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.
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods in Pisa
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.
- Recommended areas to stay on a budget: San Giusto
- Recommended areas for families with children: Sant'Antonio, San Martino
- Recommended areas for young people: San Francesco, Santa Maria
- Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Pisa. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
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.
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.
Santa Maria
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 range from about €54,00 for low-cost accommodation to €205,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| L&G's Roof Terrace | Luxury 2 bedroom apartment with jacuzzi bath. Ideal for couples |
| Hotel Il Cardinale | 3-star hotel less than 200 metres from the Leaning Tower. Family rooms available and beautiful city views. Ideal for couples and families |
| Hotel Villa Kinzica | Located in an imposing villa a few steps from the Tower, children stay for free if they share a room with their parents. Access to parking permits for the Limited Traffic Zone. Ideal for families and couples |
| Grand Hotel Duomo Pisa | 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 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 range from about €49,00 for low-cost accommodation to €104,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Relais Lorebian | Accommodation with garden and free WiFi. The property features a restaurant, shared lounge, shared kitchen and luggage storage. Ideal for young people |
| Hotel Repubblica Marinara | 4-star hotel with elegant rooms with parquet floors. Free parking. Ideal for couples and families |
Sant'Antonio
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 range from about €45,00 for low-cost accommodation to €199,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Lungarno Bellavista Penthouse | Luxury 120 sqm apartment with all comforts, two bathrooms and 3 bedrooms. Ideal for families and groups of friends |
| Hotel Bologna | Elegant 4-star hotel with airport shuttle service. Free tastings of traditional Tuscan products at the bar every evening. Ideal for couples and families |
| Conce Apartment | Entire apartment near the Church of Santa Maria della Spina. Two bedrooms + sofa bed, equipped kitchen, pets allowed. Ideal for families and groups |
San Martino
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 range from about €52,00 for low-cost accommodation to €160,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Residence Domus Pisa | Apartments with garden, equipped kitchen and parking. Pets Allowed. Ideal for families and groups |
| Palazzo Cini Luxury Rooms in Pisa | Modern and well-furnished rooms, some with jacuzzi. Breakfast served in a bar near the hotel. Ideal for couples and families |
| Al Gelsomino | Simple 1 bedroom apartment. Free private parking. Ideal for couples |
| B&B Guerrazzi | Rooms with free WiFi, air conditioning and access to garden with terrace. Italian breakfast every morning. Pets Allowed. Ideal for couples and families |
San Giusto
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 range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €159,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Blue Shades ApartHotel | 500 metres from Pisa Airport, it offers modern rooms, free WiFi throughout and a continental breakfast every morning. Garage parking available |
| Elisir Pisa | B&B with air-conditioned rooms with patio and free WiFi. Free parking. Ideal for couples and families |
| Giuseppe's house | Apartments with three bedrooms, TV and equipped kitchen. Free parking. Ideal for families and groups of friends |
| Luigino B&B | B&B with rooms with private bathroom. Terrace, garden, free parking and pets allowed. Ideal for families and groups of friends |
Places to stay near Pisa
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
If you are in Pisa for 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