Where to stay in Pisa: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexPisa is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany, if not all of Italy. The indisputable beauty of Piazza dei Miracoli, however, should not distract attention from the other attractions in the city. It is a real "open-air museum", but also a lively and modern city thanks to the many students who attend one of its universities, Normale, one of the oldest, most-respected and sought after in the world.
Although it is not a very big city, there are several neighbourhoods to choose from, each with different characteristics! So, let's find out together the best areas to stay in Pisa, a guide to the various districts of the city to help you choose your accommodation according to your specific needs.
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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation
| Category | Recommended Accommodation |
|---|---|
| 👑 5 star / luxury | Pisa Tower Plaza |
| 🛎️ B&b & mid-range | Hotel Bologna Pisa |
| 🎒 Hostel and Low cost | Hotel Verdi |
| 🏡 Vacation rental / apartments | Homing Pisa - Feeling Home |
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods in Pisa
| Target | Area | Rates from |
|---|---|---|
| Young | Santa Maria | €85,00 |
| San Francesco | €80,00 | |
| Families | Sant'Antonio | €90,00 |
| San Martino | €95,00 | |
| Stay on a budget | San Giusto | €60,00 |
Not recommended areas: Pisa is not a particularly dangerous city. However, it is better to avoid the area around Pisa Central Station, especially in the evening, as you could encounter unsavoury characters.
From a tourist and cultural point of view, the best areas to stay are Santa Maria and San Martino, as they are close to the most important attractions, the latter is considered the most beautiful neighbourhood in Pisa.
In the San Francesco district, where the major university faculties and the best bars and restaurants in the city are concentrated, it is always lively thanks to the large presence of young people who frequent it both during the day and in the evening. It is therefore ideal for young people visiting the city. Quiet and therefore ideal for families is the Sant'Antonio district while, those travelling on a 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.
Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Pisa. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
Santa Maria, best for nightlife
- Pros: Located very close to the iconic Leaning Tower and the main attractions, lively atmosphere with many bars and restaurants, excellent for those who want to be in the heart of the action.
- Cons: Can be noisy, especially at night, and accommodation might be slightly more expensive due to its prime location.
- Main attractions: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza dei Miracoli, Duomo, Baptistery, Botanical Garden.
- Average prices: From €85,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
The most convenient area to stay 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. Located between the north bank of the Arno River and Ponte di Mezzo, Piazza dei Cavalieri, which houses the Palazzo della Scuola Normale, is also within easy reach from Santa Maria.
Being a very touristy neighbourhood there is no shortage of restaurants and bars. There are also many accommodation solutions in this area: from elegant hotels to charming B&Bs located in historic homes. Of course, prices here are slightly higher on average than in other neighbourhoods. Staying here, you can easily walk around the city, reaching the main attractions in just a few minutes
Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €85,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
San Francesco, best for young travellers
- Pros: A vibrant area with a good mix of historical sites and modern amenities, popular with students, offering a lively but less touristy vibe than Santa Maria. Good for exploring on foot.
- Cons: Can still be a bit busy, and some streets might be less well-lit at night.
- Main attractions: Church of San Francesco, Borgo Stretto (shopping street), Keith Haring's Tuttomondo mural.
- Average prices: From €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
One of the liveliest areas of Pisa, especially in the evening thanks to the presence of many delicious restaurants and theatres, including the unusual Teatro di Sant'Andrea, set up inside an ancient church. There are also cinemas, wine bars and pubs where you can spend a cheerful evening in the company of family or friends. The narrow medieval alleys open onto squares full of shops, bars with outdoor tables and churches, but one of the most beautiful areas is the Lungarno, a beautiful promenade that winds alongside the river and is overlooked by elegant palaces and ancient residences.
Given its liveliness, it is an ideal neighbourhood for young people and those who want nightlife while being in the centre, a few steps from the main attractions. Staying here makes it easy to move on foot (from the National Museum of San Matteo to the Tower of Pisa, 1.5 km, 18 min).
Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €80,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Sant'Antonio, best for families
- Pros: A more residential and quieter neighborhood, yet still conveniently located close to the train station and major sights. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families.
- Cons: Fewer nightlife options compared to Santa Maria or San Francesco.
- Main attractions: Pisa Centrale train station, Corso Italia (main shopping street), Giardino Scotto.
- Average prices: From €90,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
In the southern part of the historic centre of the city, it is a quiet area, not very lively in the evening, perfect for families with children, but also for those who want to save money without staying too far from the Santa Maria district and the main attractions of Pisa. The Lungarno runs along the northern part of the district where elegant palaces and historic buildings overlook, such as the Parish of San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno and the Church of Santa Maria della Spina. It is also here that you can find the mural "Tuttomondo" by Keith Haring, on the external wall of the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate.
On the second Sunday of the month, a large market is set up in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele where local artisans display their creations. If you decide to stay in this neighbourhood, even in this case, you can still easily move on foot (from the Tuttomondo mural to Piazza dei Cavalieri 1.2 km, 14 min, up to Piazza dei Miracoli, 1.6 km, 20 min).
Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €90,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
San Martino, the peaceful neighbourhood
- Pros: A charming and peaceful neighborhood, offering a good balance between proximity to attractions and a calm residential feel. Ideal for families looking for a relaxing stay.
- Cons: Slightly further from the Leaning Tower compared to other areas, requiring a bit more walking or public transport.
- Main attractions: Church of San Martino, Lungarno Galileo Galilei (riverside walks).
- Average prices: From €95,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
Adjacent to the Sant'Antonio district, in the southwestern part of the city, San Martino is not a tourist district but still very characterful. It boasts several parks and private gardens, including the well-known Giardino Scotto, a public park with concerts and open-air cinema in the summer. At sunset, it is pleasant to stroll along the Lungarno, passing buildings such as Palazzo Lanfranchi, Palazzo da Scorno and the Garden of Palazzo dei Consoli del Mare.
It is a quiet area, therefore ideal for families. At the same time, it is possible to find cheaper accommodation than in other districts, precisely because it is not too touristy. Also in this case, staying here makes it easy to get around on foot (from Giardino Scotto to Piazza dei Cavalieri 1.3 km, 15 min, up to Piazza dei Miracoli ,1.8 km, 23 min).
Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €95,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
San Giusto, best to stay on a budget
- Pros: Offers more affordable accommodation options, especially good for budget-conscious travelers. Well-connected by public transport to the city center and airport.
- Cons: Further from the main tourist attractions, meaning you'll need to rely on buses or longer walks. Less of a "charming" vibe.
- Main attractions: Pisa International Airport (close by), some local shops and eateries.
- Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
A little outside the centre, it is the best option to stay in Pisa on a budget. Most of the accommodations here are B&Bs or hostels. This is because it is not a tourist area, as there are mainly schools and offices, but it is an excellent neighbourhood to keep in mind if you also want to visit the area surrounding the city: it extends from the airport to Pisa Central Station.
Despite everything, you are not completely cut off from the city: Piazza dei Miracoli is about 20 minutes away on foot and local public transport is very efficient (here you can also take advantage of the Pisamover, a cable car that connects the train station and the airport). This could also be a good solution if you arrive in Pisa by car, as there are plenty of parking spaces available.
Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €60,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Places to stay near Pisa
Foto di wheresleep. Sleeping in Pisa is certainly 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 areas as well, you could consider one of the places listed below.
- Viareggio (22 km / 26 min): ideal, especially in summer, to lounge on the beach and treat yourself to the "VIP" nightlife on the renowned Coast of Versilia; equally interesting in winter due to the famous Carnival. Well connected to Pisa by direct train (17 min) - Hotels and B&Bs from €55,00 per room
- Livorno (27 km / 32 min): excellent base for discovering the Etruscan Coast, including archaeological areas such as Baratti-Populonia Park, and museums, such as Rosignano Marittimo, Cecina, and Piombino. Connected to Pisa by direct train (17 min) - Hotels and B&Bs from €50,00 per room
- Lucca (19 km / 26 min): perfect base, not only for discovering the wonderful town of Lucca, but also for exploring the Montecatini Terme area. Connected to Pisa by direct train (30 min) Hotels and B&Bs from €49,00 per room
Pisa accommodation price map
Travel Tips for Pisa
- Public Transport: Pisa is a very walkable city, especially the historic center. For longer distances, there's a good local bus network (Autolinee Toscane) that connects the train station, airport, and main attractions. You can buy tickets at tobacco shops (tabaccherie) or newsstands. Consider a multi-day pass if you plan on using buses frequently.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather for sightseeing and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) can be hot and very busy with tourists. Winter (November-March) is quieter but can be chilly and some attractions might have reduced hours.
- Local Currency: The currency in Italy is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops, but it's always good to have some cash for smaller purchases, local markets, or tips.
- Local Vibe/Culture: Pisa is a charming Tuscan city with a relaxed atmosphere. While famous for its leaning tower, take time to explore the less touristy areas for an authentic experience. Italians typically eat dinner later, often after 7:30 PM or 8 PM. Tipping is not as common or expected as in some other countries, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for good service is appreciated.
Guide to the areas of Pisa
Pisa is a very friendly city. Its historic centre is naturally divided by the Arno river. It can be easily explored on foot and is largely pedestrianized. Outside the walls are the residential districts.
The centre is definitely the best area to stay. The centre of Pisa can be divided into two parts: Mezzogiorno is the area south of the Arno River, in turn made up of the historic districts of Sant'Antonio and San Martino; while Tramontana, north of the river, is divided into the districts of Santa Maria and San Francesco. Outside the centre we find the San Giusto district, which extends from Pisa Centrale railway station to Galileo Galilei International Airport, which serves the area. It is an ideal area to stay especially if you are planning several excursions in the surrounding area or if you arrive in Pisa by car.
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