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 the Tuscany region not too long ago and came up with lots of tips that will help you plan this trip!
In short, Santa Maria is the best area to stay in Pisa, as it has the main attractions, and some of the top hotels, but if that’s not your scene, just scroll below and you’ll find 5 more areas and a list of hotels ordered from most to least expensive.
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:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Santa Maria – where to stay in Pisa for the first time
- 2. San Giusto – best place to stay in Pisa for budget
- 3. San Francesco – where to stay in Pisa for nightlife
- 4. Sant’Antonio – best place to stay in Pisa for families
- 5. San Martino – best place to stay in Pisa for relaxing
- BONUS: Best hotels in Pisa near the Galileo Galilei Airport
- FAQs about where to stay in Pisa
- Final thoughts on where to stay in Pisa
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:
1. Santa Maria – where to stay in Pisa for the first time
Located on the northern bank of 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 just walking around Central Pisa without using public transport, you’ll discover so many hidden gems!
Now let’s check out some hotels in Pisa, Italy near the Leaning Tower!
Other accommodation options in Santa Maria
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 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, around a 30 min walk away 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 3 min 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 then definitely check San Giusto out.
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!
Other accommodation options in San Giusto
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 Arno River, this neighborhood is perfect for those who want to spend their nights drinking Aperols 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 when I’m visiting a new place and I start 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).
Other accommodation options in San Francesco
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 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 some places to visit in the region with the family check our post with the best areas to stay in Tuscany, you’ll definitely feel so 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 Arno River, with your family while eating some delicious gelato!
Other accommodation options in Sant’Antonio
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 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 reconstructed later after suffering a lot of 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 like Parroquia de San Martino (map), a museum called the Museo della Grafica Palazzo Lanfranchi and many cafes and restaurants.
Other accommodation options in San Martino
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, then here’s a list of the top hotels, which I ordered from most to least expensive.
Let’s check them out:
- Luxury: Travel B&B – a lovely accommodation is super spacious and bright! 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 – set just a 20 min walk away 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 unique attractions, great restaurants that serve 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. The prices of the hotels in Pisa are medium, 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 on 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 then I’d say Pisa, and you can visit Florence on a day trip. But if money isn’t an issue then I’d definitely recommend Florence.
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 it! 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!