Thanks mostly to its famous Leaning Tower, Pisa is a classic destination to visit on any trip to Italy. But once you’ve got your pictures of the Tower, the Cathedral, and the famous Baptistery, you may wonder how to spend your time in this relatively small city.
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Fortunately, Pisa is close to some truly stunning Italian destinations. The city’s central train station, Pisa Centrale, is your gateway to Tuscany and the rest of Italy. Italy’s train network is both efficient and affordable, making Pisa an excellent gateway to see more of the region.
Drop off your bags at a luggage storage at Pisa Centrale, and you can travel light to explore the best of the region. Here’s a guide to some of the top places to visit from Pisa Centrale.
Florence
The obvious choice for a day trip from Pisa is Florence. Just an hour away by train, Florence is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in all of Italy. You could easily spend weeks here exploring the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and all of the other incredible sights. But if you’re short on time, a day trip will still allow you to see some of the best that Florence has to offer.
Florence is often considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and few cities in the world can match it for its art and architecture. For centuries, Florence was one of the most important city-states in all of Europe, and that proud history is reflected virtually everywhere in the historic center of this beautiful town.
But modern Florence has more to offer than just history. The city is also home to some of the best shopping in all of Italy. Plus, it’s an excellent place to try legendary Tuscan cuisine in its incredible restaurants.
In short, you can’t really visit Tuscany without seeing what Florence has to offer. And while this big and bustling city gets extremely busy in the summer months — expect long lines at the top tourist attractions in the city — it’s worth braving the crowds. You’ll get to see some of the most important art and architecture and sample some of the best food and shopping in all of Italy, if not the world.
Lucca
If you want to stay close to Pisa but still explore a different city, Lucca is a great option. It’s just a 20-minute train ride from Pisa Centrale, and this charming city is full of beautiful Renaissance architecture and green space. Be sure to visit the Lucca Cathedral and take a walk or bike ride around the city walls.
Lucca offers the experience of a historic and beautiful city like you’ll get in Florence, without the crowds and high prices that come with visiting such a world-famous city. This makes Lucca the perfect place to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life.
The city walls are one of Lucca’s most iconic sights, offering a great way to see the city. You can walk or bike around the perimeter of the walls, taking in views of the city as you go. And if you get tired, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way where you can take a break.
Lucca is also home to some excellent shopping, so be sure to browse the boutiques and shops in the historic center before you head back to Pisa.
Cinque Terre
For something truly unique, take a day trip to the Cinque Terre. This gorgeous stretch of coastline is about two hours from Pisa by train, and it’s one of the most beautiful places in Italy – which is saying a lot.
The Cinque Terre consists of five small fishing villages, each with its own personality. You can hike or take a boat between the villages and enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. As you’d expect, you’ll also get to try incredible seafood here, pulled fresh from the glittering waters of the Ligurian Sea.
The rugged coastline of the Cinque Terre also makes it a popular place for hiking. Take the coastal trail along the cliffs to discover one beautiful rocky beach after another, and you’ll usually work up an appetite for some of the exceptional food there is to try here.
Although the villages of the Cinque Terre are small, there’s enough here to keep you occupied for at least a couple of days, especially if you’re a lover of the outdoors. But if you just want a nice meal in some gorgeous coastal surroundings, a day trip to the Cinque Terre from Pisa Centrale is enough to enjoy this incredible location for yourself.
Photo by Sung Jin Cho on Unsplash
Siena
If you’re looking for a medieval Tuscan town that’s slightly off the beaten path, Siena is a great option. It’s about an hour and a half from Pisa by train, and it’s well worth the journey. Siena is home to beautiful Gothic architecture, as well as the famous Palio horse race. Be sure to explore the Duomo and the Campo, Siena’s main square.
Once a rival to Florence as the most important town in Tuscany, Siena offers much of the architectural beauty that Florence does without the crowds and high prices. In particular, the city is known for its Gothic architecture, which you can see in its many beautiful churches. The Duomo is arguably the most impressive of these, but don’t miss the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi and the San Domenico Basilica as well.
Siena is also home to one of Italy’s most famous annual events, the Palio horse race. This centuries-old event takes place in Siena’s main square, the Campo, and it attracts visitors from all over the world. Even if you’re not lucky enough to be in town for the race itself, the Campo is still worth a visit for its beauty and historic significance.
San Gimignano
If you want to experience a true Tuscan hill town, San Gimignano is a great choice. This small town is just over an hour from Pisa by train, and it’s full of character. Stroll through the narrow streets, sample some of the local wine, and enjoy stunning views of the Tuscan countryside.
San Gimignano is best known for its towers, of which there are 14 remaining. These medieval structures were once used as lookout points, and they offer great views of the town and the surrounding hills. You can even climb to the top of some of the towers for an even better view.
In addition to its towers, San Gimignano is also home to a number of churches and other historical buildings. The Duomo, in particular, is worth a visit for its beautiful interior.
San Gimignano is the perfect place to enjoy a slower pace of life and sample some of the best that Tuscan hill towns have to offer. Be sure to add it to your list of day trip destinations from Pisa Centrale.
Photo by Erin Doering on Unsplash
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