Are you planning a trip to Pisa, but you have no idea where to stay? Here you will find all the details on where to stay in Pisa, with information on which districts you should stay in for a perfect holiday.
Pisa is a popular tourist destination in Tuscany. Although it is not a large city, it is a world-famous place, thanks to its iconic leaning bell tower. From its Duomo complex to delicious local food, Pisa has plenty to offer. This fascinating city has several different neighborhoods that are great to stay in, all of which are named after saints.
Continue reading to discover the best places to stay in Pisa, by area.
Where To Stay In Pisa
Pisa is actually a quite budget friendly destination by Italian standards, and it certainly is so compared to the Tuscan capital, Florence.
You are looking to pay around €65 per night for a double room in a budget friendly place; €80 to €90 per night for a double room in a mid-range place, and €150 and above per night for a double room in a luxury place. Prices vary between season too, and if you book well in advance you may be also able to grab special deals.
Santa Maria – Best overall area to stay in Pisa
Located on the northern bank of the River Arno, this pedestrian-friendly neighborhood is in the midst of the city’s historic center. Lining the cobbled streets are boutiques, wine bars, and fantastic restaurants.
There is a lot to explore in Santa Maria, including visiting the 16-century botanical gardens, the National Museum of the Royal Palace, and taking a stroll along the river promenade. The atmosphere is lively and boisterous, especially at night. By then, the largest tourist crowds will have gone and the area is crowded with younger generations enjoying a night out with food and drinks.
I recommend staying in Santa Maria if it’s your first time in Pisa, as it is close to the main attractions. You’ll be at a stone’s throw from the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa Cathedral and the Camposanto, which means you can make your way there early in the morning before the larger groups arrive.
If you are planning on staying in Santa Maria, make sure to book your hotel well in advance, as due to its central location, places sell out quickly in peak season. Below is a selection of good places to stay in Pisa that are located in Santa Maria.
Option 1, Luxury: Rinascimento B&B
Rinascimento B&B is housed in an original medieval tower that overlooks the Borgo Stretto, one of the nicest areas to stay in Pisa. This is one of Pisa’s most lively streets, with lots of shops, cafés and gelaterie.
This stylish Bed and Breakfast is only a few minutes walk from the Leaning Tower and Pisa Cathedral. The rooms are super spacious and comfortable. Boasting cotto tiles and painted ceilings, it has the wow factor of Italian interiors. Some rooms also feature a kitchenette. The B&B’s hosts give remarkable service, as they give the best tips to enjoy the city.
Option 2, Mid-Range: Relais Dei Mercanti B&B and Suites
Situated in a 13th-century building, this B&B has been recently renovated. It is a small hotel with six rooms, yet the suites are clean, comfortable, and very well appointed. It is a perfect short-stay accommodation option for couples. You can treat yourself and your partner by staying in their deluxe double room with a hot tub!
The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a minibar, a self-check-in service, and a very generous breakfast provided in the room. The windows are soundproof, so you’re guaranteed to have a restful night’s sleep away from the old town’s commotion. It is a 10-minute walk from the Leaning Tower and another 10-minute walk in the other direction to the train station.
Option 3, Luxury: The Rif – Boutique Hotel
The Rif Hotel is located right in the center of Pisa. It is less than five minutes from Camposanto Cemetery. The property amenities are endless! You will be able to count on the hotel bar, restaurant and even on room service. It surely is where to stay in Pisa if you have the budget to splurge a bit. If you don’t want to drive or use public transport, the hotel can arrange a paid airport shuttle service. On the other hand, if you are driving you can count on a (paid) parking spot.
The allergy-free rooms feature modern comforts like a flat-screen TV and coffee/tea-making equipment. Every morning a fabulous continental breakfast will be waiting for you, with sweet pastries, cold cuts, and local specialties provided.
Perhaps its selling point is the stunning Italian gardens. Some rooms have a view of the freshly-cut grass that is lined with picturesque statues. The ornate fountain is the garden’s centerpiece. If you desire lodging in comfort with aesthetics, this boutique stay is perfect.
San Martino – Where to stay in Pisa for families
San Martino is where to stay in Pisa as a great alternative to Santa Maria. It’s on the southern bank of the Arno River, right on the other side of the Santa Maria District, and a nice area to base yourself for exploring the city if you’d rather stay away from the crowds. San Martino is also conveniently located close to Pisa Central Station, which means you can easily get out of town for a day trip, and the airport will be minutes away with the Pisa Mover when you finally have to fly home.
San Martino is close to the most popular tourist attractions in Pisa, but it very much is home to its own attractions too. This is where you’ll find Keith Haring’s famous 1989 mural and the beautiful Scotto Gardens. Also in San Martino you’ll find the intriguing Fortezza Nuova, which was originally built in 1440 and has seen lots of renovations since. Finally, lovers of design will appreciate the Museo della Grafica Palazzo Lanfranchi, located right inside the fortezza.
These are some good places to stay in Pisa’s San Martino area.
Option 1, Budget: Five Roses Bed And Breakfast
This family run bed and breakfast counts with spotless, comfortable double rooms perfect for a couple and larger family rooms complete with a kitchenette perfect for a small family. There is a nice terrace available for guests’ use.
Every morning, you’ll be welcomed by the staff with a fabulous breakfast with all sorts of home-made cakes and freshly baked pastries.
Option 2, Budget: B&B Guerrazzi
The terraced suite at this lovely bed and breakfast looks more like someone’s apartment than an actual guest house. It may put you off, but it may also be where to stay in Pisa if you truly want to have a bit of a local feel, even inside your room.
A filling, Italian style breakfast is served every morning. The gorgeous terrace is an excellent place to enjoy a drink later in the day, or even to have breakfast. Keep in mind there is only one room for rent here, so if you are keen on staying book well in advance!
Option 3, Mid-Range: Pisa City Lodge
If you plan on spending a few days in Pisa, this is definitely an option you may want to consider – they have a minimum stay of 3 nights. Rooms at this small hotel are very modern, spacious and comfortable, equipped with anything you may need for a comfortable stay. There also is the option of a budget room which is a bit smaller but still quite cozy.
Location wise, you will find Pisa City Lodge close to Pisa Central Station and a pleasant 25 minutes walk to Piazza dei Miracoli. A good, continental style breakfast is served every morning too.
Sant’Antonio – Best area to stay in Pisa for a quick getaway
Conveniently positioned between the Arno River and the Pisa Central Station, Sant’Antonio is the ideal district for a brief, one-night trip to Pisa. You can easily venture onto your next destination by rail or spontaneously take a day trip to another Tuscan city. It is also where to stay in Pisa on a budget.
You can find some excellent samples of medieval architecture throughout the district. Although a 15-minute walk to the Leaning Tower, you can take a scenic route along the river. There are also a lot of parks and playgrounds in this area, so it’s also the best area to stay in Pisa for families traveling with children who can enjoy the many green spaces.
The following places are where to stay in Pisa’s Sant’Antonio area.
Option 1, Luxury: Palazzo Cini – Luxury Rooms in Pisa
This hotel is a grand Art Nouveau villa located south of the river. Palazzo Cini’s rooms are well-equipped with comforts. It possesses one of the most spectacular gardens in the city, scented with jasmine and orange trees. What sets this hotel apart is the unique modern art pieces that embellish the rooms.
It is positioned within walking distance of central attractions. A stone’s throw away from Corso Italia, it is a 13-minute walk away from Piazza Dei Miracoli and only a few minutes away from the train station. Stylish yet welcoming, this place will not disappoint.
Option 2, Budget: B&B Dei Cavalieri
A budget-friendly B&B, it is a 5-minute walk from the train station. Rooms overlook the Piazza Sant’Antonio in front of the eponymous church. The B&B is set on the sixth floor of a residential building, and the furniture and design are reminiscent of a quintessential Italian home.
Breakfast will be offered in their cozy dining room. A breakfast buffet of pastries, homemade jams, hot and cold drinks, cheeses and yogurt will satisfy you for your day ahead of exploring the city. It is a 15-minute walk from the Leaning Tower.
Option 3, Mid-Range: Hotel Alessandro Della Spina
Hotel Alessandro Della Spina is one of the best hotels in Pisa. It lies within easy access to links to the public transport network. It is also very close to the train station, which means that access to Galileo Galilei Airport is straightforward too.
Each room is decorated with lovely tiled floors, classic style furniture, and a private bathroom – some come with a bath, others with a shower. They serve a daily buffet that includes homemade bread and croissants, the classic Italian breakfast accompanied with a creamy cappuccino.
San Francesco – Where to stay in Pisa to wine and dine
San Francesco is a suitable location for those who want to spend their nights drinking Aperol Spritz in trendy bars. It is an eastern neighbor of the Santa Maria district. Although a tad quieter than Santa Maria, this neighborhood is also a historic quarter, within walking distance of all the attractions.
You will also find interesting attractions here, which include the National Museum of San Matteo and the San Michele Church.
It is a unique atmosphere that sets San Francesco apart. The area is home to Pisa University, one of the oldest in the world, but next to ancient buildings there are large crowds of students, young people that give this neighborhood a fun vibe.
Below are some good accommodation options in San Francesco:
Option 1, Budget: Grand Hotel Bonanno
The Grand Hotel Bonanno is at easy walking distance from the Leaning Tower, and from there you’ll also be able to reach the historic center within a few minutes. Each of the 89 rooms is supplied with air conditioning, a hairdryer, a safe, and Sky TV. Suites combine elegance and comfort in neutral colors, making it one of the best hotels in Pisa.
It accommodates a large business center room for meetings and a restaurant that offers traditional Tuscan and international cuisine. If you are traveling to Pisa by car you’ll be able to make use of the on-site parking. You can also count on the hotel bike rental. Refined and functional, it is an ideal place for all types of stays.
Option 2, Luxury: B&B Di Camilla
A converted building that historically was a theater, this B&B is now a place of relaxation. Camilla’s B&B has an enclosed garden that ensures privacy for the guest. Included in your stay is an air-conditioned room, herbal teas and homemade cookies at breakfast, and even a laundry service if you care for your clothes to be washed.
Recently renovated to become a boutique haven for unwinding, it has been charmingly decorated with bespoke furniture. The common spaces have an overflow of books on various topics. Located on Via San Francesco, it will take you around 15 minutes to reach Piazza dei Miracoli, where Pisa Tower and Pisa Cathedral are located.
Option 3, Mid-Range: B&B 7 Rooms
This B&B is where to stay in Pisa for families, thanks to the excellent choice of spacious rooms. They offer double, twin, triple, and quadruple rooms, some with private terraces. The decor is distinctive: striking artworks and boldly covered fabrics fill up the room, which are spacious and with comfortable beds-
Breakfast is served every morning to give you plenty of energy for a day of exploration. You can opt to dine on their rooftop terrace while enjoying terrific views of the city. Its location is perfect for reaching the Leaning Tower. Conveniently situated and well-priced, it is a perfect option for staying in Pisa.
Further Readings
These posts will be useful when planning your trip to Pisa:
- 11 Best Things To Do In Pisa In One Day Or More
- A Useful Guide To Visiting Pisa Cathedral
- How To Get Tickets To Pisa Tower
- A Wonderful Florence To Pisa Day Trip
- How To Get From Rome To Pisa
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