Predominately known for its architectural project gone wrong, and Galileo’s pebbles, there’s a lot more to Pisa than one wonky tower, though it does draw the crowds. And the crowds are the reason Pisa has such a great range of accommodation options! It’s a challenge to pick out the best places to stay in Pisa from amongst the grand palazzos, converted villas, traditional and contemporary hotels, pensiones and B&Bs, plus hillside spa resorts dating from the 18th century.

Pisa straddles the Arno just before it empties into the Ligurian Sea, and its wealth was built on maritime power, before the Roman period — in fact Virgil called it an old city — and current archaeological thinking puts its founding during the fifth century BC, when it was apparently right on the sea. So there’s A LOT more to Pisa than the tower, which only went up in the 12th century — and is actually leaning at less of an angle now that it was in the 1990s. Pisa has a fantastic list of museums and galleries, and because the city is so culturally and historically rich it’s blessed with a really varied festival calendar, so it’s a great destination for travellers looking to spice up their Italian trip with something a bit special.

Although no longer a maritime power, Pisa is still an educational one, with several elite universities. The big student community keeps Pisa vibrant and there's a healthy bar and cafe culture, which is more reasonably priced than you'd expect from a city so appealing to visitors. Pisa is also an excellent size for navigating on foot, with lots of discover along the streets — many of them pedestrianised — between the station and the Campo dei Miracole, which is the historic, touristy bit. Just don't forget that if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Pisa during the peak summer months, you'll need to get organised and book well ahead to avoid disappointment.

The Best Places to Stay in Pisa

For Historic Charms

• The Relais dell'Orologio is a wonderfully authentic 14th century townhouse in central Pisa, just a stone’s throw from the leaning tower, with 21 rooms and a wonderful atmosphere. We particularly like the unique blend of fabrics and furnishings, and the murals and frescoes against simple decor (and the air conditioning!). In addition there’s a generally proportioned sitting room where afternoon snacks and pastries are served daily, and they offer breakfast too.

For Romance

• Residenza D'Epoca B&B Santa Caterina has a rather grand name for a four bedroom B&B, but it’s thoroughly deserving! The expansively proportioned rooms are opulently decorated, with frescoes, intricate cornices, huge sash windows, antique furnishings and chandeliers. The most romantic rooms have four-poster beds. Breakfast is served in a grand salon, and you’ll certainly wake up feeling rather grand. Surprisingly affordable too.

For a Spa Break

• The Bagni Di Pisa Hotel & Spa is a beautifully converted 18th century nobleman’s house idyllically positioned between Lucca and Pisa. Now a spa hotel, the villa’s original grand features have been largely retained, so there are spectacular pillars and frescoes in the huge lounge, and vaulted, painted ceilings in some of the 40 rooms and suites. The largest rooms feature living space and huge bathrooms. The spa has its own thermal waters, mud therapies, a traditional hammam, a chic pool and more. And there’s a great restaurant. Serioulsy spoiling!

Best B&Bs

• 7 Rooms is a wonderfully located B&B, in the heart of Pisa. Its range of rooms includes doubles, twins, triples, and quadruple rooms, some with private terraces. The decor is simple, with striking artworks and boldly coloured fabrics, and the breakfast room, and some of the guest rooms, have views of the leaning tower. Convenient and well priced, good for families too.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Pisa has its own airport, Pisa Airport, and a major railway station. Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci airport may also be a useful option. It’s about an hour away from Pisa by car, or about two hours by train.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• The weather is at its nicest in the summer months, with the average daily temperature climbing to 23°C in July and August. However, this is peak tourist season and so if you want to avoid the crowds (and pay less for accommodation) then maybe September's a better bet. The weather is still around 20°C, perfect for sightseeing.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include the best places to stay in Tuscany
• Include other local centres, like Lucca, or coastal towns like Forte dei Marmi or Viareggio on the Tuscan coast
• You may also want to search by the type of accommodation you fancy, opting for the best family hotels in Tuscany, the best wine hotels in Tuscany, or the best B&Bs in Tuscany
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.