Is Pisa worth visiting?

Pisa is world famous for its oddly-angled tower, right?

Sure, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, with all its strangely-shaped splendour, is why tourists flock to the city, eager to catch a snap of themselves appearing to hold up the tower (or wildly missing the mark!).

But, a visit to Pisa always ends up being so much more than the leaning tower itself, as tourists encounter friendly locals, mouthwatering Tuscan cuisine and Italian history in abundance.

So, once you’ve got your shot of yourself holding up, pushing over, carrying or cuddling the city’s eponymous tower, it’s time to check out some of the attractions that make this town such a worthwhile 50 train ride from Florence.

• There is more to the Piazza Dei Miracoli

  This is Pisa’s main attraction, as it is the location of the famed tower. However, a walk around the Piazza Dei Miracoli and its giant square is what gives tourists the first impression that there is a whole lot more to this little town that meets the postcard-viewing eye. Here, you will also see the Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistery of St John and the Campo Santo cemetery, with all monuments located very close to one another.

• Dine on local specialities

  Tuscany is a food lover’s paradise, and so it’s only natural that this famous city offers up some of the region’s best produce in delicious varieties. Pisa is known for speciality dishes like pici pasta, a thick hand-rolled pasta synonymous with Tuscany, as well as everyone’s favourite double-baked biscuit: biscotti, which originated in Tuscany and serves up some of the best in the world (obviously!).

• Stroll along the Arno River

  Perhaps the best way to take in the picturesque surroundings of the city is to walk along the Arno River. Grab yourself some cecina (chickpea pancake) or gelato and enjoy a nice stroll along this beautiful promenade. There are so many architectural gems along this walk that you shouldn’t be surprised if you find yourself meandering off down some special laneway to take it all in along with a coffee or wine.

• Take in fine art at a museum

  Pisa is replete with museums housing important Italian works. From the Pisanos and Donatellos at the National Museum of San Matteo to the Sinopie Museum which houses the preparatory drawings for the Campo Santo’s frescoes, you will be amazed at everything else this wondrous town has to offer.

  Certainly not a one-hit wonder that Pisa…

Related article: Visiting Pisa: Things to know before you go