Major city · Italy
Pisa
Give Pisa one night, or a half-day between trains: the tower square takes 2–3 hours, the rest of the city another half-day.
Pisa is a small university city of about 90,000 people, with 60,000 students, and the Campo dei Miracoli sits in its northwest corner. Most travellers see the tower in a few hours and leave; one night lets you walk the riverfront and Borgo Stretto after the day-trippers go. Trains from Florence take about an hour, so it works as a stop rather than a base.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid), and the busiest midday hours year-round
- Airport
- PSA
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Italy and Malta ↗The region's headline sights run on timed tickets that sell out: book the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, the Uffizi, the Last Supper and Malta's Hypogeum before you fix train and hotel dates.
- Italy and Malta ↗Budget for per-night city taxes in Italy (up to about €10 a person in Rome), Malta's per-night environmental contribution, and Venice's day-visitor fee on peak days; none are included in most online room prices.
- Italy ↗Italy is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Italy ↗Historic centres are ZTL limited-traffic zones: cameras fine any unauthorised car that enters, often months later through the hire company. Park outside and walk in.
- Italy ↗Regional train tickets bought on paper must be validated in the machine on the platform before boarding; digital tickets carry a time and need no stamping.
- Italy ↗Venice charges day-visitors an access fee on selected peak days; check the city's official site if you are not sleeping there.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Pisa112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Pisa, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Italy-wide
- SIM or eSIMTIM, Vodafone, WindTre and Iliad sell prepaid SIMs in shops and at airports; a passport and an Italian tax code (codice fiscale…Italy-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe unless signed otherwise; Rome's nasoni fountains run all day.Italy-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Coperto or service may already be on the bill; leave €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) a person or round up for good service.Italy-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F/L. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Italy-wide
- SafetyPisa is a safe, small city; the real risks are summer heat, ZTL fines and pickpockets around the tower square and station.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €1 (≈ US$2).Italy-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All emergencies · 113 police · 115 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany state museums close on Monday; the Vatican Museums close on most Sundays.Italy-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPSA Pisa Galileo Galilei (2 km (1.2 mi) south of Pisa Centrale; Pisamover tram to the station, 5 min, €6.50 (≈ US$8)).PSA Pisa Galileo Galilei (1.2 mi (2 km) south of Pisa Centrale; Pisamover tram to the station, 5 min, €6.50 (≈ US$8)).
- Getting aroundWalk in the centre: Pisa Centrale to the tower is about 2 km (1.2 mi), 25–30 min.Walk in the centre: Pisa Centrale to the tower is about 1.2 mi (2 km), 25–30 min.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at the bar€1.20–1.80 (≈ US$2–3)
- Metro or bus rideLAM bus single ticket€1.50 (≈ US$2) (€2.50 (≈ US$3) from the driver)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, 3-star or B&B, a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedDouble room, 3-star or B&B, a night, per room€250 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €95 (≈ US$120) · High €170 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PSA Pisa Galileo Galilei (2 km (1.2 mi) south of Pisa Centrale; Pisamover tram to the station, 5 min, €6.50)PSA Pisa Galileo Galilei (1.2 mi (2 km) south of Pisa Centrale; Pisamover tram to the station, 5 min, €6.50)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Feb
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Mar
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Apr
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Dec
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Nov (10 rain days), driest Jul (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Pisa: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Feb
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
8 rd
Mar
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
3 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Nov
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Dec
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk in the centre: Pisa Centrale to the tower is about 2 km, 25–30 min. LAM Rossa bus links station, riverfront and Piazza dei Miracoli; single €1.50, ten-ride pack €14, €2.50 from the driver, validate on board and it is valid 70 min. Do not drive into the centre: ZTL camera zones.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Lucca
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Regional train from Pisa Centrale or Pisa San Rossore, 25–30 min
Walled city, easy half-day; trains at least hourly.
Florence
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Regional train from Pisa Centrale, about 1 h
Full day; book nothing, regional trains run often.
Volterra
cautionDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Train to Pontedera then bus, or car
Bus connections are thin; check times before committing.
San Miniato
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Train towards Florence, then a steep walk up
Hill town with truffle country around it.
Casciana Terme
cautionDoor to door: 1–1.5 h
Car or bus via Pontedera
Spa town; awkward without a car.
Lari
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Car, or bus via Pontedera
Castle village; pair it with Casciana Terme.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Around Pisa Centrale
Best for one night with bags and early trains; 20–30 min walk to the tower.
Campo dei Miracoli / San Rossore
Closest to the tower and Pisa San Rossore station; quiet at night.
Lungarni and Borgo Stretto
Riverside centre, restaurants and student bars; 20–25 min walk to the tower.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–85 (≈ US$65–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- €85–150 (≈ US$100–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, 3-star or B&B1 × 1 night × €120 | €120 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €95 | €190 |
| Pisamover, airport to Pisa Centrale, one way2 × €7 | €13 |
| Tower climb, timed ticket2 × €18 | €36 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €39 |
| Trip total≈ €214 per person per day, bed included | €428≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at the bar | €1.20–1.80 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Slice of pizza or a panino | €3–6 (≈ US$4–7) |
| Pasta or pizza in a trattoria | €9–16 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Aperitivo with a drink | €6–10 (≈ US$7–12) |
| LAM bus single ticket | €1.50 (≈ US$2) (€2.50 (≈ US$3) from the driver) |
| Tower climbTimed entry; book ahead. | €18 (≈ US$25) |
| Baptistery or Camposanto single ticketCombined tickets €7–8. | €5 (≈ US$6) |
| City walls walk | €3 (≈ US$4) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- ZTL camera zones cover much of the old centre; fines arrive by post weeks later.
- Tower tickets are timed and non-exchangeable; book on the official site or accept a 45 min–2 h wait.
- Children under 8 cannot climb the tower; under-18s need an adult.
- Pickpockets work the tower square and station in summer; keep bags zipped in front.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies
- 112
- Police
- 113
- Fire
- 115
- Ambulance
- 118
Pocket card
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PisaPisa
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A questo indirizzo, per favoreTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies112
- Police113
- Ambulance118
Embassy
No US or UK embassy in Pisa; embassies are in Rome, with consulates in Florence and Milan. Check your own country's list.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Pisamover, airport to Pisa Centrale: €6.50 (≈ US$8), 5 min, every 5–8 min from 06:00 to 00:00€6.50 (≈ US$8), 5 min, every 5–8 min from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Taxi airport to centre: €10–20 (≈ US$12–25); cheaper than the Pisamover for 3+ people
- Train Pisa Centrale to Florence: regional, about 1 h
Say or show
- Buongiorno — Hello (bwon-JOR-no)
- Grazie — Thank you (GRAT-tsyeh)
- Quanto costa? — How much is it? (KWAN-to KOS-ta)
- Il conto, per favore — The bill, please (eel KON-to per fa-VO-re)
- Posso pagare con la carta? — Can I pay by card? (POS-so pa-GA-re kon la KAR-ta)
- Dov'è il bagno? — Where is the toilet? (do-VEH eel BAN-yo)
112 works from any phone, including locked screens.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Pisa. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid), and the busiest midday hours year-round · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PSA: Pisamover last departures, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters: Campo dei Miracoli, Piazza dei Cavalieri, the Lungarni and Borgo Stretto.
- Tower and cathedral ticket cutoffs verified on the official operator site.
- Eat pages with last orders for the Borgo Stretto and riverfront kitchens.