A complete guide to where to stay in Pisa, Italy (+ hand-picked hotels near the Leaning Tower, airport and the train station).
Pisa is located on the banks of the Arno River, in northwestern Italy. It’s one of the most visited cities in Tuscany, together with Florence.
Pisa is a great base to explore Northern Tuscany because it’s an excellent transportation hub. This is especially true if you rely on public transportation. You can get to Florence in only an hour by train!
Yet, if you plan to explore Tuscany by car, I’d recommend you staying in Lucca. It’s less touristy and only 30min away from Pisa. Lucca is a very charming city, known for its clock towers and well-preserved medieval city walls. Find more details (plus why choose the city as a base) in my guide to where to stay in Lucca.
If you set your mind on Pisa, there are two areas I can recommend for your stay. The best area depends on your travel itinerary and how long you will stay. Continue reading to find out the best area to stay in Pisa, Italy (including recommended hotels and apartments).
During my first trip to Tuscany, I planned to visit Pisa and Lucca. I needed accommodation that was close to the train station and the main tourist sites, including the Leaning Tower.
In addition to this, I wanted the hotel not to be far from the airport, as I had a late-night flight. The area that suited my needs perfectly was the south bank of the Arno River.
The south bank of the Arno River is the best area to stay in Pisa for both sightseeing and convenient transport links. It’s only about 1,5km from the airport, 500m from the Central train station and the Leaning Tower is only 1km away!
Most popular hotel in Pisa
In a hurry? Looking for a nice hotel near the Leaning Tower?
Then check out Hotel Di Stefano – it’s the most popular hotel in the historic city centre of Pisa.
Hotel Di Stefano has a perfect location for sightseeing, close to all must-see tourist attractions, including the Leaning Tower. Plus, you’ll find plenty of good restaurants and bars in the area. The hotel has a large rooftop terrace with sun loungers and fantastic views over the city.
Why book – 500m from the Leaning Tower, rooftop terrace with sun loungers and panoramic views, 24-hour reception
Where to stay in Pisa, Italy
- near Leaning Tower (Santa Maria district) – the best area for tourists
- Sant’Antonio and San Martino – for one night
- Pisa Central train station – for transport links and easy access to the airport
Booking.com
Santa Maria – the best area to stay in Pisa
The best area to stay in Pisa is the Santa Maria district. This is where all the tourist attractions are located, including the Leaning Tower. The area is perfect for first-time visitors, as you’ll be within a walking distance of everything.
The biggest advantage of staying in Santa Maria is that all the attractions will be right at your doorstep. Most of the good restaurants are here, too. It’s the best area to explore Pisa.
However, there is only one downside, going to the airport is not very convenient. There isn’t any direct public transport. You have to take the city bus to the Central train station. From there you have to take the Pisa mover to the airport. Another option is to use a taxi.
Why stay in Santa Maria
- you’ll be in the heart of the action and close to the tower
- all must-see sites are within a few minutes walk
- you can easily reach the Leaning Tower early in the morning to beat the crowds of tourists
- San Rossore railway station is nearby (perfect for day trips). Keep in mind that for some trips you’d have to change the train at the Central train station.
- The area is filled with lovely places to eat. Start your day with tasty Italian coffee at Filter Coffee Lab. For lunch go to I Porci Comodi and for dinner – Ristorante alle Bandierine.
Hotels near Leaning Tower (Best for couples)
Rinascimento is the best place to stay in Pisa for couples. Centrally located, you can reach everything on foot. The spacious rooms are air-conditioned and beautifully decorated.
Why book – 600m from the Leaning Tower, spacious air-conditioned rooms, luxury toiletries
Housed in a refurbished 13th-century building, Relais Dei Mercanti offers spacious rooms with classic décor. The location is central and lively, with plenty of restaurants and wine bars right outside the door.
Why book – 600m from the Leaning Tower, quiet air-conditioned rooms
If an apartment is what you’re looking for, this is the best option. Located only 200m away from the tower, the property has a prime location to visit the main attractions.
Why book – central quiet location, 200m from the Leaning Tower, beautiful garden
Hotels near Leaning Tower (Best for families)
Perfect location to walk everywhere, just 300m away from the tower. Spacious and nicely decorated rooms with comfy beds. Plus, you can have your breakfast on the rooftop terrace while enjoying the fantastic view of the city.
Why book – 300m from the Leaning Tower, rooftop terrace with spectacular views, modern air-conditioned rooms, supermarket next door
The property has a fabulous location, really close to the tower, shopping streets and restaurants. The super cosy and spacious rooms provide a great relaxing atmosphere after a long day of sightseeing.
Why book – 250m from the Leaning Tower, garden, quiet air-conditioned rooms
Where to stay in Pisa for one night
It is a delight to look at the Leaning Tower from your hotel’s window. However, staying near the tower may not be the most convenient option for you.
This is especially true if you’re visiting Pisa only for one night. In this case, Sant’Antonio and San Martino districts are the better choices for you. Sant’Antonio and San Martino districts are located right between the Arno River and the Central train station.
The best place to stay in Pisa for one night is the south bank of the Arno River. It’s the perfect place for a short stay – close to the Central train station and at the same time at walking distance to the tourist sites.
Sant’Antonio and San Martino are also better choices if you need easy access to the airport. You can walk from here to the Galileo Galilei Airport (1,5km walk). Another option is to take the Pisa mover from the Central train station to the airport.
Why stay in Sant’Antonio and San Martino
- easy connection to the airport (you can walk or take the Pisa mover)
- walking distance from the Central train station
- tourist attractions, including the Leaning Tower, are just a short walk away
Best hotels near the Central train station
If you look for accommodation really close to the Central train station, this is the best option. The location is fantastic for transport links (only 200m away from the train station). Plus, access to the airport is easy – you can walk (1,2km) or take the Pisa mover. And all the tourist attractions are at a walkable distance, too.
Why book – 200m from the train station, 24-hour desk, comfy beds
Palazzo Cini is a small luxury B&B, only 400m away from the train station. The hotel offers excellent room facilities, including coffee and tea in the rooms. It’s the perfect place to stay for one night.
Why book – 400m from the train station, next to a shopping street, air-conditioning
Best hotels near Galileo Galilei Airport
My Bnb Pisa is one of the closest hotels near the airport, only 200m away! It’s perfect for a layover or early flight. Rooms are spacious and air-conditioned.
Why book – ideal location, 200m from the airport, comfy beds
Blue Shades ApartHotel is located only 500m from the International Airport. It has all you need for a comfortable short stay. The location is unbeatable, you can walk from your hotel to the airport or the Central train station.
Why book – 500m from the airport, spacious rooms, excellent staff
 | Milena Yordanova |
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| I’m a full-time travel blogger based in Sofia, Bulgaria. I love to travel and to discover new places, cultures and food. I’m an expert in travel planning and I am here to help you plan your dream vacation. |