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Pisa. Utter the name, and images of the gravity-defying Leaning Tower probably spring to mind. But this Tuscan town offers so much more than just a photo opportunity. Whether you’re here for a quick stop on a cruise excursion or a leisurely day trip with friends, Pisa delivers a sense of wonder that never gets old.

A Tale of Two Visits: 2015 vs. 2025

I first laid eyes on Pisa in 2015. It was a year of firsts: my first cruise, my first time in Italy, and my first real taste of “La Dolce Vita.” I was traveling with my sister and two nieces, and we were on a tight schedule, having just toured Florence earlier that day.

I remember getting out of the cab and stopping dead in my tracks. You see pictures of it your whole life, but seeing it in person is different. I was shocked—it really is leaning. My nieces ran off to explore, but for some reason, my sister and I didn’t take the classic “holding up the tower” shot. I can’t remember why—maybe we were just too busy soaking in the happiness of finally being in Italy.

Fast forward to October 2025. This time, I returned with my dear friends Juliana and Francesco, driving down from Villafranca.

The Arrival Adventure We tried to find a parking spot close enough for me to walk, but Pisa’s historic center is tricky. After driving around for about thirty minutes, we decided to park a bit further out and call a cab. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The driver was incredibly nice; he took us through the University district and even slowed down or stopped whenever he noticed I was trying to take a picture.

We entered through a different gate than I had used in 2015, but as soon as I looked at the Tower, that same thrill washed over me. I absolutely love Italy, and every moment I’m there feels like a gift.

A Brief History: The “Happy” Accident

Once a mighty maritime republic, Pisa reached its cultural and economic peak in the Middle Ages. The city flourished as a trading hub, and its stunning buildings—towers, cathedrals, great plazas—still reflect that golden age. But even in the 12th century, something was a little… off.

Construction of the famous Tower began in 1173 as the final piece of Pisa’s cathedral complex. It started to lean early, thanks to soft ground and shallow foundations, and the tilt worsened as each new story went up. Several wars and engineering headaches kept work stretched over almost 200 years. The result: a spectacular tower with a legendary slant and a backstory just as captivating.

What To Do and See in Pisa

1. The Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) The three of us walked into the Piazza and immediately started snapping photos. This time, I didn’t hold back—I took the iconic “leaning” picture! We took group photos in front of the tower and captured the stunning white marble against the green grass.

2. Climb the Leaning Tower (Or Just Admire It) You can climb to the top for a bucket-list view, but we decided to stay on the ground this time. It was just nice to be there without a strict time schedule, unlike my cruise excursion years ago. We could wander at our own pace.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

3. Shop & Chat with Locals After walking around, I stopped to buy souvenirs for family and friends. This led to one of my favorite moments: I started chatting with a shop owner in Italian. He actually complimented me on my speaking skills! We chatted for a few minutes, and it was such a warm, authentic interaction that I wouldn’t have had if I had been rushing back to a bus.

4. The Cathedral & Baptistery Even if you don’t go inside, the exteriors of the Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa) and the Baptistery are marvels of medieval architecture. I was captivated by the craftsmanship; I took several close-up pictures, focusing piece-by-piece on the intricate doors and the stunning details of the structures.

Is Pisa Accessible? A Personal Experience

I get asked this often: “Can I do Pisa if I have mobility issues?” My answer is a resounding YES.

In 2025, I did not have my scooter with me, so I used my cane. I was able to walk around the Piazza with absolutely no issues. In fact, Juliana was surprised at how fast I was moving with my cane! The terrain around the main sights is flat and paved, making it very manageable.

Whether you use a cane, a wheelchair, or a scooter, do not miss Pisa. It is very accessible, and the beauty of the square is something everyone should experience.

How Far to the Major Attractions and Cities?

Pisa gets bonus points for location. Florence is roughly an hour east, and the coast is a mere 20–30 minutes west. Lucca, another walled medieval gem, is less than half an hour north. Even Rome is reachable within a few hours by high-speed train.

What Else is There to Do in Pisa?

Beyond the big sights in the Square of Miracles, try:

Quirky Museums: Check out the Museum of Human Anatomy or the Museo Aviotruppe Esercito (Army Airborne Museum).
Wine Tasting: Stop at a local enoteca to try robust Chianti wines.
Hidden Gems: Discover hidden piazzas and walk the ancient city walls.
River Arno: Stroll along the river, especially at sunset—it’s beautiful.
Day Trips: Use Pisa as a base to visit nearby gems like Lucca, Florence, and the Tuscan countryside.

In Closing

Pisa is so much more than just a tower. It’s the history in its stones, the laughter in its squares, and the friendly cab drivers who want you to get the perfect shot. I enjoyed Pisa both times I went, but doing it the “relaxed” way in 2025 was truly special.