“Tuscany is so full of history and beauty – you meet wonders of art and architecture on almost every corner….”

Trudie Styler

This is my first in the three-part Italian escapade! In this leg, I am unraveling the secrets of Pisa, famed for its Leaning Tower and enchanting streets. Join me as I uncover the essential hacks to maximize your Pisa experience and ensure your journey is as smooth as the marble facade of its iconic tower.

Getting There

Embarking from Venice’s romantic canals, our journey to Pisa via train was nothing short of picturesque. However, a delay on our first leg necessitated a sprint through Florence to catch our connecting train. As always factor in potential delays when planning multi-leg train journeys.

Local Transport

Upon arrival in Pisa, navigating the local bus network became our next challenge. Despite recommendations to purchase tickets from a newsstand at the railway station, locating it proved elusive. Remember to pinpoint tabacchi stores on map apps for physical ticket purchases.
Upon boarding the bus you need to stamp the ticket in one of the validation machines which puts the time onto the ticket. Your ticket gives you 70 minutes to ride the bus allowing you to change buses if needed on the one ticket.

Get the AT Bus app

In a bid to streamline our travels, we turned to the “AT bus” app, only to be initially bewildered by its multitude of categories. Thankfully, a friendly local guided us through purchasing and activating tickets within the app. Opt for the “Urbano Capoluogo” category and select Pisa for hassle-free navigation.

Tip: If you are relying on physical tickets, buy enough for the evening travels too. I did not buy enough at the Tabacchi store and later they were sold out. Ofcourse, I resorted to the mobile application, so it made it simpler for me.

Accommodation recommendation

Finding a cozy haven in the heart of Pisa was made effortless with Vacanze Pisane. Offering not just comfortable lodgings but also invaluable local tips, our hosts made our stay memorable. Plus, the convenience of luggage storage post-checkout and a hearty breakfast spread ensured we were ready to explore the city’s treasures.

Exploring Pisa’s Gems

Despite a minor setback in our nighttime plans, our daytime adventure to the Leaning Tower was a whimsical affair. While Sunday closures limited dining options, we savored the city’s vibrant atmosphere and captured countless memories against the iconic backdrop of the leaning tower.

Must-Eat Experience: Culinary Delights in Pisa
As mentioned before, most restaurants and shops were closed on Sunday. However, before boarding the bus to the railway station, we discovered a gem: Hostaria Le Repubbliche Marinare. Perched comfortably on the patio, we indulged in Pasta Alla Ruota. Watching the piping hot pasta being cooked in a hollowed-out cheese wheel was a unique and delightful experience. The dish was absolutely delicious, and I highly recommend both the dish and the restaurant for an unforgettable dining experience in Pisa.

Must-See Highlight:
No Pisa itinerary is complete without a twilight stroll across Ponte Solferino. Bathed in the soft glow of evening lights, the bridge transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle, offering a postcard-perfect view of the city’s skyline.

In summary, Pisa’s blend of history and modern charm promises an unforgettable experience for travelers. Stay tuned for the next chapter of our Italian odyssey, where we uncover the timeless allure of Rome and Venice. Until then, ciao!