, ceramic basin decorations, and artworks such as the Madonna della Purità and a 14th-century wooden crucifix. It also reflects Pisa’s civic and military history and remains a place of remembrance.

Walk on Pisa's Medieval City Walls

One of Pisa’s most overlooked experiences is walking along the medieval city walls.

With a single ticket, you can walk above the city and enjoy views of the Cathedral, the Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, and the rooftops of Pisa. The walls date mainly to the 12th–13th centuries and help you understand how Pisa functioned as a fortified medieval city. It’s calm, informative, and surprisingly rewarding.

The Synagogue and Jewish Cemetery of Pisa

Visiting the Synagogue of Pisa offers insight into the city’s long Jewish history. Located on Via Palestro since the late 16th century, the synagogue occupies a medieval building converted into a place of worship in 1595 and carefully restored.

Just outside the medieval walls (behind piazza dei miracoli and the Leaning Tower) lies the Jewish Cemetery, established in 1674 and still in use today. Its tombs reflect centuries of Jewish life in Pisa and include memorials to victims of Nazi-Fascist persecution. Together, these sites tell an important and often overlooked chapter of Pisa’s multicultural past.(Guided visits can be arranged—just contact us: info@travel-italy-guru.com).

The Keith Haring Mural

One often-overlooked highlight in Pisa is the Keith Haring mural, Tuttomondo, located on the exterior wall of the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, just a short walk from the train station. Painted in 1989, shortly before the artist’s death, Tuttomondo is one of Haring’s last public works and the only one he ever created in Italy. Unlike many of his murals, which were spontaneous and temporary, this piece was carefully planned and officially commissioned. The mural features 30 colorful, interlocking figures, symbolizing harmony, peace, cooperation, and the idea of a world where differences coexist. Its bold lines and joyful imagery create a striking contrast with Pisa’s historic surroundings and offer a meaningful reminder that the city is not only rooted in the past, but also open to modern creativity and global cultural dialogue.

One Day in Pisa: A Realistic Itinerary

With one full day in Pisa, you can:

• visit the Piazza dei Miracoli in the morning

• walk through the historic center and along the Lungarni

• choose one major museum (San Matteo or the Ancient Ships Museum)

• join our Pisa dinner food experience. Seriously, it’s the best! Led by a food expert and sommelier, you’ll try highlights from the local cuisine and various wines.

Practical Questions About Visiting Pisa (FAQ)

Is Pisa worth visiting?

Yes. Pisa doesn’t market its treasures well, but it offers both world-famous monuments and meaningful lesser-known sites.

How much time do you need in Pisa?

Two hours is enough to see the tower. A full day is ideal to actually see the city.

Is Pisa just the Leaning Tower?

No. Move a few streets away and the city becomes calm, authentic, and surprisingly rich.

Is Pisa walkable?

Very much so. The historic center is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Do you need a car in Pisa?

No, unless you want to explore nearby countryside towns like Calci.

Is Pisa overcrowded?

Only the area around the Leaning Tower.

When is the best time to visit Pisa?

Year-round, but June is especially special thanks to events like the Luminara and Gioco del Ponte (both take place in June).

Is Pisa good for food lovers?

Yes—but you need to know where to go. The best option would be to join one of our food experiences.

If you’d like to explore Pisa with context, stories, and excellent food, we offer guided tours, food experiences, and personalized itineraries. Pisa rewards curiosity—and it’s well worth your time!