Where to Stay in Pisa

Pisa is a charming Tuscan town of around 90,000 residents that’s home to one of Italy’s most iconic monuments: the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The city is a perfect destination for those who love art and architecture, with historic monuments, stunning buildings and beautiful piazzas throughout. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer trip, Pisa absolutely deserves a visit—perhaps as a stop before heading to Florence. You’ll find numerous sites of interest in the city, plus a lively nightlife scene.

Where to stay in Pisa depends on your needs, budget and the type of trip you’re planning. If you’re only here for a short break, it can be convenient to stay near Piazza dei Miracoli, though accommodation here tends to be among the priciest in the city. If you’d prefer somewhere equally central but less hectic, we’d suggest the historic centre or the Sant’Antonio neighbourhood. Since Pisa welcomes countless tourists year-round, it’s wise to book your accommodation in advance to secure the best option for your needs at a reasonable rate.

Piazza dei Miracoli – Leaning Tower of Pisa

Piazza del Duomo, also known as Piazza dei Miracoli, is home to Pisa’s most famous monuments including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the bell tower of Santa Maria (better known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa) and the Baptistry. Thanks to its remarkable beauty, the piazza has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As the city’s most visited area, you’ll find a large number of accommodation options here, including hotels and boutique hotels, often at higher prices than elsewhere in Pisa. This neighbourhood, known as Santa Maria, is one of the best areas to stay if you want the main attractions within easy reach, plus plenty of bars and restaurants on your doorstep.

Historic Centre of Pisa

Contrary to what you might think, staying in Pisa’s historic centre is a great option if you want to avoid the busier parts of the city. Located along the Arno river, the historic centre is about fifteen minutes’ walk from the famous Leaning Tower. This area of Pisa has medieval origins and features narrow, winding cobbled streets, ancient churches and historic buildings. As you wander through the centre, be sure to visit the “Tuttomondo” mural, created by Keith Haring on the rear wall of the “Servi di Maria” friary, and take a stroll under the arcades of “Borgo Stretto” where you’ll find old shops, cafés and historic palaces. The historic centre offers welcoming B&Bs, apartments and hotels that are often less expensive than those in the Piazza dei Miracoli area.

Sant’Antonio – Railway Station

The Arno river divides Pisa into two parts, and in the south-western section you’ll find the Sant’Antonio neighbourhood, home to the beautiful Church of San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno, also known as the “Old Cathedral” because its Pisan Romanesque style echoes that of the Cathedral. This is the neighbourhood that’s also home to Pisa Centrale station, making it ideal for those arriving by train, perhaps with luggage in tow. It’s also worth noting that Pisa’s Airport is just 2 km from the station and offers connections to various cities across Italy and Europe.

Sant’Antonio is an ideal neighbourhood for those wanting to stay near central Pisa at more affordable prices. From here, you can reach Piazza dei Miracoli on a pleasant 20-25 minute walk. The area offers several hotel options, B&Bs and guesthouses, mostly concentrated near the railway station.

San Martino

East of Sant’Antonio, still south of the Arno, lies the San Martino neighbourhood, once known as Kinzica. This area is home to the Church of San Martino, believed to date from the 14th century, and many other historic buildings including Palazzo Lanfranchi, which now houses the Museum of Graphics.

Staying in this neighbourhood means having the main attractions within reach whilst finding accommodation at more affordable prices than in busier, more touristy areas. The area is mainly home to small hotels, B&Bs and apartments.

San Francesco

To the north-east of the Arno river you’ll find the San Francesco neighbourhood. This is another area we’d recommend for those wanting to be close to the main attractions. Not only will you find the Church of Santa Marta, the Ponte della Fortezza, Palazzo Medici and the National Museum here, but also several bars and restaurants concentrated mainly in the Lungarno area.

There’s a wide choice of accommodation in this neighbourhood too, with a good number of B&Bs and guesthouses. Prices are slightly lower than those in the Cathedral and Leaning Tower area, though still not among the cheapest options.

Staying on the Outskirts of Pisa

Plenty of travellers opt for accommodation on the outskirts of Pisa, perhaps nestled in peaceful countryside or near the Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli Regional Park. Staying in these areas lets you easily reach central Pisa whilst also exploring other Tuscan destinations.

Outside the centre, you’ll often find charming B&Bs, farm stays and converted farmhouses offering greater privacy and more spacious rooms than a standard hotel. Many of these properties also boast extra amenities such as a swimming pool, solarium or large garden. Some of the best-recommended locations nearby include: Collesalvetti, Calci and San Giuliano Terme.