Everyone knows of Pisa because of its famous leaning tower. But there’s more to this Tuscan treasure than one architectural mishap. Its Renaissance piazzas are crammed with Romanesque buildings and Gothic churches, and other than the Piazza dei Miracoli – AKA the Square of Miracles – they’re generally not too tourist-heavy. What’s more, Pisa’s bagged itself an elite university – one of the best in the country. The sizeable student population means the city’s got a buzzing bar scene and a whole bunch of trendy cafes. And if you want spend a day topping up your tan, the beach-stacked coast is within easy day-tripping distance.
Who is it for?
Couples
Stroll along the river and you’ll see renaissance buildings and monasteries as students whizz past on bicycles.
Foodies
Pisa has a bevy of excellent restaurants where you can enjoy the best of Italian cuisine, from seafood linguine to a full bodied Chianti.
Culture Vultures
The piazza is dominated by 4 great religious edifices - the cathedral, baptistery, monumental cemetery and Leaning Tower.