When we think of Pisa, the Leaning Tower immediately springs to mind, but there are far more things to do in Pisa besides the tower. After you’ve taken the classic tower photo, step off the well-traveled tourist path and you’ll find a city brimming with art, history, quirky details, and local charm. From vibrant street murals to riverside gems, this is Pisa at its most authentic and it’s waiting to be explored. Lets find out what Pisa attractions there are beyond the tower.
In this article
Keith Haring's Tuttomondo: top Pisa attraction beyond the tower
When planning what else there is to see in Pisa, start with this colourful invitation to your city break.
Tucked away near the central train station is one of Pisa’s most surprising treasures: Keith Haring’s “Tuttomondo”. Painted in 1989, it’s the last public mural created by the American pop artist and remains one of his largest surviving works. Unlike most of Haring’s pieces, which he famously completed in a single day, this one took an entire week thanks to the help of local students.
The mural bursts with colorful human figures twisting and intertwining across a 180-square-meter wall. Described by Visit Tuscany as a representation of humanity: peace, collaboration, motherhood, community, and the interconnectedness of life. Look closely, and you’ll notice playful details that invite personal interpretation, a style that makes Haring’s work endlessly engaging. Titled “Tuttomondo” (the whole world), this is more than art; it’s a symbol of unity and resilience, and it sets the tone for discovering a city that thrives beyond its famous tower.
Borgo Stretto: what else to see in Pisa's historic center
If the Tower is Pisa’s postcard, Borgo Stretto is the heartbeat of this often overlooked city. This unique medieval street is one of Pisa’s best attractions beyond the tower and runs through the city center. Framed by graceful arches and lined with historic cafés, boutique shops, and artisan stores. Here, you can sip an espresso in one of the same spots frequented by Galileo centuries ago, then wander into independent bookstores, jewelry shops, or family-run bakeries.
Borgo Stretto is also a great place for people-watching. Students from Pisa’s historic university brush shoulders with locals carrying their shopping, while visitors pause to soak in the atmosphere. At night, the area transforms into a lively meeting place for aperitivo—making it an essential stop if you want to feel Pisa’s true rhythm.
Palazzo Blu: cultural Pisa attractions along the Arno
On the south side of the Arno River, the bright blue façade of Palazzo Blu immediately stands out. This cultural hub is home to ever-changing exhibitions of modern and classical art, ranging from European masters to contemporary innovators. Beyond its exhibitions, Palazzo Blu often hosts lectures, concerts, and family activities—making it one of the city’s most dynamic cultural spaces.
Even if you don’t step inside, the riverside setting is worth lingering over. The Lungarno promenade, with its colourful buildings reflected in the water, is one of Pisa’s most photogenic and iconic city spots.
Santa Maria della Spina: hidden Pisa gem beyond tourist crowds
Few churches are as tiny yet as breathtaking as Santa Maria della Spina, perched delicately on the banks of the Arno. Built in the 13th century, this Gothic gem is adorned with intricate spires, statues, and carvings that rival much larger cathedrals. Its name“della Spina” refers to the sacred relic of a thorn from Christ’s crown, once housed here.
Step closer, and you’ll be immersed in the craftsmanship packed into such a small structure. Santa Maria della Spina is often overlooked by hurried tourists, but for those who pause, it’s one of Pisa’s most enchanting surprises.
Pisa's Botanical Garden: things to do besides the Tower for nature lovers
Founded in 1544, Pisa’s Orto Botanico is the oldest university botanical garden in the world. It was originally created to supply medicinal plants for students of the university, and today it continues as a living museum of biodiversity.
Wander its leafy paths, and you’ll find centuries-old trees, tropical greenhouses, and carefully curated plant collections from across the globe. For families, it’s a peaceful escape where children can explore nature hands-on.
Devil's Nails and other Pisa secrets to discover
Pisa’s streets are filled with curious details if you know where to look. Take the “Unghie del Diavolo” (Devil’s Nails) for example, mysterious marks carved into the marble of the Leaning Tower’s base.
Legend has it the Devil tried to climb the tower to stop them building the church, leaving the marks of his nails behind. People also says that it’s almost impossible to count those marks… in fact they always seem to change in number.
More things to do in Pisa: why explore beyond the leaning tower
The Leaning Tower is an icon, no doubt—but Pisa rewards those who wander further. Whether you’re entranced by Keith Haring’s vision of humanity on a sunlit wall, or sipping coffee under medieval arches on Borgo Stretto, marveling at Gothic craftsmanship along the Arno, or discovering ancient plants in a university garden, Pisa constantly surprises.
So next time you plan your trip to Tuscany, don’t stop at the obvious landmarks. Use this guide to uncover the city’s hidden gems and local secrets. By exploring Pisa attractions beyond the tower crowds, you’ll experience the genuine soul of the city. Then, when someone asks you, “What else is there to see in Pisa?” you’ll have plenty of stories to share.