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Leaning Tower of Pisa: a symbol of the city and one of the most identifiable buildings in the world, the famous Leaning Tower is the whitewashed marble bell tower of the Cathedral in the verdant Piazza dei Miracoli, a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. Its construction started in 1173 and almost immediately it started leaning southwards, due to precipitation of the soft substrate, which was sinking under the weight of the belfry. Maintenance and restoration works on the tower decreased the lean angle that was becoming increasingly dangerous. Get on its top to enjoy a panorama of the city. It is said that astronomer Galileo, a famous citizen of Pisa, went up and down its 293 steps, experimenting with gravity.  
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 0039 050 835011

Cathedral: a majestic example of Pisan Romanesque architecture, the Cathedral next to the famous tower, catches the eye of every visitor with its lace-like colonnades on the façade. The construction of the church of the Assumption of Mary, with the beige and dark green marble, started in 1064 and was decorated with brass doors and the Gothic pulpit of artist Giovanni Pisano. 
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 0039 050 835011
 
Baptistery: opposite the cathedral's façade stands the cylindrical Baptistery. The construction of the largest battistero in Italy started in 1152 and was completed in the 14th century, that is why its bottom side is Pisan Romanesque while the top side is Gothic. Visit the octagonal font, where Galileo was baptised. 
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 0039 050 835011

Camposanto: The old monumental cemetery defines the north side of the square with its white, marble walls. Its construction started in 1277, as a graveyard for the prominent residents of Pisa and according to the legend, the soil used was brought by Crusaders from Golgotha hill. It was decorated with marvellous frescoes, such as the scene of the Triumph of Death, which inspired romantic composer Liszt, most of which were destroyed by the bombarding in WWII. The nearby Museo delle Sinopie, houses drafts painted on the walls as the base for the frescoes, thus shedding light on the work of Medieval artists. 
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 0039 050 835011

National Museum of San Matteo: one of the most significant treasuries of medieval art in Europe, the museum is housed in San Matteo's old monastery, next to river Arno. Admire the collection of medieval masterpieces of the 12th-17th century by famous artists of Pisa and Tuscany. The sculpture of Madonna del Latte (Our Lady of Milk) by brothers Andrea and Nino Pisano, frescoes from older churches of Pisa, works of Beato Angelico, Domenico Ghirlandaio, as well as a rare, 1168 illustrated Bible, stand out in the collection. 
Address: Piazza San Matteo in Soarta, 0039 050 541865
 
Lucca: explore the countryside in Tuscany and visit picturesque Lucca, 20 km north of Pisa. Cross the old walls of the city that flourished in the Middle Ages, thanks to silk trade and visit San Michele square. The oval-shaped piazza, built where the Roman theatre used to stand, is an open-air work of art, thanks to the amazing marble façades and the elegant loggias of the buildings around it. Visit the family house-museum of Giacomo Puccini (Corte San Lorenzo 8, 0039 0583584028, www.puccinimuseum.org/), dedicated to the life and work of the “Tosca” composer born in Lucca.

Pistoia: explore historic Pistoia, 50km from Pisa, in north-east Tuscany. The town has given its name to the word “pistol”, from the first weapons of this type that were made by local smiths in the Middle Ages. Take a walk in the historic centre with the Romanesque churches, decorated with white Carrara and green Prato marble.

On the south side of Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, you will find souvenir stalls lined up, where you can buy Leaning Tower miniatures and other city memorabilia. The zone of Tuscany, which includes the provinces of Pisa, Pistoia and Prato, is called “Chocolate Valley” because of the excellent quality handmade chocolate produced in the area, with traditional methods by local chocolate factories. Visit the “chocolate temples” in Pisa, which have received international awards and prizes and taste excellent pralines and truffles.  

Around Piazza Anfiteatro in Lucca, you will also find shops selling souvenir and silk product shops, continuing the long tradition. Moving to the town centre, you will find modern boutiques with well known Italian brands, on commercial Via Fillungo.

The fertile land of Pisa countryside provides excellent raw material that transform Tuscany gastronomy to high art. The San Miniato artichokes, the local “Tosca” potatoes, the excellent quality cow meat of Pisa, cold cuts such as pork pate and rigatino cured bacon, and the ewes' milk for making the local pecorino cheese, are all famous for their deliciousness.

Meet king Tartufo bianco, the rare white truffle that grows in the forest hills around Pisa. You can taste its special flavour in selected trattorias.  

Remember, you are in one of the most important Italian Wine Roads, home to excellent wines that conquer the world, starting their journey from the vineyards of Tuscany. Accompany your Italian cuisine dishes, such as pasta fresca, home made lasagne and cannelloni, penne all'arrabbiata, with the famous PDO red and white wines and finish your meal with ricciarelli marzipan biscuits and a glass of sweet Vin Santo.  

The city night life is focused on cool hangouts, full of students, around Borgo Stretto and Piazza delle Vettovaglie. Here you will find quiet cafés, wine bars and pubs as well as night clubs with dance music, near Ponte di Mezzo.

In Pisa you will enjoy spectacular events closely linked to the medieval tradition of the area.

• New Year's Day Come to Pisa to celebrate New Year's Day twice! Following an ancient tradition from its maritime past, the city celebrates the first day of the year on the 1st January, as well as on the 25th of March, on Mary's Annunciation day. On this day, the first one of the Anno Pisano (Pisa Year), the locals go on a litany to the central square and at 12 noon sharp they gather around the Cathedral to see a ray of sun shaping a sundial.  
• Luminara Spectacular festival commemorating the Patron saint of Pisa, Saint Ranieri. On the evening of 16th June, eve of the celebration, the city lights go out and thousands of candles illuminate the calm waters of Arno, following a tradition since 1688. On the following day, the festive regatta of San Ranieri is held on the river. 
• Giostra dell’Orso Spectacular horse race, in honour of the Patron saint of Pistoia, Saint Jacopo, dating back in 1200 that will travel you to the Middle Ages. On 25 July, horse riding knights, dressed in the colours of each district, joust in the central square challenging the prize of the race, while girls dressed in costume cheer them.

Getting to and from the airport in Pisa

Aegean Airlines lands on Galileo Galilei international airport of Pisa, which is only one kilometre from the city centre. Even though relatively small, the airport has shops, restaurants, cafés, banks, foreign exchange offices, hair salon, dry cleaners, fitness centre, even a dancing school! Wi-Fi is free for 60 minutes.

To get to the city from the airport, you can take the PisaMover Bus connecting the airport to Pisa Centrale station in only 8 minutes, departing every 10 minutes. Taxis are also a good choice that is not at all expensive as the journey is so short.