A perfect day in Pisa

Between the time my train arrived and departed I had seven hours. My day trip to Pisa ended up being a solo trip at the last minute, as my friend who I was supposed to travel with accidentally overslept. I had the usual panic, waking up around 5 am at my apartment, sending her a text when I left and when I was on the bus, waiting for the response from her as she got on the tram. Usually we would meet under the departures board in Termini, on the side where I got off the bus and she got off the tram. But today I just had the feeling something was up when I got no response, and so I proceeded as normal, having an espresso and grabbing a croissant to-go before boarding the train.

It wasn’t until an hour into my ride out of the metropolitan city of Roma and into the countryside, that I got a text from her that their power had gone out and her alarm had not gone off. I was bummed because we had a fun day planned, but mostly I felt bad for her because oversleeping is the worst feeling! (I, unfortunately, speak from experience.) I decided to make the most of the day alone regardless, and honestly was a little excited because it meant total freedom.

The fast train from Rome to Pisa is a very comfortable ride, especially since I had four seats around a table all to myself. I ate my croissant, read a little, journaled…it was so nice. The weather was foggy as I arrived but it wasn’t too cold for October. I was wearing my favorite black jumper and good walking shoes, my Nike Air Force Ones.

10:14 Arrival in Pisa

Upon arrival I funneled out of the train station with everyone and was delighted to see that the station was close to the center, much like Florence or other small towns in Italy. Not having to take a bus is always a plus, so I set out right away in the direction of…the tower. I figured I might as well see the main attraction first, then let myself wander the rest of the day.

10:15 Walk to tower, go in duomo at Piazza dei Miracoli

When I saw the tower I actually laughed and thought, it really is crooked. I struggled with framing a shot on my self-timer for a bit, then just walked around and took in the beauty.

While I was admiring the tower, the baptistry, and the cathedral, the Pisa marathoners were finishing up nearby so the background noise was a continual stream of “bravo” and “forza” as the announcers shouted out to the finishers. I didn’t climb the tower or enter the baptistry, but I did go inside the cathedral to view it briefly.

10:58 Pondered what I would do in Pisa all day since I had already seen the tower

Then proceeded to get lost, wandering through the city because I didn’t feel like using Google maps. Boh!

11:50 Cioccolato caldo

After the craziness of the crowds near the tower, I wanted a break from people and was in need of a treat. So, I decided to stop at one of the bars in the center of town and sit outside. I ordered a cioccolato caldo (so thick and hot), and read the Grazia Italia magazine I had bought the night before at the train station in Napoli. Practicing my Italian and observing daily life in Pisa made me happy, as did realizing I could go an entire day without speaking English.

12:59 Shop around, visit vintage market in Piazza dei Cavalieri

Once I licked every last drop of cioccolato, I decided to explore some of the stores I had walked by. I took my time and meandered, then ended up in a piazza with a huge vintage market happening (not uncommon on the weekends in Italy). I bought a vintage comic book popular in Italy called Topolino, for my 10 year old in Rome, and a gold medallion to make into a necklace. It was about this time the clouds gave way to the sun, too.

13:15 Attempt to eat lunch da sola

Lunchtime rolled around and I was hungry. I decided to try and sit down for a plate of pasta and a glass of wine, since I was by myself. What happened next I have never experienced while being alone in a foreign city. I tried to go to three different restaurants, asking for a table for one in Italian, and all of them turned me down once I asked ‘for one.’ I was SHOCKED. After the third time I gave up on the idea of pasta and decided to try my luck at a panineria with a long line out its door.

13:40 Actually eat lunch at Panineria Il Crudo

So I waited in line for a panino…a line is always a good thing right? Turns out in this case it was. I was SO happy to be in a panini shop reminiscent of all the ones I used to eat at when I lived in Florence. When I ordered, the panini maker could tell I had an accent and asked where I was from. We chatted and he was so nice! Restored my faith in Pisans. I enjoyed a cold glass of white wine and a panino with rocket, prosciutto, pecorino, and truffle. It was to die for, and nice to sit down in the sun after running around town trying to get a table.

14:21 See church of the spires on river

I was blissed out after wine and truffle, and walked along the Arno in the sunshine, admiring the seagulls and the blue skies and how much Pisa looked like a mini Florence. I crossed the Arno to see a darling little Gothic church called Santa Maria della Spina. I couldn’t go inside but it was beautiful to admire all the details on the facade, and enjoy the prime location on the river.

14:33 Found exit enter in Pisa

One of my favorite Florentine street artists, known for the signature hearts and stick figures and positive messages, often about love.

14:52 Palazzo Blu

Since I had time to spare and was alone, I decided the best spot to waste time was Pisa’s art museum, Palazzo Blu. I ended up enjoying it much more than I thought I would. Plus, being alone I could linger in the rooms I liked for as long as I wanted. Another nice thing people don’t always tell you about travel in Italy, you have to be smart about where you go to the bathroom. Italy is notorious for not having public restrooms, but I’ve found that museums typically have very nice restrooms. Regardless, I loved the art in this palazzo and was glad I went!

15:31 Shop at Scout and other stores

Pisa has all the main stores every Italian city seems to have – Zara, Mango, etc. – but I was pleasantly surprised to find a store called Scout that had a lot of cool brands and gave off skater vibes.

15:41 Un caffè

Because after a lunch that involves wine, an espresso is necessary to keep up the energy for the afternoon. And let’s be real, it’s my favorite thing about being in Italy. Taking a break, standing at the bar, trying to translate the chatter happening around me.

15:57 Tower again

Since I had the time, I decided to go and admire Pisa’s main attraction one more time. Mostly it’s hilarious to watch everyone trying to get the best angle possible. It seems everyone turns into an influencer with the effort they put in for the perfect shot! Haha. An American man asked if I would like him to take my photo. When I responded with “sure!” he goes, “oh, she’s English!” HAHA. Any time I get mistaken for a European is a good thing.

17:21 Train away

A much more crowded situation then my train ride in, I had to actually sit in my assigned seat this time. But I sat with a mom and her daughter and friend, and took style notes as one of the girls was wearing the black fringe jacket of my dreams. Plus, we drove by the sea on the way home…what more could a pisces ask for?

I also wanted to include this Walking Tour from Visit Tuscany, as it really helped me get my bearings when I first arrived, and one from Free City Guides. Buon viaggio a Pisa!