10 Free and affordable things to do in Pisa

By: Travel With Wally

Visiting Pisa, the city of leaning towers

First let me say, welcome to Pisa!  Pisa holds a special place in my heart as it is the first and only city that  I have called home in Italy.  When I first learned that we would be moving here, I was a bit skeptical about finding things to do beyond the famed tower, as it is not a very large city.  I was happily proved wrong upon our arrival and release from quarantine.  There are plenty of free and affordable things to do in Pisa, if you are like us, and are living a budget-friendly lifestyle. 

Think “Pisa” and the first thing that comes to mind is the leaning tower.  That’s a must-see, of course.  It’s in the Field of Miracles with the rest of its family and you will enjoy your outing there.  But Pisa has a lot more to see, including art-filled museums and pleasant parks.  And because Pisa is not a large city, it is easy to walk to different sites and experiences, both free and affordable options.

Pisa, a Short History

Similar to Siena, Pisa has had its historical ups and downs.  Until the 15th century, Pisa was a seaside city, making it an ideal location for the Romans to use as a Naval base. For three centuries, Pisa was a trading powerhouse of the sea, which allowed for the funds to build the Field of Miracles. Its strength rivaled that of Genoa and Venice.  Unfortunately for the thriving city, silt filled in the harbor and cut Pisa off from the already receding Ligurian shoreline.  Along with Genoa taking over their overseas trading outposts, this led to its economic downfall.  

Lucky for Pisa, it still had its show stopping Field of Miracles and its world-renowned University (founded in 1343!). Now Pisa flows with tourists heading from the train station or international airport to the famed Leaning tower, but unbeknownst to most, there is so much more to this small city and much of it is free or at the very least, affordable. 

Cool fact: Pisa is also the birthplace of the famous astronomer Galileo Galilei and you can walk by his childhood home! 

Free things to do in Pisa

Field of Miracles (Campo dei Miracoli)

This is where you will find the famed Leaning Tower along with the large cathedral, Italy’s largest baptistery, and Camposanto Cemetery. They are all built in the style of Pisan Romanesque, covered in white marble and having delicate columns and arches on the building exteriors.  The entire field is covered in a carpet of green grass which the grand marble buildings appear to have grown from.  Historically these buildings would have been pillars for important life events of the Pisans. They were baptized in the baptistery, married in the church, cared for in the neighboring hospital and buried in the cemetery.  

Visiting the Field of Miracles is completely free, but if you wish to climb to the top of the tower, that will cost you a hefty 18 Euros plus a potentially lengthy wait time. 

The Leaning Tower

The Leaning Tower is by far the most famous of the buildings due to its extreme tilt.  Tourists fill the area to show their feats of strength in photos where they hold up the tipping tower.  Visiting the tower is completely free unless you want to climb its eight stories for a view that may let you down.  It is said to be bad luck to climb the tower if you are a university student-each floor will add another year until you graduate.  Andrew is a student at the University of Pisa and isn’t taking any chances, therefore we will have to wait two more years to make the climb.  

The Tower has a fascinating history.  Its construction began in 1173.  Five years later, after the base and ground floor were completed, the lean was first pointed out. Even so, they continued building on the shallow 13-foot foundation and soft marshy ground until they made it to the fourth floor.  

Then the building stopped. Who knows why. In about 1272 another architect started to build again, and they attempted to fix the lean by building the following stories backwards against the lean.  Then again, for another century, the tower stood idle and unfinished.  Tommaso Pisano finally put the finishing touches on the tower by adding a belfry on the top between 1350 and 1372.  He also tried to overcome the leaning, but to no avail.  

Over the next centuries architects and engineers worked to fix the foundation.  In 1990 it was closed for intensive repairs and $30M was spent to clean, restore, and reinforce the foundation and counter the lean.  Everyone hopes this will add several more centuries to the life of the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.  

  Cool Fact: Galileo is said to have studied gravity by dropping things from the top of the tower.

Duomo

The duomo is the largest monument in the field, and glows in its coat of white marble.  The exterior may not be as intricately decorated as the baptistery, but that does not mean it is less fancy. 

You can enter for free on the west end with any combo ticket or voucher (vouchers are obtained at the ticket counter and are only for the duomo.)  The voucher will give you an entry time while the other tickets will allow you to enter at your leisure.  Once you enter, you will see where the city spent its money.  

From top to bottom it drips in decoration.  Pillars connected by arches patterned in black and white marble, a golden ceiling and frescoed walls paint intricate stories.  Don’t forget to look down to the floor for a treat of mosaics and design.  

Baptistery

Sitting at 180-feet tall, Pisa’s baptistery is Italy’s biggest. And like its neighbor the Leaning Tower, it also leans!  In this case, only about six feet, and to the north, while Leaning Tower slopes to the south.  It is a beautiful piece of architecture that began construction in 1153.  Interestingly you can actually see three distinct styles of architecture that represent the different years spent building it.  

The base shows arches of the Romanesque and the more severe spires and pointed arches of the gothic style.  The roof appears to have been done haphazardly with two different sections of tiles, but this is on purpose.  The red clay tiles face the sea while the lead tiles face the east.  

The interior is a host to incredible acoustics and a pulpit carved by Nicola Pisano.  There is enough space to baptise both babies and adults in the octagonal font. Twice a day, when open, there’s a demonstration of its famed acoustics.

hibits, hours and prices HERE.

Parks

Walk along the River Arno in Viale delle Piagge

If you are in need of a reprieve from the city’s hustle and bustle, then Viale delle Piagge (Piagge) is a great place to rest or take a stroll, and enjoy some nature.  Located along the Arno River, the Piagge is one of my favorite free activities in Pisa.  It is a 2km long thin park that has a paved walking path, bocce ball field, and alternate walking paths closer to the river, depending on how you are feeling.  

It is completely flat and in the mornings and evenings you will find it full of locals exercising, walking their dogs, and catching up with friends.  Keep an eye out for another one of Pisa’s leaning towers across the street. 

To find it, follow the Northside of the Arno upstream from Corso Italia for about 1.6km.  You will see an old restaurant to your right and as you walk you may see a bocce ball tournament taking place.

This is a great place to walk your dog.  There is a lot for them to smell and experience.  Keep your eyes out for signs indicating where dogs are not allowed.  

Have a picnic in Giardino Scotto

This charming park is a walled gem in Pisa.  It is a lovely place to lay out a blanket and enjoy lunch, read a book, or even watch a concert.  Children will enjoy the quiet and shaded playground while you may see students studying at the covered tables along the path leading through the small park.  I love the beautiful flowers and lush green grass; it is the ideal location for a picnic.

Giardino Scotto is a quiet and charming place to take a rest from your busy itinerary, and it is closer to the city center than Viale delle Piagge.  

Before becoming a park in 1936, it had been the backyard to a palace, the foundation to a new church, home to ceramic artisans, and a location to create bronze bells (a Pisan specialty).  It has a rich history as does the rest of the city, but I am a big fan of what it has currently settled as.  

Address: Lungarno Leonardo Fibonacci, 2, 56125 Pisa

You can learn more HERE.  

Bike to the Seaside for a Day at the Beach

If you have a bike with you then this is a fun and rewarding free thing to do in Pisa. If you do not have a bike, you can easily rent one at one of the bike rentals in Pisa.  ‘Smile & Ride’ is a very popular and highly rated shop near the train station. Rentals start at about 17 euros a day.  You can find more information on their rates here. Note that during the winter months, they are only open by appointment.

 If you do not wish to go by bike, you can also take a quick 20 minute bus ride (bus 10) to Marina di pisa. The times and frequency of buses can vary from season to season, so be sure to look at their schedules.  

There is a nice bike path that goes through the countryside and is bordered by sunflower fields, farmland, and forest.  It is a very pleasant and flat ride.  You can find directions HERE.  

Marina di Pisa is a quaint little seaside village with access to the Ligurian sea.  The beaches here consist of round white pebbles, and I recommend bringing some water-friendly shoes for swimming.  I found that it was a bit tricky to maneuver the stones while getting in and out of the water, especially for my tender feet.  

Tirrenia is a bit further down the shore and it is a sandy beach where you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas.  So if you don’t feel like navigating the stunningly white beaches of Marina di Pisa, you still have choices nearby.  

  Bus schedules: Look HERE

Tuttomondo (Whole Wide World) mural

If you are coming from the train station then this mural is an easy and free stop to make before heading off to the Field of Miracles.  We live near Keith Haring’s Tuttomondo, so I see it frequently, but even so, I always end up noticing something new in the intricate mural.  Haring painted this mural on the back wall of the Sant’Antonio Abate church in 1989, shortly before his death in 1990. 

The mural is bright and colorful with fillers that resemble confetti.  The colorful characters in the mural represent the celebration of diversity, chaos, and overall energy of our world.  I recommend spending a short while in this little piazza observing and finding your own meaning of this piece of art.  

Address: Piazza V. Emanuele II, 18, 56125 Pisa PI

Affordable Things to do in Pisa

Palazzo Blu Art Museum

This museum is a free activity in Pisa, and I think it is such a fun place.  Located on the river, painted in brilliant blue, the museum is hard to miss.  Once you enter, you will need to show your green pass (or equivalent COVID-19 vaccine document), and then will be given a wristband and ticket (free!)  

The ground floor has a small room that hosts the seasonal special exhibit which is then extended on the second floor.  On the first floor, you wind through different rooms that represent the lives of the upper class.  In these rooms, you see ornate furniture, frescoed ceilings, and extravagant chandeliers.  Finish the second floor by looking at ancient Roman coins and artifacts.

It is also a good idea to check what the special exhibit is at the time. I have really enjoyed the National Geographic photo series they have been hosting (2023).

The museum is by no means large, but it gives you a glimpse into Pisa’s past including its local artists and families.  It is located only a short walk off of the main street and afterward you can treat yourself to a tasty gelato next door.

Location: Lungarno Gambacorti 9, 56125 Pisa

Prices: €3 for general admission and €6 for special exhibit (+€2 to add museum)

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00-7:00

Saturday & Sunday 10:00-8:00

Botanical Garden (Orto e Museo Botanico Universita Pisa)

The botanical museum allows dogs!  This is something that I didn’t know for quite a while, and now that I do, I am very excited to bring Wally to this beautiful and educational garden.  

At only €4, the garden is an affordable oasis in the city of Pisa.  It is deceivingly large and even has a museum dedicated to plants and the people that studied them in the past.  There are also several greenhouses on the premises, one is the oldest in Pisa! 

The end of the garden closest to the Leaning Tower is my personal favorite.  There is a small pond full of lilies, bamboo and large trees.  It is very peaceful and has benches for you to rest and enjoy the nature around you.  

You can even catch another view of the tower and duomo from some of the little hills.  

*Cool fact: This is the oldest academic botanical garden in the WORLD!

Price: €4 Adult

Hours: Check here for current hours

Location: There are two entrances, both about 300m from the tower:

1. via Luca Ghini 13
2. via Roma 56

Aperitivo in Piazza della Pera

You guys, I LOVE aperitivo.  It’s the Italian equivalent of America’s happy hour.  You can enjoy a drink (or two), and eat a spread of delightful finger foods.  In non-COVID times, which was before I made it to Italy, places would have buffets of free food for you to choose from while enjoying your spritz or wine.  

Typically alcoholic drinks will always come with complimentary potato chips and maybe even some peanuts/olives, which is also an extra treat.  

You can enjoy aperitivo almost anywhere, but I want to point out one of my favorite places.  They have my favorite strawberry mojito and a good vegetarian option for aperitivo.  It is called Chicchessia, and it is located in Piazza della Pera, a little oasis off of the busy Corso Italia.  

You will find children playing in the middle of the piazza while adults enjoy pre-dinner drinks at a variety of restaurants and bars. The atmosphere is buzzing with the happiness of being with friends after a long day of work

Be sure to look at the hours of all bars and restaurants as they may not open until 6 or 7 o’clock.  This is very typical of Italian culture.  

Have coffee at OpenPi 

There are many wonderful and charming coffee bars in Pisa such as Cristallo, Filter Coffee Lab and Leondardo’s, but my favorite would have to be OpenPi.  It is located on the north side of Piazza Vittorio Emanuel II, close to the train station.  

I love the spacious and relaxing outdoor seating area.  It is covered by a charming canopy of vines that burst with jasmine and white roses in the spring. The staff is so attentive and kind, Wally is often presented with a dish of water, unprompted.  

They have a variety of hot and cold drinks including teas, freshly pressed juices, and coffees.  One of their specialty drinks is the Mokamisu. It is a mug of cream and ladyfingers that you pour a freshly brewed pot of espresso over.  It is delightful.  I love their fudgy and rich brownies that you can have served with a scoop of ice cream.  

They also have a light breakfast and lunch for those in the mood for a quick bite.  They even have pancakes on the menu!  A treat for us Americans.  

 

Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa  (requires transportation)

I needed to include this AWESOME museum on our list.  It admittedly is out of the way of a typical day trip to Pisa, but if you are spending a couple of days in the city I highly recommend making this a stop on the itinerary.  Taking the bus (cpt 160&120) takes about 20-30 minutes, and I would buy two sets of tickets at the station so you have return tickets as well. 

Located in tiny Cecina, the affordable museum is housed in an old monastery nestled in olive groves.  It not only is a unique museum full of old and unique exhibitions, it is also in a beautiful location.

The bus will drop you off at the end of a long lane that is very pleasant to walk along with minimal traffic.  You will then see the large and elegant museum ahead of you.

The entrance is not the large main door, but is to the left side near the little green area with picnic tables.  You must have a RESERVATION that you can make online.  You can buy a ticket for the regular exhibits or a ticket that includes the special exhibits such as the aquarium and the special exhibit.  

What Makes It Special?

I am already a fan of Natural History museums, and I was not only drawn to Pisa’s museum because of this personal interest.  It also houses one of the largest collections of cetacean (whale) skeletons.  As a previous dolphin trainer and lover of the sea, I was extremely excited for this exhibit.

After winding through the extensive collections of preserved reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, we climbed the stairs to the cetacean exhibit.  It is lined with wall-to-ceiling windows overlooking the stunning views.  The collection is very well done with plaques describing and labeling all of the specimens.  They even have a model of a skull belonging to the Kraken, the largest whale to live, bigger than the blue whale!  You can probably tell I am excited even now as I write this.  

They also have a large freshwater fish exhibit that I thought was not only fascinating due to its beautiful fish, but also its location in the museum.  It is down in the depths of the old monastery, making one feel as though they are walking through secret medieval passages.  

As an affordable option in Pisa, I highly recommend this museum.  Even with the extra effort to get there.  Please make sure to make reservations online prior to arriving.

Check out their website for more information on location, prices, prices, and ehibits

Cool Fact: Pets are allowed if in a carrier or carried in your arms.

Note: Dante’s Inferno exhibit can be scary and dark for children

Tickets: Permanent exhibits: €8 

  Special exhibits (Aquarium & Dante’s Inferno): €8

  Combination: €14

*Special prices for families, children, military etc. 

Hours: Winter opening hours (October 1st – May 31st):

Monday to Saturday: 9.00am – 7.00pm

Sunday and holidays: 9.00am – 8.00pm

Summer opening hours (1st June – 30th September):

Every day: 9.00- 20.00

How to get there by bus

*Prices and Times of different locations are subject to change, please look them up on their websites before going. 

10 Free and Affordable things to do in Pisa Conclusion

There is something for everyone on this list of free and affordable things to do in Pisa.  I hope that you are able to find some activities on this list that you enjoy.  Of course, there are too many activities and places to list in just one post, but this is a start.  Andrew, Wally, and I all hope that you have a wonderful time here in wonderful Pisa. 

Check out our post on the best gelato in Pisa!