48 hours in one city is never enough to get into all its nooks and crannies. So how well did I manage squeezing Florence and Pisa into just 48 hours?
These two places are only 1.5 hours apart by train so instead of just doing one or the other, visit both and you’ll be surprised by how much you can see in just 48 hours.
Pisa - 24 hours
Keith Haring Mural
Before heading to the main attractions, I thought I’d begin with a little bit of street art by artist Keith Haring. This was the last public wall mural before his premature death. Named ‘Tuttomondo’ it was painted in 1989 on the exterior wall of the Church of Sant’Antonio.
As serendipity would have it, the mural was born out of a chance meeting between a young student from Pisa and Keith Haring. Shortly after this meeting Haring had the idea to paint the mural and asked several students from Pisa to help paint in the figures. I am by no means qualified to give you an art historian’s commentary on this work; I just love this image because of the vibrant colours and close composition of the figures, which to me, represent unity and community.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
Now let’s move on to the city’s most famous landmark: The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Have you ever been to a world-famous landmark and felt rather underwhelmed? It’s happened to me on several occasions, but I certainly wasn’t underwhelmed when I clapped eyes on this beauty. The combination of size, detail, bright white exterior, and its notable tilt makes this building something you won’t forget easily.
I really recommend going inside (approx. 20 Euros) because not only is it one of the world’s most iconic buildings, it also gives you the best view of Pisa once you’ve climbed to the top.
You’ll find a huge bell up there too which used to be in operation. The Leaning Tower is just one of several architectural masterpieces within an enclosed area called Piazza del Duomo and together they were inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.
I didn’t have time to go inside every single building in the complex, but just to see them from the outside is a vision in itself.
If you only have time to go inside one, it should be the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Afterwards, if the weather is good, I recommend resting on the grass to soak up the architecture and ambience.
Camposanto
Composanto was the final structure to be built on the Piazza del Duomo, after the cathedral, the baptistery, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The frescoes alone are marvellous and worth the trip inside.
The cemetery was built in 1277, during the Middle Ages, as the final resting place for prominent local people.
The layers of history contained within this place stretch long and far. One detail I found particularly fascinating is that earth from Palestine was brought back to this site which earned the name camposanto because it was considered a ‘holy field.’
Parks & Green Spaces
The best place to relax in Pisa is surely the Garden of Scotto. This public garden used to be the fortress of Pisa so it combines the best of the city’s history and charm. I could easily spend hours here lapping up the sun and the small quirks of this romantic backdrop which includes a turret, trench, palm trees, flowers and bridges.
Eating in Pisa
You won’t be short on places to eat in Pisa and you will find a variety of options depending on your budget.
Quick bite: For tasty, on-the-go grub, We Love Pasta specialises in serving up fresh pasta with a variety of optional toppings.
Dinner: Love seafood? I certainly do, so didn’t waste an opportunity to eat at Branzo. Their dishes are creative and most of all scrumptious.
If you’re looking for something more traditional, Trattoria S. Omobono offers an authentic taste of Tuscany.
Where to stay in Pisa
Florence - 24 hours
A day to discover Florence is impossible, but there are some crucial places not to miss. I had two things on my list: the Uffizi and Florence cathedral, but I didn’t manage to do either of them because queues for both were horrendous!
Though even if I had time to queue I probably wouldn’t have because I hate queuing, especially in heat and when you know you can do a thousand and one other things. (I know, I know, patience is a virtue. I’m working on it).
Even though I didn’t go inside the Florence cathedral I have a feeling the best views come from looking at the exterior along with Giotto’s Campanile (the bell tower) and the Baptistery.
These three buildings are the most revered architectural pieces of the main square, Piazza del Duomo, which is one of the most visited squares in the world. When you first see it, I guarantee that you’ll be bold over by the architecture. It’s inspiring yet hard to to comprehend that mankind created such magnificence on an extraordinarily large scale.
It’s no surprise that Florence’s collection of architecture is considered the height of Renaissance, and like the Duomo in Pisa, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
The Food Market
You’re probably getting hungry now, and I know the perfect place for you to satisfy your penchant for bruschetta and prosciutto. Head over to Mercato Centrale for any antipasto you can think of, and why not wash it down with a glass of Prosecco?!
Tip: It is spread across two floors. The top floor is more touristy and the lower floor tends to be where the locals shop so make sure to explore both levels.
Relax at Boboli Gardens
When I think of all the gardens I’ve been to, Boboli Gardens is top of the list. With panoramic views of Florence, rose gardens, pavilions, and 16th century statues, this garden epitomises the image of a romantic garden dating back from the High Renaissance period.
Museums & Galleries
If you find that you don’t have time to visit the Uffizi, fear not! The Palazzo Vecchio, a palace with lavish interior and exhibitions offer a decent alternative.
The palace has had some rather dramatic yet comical losses over the centuries that include lost work by Michelangelo and Di Vinci. For example, in the process of experimenting with different mediums Di Vinci’s painting melted!
The Palazzo Vecchio is also perfect if you’re looking for things to do in the evening – I saw Damian Hirst’s exhibition For the Love of God at around 9pm.
The whole experience was a little surreal because I was ushered into a dark black room, it was tiny – maybe 5 x 5 metres – and the only thing that gave light was the diamond encrusted skull which shone inside a glass box.
I stared at it, and then stared at the guards, looked down at their guns, stared back at the skull, and left. That was the exhibition – just one diamond encrusted skull and three armed guards.
I wasn’t sure what to expect but I definitely expected to see more of Hirst’s work minus the guns. But despite feeling a little robbed, the rest of the gallery completely made up for it!
You might also like: 8 Must-Visit Attractions in Florence
Where to stay in Florence
We stayed at Il Guelfo Bianco and loved the charm, location and comfort. It is within walking distance to the train station and to all of the city’s main attractions. For the quality I also think it offers great value for accommodation in Florence.
How do you get from Pisa to Florence?
We travelled by train from Pisa train station to Santa Maria Novella station in Florence. Trains run frequently and the journey takes approximately 1 hour.
You can reserve seats and book tickets in advance via the Trainline.
How to successfully plan your own short trip to Pisa and Florence
When you’re fighting against time, research goes a long way to saving time and to ensuring you get the most from your trip.
There’s a lot to see in Florence in particular so planning and booking things in advance is key when you have limited time. Browse and pick from a variety of tours available via Get Your Guide or Viator.
10 responses
A trip up the hill to the Piazzale Michelangelo offers a fantastic panoramic view of Florence!
Duly noted Mike! Hopefully I will return in the near future and skyline at Piazzale Michelangelo will not be missed!
Yes, one day for Pisa is reasonable. But wasn’t it a little rush with 2 days for 2 cities itinerary? Seems like you have visited many sights. Love the photos! the top one is great. And you are a cutie holding Pisa Tower 😉
Hi, yes it’s impossible to fit Florence into one day, I wouldn’t advise it, but it’s certainly better to dip your toes into Florence than nothing at all! Especially, since it’s surprising how much you can really fit in a day.
Hehe thank you, I couldn’t resist doing a touristy shot with the Leaning Tower of Pisa! 🙂
I loved this! Looks like you covered the most iconic parts of each city – and a time frame from Giotto to Hirst! Quite impressive!
I really need to go to Florence myself – can you believe I’ve never been? A shameful thing to admit 🙂
Oh Julika you really need to get your bum to Florence! And for the obvious reason…! A soon-to-be art historian’s dream I imagine… 🙂
Well, I was born in Florence, I’ve seen museums all around the world, but I’ve never gone to the Uffizi. Because I could go every time I wanted to, I suppose.
Our visit to the Torre di Pisa lasted for 15 minuted and it was around midnight. Very italianly, I parked where it was forbidden. My girlfriend didn’t know what was just around the corner and what we were doing there. When she saw the tower enlightened in the night she turned into a child 🙂 Unexpected things have their own value, but the whole thing was actually well planned in advance.
Born in Florence? Lucky you! I think we’re all guilty of not lapping up destinations that may be on our doorstep. I’m trying to get out of the habit!
Haha I think I had the same reaction as your girlfriend when I first entered the Pisa complex – I’m sure you could do no wrong that holiday! 😉
Thank you so much for this! My husband and I are planning three days in Florence/Pisa and this has been a great guide.
Hi Katie! Glad you found this useful towards your planning. I hope you both have an amazing time exploring both cities!