Step just a street or two back from the famous Piazza dei Miracoli and you find yourself in a maze of old cobbled lanes, locals going about their day, tiny cafés and bars tucked away behind shuttered doorways. Stay here and you get the best of both worlds: the wow‑factor of that world‑famous landmark and the charm of a real, lived‑in Italian town. Eating out can be wonderfully affordable too. As soon as you wander away from the main tourist hotspots, prices drop and menus feel more local. We found family‑run trattorias and little wine bars where you can eat well without blowing the budget.

One of my favourite discoveries was a gorgeous little spot for an Aperol Spritz that felt like a real hidden gem. It was quiet, tucked away from the crowds, and yet the viewpoint was incredible: we were sipping our drinks overlooking the Leaning Tower itself, with hardly anyone else around. It felt like our own private corner of Pisa.

Easy Day Trip to Florence by Train.

Another reason Pisa works so well as a base is its rail connections. The train to Florence is very straightforward, and in around an hour we were stepping out into one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. Florence absolutely lived up to its reputation: Every corner seems to reveal another stunning façade, square or viewpoint. We ate the most amazing pizza right on the square, just soaking up the atmosphere. Later, we walked up to one of the highest viewpoints over the city and looked out across the rooftops, domes and church towers.For the record: tackling a steep hill in 30‑degree heat after an Aperol Spritz is maybe not my top recommendation, but the view at the top was worth every step!

A Final Day in Lovely Lucca

For our last day, we hopped on another easy train and headed to Lucca. This little town, enclosed within its historic walls, has a much cosier, small‑town feel. Inside the walls you find: Narrow streets and pretty piazzas. Lovely little shops and cafés. A relaxed pace that feels perfect for a gentle wander and a long lunch.

We spent 2 nights and 3 days using Pisa as our base to explore Pisa itself, Florence and Lucca, and I genuinely loved every minute. It felt like the perfect blend of iconic sights, authentic Italian life, easy rail connections and those little unexpected moments that make a trip truly memorable.

If you’d like to plan something similar, with Pisa as your base and simple day trips to Florence and Lucca, I’d be delighted to help you create your own version of this itinerary.