Pisa Guide, map and photos. boo.com members recommend hotels, restaurants and attractions in Pisa

the campsite had motorhomes to stay in and they were nice and new.. the beds are deciving they feel comfy at first touch but after about 20 minutes like concrete floor. when its cold turn the heater on right when you get there cause it takes ages to warm up the place. about 10min walk to the...more the campsite had motorhomes to stay in and they were nice and new.. the beds are deciving they feel comfy at first touch but after about 20 minutes like concrete floor. when its cold turn the heater on right when you get there cause it takes ages to warm up the place. about 10min walk to the leaning tower and lots of good food places. the bar is a cafe not a bar so no partying and very family oriented from the looks.. no pool table... the pool was drained no where heated to really just hand out.. slow internet.. it was ok just to sleep clean and close but no fun.close

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by photodaviesa – posted on Mar 24, 2008

7

Pleasant city in western Tuscany, great monuments, good atmosphere. Once a Marine Republic (like Venice, Amalfi and Genoa), Pisa (western Tuscany) is world famous for its Leaning Tower but it also offers other attractions and sights. In the world famous “Campo dei Miracoli” (also known as...more Pleasant city in western Tuscany, great monuments, good atmosphere. Once a Marine Republic (like Venice, Amalfi and Genoa), Pisa (western Tuscany) is world famous for its Leaning Tower but it also offers other attractions and sights. In the world famous “Campo dei Miracoli” (also known as “Piazza dei Miracoli”) you will also find the Duomo (Cathedral) and the Battistero (Baptistry). Try to head somewhere else in the city centre though if you are looking for good restaurants and shops, as the ones that surround the big square are touristy and pricey, and the quality is low. Try for example Via Santa Maria, Via Cavalca, Piazza delle Vettovaglie, Via San Martino and Via San Frediano. Pisa is also renowned for its old and prestigious university, established in 1343. The historic city centre (centro storico), on the north bank of the River Arno, is still surrounded by city walls. To relax, try the “Orto Botanico di Pisa” (Botanical Gardens), not far from Piazza dei Miracoli, in Via L. Ghini. Now they are part of Pisa University, but they were founded in 1540s and are the oldest in Europe. The University is located along the quays (called Lungarno) so the bars, pubs and restaurants in the surrounding area are usually packed with students and young people. After a tasty meal, don’t forget to try “Cantucci al VinSanto”, a typical Tuscany dessert (delicious dry almond biscuits soaked in VinSanto, a dessert wine).close

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by Antonio3 – posted on May 8, 2007

38

GREAT QUIETER CITY WITH SO MUCH TO OFFER!!! A TANDOM BIKE RIDE AT DUSK WA SPERFECT TO SEE THE TOWER AND SURROUNDS...LOVELY RESTAURANT AND SHOPPING WITHOUT ALL THOSE HONKING HORNS! MOST PEOPLE CYCLE ABOUT...A SURPRISE. PISA SHOULD NOT BE LEFT OFF THE ITINERY!!! WE'LL BE BACK AND ESPECIALLY...more GREAT QUIETER CITY WITH SO MUCH TO OFFER!!! A TANDOM BIKE RIDE AT DUSK WA SPERFECT TO SEE THE TOWER AND SURROUNDS...LOVELY RESTAURANT AND SHOPPING WITHOUT ALL THOSE HONKING HORNS! MOST PEOPLE CYCLE ABOUT...A SURPRISE. PISA SHOULD NOT BE LEFT OFF THE ITINERY!!! WE'LL BE BACK AND ESPECIALLY AT WELCOME B&B!!! WONDERFUL HOSPITALITY BY ANTOINETTA!!close

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by klday – posted on Apr 10, 2007

15

Travelling by train (you will want to for nearby Lucca & Florence): make sure you leave at least half hour before your journey in order to translate/cope with the difficult self-service ticket machines. Pisa centrale station does have English instructions though, but Pisa San Rossore (smaller...more Travelling by train (you will want to for nearby Lucca & Florence): make sure you leave at least half hour before your journey in order to translate/cope with the difficult self-service ticket machines. Pisa centrale station does have English instructions though, but Pisa San Rossore (smaller station near to Torre Pendente campsite) doesn't. You're supposed to validate your train tickets via the yellow stamper boxes. If you do stamp it make sure you have the correct ticket/travel on THAT day as no refunds are given. However if you don't stamp it / 'forget' and more often than not the train conductor doesn't punch it, then the ticket's valid for a month! (We gave our Pisa-Florence tickets to someone else to use after we did). Train conductors are v. relaxed & often late arriving/departing so don't cut it fine. Beware you have to buy single tickets for multiple stations - they don't do 'vias'. Also be aware that if you are using multiple stations, there is only 1 big timetable for that particular stations arrivals/departures - i.e. you can't pre-plan a trip from another station unless you're at a main station with an attendant and fancy a big queue. If you're using one of the god awful self service ticket machines try to use change as if you use a note it'll only give you back max 4.95 euro and the rest as a credit note - again you'll have to travel to a main station with a 'biglieteria' to get you're change credit note cashed. Yes a little complicated at first but after a couple of days you should start to get used to thier bizzare system! P.S. It goes without saying, don't be an idiot and walk across train tracks to other platforms like the Italians do - I was afraid I was going to see people being horrifically splattered on holiday, not a nice thought! P.P.S. Pedestrian crossings don't exist in Pisa, only Zebras, so beware or be brave, once you're foot's out go for it, otherwise if you dither you'll have cars, scooters and bicycles on top of you! Hope that helps, have fun & good luck!close

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by poomoo – posted on Apr 4, 2007

2

Value of things (food, drinks, souveniers) varied widely depending on what part of town you were in. We did okay but also had a 6 euro glass of wine near the train station! Since the bill is accumulated and paid for after all is said and done, make sure to look at the menus before ordering. We...more Value of things (food, drinks, souveniers) varied widely depending on what part of town you were in. We did okay but also had a 6 euro glass of wine near the train station! Since the bill is accumulated and paid for after all is said and done, make sure to look at the menus before ordering. We weren't really there for shopping, but if you have money to blow and a keen fashion sense, there were plenty of shops to satisfy. Mostly Pisa seemed to be a pretty small, relaxed town. I was into it but I can see how Firenze, a much bigger, bustling, city with a lot more tourists could be fun too.close

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by Beckside510 – posted on Mar 31, 2007

2

People in Pisa have already seen too much tourists. So they try to get their money for less effort. Eating out is not as good as in other italian cities. But our Hotel "Francesco" is highly recommendable! Nice monuments, lots of very friendly students around, grumpy taxi-drivers. The...more People in Pisa have already seen too much tourists. So they try to get their money for less effort. Eating out is not as good as in other italian cities. But our Hotel "Francesco" is highly recommendable! Nice monuments, lots of very friendly students around, grumpy taxi-drivers. The city is okay for a short stay, then go on to the real nice places, like Orbetello, 5-Terre, Sardegna and so on.close

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by amy9151 – posted on Mar 4, 2007

2

El centro de la ciudad no es muy grande y no ofrece mucho, máximo un día. El campo dei Miracoli, donde está el complejo de Catedral, Torre inclinada y Baptisterio, es digno de ver. Espectacular. Al día siguiente marchamos a Florencia. El aeropuerto está en el...more El centro de la ciudad no es muy grande y no ofrece mucho, máximo un día. El campo dei Miracoli, donde está el complejo de Catedral, Torre inclinada y Baptisterio, es digno de ver. Espectacular. Al día siguiente marchamos a Florencia. El aeropuerto está en el centro de pisa, muy bien comunicado con la estación.close

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by irisma8959 – posted on Feb 16, 2007

2

Reason: Not very well sign posted.... The top up petrol stations are a rip- off. They don't accept credit cards and coins, only notes 5-10-20, no 50-s...and they don't give back change. If you are renting a car make sure you find a petrol station where you can pay with a Cr card...more Reason: Not very well sign posted.... The top up petrol stations are a rip- off. They don't accept credit cards and coins, only notes 5-10-20, no 50-s...and they don't give back change. If you are renting a car make sure you find a petrol station where you can pay with a Cr card for the exact amount.close

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by Barbita – posted on Feb 2, 2007

8

So they built the tower of Pisa. But they were so inept that now its leaning. Italy is full of racists. So if you are a person of color steer away or expect to be a) ripped off and b) stared at. Not an enjoyable experience. I will definitely tell people of color to stay away from such a racist...more So they built the tower of Pisa. But they were so inept that now its leaning. Italy is full of racists. So if you are a person of color steer away or expect to be a) ripped off and b) stared at. Not an enjoyable experience. I will definitely tell people of color to stay away from such a racist culture.close

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by timohsia – posted on Dec 31, 2006

8

Expected line of taxis in rank outside airport. One turned up now and again but waited well over an hour. Buses seem to stop running early, around 8pm. Pisa fun, amazing yet crazy when you see how much buildings lean. In one day squeezed in main sights. But 2 full days would be good for pacing it...more Expected line of taxis in rank outside airport. One turned up now and again but waited well over an hour. Buses seem to stop running early, around 8pm. Pisa fun, amazing yet crazy when you see how much buildings lean. In one day squeezed in main sights. But 2 full days would be good for pacing it out and exploring more.close

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by mellow4363 – posted on Sep 14, 2006

2