Pisa Playbook: Your Unrivalled Experience of Calcio by the Leaning Tower

Pisa’s return to Serie A turned out to be fleeting visit and they are back in the second tier for 2026-27 after relegation was confirmed with three games to go.

So, no more top-flight football for now, but this vibrant city will always be home to one of the most recognisable tourist attractions on the planet… and much more.

Here’s all you need to know before you go.

Where To Stay

Pisa is not a sprawling city – it’s the fifth biggest in Tuscany and has a population hovering above 90,000 – so even on the outskirts you are not far from the hustle and bustle.

With millions of visitors arriving every year there is no shortage of hotels and Airbnbs and every budget is catered for.

The area of Santa Maria is in the bizz. With easy walking access to all the major attractions – Leaning Tower, the walls, the cathedral, River Arno and, of course, the Stadio Arena Garibaldi – it is perfect for first-time visitors.

Where To Eat

Numeroundici (Number 11) in Via Notari is a stripped-back-but-sleek restaurant and while it may not look too impressive it should be judged on the food. It ticks the boxes. Very much a DIY kind of place: grab your own coffee, cutlery, water and when your food is ready, walk up and take it from the chef. There are no waiters or waitresses. For two people, an antipasti, glass of wine, a beer, some grilled meat, bread, fish and a bowl of pasta cost €60.

Anima di Grano Pizzeria Napoletana on Via Domenico Cavalca is a Neapolitan pizzeria, specialising in the thick crust that southern city is famous for. Prices range from €10-€18.

Griglieria le Vettovaglie is in the heart of Piazza Vettovaglie and specialises in meat and seafood. A bistecca platter for two is about €60. We topped up with other plates and a couple of drinks which took the total bill closer to €100.

Where To Drink

Piazza delle Vettovaglie, just off Via Notari, is a lively square with plenty of good places for a pre-match tipple.

Away from the crowds, the rooftop of Grand Hotel Duomo offers breathtaking views of the Tower. The hotel has its own history (Frank Sinatra and Sophia Loren once stayed here), and is the perfect place to sip on a spritz and take in the view. The rooftop opens at 7pm, reservations are required, and the minimum order per person is an appetizer and a drink.

The Violin Irish Pub, not too far away from the piazza, serves the usual mix of beer, cocktails, spirits and pub grub while another Irish bar, Spaventapasseri (The Scarecrow), is on Via dei Facchini and also worth a visit. Opens every day at 7pm.

For something fancier, look no further than Orzo Bruno on Via delle Case Dipinte which offers a mix of craft beer, wine and cocktails.

Don’t Forget

Kick-off times will be moved for television, so bear that in mind when arranging a trip far in advance.

Tickets – Like many clubs in Italy, Pisa sell their tickets through their official website using TicketOne. Fans must set up an account to use this.

Merchandise – You can buy Pisa merchandise online and from the official shop in the centre of town at Via Guglielmo Oberdan 22. Their third kit for 2025-26 was an absolute beauty.

Did You Know?

Pisa’s promotion from Serie B at the end of the 2024-25 season brought a 34-year exile from the top flight to an end.

Getting There

Pisa International Airport is one of the busiest in the country. The shuttle train from there to Pisa Centrale is every few minutes and the journey time is less than 15 minutes. Once there, everything is within reach.

Need Another Football Fix?  

Florence is only an hour away, so watching Fiorentina is doable depending on the fixtures while Pisa’s fiercest rivals Livorno are down the divisions in Serie C. The fast train takes around quarter of an hour and costs just a few euros.