Victoria Lupascu 
Ciao! Let’s hop on this guide on where to stay in Pisa, Italy, since we have a lot to uncover!
I visited Pisa and Tuscany not too long ago and came up with lots of tips to help you plan this trip!
The best area to stay in Pisa is Santa Maria, the historic center right beside the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli. San Giusto is best for budget and the airport, San Francesco for nightlife, and Sant'Antonio for families near the train station.
Areas run first-timers first, and every hotel is picked for its current Booking.com guest score and fit to the area and budget.
Since Pisa is such an iconic destination, and the main landing point for those visiting Tuscany, I’d recommend booking your hotels here in advance, especially during the high season (June, July and August).
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book your Pisa hotels right now and not wait any minute longer, then have a look at this list of the best hotels, all located in Santa Maria, near the Pisa Tower:
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the areas where to stay in Pisa, Italy that I will be talking about in this post:
- Santa Maria: for first-timers
- San Giusto: for budget
- San Francesco: for nightlife
- Sant’Antonio: for families
- San Martino: for relaxing
| Area | Best for | Vibe | Top hotel pick (Booking score) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria | First-timers & the Leaning Tower | Historic core, walkable | The Rif (8.9) |
| San Giusto | Budget & airport access | Quiet, residential, handy | B&B Prime Sant’Agostino (8.5) |
| San Francesco | Nightlife & bars | Lively, central, student energy | Rinascimento (9.6) |
| Sant’Antonio | Families & the train station | Practical, near Pisa Centrale | Palazzo Cini (9.4) |
| San Martino | Relaxing riverside stays | Calm, local, dolce vita | Villa Gini (9.1) |
1. Santa Maria – where to stay in Pisa for the first time
Located on the northern bank of the River Arno, Santa Maria is a pedestrian-friendly area and the city’s historic center!
Here you’ll find the main tourist attractions, including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa (the bell tower), which you can actually climb up to admire the views, the Duomo Square (map), and Piazza Dei Miracoli (map).
Did you know that originally, the Pisa Tower was standing straight but over time the North side started tilting, because of the soil underneath?
It’s in Piazza Dei Miracoli, where you’ll find countless attractions besides the ones mentioned, like Battistero di San Giovanni (map), Jardín Botánico de Pisa (map), Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, the Camposanto Pisa cemetery, and the Sinopie Museum.
While exploring the area, you’ll find lots of cobbled streets, which are filled with small boutique shops, good restaurants and bars, like Il Pozzo Dei Miracoli (map), where you can enjoy some delicious Tuscan wine,
The historic buildings will make you feel as if you’ve opened the door to the past; that’s why I recommend walking around Central Pisa rather than using public transport. You’ll discover so many hidden gems!
Now let’s check out some hotels in Pisa, Italy near the Leaning Tower!
One of the best hotels near Pisa Tower and all the other main attractions! Grab a quick breakfast, then head out to explore. The Rif offers air-conditioned rooms with stylish furnishings, a restaurant and an airport shuttle.
Other accommodation options in Santa Maria
I love the elegant design of this centrally located hotel that has spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a sun terrace
Enjoy your stay in Pisa at this hotel that offers a continental breakfast, a garden and rooms with air-conditioning
Perfect for couples, this flat is located within walking distance from the Pisa Tower, and it has a kitchen
Things to do in Santa Maria
- Take a picture holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Explore around Piazza del Duomo
- Go inside the Battistero di San Giovanni
- Check out the shopping streets in Santa Maria
- See Cosimo I’s statue in Piazza dei Cavalieri (map)
- Spend a fun day at the Botanical Gardens of Pisa
- Catch a sunset near the Arno River at Ponte Solferino
2. San Giusto – best place to stay in Pisa for budget
Looking for an affordable place to stay in Pisa? Then San Giusto may be just the right location for you!
Located across the river, about a 30-minute walk from Santa Maria, San Giusto is the perfect spot for those who want to take lots of day trips around Tuscany or even Cinque Terre!
The airport is pretty close as well, around a 12 min walk and a 3-minute car drive, so that’s definitely an advantage!
Another perk is that you’ll find lots of affordable hotels, so if you’re traveling on a tight budget, definitely check out San Giusto.
Although there aren’t lots of attractions here or things to do, you can easily get to Santa Maria by walking or by public transport.
PRO TIP: You can use the 1+, 5, 70, 60, 80, 120, 130 buses
Still, you can definitely go on a stroll to explore the area and check out places like the Convento dei Cappuccini di San Giusto (map) and all the cafes and pizzerias! Pizzeria La Paradisea (map) is great for a late-night dinner or lunch!
A spacious apartment perfect for a group of friends or a family that comes equipped with all the facilities you’ll need, like a kitchen, a balcony, and garden views.
Other accommodation options in San Giusto
Feel at home in this cozy accommodation that offers a private kitchen, a balcony and a garden view
An affordable accommodation that boasts a free breakfast, family rooms, free parking and a terrace
This spacious room has a flat-screen TV and offers access to a shared bathroom and kitchen
Things to do in San Giusto
- Grab a bite at Pizzeria La Paradisea
- Check out the Convento dei Cappuccini di San Giusto
- Take a train to Florence
- Eat some sweets at Vanilla cafè (map)
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3. San Francesco – where to stay in Pisa for nightlife
Located just a 20-minute walk away from Santa Maria, on the North side of the Arno River, this neighborhood is perfect for those who want to spend their nights drinking Aperol and wine in some of the best bars in Pisa.
Right at the border with Santa Maria, you’ll find the University of Pisa (map) and all the bars, so make sure to dress up and hit the town!
I love the feeling of visiting a new place, going through all the bars, trying new drinks, and just having fun! Add that charming Italian atmosphere, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience! You can start the night at Tree Bar (map) and then continue from there!
Of course, you’re in Italy, so there are plenty of things to do and see in San Francesco during the daytime as well, like visiting the National Museum of San Matteo (map), catching a show at Teatro Verdi (map), seeing Casa Ammannati, which was Galileo Galilei’s home, and admiring the beautiful Chiesa di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria (map).
I love the design and vintage furniture of this accommodation in Pisa, located less than a mile from the Leaning Tower. The rooms are super spacious, comfortable, and they come with stylish furnishings! Grab some breakfast in the morning at the hotel and then head out to explore!
Other accommodation options in San Francesco
Enjoy your stay in Pisa at this hotel that’s housed in a 13th-century building and offers breakfast
Modern rooms that come with a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV and city views
A spacious accommodation in San Francisco that has a kitchen, free wifi, and a private bathroom
Things to do in San Francisco
- Learn new things at the National Museum of San Matteo
- Admire the architecture of the Chiesa di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria
- See some beautiful sculptures at Gipsoteca di Arte Antica
- Grab a drink at Tree Bar
- See Casa Ammannati (map), Galileo Galilei’s home
4. Sant’Antonio – best place to stay in Pisa for families
Traveling with your family to Pisa? Then this area might be perfect for you!
That’s because the main attractions are located only a 20-minute walk away, and at the same time, you won’t be staying in the city center, which can get super crowded.
Another perk of this area, which is set across the Arno River from Santa Maria, is that it’s located only a 10 min walk away from Pisa Centrale Train Station (map), which is one of the major railway junctions of Tuscany, meaning that it will be easy peasy to take day trips to other parts of this beautiful region.
If you’re looking for places to visit in the region with the family, check out our post on the best areas to stay in Tuscany; you’ll definitely feel inspired afterward!
Back in Sant’Antonio, you’ll find some lovely historic churches like San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno (map) and Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina (map) plus many excellent restaurants where you and the kids can indulge in Italian cuisine. Pizza, pasta, and gelato all day long? Sign me up!
Make sure to stop by the famous Palazzo Blu art museum and take a midday stroll on the banks of theArno River with your family while eating some delicious gelato!
One of the best luxury hotels in Pisa! This hotel is in a great location, within walking distance of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the central train station. Grab a quick breakfast with the family, chill in the garden, and then head out to visit all the tourist attractions in the city!
Other accommodation options in Sant’Antonio
Enjoy your stay in Pisa at this hotel that has an outdoor terrace and rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows
Relax on the balcony at this accommodation that has family rooms, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning
A modern accommodation located near the train station that has 2 rooms and a kitchen
Things to do in Sant’Antonio
- Visit the San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno Church (map)
- Take a day trip with the kids from Pisa Central Station
- See the beautiful Tuttomondo Mural (map)
- Eat something sweet at Pasticceria Al Dolcemente (map)
- Go for a walk on the banks of the Arno River
- Rent a car and visit some farmhouses in Tuscany
- Visit the unique Palazzo Blu
- Have a family dinner at Pizzeria da Toni (map)
5. San Martino – best place to stay in Pisa for relaxing
If you’re planning a trip to Pisa but don’t want to face crowds of tourists, I recommend booking a hotel in San Martino!
Located across the Arno River, just a 30 min walk away from Santa Maria, this neighborhood is the perfect place where you can enjoy la dolce vita!
La dolce vita is a sort of Italian way of living life where you appreciate the little things and finding beauty in everyday moments!
This is also where you’ll find the Fortezza Nuova (map), a fortress originally built in 1440 and later reconstructed after sustaining extensive damage. The historical landmark is located in a park, perfect for morning walks and reading sessions under the Tuscan sun!
P.S. Don’t forget there’s a famous movie with that same name, and I think you’ll love it! Give it a go before your trip to Pisa! So grab an espresso and a pastry and head out to explore this beautiful neighborhood! Of course, there are a few beautiful churches, such as Parroquia de San Martino (map), a museum, the Museo della Grafica Palazzo Lanfranchi, and many cafes and restaurants.
Set in a beautiful house dating back to the 1920s, this hotel features spacious rooms and a unique design! Grab a glass of lemonade and head to the garden to enjoy the sun! The Pisa Centrale Station is only a 10-minute walk away from the hotel if you want to visit other areas!
Other accommodation options in San Martino
I love the garden space of this hotel that has family rooms, a shared kitchen, and free Wi-Fi
With simple air-conditioned rooms 700 meters from the Leaning Tower, and couples rate its location highly
Perfect for a larger group, this apartment has all the facilities you need, including a kitchen and free Wi-Fi
Things to do in San Martino
- Visit the stunning Fortezza Nuova
- Grab a coffee and walk around Giardino Scotto (map)
- Check out the architecture of the San Martino Church
- Go shopping on Corso Italia (map)
- Check out Palazzo dei Consoli del Mare on Via S. Martino (map)
- Admire the art at Museo della Grafica Palazzo Lanfranchi (map)
- Head to the train station and visit other cities in Tuscany
| 👑 Luxury price: | €170 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | €90 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €60 |
| 📍 Best area: | Santa Maria |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | The Rif |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | Villa Tower Inn |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Villa Martina Classic |
BONUS: Best hotels in Pisa near the Galileo Galilei Airport
As I mentioned, Galileo Galilei Airport in Pisa is the main airport in Tuscany, so you’ll likely be landing or leaving from here. If so, and you want to be as close to the airport as possible, here’s a list of the top hotels, ordered from most to least expensive.
Let’s check them out:
- Luxury: Travel B&B – a lovely, super spacious, and bright accommodation! Located less than a mile away from the International Airport, the apartment offers a delicious breakfast.
- Mid Range: B&B La Corte di Stelio – relax in the garden during your stay in Pisa at this B&B that offers breakfast and rooms with a private bathroom. The accommodation is only a 5-minute walk away from the International Airport.
- Budget: Locanda La Bottega del Parco – just a 20 min walk from the airport, this cheap accommodation comes with a garden, a restaurant, and family rooms.
FAQs about where to stay in Pisa
🤩 What is the best area to stay in Pisa?
Santa Maria is one of the best places to stay in Pisa, as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions like the Tower of Pisa and Piazza Dei Miracoli, plus a wide range of top-rated hotels like The Rif.
🍕 Is Pisa a nice place to stay?
Yes, Pisa is a beautiful city in Tuscany with many attractions, great restaurants serving delicious food, and unique hotels.
📅 How many days in Pisa is enough?
If you spend 1-2 days in Pisa, you’ll get to see most of the attractions such as the Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral, and Piazza Dei Miracoli.
🇮🇹 Is Pisa, Italy expensive?
Pisa is not super expensive. Hotel prices in Pisa are moderate, ranging from €170 for a luxury hotel to €90 for a mid-range one and €60 for a budget one.
🌃 Where to stay in Pisa for one night?
I’d recommend staying in Santa Maria, the city center, where all the main attractions are, and not waste any time walking around.
🚶♀️Is Pisa a walkable city?
Yes, Pisa is a walkable city, and you can get to the main areas and attractions on foot.
⚖️ Is it better to stay in Pisa or Florence?
It depends! Both are super amazing, but if you’re looking for something more affordable, I’d say Pisa; you can visit Florence on a day trip. But if money isn’t an issue, then I’d definitely recommend Florence.
✈️ How do you get from Pisa Airport to the city?
Pisa’s Galileo Galilei Airport sits right beside the city, so arriving is quick and easy. The automated PisaMover shuttle links the airport to Pisa Centrale station in about 5 minutes, and from there it is a roughly 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride into the historic center.
🌙 Is Pisa worth staying overnight, or just a day trip?
Plenty of people make Pisa a day trip from Florence (about an hour by train), and a day is enough to see the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli. Staying overnight lets you enjoy those sights early or late without the crowds and use Pisa as a relaxed base for Lucca and the Tuscan coast.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Pisa
What a stunning city!
Everything from the food to the architecture and the atmosphere in general makes me fall in love with this country every time I visit! I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Pisa, Italy.
I know it’s a tough call (choosing a place to stay), so if you need some help, here are my top 2 favorite hotels in Pisa, Italy:
- The Rif – a great hotel set near the Leaning Tower of Pisa that has a garden
- Villa Tower Inn – housed in a unique building, this hotel comes with a bar
After you’ve decided which hotel in Pisa you would like for your holiday, book it super in advance! You probably know how famous this city in Tuscany is, and all the accommodations sell out super fast.
If there is anything that you would like to know about the hotels in Pisa or just the city in general, leave me a comment below, and I’ll make sure to answer it as soon as I can!
Safe Travels,
Victoria
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Already before I’ve read all of your post I love it! Wish everyone could include map with areas like you have done. THANK you so much! Making it so much easier for someone who has never been to Pisa before to plan with visual plan overview of the city. Now I’m looking forward to read the the whole thing 🙂
Heya Linn,
This is awesome to hear as we really do our best to make things as informative as possible for our readers! We will be happy to hear that the maps are so helpful Thanks so much and I hope you have an amazing trip!