Pisa is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany and all of Italy. The undeniable beauty of Piazza dei Miracoli should not, however, distract attention from the city's other attractions. It is in fact a true 'open-air museum', but also a lively and modern city thanks to the many students who animate one of its universities, the Normale, one of the oldest, most respected and sought-after in the world.
Although it is not a very big city, there are several districts to stay in, each with different characteristics! So let's discover together where to sleep in Pisa, with a guide to the city's various districts to help you choose your accommodation according to your specific needs.
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
Turistically and culturally speaking, the best areas to stay in, as they are close to the most important attractions, are Santa Maria and San Martino, the latter being considered Pisa's most beautiful district.
In the San Francesco district, where the major university faculties and the city's best bars and restaurants are concentrated, there is always life thanks to the large presence of young people who animate it both day and night; therefore ideal for young people visiting the city. Quiet and therefore ideal for families is the Sant'Antonio district, while those on a tight budget can opt for San Giusto: a little outside the centre (near the station and a 20-minute walk from Piazza dei Miracoli), it offers a wide choice of B&Bs and hostels.
Suggested areas tosave money: San Giusto
Recommended areas forfamilies with children: Sant'Antonio, San Martino
Suggested areas foryoung people: San Francesco, Santa Maria
Best accommodation: We have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Pisa. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking
Guide to areas of Pisa
Pisa is a city on a human scale. Its historical centre (the best area in which to stay) is divided in 2 by the Arno river, we find the area called Mezzogiorno to the south and Tramontana to the north. Largely pedestrianised, it can easily be visited on foot. The residential districts, on the other hand, are outside the walls.
The Mezzogiorno area, south of the river, is made up of the San Antonio and San Martino districts; while the Tramontana area, to the north, is made up of the Santa Maria and San Francesco districts. Outside the centre we find the San Giusto district, which stretches between the Pisa Centrale railway station and the Galileo Galilei International Airport, which serves the area. This is an ideal area to stay in especially if you plan several excursions in the surroundings or if you arrive in Pisa by car.
Areas to avoid: Pisa is not a particularly dangerous city. However, it is best to avoid, especially in the evenings, the area around Pisa Central Station, which could be frequented by people of dubious reputation.
Santa Maria
The most convenient area because all the main attractions are located here, including Piazza dei Miracoli and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. The best choice for those visiting Pisa for the first time. Situated between the north bank of the Arno River and Ponte di Mezzo, from Santa Maria you can also easily reach Piazza dei Cavalieri, which houses the Palazzo della Scuola Normale.
Being a very touristy district, there is no shortage of restaurants and bars. In this area there are many accommodation facilities such as hotels, small B&Bs and historical residences. Prices here are slightly higher than in other neighbourhoods, but you can easily walk all over the city, reaching the main attractions in a few minutes.
Average prices in the district range from around €34.00 per night for low-cost accommodation up to €205.00 per night for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Luxury flat with 2 bedrooms and a jacuzzi. Ideal for couples | |
Located in an imposing villa just a few steps from the Tower, children stay free if they share a bed with their parents. Access and parking permits for the ZTL. Ideal for families and couples | |
4-star hotel with restaurant overlooking the Duomo. Parking, bar and room service. Pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families |
San Francesco
One of the liveliest areas of Pisa, especially in the evenings thanks to the many delightful restaurants and theatres, including the unusual Sant'Andrea Theatre, set up inside an ancient church. If you want to spend a nice evening in the company of friends in this area, there are several entertainment venues such as wine bars, cinemas and pubs. Among the medieval alleys you can find squares with various shops and bars. If, on the other hand, you want to take a nice walk by the river, the recommended area is the Lungarno, where you can admire historical residences and elegant palaces such as Palazzo Lanfranchi or Palazzo da Scorno, ...
Given the great movement, this is an ideal neighbourhood for young people and those in the mood for movida, while still being right in the centre and within walking distance of the main attractions. In fact, staying here you can easily get around on foot (from the National Museum of San Matteo to the Leaning Tower of Pisa 1.5 km, 18 min).
Average prices in the district range from around €29.00 for low-cost accommodation to €104.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Accommodation with a garden and free WiFi. The property features a restaurant, a shared lounge, a communal kitchen and luggage storage. Ideal for young people | |
4-star hotel with elegant rooms with parquet floors. Free parking. Ideal for families and couples | |
One-bedroom flat with a bgano. Free WiFi and pets allowed | |
Hotel with rich buffet breakfast and rooms with free WiFi. 24-hour reception |
Sant'Antonio
Photos by sailko. In the southern part of the city centre, it is a quiet area, not very lively in the evenings, perfect for families with children, but also for those who want to save money without being too far from the Santa Maria district and Pisa's main attractions. The Lungarno runs along the northern part of the district where elegant palaces and historical buildings, such as the Parish Church of San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno and the Church of Santa Maria della Spina, face each other. It is also here that Keith Haring's mural 'Tuttomondo' can be found on the outside wall of the Church of Sant' Antonio Abate.
On the second Sunday of the month, a large market is held in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele where local artisans display their creations. If you decide to stay in this district, you can also get around easily on foot (from the Tuttomondo mural in Piazza dei Cavalieri 1.2 km, 14 min, to Piazza dei Miracoli 1.6 km, 20 min).
Average prices in the district range from around €25.00 for low-cost accommodation to €199.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Luxury flat with all comforts, 120 sqm, with two bathrooms and 3 bedrooms. Ideal for families and groups of friends | |
Elegant 4 tselle hotel with airport shuttle service. Free tastings of traditional Tuscan products every evening at the bar. Ideal for couples and families | |
Entire flat near the Church of Santa Maria della Spina. Two rooms + sofa bed, fully equipped kitchen, pets allowed. Ideal for families and groups | |
2 km from Piazza dei Miracoli, it offers simple accommodation with patio and garden. Free private parking. Ideal for couples |
San Martino
Photo by sailko. Adjacent to the district of Sant'Antonio, in the south-western part of the city, San Martino is not a tourist district but a very characteristic one. It boasts several green areas and private gardens, including the well-known Giardino Scotto, a public park with concerts and open-air cinema in summer.
It is aquiet area and therefore ideal for families. At the same time, it is possible to find accommodation at a lower cost than in other districts, precisely because it is not too touristy. Again, if you stay here, you can easily get around on foot (from Giardino Scotto to Piazza dei Cavalieri 1.3 km, 15 min, to Piazza dei Miracoli 1.8 km, 23 min).
Average prices in the district range from around €32.00 for low-cost accommodation to €160.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Flats with garden, equipped kitchen and parking. Animals allowed. Ideal for families and groups | |
Modern and design rooms, some with hydromassage. Breakfast served in nearby bar. Ideal for couples and families | |
Simple 1-bedroom flat. Free private parking. Ideal for couples | |
Accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning and access to a garden with terrace. Italian breakfast every morning. Pets allowed. Ideal for couples and families |
San Giusto
Photo by Lucarelli. Slightly out of the centre, it is the best solution to stay in Pisa on a budget. Most of the accommodation here is B&B and hostels. This is because it is not a tourist area, as there are mainly schools and offices, but it is a good neighbourhood to keep in mind if you want to visit the surroundings of the city as well: it stretches from the airport to Pisa Central Station.
And yet, you are not completely out of the city circuit: Piazza dei Miracoli is about a 20-minute walk away and local public transport is very efficient (here you can also take advantage of the Pisamover, a cable car that connects the railway station and the airport). This could also be a good solution if you arrive in Pisa by car, as there is plenty of parking available!
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €89.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Just 500 metres from Pisa Airport, it offers modern rooms, free WiFi in all areas, and a continental breakfast each morning. Garage parking is available | |
B&B with air-conditioned rooms with patio and free WiFi. Free parking. Ideal for families and couples | |
Flats with three bedrooms, TV and equipped kitchen. Free parking. Ideal for families and groups of friends | |
B&B with rooms with private bathroom. Terrace, garden, free parking and pets allowed. Ideal for families and groups of friends |
Countries near Pisa where to stay
Sleeping in Pisa is definitely the best choice if you plan to focus only on the city, or if you have little time available, for example a weekend. If, on the other hand, you have more time, and your aim is to explore the surrounding area as well, you might consider one of the countries listed below.
Viareggio (22 km / 26 min): ideal especially in summer for beach life and 'VIP' nightlife on the renowned Versilia coast; equally interesting in winter for the famous Carnival. Well connected to Pisa by direct train (17 min) - Hotel and b&b from €45.00 per room
Livorno (27 km / 32 min): an excellent base for discovering the Etruscan Coast, including archaeological areas such as the Baratti-Populonia Park, museums rich in Etruscan, Roman and Villanovan remains, such as those in Rosignano Marittimo, Cecina and Piombino. Connected to Pisa by direct train (17 min) - Hotels and b&b from €40.00 per room
Lucca (19 km / 26 min): perfect base not only to discover this other wonderful town. but also to explore the Montecatini Terme area. Well connected to Pisa by direct train (30 min) Hotel and b&b from €39.00 per room
If you are in Pisa on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com
