What I Learned Visiting Pisa for a Quick Visit
Updated: Feb 5
If you come from a family like mine, you may have memories like the Griswolds: "Look kids, there's the Eiffel Tower!", as Dad circles the roundabout a few times for photos.
Sometimes we want to see the landmarks, but just can't justify the time in the itinerary when there's other more authentic places to see - read: no crowds and lack of tourists.
Nevertheless, seeing the "Leaning Tower of Pizza" was promised to my 4 year old in earnest before our trip through Northern Italy, where we intended to fly in to Pisa, and promptly get out of town. So, instead we made time for an hour pop into town to see the famous Leaning Tower, and it was a great experience for photos and shopping.
In and out in just under an hour, you can grab coffee, snap pics, buy souvenirs, and browse a couple neighboring lanes to get the feel of Pisa, then hit the road. If this sounds like your kind of travel, read on to understand the logistics from parking, knowledge of the ZTL zone, and more.
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Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Like, crack of dawn early. We got there around 8 or 9 am. By 10 the area was flooded with tourists just coming off buses.
You will get the place virtually to yourself, with no one messing up your backdrop of the critical shot - holding up that tower!
Beware of the ZTL: The Limited Traffic Zone in Pisa
Before driving into Pisa, be sure to check the driving areas that are restricted. You can do this at the following official link:
Google Maps may not always be helpful in the ZTL zones, so be aware where you can park in advance outside of the restricted zone.
If you are unfamiliar with the ZTL, you can read more in my article about driving abroad, but basically it is a zone for limited traffic - i.e. residents of the area, and people staying in the hotels.
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Your license plate needs to be registered to pass without a fine, so don't assume you can get away with anything. The moment you pass through the ZTL zone, cameras will pick up your plate and they will fine you later. Don't say I didn't warn you!
Still need a rental car for Pisa? Check prices on Expedia at this link.
The Best Parking in Pisa for a Quick Look
There are two good lots right by the Leaning Tower of Pisa outside the city gates. One is on the west side of town and the other just to the north. Depending on where you are staying, choose the one that works for you.
You can find these on Google Maps by inputting the following information:
North Side Parking
Parking Via Piave
Via Pasquale Galluppi, 56123 Pisa PI, Italy
West Side Parking
Parcheggio Tower Parking - outside ZTL
Via Andrea Pisano, 17, 56122 Pisa PI, Italy
We parked at the North Side parking at Via Piave. The lot was large and secure. It offered bathrooms, pay parking kiosks, and a convenient coffee machine for a much needed morning pick me up.
Just outside of this lot, find a nice bakery to take away a pastry before you walk into the town gates (or grab to go for the ride out!).
Shopping Near the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Since the goal is "see it and go", your best bet is to stroll into the gates and take those coveted Leaning Tower pictures, then browse the souvenir stands for some gifts.
For pricing reference, I got a tshirt of David blowing a bubble gum bubble for 10 euros, and got my daughter an Italia zip up jacket for 13 euros.
The kiosks are just opening, so prepare to haggle a little but not a lot. They aren't desperate for sales yet.
There are a few brick and mortar shops peppered up and down the two lanes across from the tower for further browsing.
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Just Enough Time
After taking photos, shopping a little, and having a coffee, you've done enough to say you've seen it and you can get on the road. By 1030 the parking lot will be filling up and you'll be hearing a lot more English, so it's time to skidaddle.
Head up the road towards Parma and Modena and check out the food tourism including Parma Ham, Modena Balsamic vinegar and more. Learn more about the culinary countryside at my link here.
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