"A pleasant surprise" Pisa by Tijavi

Pisa Travel Guide: 1,394 reviews and 3,924 photos

Inside Pisa's cathedral - a Romanesque masterpiece

Pisa beyond the Leaning Tower

Just like the hordes of tourists that throng Piazza dei Miracoli, I originally planned to stay only for a few hours and do the usual stuff - admire the majesty of the Duomo, gush at the hugeness of the Baptistry, and of course, climb the Leaning Tower - a childhood dream.

But that changed when 'aliens' and 'comics characters' (i.e., revelers in Lucca's international comics festival) descended upon the quaint town of Lucca, my planned refuge for the next 2-3 days, making it virtually impossible to get cheap accommodation. Plan B was to remain in Tuscany, ideally within a short train ride from Lucca (yes, the aliens and comics characters haven't deterred me). Only 25 minutes from Lucca, Pisa was the next best option.

Except for the torrential rains and thunderstorms and a horrible stay at the ironically-named Jolly Hotel, my Pisan experience far exceeded my expectation. I discovered there was more to the city than Piazza dei Miracoli and the construction-tragedy-turned-national-icon Torre Pendente. A university town, the city has a very vibrant youthful energy despite the centro storico (historical center) needing a heavy dose of tender loving care. Gastronomical adventure seekers would be spoiled for choice with Pisa's many good restaurants (without breaking the bank, if I may add) while those in the mood for a nightcap or even heavy partying - weekdays included - would find Pisa's nightlife irresistible, again, thanks to the heavy student population. There are also other historical gems that dot the city: Piazza dei Cavalieri withe heavily-graffiti-decorated Palazzo dei Cavalieri, and the only renaissance church in Pisa, Chiesa di Santo Stefano. Staying in Pisa for a night or two does not generally fall within conventional wisdom, but do linger for another day and you'd be surprised there is more to the city than the Leaning Tower.

And the best part is, after all the tourists have returned to Florence, you have the whole city to yourself - that is if you don't mind sharing it with Pisa's more intellectually-inclined inhabitants.

Intro Updated Sep 19, 2009
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Reviews (18)

Handsome coffeetable books for those with space - Pisa

Books, if you have the space for them Shopping (1)

Being a university town, Pisa has a chock-full of bookstores, mostly excellent ones. I discovered this one along the... more travel advice

I prefer the quiet bars around Borgo Stretto - Pisa

Pisan pub and cafe culture Nightlife (1)

Pisa swarms with university students, and this means lots of pubs and cafes, lively ones during week nights. The best... more travel advice

Behind this bed are paper thin walls - Pisa

Jolly hotel, unhappy guests Hotels (1)

In two words: the worst. Don't let the name fool you nor the sleek modern interiors - this hotel seems to relish the way... more travel advice

Tougher than the Uffizi Restaurants (2)

And who thought Florence's Uffizi museum would be the toughest to get in? Not until you try getting a table at arguably... more travel advice

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Comments (7)

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Maurizioago Aug 24, 2011 at 9:09 AM

I'm going to re visit Pisa soon.

Ciao!
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giampiero6 Jul 30, 2011 at 11:43 PM

Wow...very talented photographer.
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deecat Mar 23, 2011 at 11:32 AM

Stunning photographs! What a dreadful experience with the hotel. Your descriptions are bewitching...captivating. Great restaurant tips. It rained when we were there also. Love your ability to find lovely details everywhere.
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TheWanderingCamel Sep 1, 2010 at 6:11 AM

Like you, we found Pisa a far more interesting place than we had expected, definitely worth lingering in longer than the time taken to visit the Tower that most visitors seem to allot it. Did you find the Roman galley set into the cathedral wall?
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hopang Sep 16, 2009 at 6:45 AM

Excellent Pisa travel page complete with amazing photographs. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Duomo and the Baptistry certainly look amazing on your photographs. Bring back fond memories of our trip to that city last year. ~ho & pang
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Trekki Sep 5, 2009 at 12:22 AM

I shall visit Pisa again I think (was there at the age of 7..) - your descriptions make me want to go, and enjoy splendid Italian cuisine in this restaurant. You seem to have enjoyed the city, despite the horrible weather and this xxx hotel.
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MM212 Aug 30, 2009 at 3:04 AM

Splendid page! Due to time constraints, I spent just over an hour in Pisa. Now I wish I had more time to explore the city itself. Maybe I should plan return after all...