Pisa is actually a wonderful city in Tuscany. Problem is, folks want to hop off the train and run to the Leaning Tower. Never in history have so many wanted to visit an architectural embarrassment so badly.
The Piazza dei Miracoli is a raucous, religious, and yes, miraculous bit of green space in the northwest corner of Pisa. It's a bit far from the station, but the walk is very nice, which is what our little video shows.
But still, don't sell Pisa short. The fact that tourists take a day trip and then leave is part of what makes it compelling to stay. In fact, we have recommendations below the video and in our latest article Pisa: Where to Eat, Where to Stay. Save time for a compelling walk that shows you most of the great city Pisa is. Pisa has many attractions you may not be aware of.
So, buy that train ticket and head over the Arno and get that Kodak moment. We hope you have more time than I did.
You can get tickets to visit the Leaning Tower online, of course. The link also lists a bus visit from Florence if you're staying in that famous Tuscan city.
Of course, if you weren't in such a darned hurry, you could stop by and see Pisa's latest attraction, the Historic Ship Museum, which would tell you how this interesting city became a maritime power and is a fantastic addition to a city which has many charms tourists miss, but...C'est la vie as they say in the country to the left.
Really, you should stay and see Pisa properly. One or two nights in a hotel should do it. Although, you might want to stay for a week or more and to feel like a Pisan. For a great hotel and restaurant recommendations, see Pisa, Where to Eat and Stay.
A self-catering stay in this part of Tuscany is pretty compelling--and popular. VRBO offers over 6000 vacation rental properties in Tuscany, including over 500 Pisa Rentals. Get a party together and rent a villa, or rent a cottage for two...or a Pisa apartment.
Otherwise, Booking.com offers over 40 user-rated hotels in Pisa.
Also See: Pisa and the Leaning Tower, A Different View from the Wandering Italy Blog.
Find out more about what to expect with our historical rainfall and temperature charts: Pisa Weather and Historical Climate.
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