What to see in Pisa in a day: complete itinerary in 24 hour

How to spend a 24 hour day in Pisa? Discover a complete, fun and evocative itinerary through the streets of the Tuscan city. The ideal is to visit Piazza dei Miracoli early in the morning so as not to have to queue and have free space for the most beautiful photos; after the visit, it is a must to reward yourself with a delicious breakfast of Tuscan squash before a nice midday walk on the Arno river to visit the Church of Santa Maria della Spina before a lunch of tomato soup (pappa al pomodoro).

To work off lunch, a nice afternoon walk through the alleys of the historic center is ideal before visiting the Tuscan art masterpieces of the Palazzo Blu and making a stop, at aperitif time, in one of the many bars in Piazza delle Vettovaglie.

In the evening, to end on a high note, after a dinner of typical Pisan cuisine at one of the city's typical trattorias, say goodbye to this enchanting city with a romantic walk along the Arno River with an exceptional view of the wonderful Pisa illuminated by the dim lights at the end of the day.

9.00 am - Start your day in Pisa with a visit to the famous Piazza dei Miracoli, a world cultural heritage site. Here you can admire the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and the Baptistery, which together represent some of the greatest masterpieces of Tuscan Romanesque architecture. The Leaning Tower, built between the 12th and 14th centuries, is obviously the main attraction. You can book your climb in advance to enjoy breathtaking views of the city from above.

10.30 am - After admiring the beauty of the Piazza dei Miracoli, treat yourself to a well-deserved break for a typically tuscan breakfast. Stop at one of the local bakeries to taste a "schiacciata": a sort of focaccia that is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, which can be filled with raw ham, pecorino or other cured meats. If you prefer dessert, you can opt for a schiacciata with grapes, a traditional pisan dessert prepared especially in autumn.

12.00 - After breakfast, recover your energy, continue your tour with a pleasant walk along the Arno river which crosses the city of Pisa. The two banks of the river, called Lungarni, offer a picturesque view of the historic buildings that overlook the water. The morning light reflecting on the Arno makes this walk particularly evocative, especially on a sunny day.

12.30pm - Continuing along the river, you will come across the small and delightful Church of Santa Maria della Spina. This white marble Gothic jewel is a landmark of the city. Built near a bridge, now lost, the church was intended to contain the relics of one of the thorns from Christ's crown (which is currently located in the church of Santa Chiara). Although it is modest in size, the exterior of the church is incredibly decorated with statues and spiers, its position, close to the river, makes it particularly suggestive and intriguing.

1.00 pm - We know that walking makes you hungry and it's now time for lunch! Head to a traditional tavern to try one of the symbolic dishes of Pisan cuisine: pappa al pomodoro. This simple dish, based on stale bread, tomato, garlic, oil and basil, perfectly represents the philosophy of tuscan cuisine, which aims to enhance simple ingredients. For dessert, don't miss the Torta co' bischeri, a dessert of medieval origin typical of Pisa and its countryside. It is a tart filled with rice, chocolate, candied fruit and pine nuts, with characteristic "bischeri" (pasta decorations) on the edge.

3.00pm - After lunch, immerse yourself in Pisan culture with a visit to the Blue Palace, located right on the Lungarno. This museum houses a large collection of artworks spanning several centuries, with a focus on Tuscan artists. Temporary exhibitions often include world-famous international artists, making it a point of interest not only for art enthusiasts.

4.00 pm - After having had your fill of art, continue your walk in the historic center of the city, getting lost in the streets and alleys of Pisa. In every corner it is possible to admire traces of the past of this important former maritime Republic which boasts its origins since Roman times when it was built on the banks of the river precisely to exploit its position as a commercial centre. The squares, bridges and streets of the village retrace the history of Pisa up to the present day, testifying to its glorious past.

5.00 pm - After admiring the various views of the city, end the afternoon in the lively Piazza delle Vettovaglie, the heart of Pisa's social and student life. Surrounded by arcades and characterized by a strong medieval atmosphere, the square is full of cafes, wine bars and small restaurants. Here you can stop for an aperitif with a glass of Tuscan wine, accompanied by some crostini with livers or local pecorino. A perfect way to prepare the stomach for the dinner that will continue in the historic center of Pisa.

7.30 pm - For dinner, Visit Italy recommends choosing a traditional "trattoria" (restaurant), where you can enjoy black cabbage soup, a substantial and nutritious winter dish, perfect for savoring the authentic flavors of Tuscany. If you prefer a meat dish, opt for the Pisan steak, a variant of the more famous Florentine steak, cooked on the grill and seasoned only with coarse salt and extra virgin olive oil. Pisa is full of welcoming typical trattorias that maintain the typical Tuscan atmosphere while keeping the ancient traditions intact.

9.30pm - After dinner, take time for a relaxing evening walk along the Lungarni. The city illuminated at night offers a romantic and peaceful view, perfect for ending your day in Pisa. If it's a cool evening, you can stop in a café along the river and sip a glass of Vin Santo, perhaps accompanied by some cantuccino, a typical Tuscan biscuit to dip in sweet wine.