The iconic and historically abundant city of Pisa
Pisa is one of Italy’s most iconic destinations and of course the initial image conjured up is that of the leaning tower, but this historically rich city also offers a great deal more. Pisa’s compact city centre is full with restaurants and bars, interspersed with museums and a host of stunning architecture. Although popular in the summer months, it has a significant student population which ensures there is a lively atmosphere year-round. Indeed, Pisa makes for an ideal short break with a universal appeal and a diverse range of attractions which can fill the itinerary of any traveller.
The leaning tower and beyond
It comes as no surprise that the focal tourist attraction of Pisa is its world famous leaning tower, located in the Piazza dei Miracoli quarter of the city. A UNESCO protected site, the tower is next to the impressive Cathedral of Pisa and the Baptistry, the latter of which provides excellent views and photo opportunities of the leaning tower. Many of the hotels in Pisa can be found in close proximity of this quarter, allowing guests easy access to these popular attractions. A short walk south brings visitors to Piazza dei Cavalieri, a smaller square that is home to a collection of photogenic buildings with a strong Renaissance theme. Visitors can find the Clock Palace here, known for the imprisonment of the Italian politician Ugolino della Gherardesca in the tower of hunger, a tale told in Dante’s Divine Comedy. Throughout the central districts of the city there are countless further examples of churches, town squares and various historical buildings. Moreover, there are dozens of Pisa hotels tucked into the side streets along the way, allowing guests a genuine feeling of this ancient and legendary city.
Endless dining options to suit all demographics
The centre of Pisa accommodates a multitude of restaurants, bars and cafes from five-star gourmet eateries through to student hangouts and take-away stalls. In the area surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli and the leaning tower, there are many fine-dining restaurants presenting some exquisite Italian cuisine. However some of the real culinary highlights can be found further off the beaten track in some of the smaller streets closer to the Arno River. Here there are a variety of pizzerias frequented by locals enabling visitors to get closer to authenticity. Similarly in this area there are many of the independent hotels in Pisa, often accommodating the young travellers backpacking through Italy. Bars are a substantial section of the culture in Pisa, particularly in the summer months when hundreds can be found enjoying a beverage alongside the river. Again there is a mix to suit all demographics, with ample smaller establishments catering for those looking to enjoy a peaceful drink.
A historic city with a young population
Despite all of the history, Pisa also has a modern and contemporary feel, accentuated by the thousands of students studying in the city. There are dozens of festivals and cultural events occurring throughout the year, with most featuring a strong contribution from students in one guise or another. The Luminara light festival in June is one of the most prominent events favoured by locals and visitors alike, a true highlight of Pisa’s hectic summer events calendar. The main university in the city dates back to the fourteenth century and is still a renowned school throughout Italy, now enacted as a tourist destination in its own right. Due to its age, the university buildings are in the heart of the city and consequently are impossible to miss. Those staying in a central hotel in Pisa can easily meander through the university campus within minutes of their accommodation. The student influence on the city is further reflected in the nightlife, dozens of alternative bars offer a variety of live music and social opportunities which many tourists are able to tap into.
Navigating Pisa by public transport
The city possesses its own international airport, which serves as the main hub for all of Tuscany. Visitors arriving by plane are treated to one of the most conveniently placed airports in the country; it is just minutes from the centre. In fact it is easily within walking distance, ensuring that any guests staying in hotels near Pisa airport are also close to all of the tourist highlights. Pisa hotels near the airport include many of the larger, modern- built international style hotel, which is also popular with guests transferring to nearby cities. The other major transport hub is the city’s train station, located to the south of the centre, linking Pisa to Italy’s extensive train network. There is a large cluster of accommodation available in the immediate vicinity of the station, again proving convenient for accessing the key tourist attractions whilst also offering visitors the choice of hotels in Pisa which are near to the airport. The public transport network also provides bus links to the nearby San Giuliano Terme a small town focused around its famous thermal springs. Visitors can also enjoy the host of stunning architecture the town holds, making it a desirable day trip from Pisa.