A Quick Day Trip to Pisa: The Essential Guide from Florence and Livorno

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Are you considering a day trip to Pisa from Florence or Livorno? Whether traveling from Florence or stepping off a cruise in Livorno, Pisa is an accessible and unmissable destination, famed for its iconic Leaning Tower. This architectural marvel is known for its famous tilt and offers stunning views from its summit, a sight everyone should experience at least once.

During one of our trips to Italy, we stopped briefly in Pisa. Like many travelers, we captured those playful photos pretending to hold up the Leaning Tower and even climbed its spiraling steps.

Traveling from Florence by train is quick and straightforward, making it ideal for those looking for a day trip. Likewise, a train trip to Pisa is convenient for those arriving via cruise ship at Livorno.

featured blog image is a single wide-angle shot showcasing both the Pisa Cathedral and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The entire scene is set against a clear blue sky, with the text "Day Trip to Pisa, Italy" overlaying the image.

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In this guide, we’ll explore the highlights of a day trip to Pisa, tours you can take, and provide tips on the best ways to travel there.

Table of Contents

What to See in Pisa: Piazza dei Miracoli

Getting to Piazza dei Miracoli from Pisa Centrale

Upon arriving at Pisa Centrale (instructions below), you have several options to reach Piazza dei Miracoli, where the Leaning Tower of Pisa stands:

Walk: Head north on Via Roma for about 23 minutes.
Taxi: Catch a taxi right outside the Pisa Centrale terminal.
Bus: Take the Linea 21 bus from Stazione 1 outside the terminal.

captures the Leaning Tower of Pisa framed by an ancient stone archway. The arch provides a unique perspective on the tower, which stands prominently against a backdrop of blue sky and distant hills

Piazza dei Miracoli

Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Google Map It

The Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the heart of Pisa, hosts the city’s most famous structures: the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery. Upon visiting, stroll around the square to fully appreciate its architectural beauty. Capture memorable photos with the Leaning Tower, and consider entering the tower, cathedral, and baptistery to explore further.

Be mindful of the bustling atmosphere. The area is often crowded with tourists and lined with vendors. Enjoy your visit with caution and curiosity.

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, located in the Piazza dei Miracoli, is not only one of Italy’s most celebrated landmarks but also among the most photographed in the world. This tower, the third oldest structure in Pisa’s Cathedral Square, is impossible to overlook.

Why Does the Tower Lean?

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Construction of the tower began in 1173, and almost immediately, it started tilting due to an inadequately laid foundation. In the 1990s, engineers undertook stabilization efforts, drilling into the foundation to inject cement, reducing the tilt to less than 4.0 degrees.

panoramic view from the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, showcasing the rooftops of Pisa under a cloudy sky. The vista includes a mix of modern and traditional architecture, spread across the cityscape, with distant hills visible on the horizon.

Visiting the Tower

You can climb the tower to enjoy breathtaking views of Pisa. Be prepared for a 251-step journey to the top — there’s no elevator, and the same staircase leads up and down. It’s a bit of a workout, but the panoramic views at the summit make every step worthwhile.

To ensure entry during peak tourist seasons, it’s wise to book your tickets in advance. Purchase them here on the official site.

Duomo di Pisa (Pisa Cathedral)

view of the Pisa Cathedral and the Baptistery in the Piazza dei Miracoli. The intricate marble facades and domed roofs of these historic buildings are highlighted, set against the backdrop of Pisa's expansive landscape. The green lawns of the square add a vivid contrast to the grey tones of the structures.

The majestic Duomo di Pisa, a gem in the heart of the city, has been a focal point of Pisa for centuries. This stunning cathedral, with its Romanesque architectural style highlighted by a marble-striped facade, stands out in Piazza dei Miracoli.

Located adjacent to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Duomo attracts countless visitors eager to experience these two architectural wonders together. Whether you’re visiting Pisa for the first time or returning, the cathedral remains an unmissable highlight.

Admission to the Pisa Cathedral is free with your ticket to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Battistero di San Giovanni (Pisa Baptistery)

the Battistero di San Giovanni in Pisa, captured in stunning detail against a clear blue sky. The exterior showcases the characteristic marble design and intricate architectural details of this octagonal building, emphasizing its historical and artistic significance in the Piazza dei Miracoli.

The Baptistery of Pisa, the largest in Italy, is celebrated for its distinctive octagonal shape and exquisite interior mosaics. Constructed between 1152 and 1363, it replaced an earlier baptistery and added to the historic fabric of Pisa.

Located adjacent to the Duomo in Piazza dei Miracoli, the Baptistery is the second structure in the square but is the first to welcome visitors as they enter from the train station on their day trip to Pisa.

A true masterpiece of design, the Baptistery reflects Pisa’s rich historical and cultural heritage. While you can admire its exterior for free, entry to the interior requires an advance ticket purchase.

Tours to Consider for Your Day Trip to Pisa

Maximize your day in Pisa and discover more of what the city offers with these recommended tours.

Best of Pisa Private Walking Tour with Local Food Tasting [book here]
Pisa Food Tour [book here]
Self-Guided Pisa Bike Tour to the Tyrrhenian Sea [book here]

Planning Your Day Trip to Pisa

Traveling from Florence to pisa

Train: Direct trains run from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station to Pisa Centrale, taking 50 minutes and a little over an hour. Book your tickets in advance. Visit Trainline.com for train times and info.
Car: The drive from Florence to Pisa typically takes 1 hour and 18 minutes. Car rentals are available throughout Florence.

Traveling from Livorno to Pisa

For Cruisers: A shuttle from Livorno Cruise Port to the town center is provided. Livorno Centrale Station is a 20-30 minute walk from the shuttle drop-off.
Train: Direct trains from Livorno Centrale to Pisa Centrale are the quickest option, taking about 16-20 minutes. Visit Trainline.com for train times and info.
Car: The drive from Livorno to Pisa takes about 30 minutes. Renting a car is advisable if you plan to explore more extensively outside of Pisa.
Private Transfer: Book a transfer through your cruise ship or hire a private car for a more direct and personalized journey to Pisa.

Is Pisa a day trip from Florence?

A day trip from Florence to Pisa can easily fill your entire day or serve as a quick stop if you’re planning to visit other nearby cities.

How long do you need in Pisa?

A few hours is ample time to explore Pisa. Consider it as either a quick pit stop or a half-day trip. From Pisa, you can also catch a 30-minute train ride to Lucca, making it a perfect addition to your day trip itinerary.

Is Pisa, Italy, worth visiting?

Pisa is definitely worth a visit to see the iconic Leaning Tower, a must-see at least once in your lifetime. If you’re nearby, why not take the opportunity to explore this historic city?

Can you go inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Yes, you can enter the Leaning Tower of Pisa. There is an admission fee, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Be prepared to climb 251 steps to reach the top of the tower, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views.

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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.