Santa Maria: Leaning Tower – Duomo

This neighborhood oozes history. Here is where you will find a lot of the city’s most famous sights, anchored by the Piazza dei Miracoli. It is a beautiful area, but also a very tourist-heavy part of town. There are many souvenir shops and terrace restaurants. The streets leading away from the Tower are lined with historic university buildings and medieval stone houses. Some highlights of this neighborhood: The Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Camposanto, and the lush Orto Botanico (Botanical Garden).

San Francesco: University District – Borgo Stretto

The area around Borgo Stretto is one of the busiest, most atmospheric areas of Pisa, and it’s a great place for shopping under its famous medieval arcades. Heading east, you will find the University heart of the city. This was the epicenter of Pisan intellectual life for centuries. Shopping aside, the narrow streets are a cultural destination, home to the Teatro Verdi and the majestic San Francesco Church. This is a neighborhood where afternoon people-watching from a café is a key part of the daily fabric.

Sant’Antonio: Corso Italia – Mural District

The Corso Italia is considered the “commercial center” of Pisa, and most of the city’s best shopping is within walking distance of this pedestrian boulevard. The neighborhood is a winding maze of streets that lead toward the river. It bursts with mainstream boutiques and traditional gelaterias. Around each corner, you’ll discover modern surprises, most notably the massive “Tuttomondo” mural by Keith Haring. The southern part can be busy well into the evening, especially near the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II where locals congregate.

San Martino: Lungarno – Chiusa

The legendary Lungarno (riverfront) in San Martino is located on the south bank of the Arno. As one of the oldest districts in Pisa, this is a high-class neighborhood well-known for its historical noble palaces and views of the river. Nestled into the buildings along the water is the jewel-like Church of Santa Maria della Spina. Also to be discovered here are the gorgeous Giardino Scotto and architectural highlights like the Palazzo Lanfranchi. On the eastern edge, the neighborhood offers a marvelous array of quiet wine bars and local bakeries.

Santa Marta: Mezzogiorno – Citadel

The Santa Marta Quarter is situated on the south bank of the River Arno and is considered one of the more residential areas of Pisa. This neighborhood contains parts of the medieval walls and is often called “Old Pisa” because it lacks the modern polish of the main shopping streets. It is a stylish, lively area filled with student-frequented cafes. The narrow, winding streets are lined with old architecture and the National Museum of San Matteo, which houses some of the city’s most important religious art.

Sant’Ermete: Near Centrale – Airport Access

The area around Pisa Centrale station and the airport path (south of the center) contains the city’s main transport hubs. Built during the 19th and 20th centuries, this area gives quick access to the rest of Tuscany. It is located close to the airport and the modern business district. This neighborhood is home to many different nationalities and does have a reputation for being less “postcard-perfect,” but the area is a practical choice for travelers. The southern part is becoming trendy for its proximity to large green spaces.