Things to do in  Pisa

​​Pisa houses one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks, known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This famed 12th-century bell tower tilts about 4 degrees due to a faulty foundation and is part of the city’s cathedral complex on Campo dei Miracoli that includes the church, baptistery, bell tower, and cemetery.

You can visit Pisa’s Campo dei Miracoli—site of the Leaning Tower and cathedral complex—plus the city’s old town in a single day. Keep in mind that you must reserve timed tickets to the Leaning Tower in advance, so choose an early morning entry to make the most of your day.

Begin at the UNESCO-listed Campo dei Miracoli with a visit to Pisa’s cathedral, baptistery, and—of course—Leaning Tower (book tickets in advance to climb the tower). Afterwards, take a stroll through the city’s handsome old town to admire its landmark churches, palaces, and squares plus the storied university district.

Part of the UNESCO-listed Pisan Romanesque cathedral complex, Pisa’s gravity-defying bell tower is both an architectural treasure and a souvenir-snapshot must. The tower’s remarkable tilt is fun to photograph as an optical illusion, with a person in the foreground “propping” the tower up with their hand.

Pisa has one of Tuscany’s most captivating old towns, with lively squares that bustle with locals and students of the city’s historic university, plus a collection of landmark churches. Take in the Santa Maria della Spina Church, sip a cappuccino in Knights’ Square, and marvel at Keith Haring’s final mural.

Teen visitors love to climb the vertigo-inducing Leaning Tower, so begin there (prebooking is essential). Then, head to the old town, buzzing with university students. Check out street art by Keith Haring, get your fill of thrills and chills at the Museum of Veterinary Anatomy, and browse the edgy streetwear shops.