A Quick Day Trip to Pisa: The Essential Guide from Florence and Livorno
A day trip to Pisa from Florence or Livorno is easy, and yes, the Leaning Tower is still worth seeing in person. We stopped in Pisa during one of our trips to Italy, took the cheesy tower photos like everyone else, and climbed to the top. It’s touristy, crowded, and still a fun stop if you’re nearby.
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From Florence, getting to Pisa by train is simple. If you’re cruising into Livorno, it’s an easy add-on there, too. You really only need a few hours to see the main sights in Piazza dei Miracoli, unless you want to slow down and add more to the day.
In this post, I’m sharing what to see in Pisa, how to get there from Florence or Livorno, and what’s actually worth your time if you’re visiting on a day trip.
What to See in Pisa (On a Day Trip)
Getting from Pisa Centrale to the Leaning Tower
Upon arriving at Pisa Centrale (instructions below), you have a few easy options to reach Piazza dei Miracoli, where the Leaning Tower is located:
- Walk: About 20–25 minutes. It’s a straightforward route through the city.
- Taxi: Available right outside the station for a quick, direct ride.
- Bus: Take the LAM Rossa (Red Line) from outside the station. Get off near “Torre.”
Piazza dei Miracoli
The Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Pisa, is where you’ll find the city’s main landmarks, the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery. When we visited, we spent some time walking around the square, taking it all in, and, of course, taking the classic Leaning Tower photos.
If you have the time, it’s worth going inside at least one of the buildings, especially the tower if you’re up for the climb.
It does get crowded, and there are usually vendors set up around the area, so just expect that going in. It’s busy, a little chaotic, but still a fun stop once you’re there.
Tour Options:
Pisa All-inclusive: Baptistery, Cathedral, and Leaning Tower Guided tour [book here]
Fun Fact: Did you know Pisa is one of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tuscany?
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, right in Piazza dei Miracoli, is exactly what you expect and still kind of surprising when you see it in person. It’s one of those landmarks you’ve seen a million times in photos, and then you’re standing there trying to get your own version of the “holding up the tower” shot.
Why Does the Tower Lean?
Construction started in 1173, and it didn’t take long for the tilt to show up. The foundation just wasn’t strong enough for the ground beneath it. In the 1990s, engineers stepped in to stabilize it by working on the foundation and reducing the lean to under 4 degrees.
Visiting the Tower
You can climb the tower, and we did, and yes, you feel the tilt as you go up. It’s 251 steps with no elevator, and you’ll use the same narrow staircase going up and down. It’s a bit of a climb, but manageable if you take your time.
At the top, you get a view over Pisa and the square below, which makes the climb worth it.
If you’re visiting during a busy time, book your tickets in advance. Spots are limited, and they do sell out.
Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa)
The Duomo di Pisa sits right next to the Leaning Tower, and it’s easy to overlook at first since all the attention goes to the tilt. Once you actually step inside or take a closer look, it’s worth slowing down for.
The cathedral has a Romanesque design with a striped marble exterior that really stands out in the square. The details stand out more when you’re actually there than they do in photos.
If you’re already visiting the tower, it’s easy to see both in the same stop since they’re right next to each other.
Admission to the Pisa Cathedral is free when you have a ticket for the Leaning Tower
Pisa Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni)
The Baptistery of Pisa is the largest in Italy and hard to miss once you’re in Piazza dei Miracoli. It has a round shape with detailed marble work on the outside, and inside, you’ll find mosaics and a simple but interesting interior.
It sits right next to the Duomo, and if you’re walking in from the train station, it’s usually one of the first buildings you’ll see as you enter the square.
You can walk around the outside for free, but you’ll need a ticket to go inside. If you’re already planning to visit the tower or other sites in the square, it’s easy to add this in at the same time.
Tours to Consider for Your Day Trip to Pisa
If you want to add more to your visit, these tours are worth a look.
Planning Your Day Trip to Pisa
Traveling from Florence to Pisa
Traveling from Livorno to Pisa
Quick Things to Know Before Visiting Pisa
A day trip from Florence to Pisa is easy
You can spend a full day here if you take your time, or treat it as a quick stop if you’re headed to other Tuscan cities.
A few hours are enough to see Pisa
You can treat it as a quick pit stop or stretch it into a half-day trip. From there, hop on a 30-minute train to Lucca to round out your itinerary.
The Leaning Tower Is Why Most People Visit Pisa
It’s one of those places you’ll probably want to see at least once, and if you’re nearby, it’s the perfect excuse to explore Pisa’s historic streets.
You can climb inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Tickets are required (and should be booked in advance), and after 251 steps, you’ll earn sweeping views from the top.
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO ITALY, CHECK OUT THESE RELATED READS:
- Best Day Trips from Florence
- 3 Days in Tuscany: Discover Val D’Orcia & More
- Must-Try Foods in Florence
- Our Favorite Eateries in Florence
- One Day in Florence: 3 Itinerary Choices
Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.