Where to Stay in Pisa?

Your departure for Italy is just around the corner, but you don't know where to stay in Pisa? Pisa is world-famous for its leaning tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which has been defying the laws of gravity for centuries. However, the city offers much more than this architectural wonder.

Pisa boasts a rich cultural and architectural heritage, with ancient churches, squares, and must-visit museums! The Piazza dei Miracoli, where the tower stands, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and also houses the Cathedral of Pisa and the Baptistery. But this gem of Tuscany will delight you with many other discoveries, including its culinary specialties, palaces like the Palazzo della Carovana, the medieval district of Borgo Stretto, the famous Corso Italia street, or a stroll along the banks of the Arno River. If you plan to spend a few days here, finding accommodation can sometimes be a complex yet essential matter to enjoy your stay! To help you, I present to you in this guide the best hotels in the city as well as the neighborhoods to prioritize

A highly touristic destination due to its leaning tower and an important stop for those exploring Tuscany, Pisa remains a coveted city for tourists. Also, note that it is not very large, so I strongly recommend focusing on the most central neighborhoods of the city: Centro Storico, San Martino, Santa Maria, and Sant' Antonio.

Based on this principle, you could also stay in Florence. The city is just an hour away by train from Pisa, with a greater majority of monuments, museums, and activities to enjoy. You can check out my dedicated article if you are unsure where to stay in Florence

Once again, book your accommodation as soon as possible. You will find many B&Bs as well as apartment rentals in Pisa. But given its significant tourist appeal, the best establishments fill up quickly, so get a head start!

Short on time to read the whole article? Here are my favorite accommodations:

The historic center of Pisa is undoubtedly one of the best areas to stay! Besides being close to all the popular sites in the city and shops, you'll enjoy a beautiful setting. Rich in culture and history, the old town offers a wonderful experience steeped in the past.

At the heart of the neighborhood lies the Piazza dei Miracoli, known as the Square of Miracles. This impressive square is dominated by the iconic Cathedral of Pisa, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Nearby stands the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, an inclined monument that defies the laws of gravity. Surrounding these buildings, you will enjoy a lush lawn and magnificent arcades

The historic center also abounds with typical cobbled streets, lined with houses featuring colorful facades and artisan shops. Medieval churches, such as Santa Maria della Spina and San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno, provide a revealing glimpse into Gothic architecture and religious art of the time.

You can also observe the city walls, parts of which date back to the 12th century, enclosing the historic center with a panoramic view of Pisa and the Arno River. Know that it flows through part of the city, and you can enjoy it by walking along the banks for a romantic stroll during a couple's getaway!

Of course, I must mention the various lively squares, outdoor cafés, and traditional trattorias that make the historic center of Pisa a meeting place for both locals and visitors, where you can discover typical Italian cuisine paired with the best local wines

La Perla del Borgo B&B: Perfectly located in the historic center of Pisa, this establishment offers accommodations close to all tourist attractions. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, and the hosts are appreciated for their warm welcome. Expect a minimum of $100 per night, including breakfast.

Hotel Bologna: Staying just a 5-minute walk from the train station and 15 minutes from the Leaning Tower of Pisa, this establishment is ideal. You'll sleep in a comfortable room with vintage decor for a refreshing stay. Expect $110 per night minimum, breakfast included.

The San Francesco neighborhood stands out for its architectural beauty and picturesque atmosphere. The main advantage of this area is that it is one of the quietest spots in Pisa. However, you will remain close to points of interest, including its cultural heritage and authentic medieval ambiance

The epicenter of San Francesco is the church of the same name, dating from the 13th century. This Gothic church, elegantly adorned with stained glass, frescoes, and sculptures, is a remarkable testament to the religious art of the era. Nearby is a historic monastery where Franciscan monks once lived.

The winding streets and squares of San Francesco are dominated by houses with lively facades, creating a dynamic picture of traditional Tuscan architecture. Local artisan shops and small cafés add a touch of rustic charm to the atmosphere. The main square, with its central fountain and shaded benches, is a gathering place that you'll love to mingle at during your stay!

If you want to learn more about the military history of Pisa, you should discover the Fortezza di San Gallo, a 16th-century fortress that overlooks the neighborhood from a nearby hill. Once there, you can explore its well-preserved walls and enjoy a panoramic view of the city!

In my opinion, San Francesco is clearly one of the best places to stay in Pisa. Its location is perfect if you want to reside in a calm area while being just steps away from all attractions!

Affittacamere Delfo: Not sure where to stay in Pisa? By choosing this establishment, you'll reside at the edge of the historic center, with straightforward access to all tourist attractions. The rooms are comfortable, pleasant, and tastefully decorated. Available from $120 per night for a room for 2 people.

We Love Tower Self Check-In: With a bar, this guesthouse is near several well-known attractions, notably 700 meters from the Cathedral of Pisa and 800 meters from the Piazza dei Miracoli. The rooms are comfortable and available from $80 per night for a double room.

In addition to San Francesco, the San Martino neighborhood is also known for its peaceful setting. More residential, it is perfectly suited for families and those seeking a relaxing vacation. Rich in history and culture, this area remains very interesting for facilitating your movements and activities in Pisa.

At the heart of San Martino is the church of the same name, San Martino Church. This Romanesque building, dating back to the 10th century, is an exceptional example of Italian medieval architecture. Its interior is adorned with ancient frescoes and elaborate sculptures that reflect the artistic mastery of the time.

Nearby, you can discover the National Museum of San Matteo, which houses an impressive collection of medieval artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and liturgical objects. San Martino is also famous for its own leaning tower, the Torre dei Sinibaldi. Although it's less well-known than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it offers its own charm and a beautiful view of the city from its summit.

Finally, note that San Martino hosts many local festivities, including the Feast of San Martino, an essential annual event held in November. This local celebration showcases Tuscan culture through parades, concerts, and tastings of local products

Bonaini Relax B&B: Located just 600 meters from the historic center of Pisa, this hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms. You'll be within walking distance of the train station and the main street, which is ideal for quickly exploring the city. Available from $120 per night for a triple room, this establishment is a good option if you're not sure where to stay in Pisa

Hotel La Pace: Situated just 80 meters from the central train station in Pisa, this hotel will allow you to reach the Leaning Tower of Pisa in a 20-minute walk. The rooms feature simple and unique decor while being spacious and comfortable, available from $80 per night, breakfast included.

Considered as the most picturesque neighborhood in Pisa, Santa Maria stands out for its charm that is both typically Italian and medieval. Located between the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Arno River, it is an excellent base for enjoying a more local vacation without losing sight of the city's most popular attractions!

The main feature of Santa Maria is the Piazza Santa Maria, a central square that houses the church of the same name. This church was built in the 12th century and is a remarkable example of Italian Romanesque architecture, with its tall bell tower and beautiful frescoes.

The streets of Santa Maria are perfect for strolling around! If you want to pick up souvenirs, many artisan shops are available. As for local cuisine, there are plenty of restaurants, cafés, and traditional trattorias for you to indulge in

Overall, Santa Maria is an ideal spot if you want to get lost in the streets and take the time to admire the historical architecture. Moreover, its proximity to Pisa's iconic attractions like the Leaning Tower and the Cathedral makes it a perfect starting point to explore the surroundings.

Lo Strullo: The location of this establishment is perfect if you want to explore the city and reach all the must-see monuments. Although the decor is very simple, the accommodations remain very comfortable, clean, and well-equipped. Expect to pay from $150 per night for an apartment, breakfast included.

La Torre Garbata: With bright, spacious, and comfortable rooms, you'll enjoy a privileged view of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, located just 400 meters away. If you're unsure where to stay in Pisa, this hotel is ideally located, perfect for discovering the monuments and the rest of the city Accommodations start from $80 per night for a double room.

To have an even more authentic and traditional experience, staying in Sant' Antonio can be a wise choice Besides its proximity to the historic center, you will be away from the tourist hustle while remaining close to popular attractions. So it's an interesting and almost ideal base!

The architecture of this neighborhood is marked by various influences, spanning from medieval to Renaissance style. As you stroll through its streets, you'll pass beautiful ancient churches adorned with stunning frescoes that tell stories echoing the religious heritage of Tuscany.

Sant' Antonio is also known for its friendly atmosphere as the neighborhood's residents are considered warm and welcoming. For relaxation, the public park is a pleasant place to unwind, all close to the banks of the Arno River in its undoubtedly peaceful setting.

Like the previous neighborhood, Santa Maria, Sant' Antonio is also an excellent starting point to explore Pisa. You will be close to the Leaning Tower and the Cathedral.

B&B Red Horse: Close to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and just steps away from all tourist attractions, this establishment offers comfortable and pleasant rooms. The train station, historic center, airport, and shops are all nearby. Expect to pay around $110 per night, breakfast included

Palazzo Cini Luxury Rooms in Pisa: If you have a comfortable budget for your stay in Pisa, this hotel offers luxurious rooms with a jacuzzi just 13 minutes from the Piazza dei Miracoli. All shops and restaurants are nearby, for about $270 per night, breakfast extra.

Located about 1 hour from Pisa by train, Florence can be an interesting base if Pisa is merely a stop in your journey through Tuscany Clearly, the capital of the region has much more accommodation options than Pisa, with a wide range of budgets and types of stays!

Florence is a city made for art lovers and Renaissance enthusiasts, with treasures such as the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo's David. History buffs will also find happiness visiting the famous Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, two iconic symbols of medieval greatness. If you're unsure what to do in Florence, I invite you to discover my article on that subject.

Of course, you can choose to spend most of your time in Florence and reserve a few nights in Pisa to explore the city. But know that the Florentine capital can easily serve as a place to sleep, one of the ideal hubs during a road trip in Northern Italy

I hope you now have some ideas for accommodations for your upcoming vacation in Italy! If you have any other suggestions, feel free to leave a comment!