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Day trip from Florence to Pisa: Leaning Tower & more
Florence is considered the heart of Tuscany – yet just an hour away lies Pisa, the city with one of the world's most famous landmarks: the Leaning Tower. A day trip from Florence to Pisa is easy to organise, costs little and lets you experience a completely different facet of Italy in a short time. Amongst white marble, lively squares and student flair, you'll discover a city that is far more than its famous bell tower.
Getting There: How to Travel from Florence to Pisa
The fastest and most comfortable connection is by train. From the main station Firenze Santa Maria Novella, a regional train departs approximately every 20–30 minutes to Pisa Centrale. The journey takes around 50-60 minutes and costs only about 9-10 € per journey. Seat reservations aren't necessary; you simply hop on and enjoy the view of the Tuscan countryside.
Long-distance coaches also run regularly between both cities. They take a bit longer at about 75-90 minutes, but cost similarly. Those travelling by car can cover the distance in just over an hour. Parking at Parcheggio Via Pietrasantina outside the centre is recommended – from there you can easily reach the old town by shuttle or bus.
From the Station to the Leaning Tower
Arriving at Pisa Centrale station, you can decide: a leisurely 20-25 minute stroll through the old town or a short journey on the LAM Rossa bus, which goes directly to Piazza dei Miracoli. City bus tickets cost about 2 € when bought in advance, slightly more from the driver. Those who walk will experience Pisa at its most beautiful – past cafés, small shops and across the bridges of the Arno.
Piazza dei Miracoli – A Square Full of Wonders
The moment when Piazza dei Miracoli opens up is unforgettable. On the lush green lawn rise the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Camposanto and of course the Leaning Tower – all in gleaming white marble.
Climbing the Leaning Tower
A highlight is naturally climbing the Leaning Tower. Entry costs about 20 €, and the visit is time-limited to 30 minutes. Since tickets are often sold out weeks in advance, you should definitely book online beforehand. Children under 8 aren't allowed to climb the tower, and larger bags must be left in the cloakroom. Once at the top, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view over Pisa and the surrounding area.
Other Buildings of the Piazza
- Cathedral (Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta): impresses with its Romanesque architecture and magnificent interior
- Baptistery: known for its extraordinary acoustics – there are often small demonstrations that set the hall vibrating
- Camposanto Monumentale: with its frescoes and wide arcades, it feels more like an open-air museum
► Tip for photographers: Particularly beautiful light can be found early in the morning and late afternoon. It's also less busy then, and you can try out the famous "holding up the tower" photos in peace.
Discovering Pisa Beyond the Tower
Many visitors only see Piazza dei Miracoli, but it's definitely worth taking a stroll through the old town as well.
- Borgo Stretto: charming alley with arcades, cafés and boutiques – perfect for a light lunch or gelato
- Piazza dei Cavalieri: Renaissance square with the Palazzo della Carovana, once designed by Giorgio Vasari – today the talents of the elite university Scuola Normale Superiore study here
- Santa Maria della Spina: small Gothic church right on the Arno – as delicate as a piece of jewellery
- "Tuttomondo" by Keith Haring: colourful mural that symbolises peace and freedom – one of the artist's last works
This way you'll discover not only the world-famous monuments but also everyday Pisa, which feels studenty, lively and relaxed at the same time.
Sample Itinerary for Your Day Trip to Pisa
- 08:00: Departure by train from Florence
- 09:00: Arrival in Pisa, stroll through the old town
- 09:30: Visit to Piazza dei Miracoli, climb the Leaning Tower
- 11:00: Explore the cathedral, baptistery and camposanto
- 12:30: Lunch in Borgo Stretto, gelato for pudding
- 14:00: Stroll to Piazza dei Cavalieri and along the Arno
- 15:00: Visit Santa Maria della Spina and Keith Haring's Tuttomondo
- 16:30: Coffee or aperitivo in the old town
- 18:00: Return journey to Florence
This way the day remains relaxed, varied and full of little discoveries.
Practical Tips for the Perfect Day
- Book tickets online: definitely book the Leaning Tower in advance
- start early: mornings are quieter at the Leaning Tower and the light is particularly beautiful for photography
- travel light: large bags aren't allowed at the Leaning Tower, so it's better to travel with just a light day rucksack
- time for the city: Pisa is compact – everything can be discovered on foot or with short bus journeys
- experience sunset: in summer the Leaning Tower is open until evening – perfect for photos in golden light
A day trip from Florence to Pisa is straightforward, affordable and offers an ideal combination of world-famous architecture and relaxed city life. The Leaning Tower is the highlight, but Pisa has much more to offer – from quiet Renaissance squares to charming old town alleys and modern street art. Those who travel to Pisa in the morning and return in the evening will experience a varied day that stays in the memory and creates a desire for even more of Tuscany.
Staying in Florence: a&o Firenze Campo di Marte
Those who want to experience Pisa as a day trip need a good base in Florence. Ideal for this is a&o Firenze Campo di Marte. The modern a&o hotel and hostel is located in the north-east of the city, just minutes from Campo di Marte station. From here you can quickly reach the centre by train or go directly to Pisa – perfect if you want to start early in the morning. Guests appreciate the combination of affordable prices, modern rooms and flexible facilities. Whether in a dormitory for backpackers or a private family room: a&o offers comfortable accommodation without breaking the travel budget. You also have a relaxed atmosphere with a lounge, bar and communal areas to meet other travellers or wind down the day.
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