Pisa in September

amavadia

Myself and a friend are going to Pisa near the beginning of September for a couple of days thanks to ryanairs £24 return tickets!

Just wondering what people who have been there before would suggest doing?

There is the obvious monuments in the historical centre, and we will also be generally touring the old building, but what would you suggest in terms of activities?

I love italian food and really want to experience authentic Tuscan food so recommendations for hidden, non tourist restaurants are welcome. Also interested in a short, maybe couple of hour cooking lesson/wine tasting.

Does anyone know where we could hire bikes from and roughly how much they would be for a day?

Also as our flight back to the UK (:sad:) is at 7am in the morning, we were considering not booking a hotel for the night and finding something to do till 5am ish? I understand the bars close between 1 and 2am, but is there anything still open after that?

Any general tips are also welcome!

Thanks!

Amit

Errata

Tips from people who've been to Pisa here http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/places/italy/pisa/index.jsp

MrTomato

Get the train to Florence or somewhere else. Pisa got a bit boring for me after about 2 hours.

sleepless_saver

MrTomato wrote: »

Get the train to Florence or somewhere else. Pisa got a bit boring for me after about 2 hours.

There's really not that much to see in Pisa after you've done the leaning tower and neighbouring buildings. We took the short train ride to Lucca - fascinating medieval town - which was so good we went back again the next day.

Pisa restaurants better than Lucca though. Try Osteria di Culegna Via Mercanti 25. Wonderful Tuscan food and atmosphere. Best to book.

amavadia

Not sure we want to be travelling too much because we only have a day and a half there really. Its going to be more of a relaxing and experiencing pisa trip.

Will add that restaurant to the list, thanks!

Do you think it is worth the 17euros to go inside the leaning tower?

MrTomato

amavadia wrote: »

Not sure we want to be travelling too much because we only have a day and a half there really. Its going to be more of a relaxing and experiencing pisa trip.

Will add that restaurant to the list, thanks!

Do you think it is worth the 17euros to go inside the leaning tower?

I didn't go up it because it was nice enough in the Piazza del Campo and surrounding areas, the tower's views don't seem to be spectacular, and the queues are massive.

I may be wrong, but I think you queue for a ticket in the basilica, then go back later to queue at the tower itself. If it isn't busy or you don't mind waiting, go for it.

You won't regret it if you do or don't, but personally I'd only do it if it was convenient as we didn't have long there before we had to leave.

richardw

sleepless_saver wrote: »

There's really not that much to see in Pisa after you've done the leaning tower and neighbouring buildings. We took the short train ride to Lucca - fascinating medieval town - which was so good we went back again the next day.

Exactly......it really isn't worth spending a lot of time in Pisa.

amavadia

MrTomato wrote: »

I didn't go up it because it was nice enough in the Piazza del Campo and surrounding areas, the tower's views don't seem to be spectacular, and the queues are massive.

I may be wrong, but I think you queue for a ticket in the basilica, then go back later to queue at the tower itself. If it isn't busy or you don't mind waiting, go for it.

You won't regret it if you do or don't, but personally I'd only do it if it was convenient as we didn't have long there before we had to leave.

Im sure there are plenty of other places in pisa where you can find a good view but dont need to pay 17 euros for it! I think it will be something we do if we're struggling to find other activities.

Really would like to do a cooking class out there but not sure where to find one. Ive checked online but most classes are long courses not just a one off.

Mr_Lahey

Ill echo what has been said already, after a morning we got a train down to Rome.

Nigbob

I'd second a day or half day trip to Lucca. You can also hire bikes in Lucca to cycle round the city walls.

amavadia

Had a look at the train down to Rome for a day but I think it would be too rushed. Will look into Lucca or Florence. Is the Pisa Marina worth visiting?