Where to Stay in Pisa: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
To enjoy your trip to the max, you have to choose the best place where to stay in Pisa. Though the city is not that big, it packs so many attractions that you always feel there isn’t enough time. Pisa has quite different neighborhoods, which cater to different tastes and needs.
The city is probably one of the most famous in the world. Who hasn’t seen pictures of its tower or cathedral? However, when you see Pisa in person, you lose your breath. Every corner in the city is beautiful, full of history, and worth your time. You’ll love it!
Central Pisa has the best hotels. Since there’s so much to see in Pisa, some travelers believe that the hotel is not that important. We disagree. Staying in a great hotel increases your experience. Plus, you get to rest and can go on the next day full of energy.
The Best Hotels to Stay
The best area to stay is near its most celebrated attractions. That way, you can go back and forward as you please. In addition, we love walking around the city at night. Most tourists visit the city during the day and leave by late afternoon.
The best hotels in Pisa are the Villa Tower Inn and the Palazzo Cini Luxury Pisa. The tower is a historic building just 2 minutes walking from the Piazza del Duomo. A lovely garden with ancient trees surrounds the house. The rooms on the attic have views of the Leaning Tower.
The Palazzo is a grand Art Nouveau Palace south of the river, some 10 minutes from the leaning tower. The villa has one of the nicest gardens in the city, with banana and orange trees. However, what sets this hotel apart is the art. It doesn’t get any classier than this.
The Best Areas to Stay
Santa Maria
The best hotels near the leaning tower of Pisa are in Santa Maria. The neighborhood is north of the River Arno, south of the leaning tower, west of Borgo Street, and east of the train tracks. As you can imagine, it is very touristy. Everyone ones to stay close to the tower!
However, the University of Pisa is in Santa Maria too. Thus, it’s full of students. The atmosphere is very relaxed and lively. Especially at night, when tourists leave and the hip and young flock to have a bite and a beer. Some of the most authentic bars and restaurants in Pisa are here.
In Santa Maria, you have to see the National Museum of the Royal Palace and the Museum of Antique Boats on the river. Some of the best views are from the Solferino Bridge. Then zig-zag around the neighborhood. Stop by the Botanical Gardens and the Cavalieri Plaza. Every building on the plaza is incredible.
We Recommend These Hotels in Santa Maria:
Rinascimento Bed & Breakfast
Rinascimento Bed & Breakfast is a fantastic hotel close to the main sights. It’s an original medieval tower overlooking Borgo Stretto. You can’t beat the location. The rooms are huge and have painted ceilings. The complimentary breakfast is delicious. What makes this hotel special are its hosts. They gave us the best tips to enjoy the city!
La Torre Garbata
You can’t get any closer to the Piazza del Domo than at the La Torre Garbata. It’s literally a minute’s walk. All rooms have super comfortable beds and private bathrooms. There’s a common kitchenette and balcony with lovely views. There’s reasonably priced parking too. It’s a small hotel so book in advance.
San Francesco
Though still in the heart of Pisa, San Francesco is an oasis of peace. The neighborhood is east of Borgo Stretto, north of the river, south of the train tracks, and west of Via Santa Marta. It’s only a 15-minute walk to the tower.
The math and physics department of the University of Pisa is here too. Thus, San Francesco attracts a local and young vibe. It’s opposite the incredible Santa Caterina Church, on the plaza with the same name. The ice cream parlor on the plaza is the best in Pisa.
Don’t forget to walk to the river to admire the views. The National Museum of San Matteo is there. It’s got a jaw-dropping collection of medieval objects and the best sculptures by Donatello in the country. Fancy wine shops and restaurants line the streets of San Francisco. If you are into wine, stay here.
Some of the Best Hotels in San Francesco:
Retrò B&B
The nicest hotel on the Santa Caterina Plaza is the Retrò B&B. It’s a lovely building with big comfortable rooms and a fantastic ratio of price-quality. There’s a shared area with wooden ceilings, a big window, and comfortable sofas. The area is very quiet and yet less than ten minutes from the tower.
B&B Di Camilla
The B&B Di Camilla is closer to the river, near the university and the city walls. The best bike lane in the city is one block away. It’s a beautiful house managed by its owners. Everything is tastefully decorated and elegant. You get a lot of space, class, and warm Italian service.
Sant’ Antonio
Sant’ Antonio is the best area to stay if you want to be off the touristy area. It’s the first neighborhood south of the river, to the west of the Solferino Bridge. However, it’s just a 15-minute walk to the tower. We like it because you can walk along the river enjoying memorable views.
Believe it or not, a lot of tourists don’t walk to the Mare Gate and the Torre Guelfa. They just admire them from afar. What a mistake! Walk along the southern bank of the river to Mare Gate. Check out Santa Maria della Spina Church, San Paolo Church, and Stampace Bastion. Mostly locals visit the area.
Cross the Cittadella Bridge and you’ll be where the Guelfa tower and the City Park are. It’s one of the nicest walks in Pisa. Go in the afternoon for killer sunsets. You can then walk 15 minutes to the leaning tower, loop around, and go back through the center. You will see fantastic architecture all around.
In Sant’ Antonio Stay at:
Hotel Bologna
The 4 Star Hotel Bologna is a traditional Tuscan palace two blocks from the river. It has one of the nicest courtyards in Pisa, with comfortable lounges and tall trees. The hotel is professionally managed and can arrange anything you need. They also have onsite parking. The complimentary breakfast is delicious.
6 Keys
6 Keys offers the best budget accommodation in the city. It’s perfect to spend just one or two nights in the city. You get simple yet clean and comfortable rooms with comfortable beds and a nice bathroom. The service is personalized and warm. You won’t have anything to complain about.
San Martino
Stay in San Martino if you want to be off the touristy part of Pisa. It’s the neighborhood south of the river, to the west. Though you will be within walking distance to the heart of Pisa, it’s extremely quiet and very Italian. Stay here if you like authentic pizzerias and pasta.
The incredible Cittadella Nuova is on the edge of San Martino. Locals call it Scotto Gardens. It’s a beautiful green area with a tower, an amphitheater, walls, a bastion, and loads of trees. Since it’s on the bend of the river, it offers a different angle of Pisa.
Cross the river through the Fortezza Bridge, and you’ll reach San Silvestro Park. Ancient walls surround the park. The city’s coolest contemporary building is here. Officine Garibaldi is a cultural center with conference rooms, exhibit halls, a library, and loads of space. Young locals and artists co-work here. The atmosphere is vibrant and lively.
The Best Accommodation in San Martino:
La Corte di Lisa
Book a room at La Corte di Lisa if you like historic buildings. The building is one of the oldest in Pisa, from the 12th Century. Though completely refurbished, it has retained its grandeur. Rooms overlook a plaza or the fantastic inner courtyard. One of the nicest squares is a block away, Piazza de la Pera.
Casa per ferie religiosa Figlie di Nazareth
You can stay in an authentic convent in Pisa with lovely gardens, tones of peace, and managed by nuns. Casa per ferie religiosa Figlie di Nazareth is a convent set around a beautiful garden. Rooms are simple but comfortable and quiet. The nuns are super nice and friendly.
Near the Train Station
If you’ll be in Pisa for a short time, stay in one of the hotels near the train station. Several trains a day connect Pisa to Florence, Bologna, Genoa, Cinque Terre, Portofino, and the rest of Italy. The fast train links the city with Florence in 45 minutes. From Cinque Terre it’s just over an hour.
There’s a train that takes you from the train station to the airport in less than 15 minutes. Taxis from there are very cheap. Besides, the train station is not that far from the city’s top attractions. It’s 20 minutes walking to the leaning tower. You get to cross the entire city.
The area around the train station is pretty safe, so you won’t have trouble walking even at night. In fact, it’s interesting in itself. The station was destroyed in World War II and rebuilt according to old plans. Old palaces preside over Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, a block away. The famous Keith Haring’s mural called Tuttomondo is here too.
Great Hotels near the Train Station:
B&B La Stella
Literally one minute from the Train Station, we find B&B La Stella. We’ve stayed once when coming from Genoa and had a good time. It’s a modern building on a corner. The rooms are spotlessly clean and quiet. It’s brand new so everything looks good. They offer complimentary Italian coffee!
Hotel La Pace
Hotel La Pace is a tall building a block from the station. That’s why the top floor rooms offer nice views. The rooms are comfortable and well isolated. They have quadruple ones ideal for families. Their 24/7 staff can help you arrange transportation. They manage the American bar, very popular amongst locals.
How Long to Stay in Pisa
As mentioned, we’ve been to Pisa several times. It’s one of our favorite cities in Italy. It offers some of the country’s most incredible attractions. However, it is not overrun by tourists, especially at night. Besides, it’s not big, but it has delicious food and a lively atmosphere.
To our shock, a lot of tourists visit Pisa just for the day. They sandwich it between Florence and Genoa. It’s such a pleasure to walk around the leaning tower and the cathedral late in the evening. You can sit on the grass and breathe history. The streets and squares downtown are tourist-free too!
However, we understand if you are wondering how many days you need in Pisa to cover the basics. We strongly believe you should at least stay for one night. That way, you can rush through the attractions, enjoy a killer sunset, and mingle with students in one of Italy’s most authentic cities.
