It wouldn't be a trip to Pisa without visiting this famous square. Home to the infamous Leaning Tower, as well as to the Cathedral of Saint Ranieri, The Bapistry and an additional museum as well. We soon realised that in Pisa, if they can charge you for something you can bet they will. For instance to go to the top of the Leaning Tower costs €18 and the queue for this is substantial. Although, I am sure you would have a good view and have the novelty of saying you have climbed it, I personally am not sure if it is worth it.
Despite not climbing the Tower we of course got the standard photo of us pushing the tower. Tip- you are best to get a photo from the back of the tower with the grass you can walk/sit on to ensure you can get yourself and the whole of the tower in.
The only attraction that is free to enter is the Cathedral, just be sure to pick up your voucher from the ticket office. Inside the Cathedral is as phenomenal as the outside with beautiful stained glass windows and paintings. Be sure to bring a jacket or wear a top that covers your shoulders though as your shoulders must be covered inside the church.
If you aren't pushed for time I would definitely recommend getting an ice cream and looking through the markets outside of the square for little trinkets and if it is a nice day to just chill on the grass in the square.
Vittorio Emanuele Ristorante Pizzeria
We were planning to eat somewhere else but stumbled across this place and thought we would give it a go. Set in the Largo Padri della Constituzione, the exterior really draws you in, take a look at the picture it speaks for itself.
On arrival the staff were inviting and seated us to a table. The restaurant itself does not have an extensive menu so to speak, with only 3-4 pasta dishes on the menu, however there are an abundance of pizzas. I chose to have what I thought was a mussel and clam soup however upon ordering was informed that this was actually moules marinière which for me was even better. Just be careful when ordering food that you do actually know what it is and sometimes translation is not the best or clearest on the menus. We were also informed that the wine that we wanted was no longer in stock aswell, however there was a similar one so this was not an issue.
After ordering we were presented with bread, however no oil. Before we could request some the mussels had arrived so there wasn't such a need. When we did ask though we were given some, so just be aware that you may have to request this. The mussels and clams themselves were really nice, the sauce had a salty richness that was not too overpowered with garlic. I would definitely recommend this dish.
After being asked if we were finished, we were left to finish our wine etc and not hurried along which was good. However, when we did go to ask for the bill there was a miscellaneous charge on it and the wine had been overpriced. When we inquired about this we were informed that the charge was a table charge which was €2 each person to cover for table cloth and napkin cleaning. The use of this charge is common across many cities in Italy so check the small print of menus etc. The wine however was a mistake on their part, again check your bills, you don't want to be paying more for something you don't need to!
Overall this was restaurant was very nice and a good opportunity to have some good seafood!
Salza
Salza is recommended on Trip Advisor and Lonely Planet, often being described as the best cake shop in Pisa. If you have read my post from Zagreb, you will know that I have a sweet tooth and so this place sounded right up my street. Situated just over her river on Bogna Stratta, it is very easy to find. I would recommend going ordering to take away because a table service of €3.50 per person is added and when most cakes are priced at less than that it seems to be a bit of a rip off. Furthermore, drinks are very expensive for what they are, for instance a Fanta was priced at €4. Regardless of this, the cakes are amazing! We ordered a Cannoli and another pastry filled with lemon custard. They were amazing, not too sweet or too big and perfect for an afternoon snack.
Bazeel
On our way back from Salza we stumbled across Bazeel, a bar/restaurant in the Piazza Garibaldi next to the river. It had a nice setting and plenty of outside seating, so we thought we would give it a go. Cocktails start at €5.50 and there is an extensive selection! We ordered the Fashion and Passion Iced Teas first and my were they strong! It is worth knowing that you pay as you go here so it is worth having cash.
We were informed that they also had a free buffet in the inner bar area that we were more than welcome to help ourselves to. I do not know if it was because it was a special occasion or whether this was a nightly/weekly occasion but we thought we may aswell check it out. The buffet consisted of several types of pizzas, breads, rice salads, Italian ham, spinach, bean salads and much more. It was of very good quality and was replenished quite a few times. I ordered a further cocktail, this time a Miami Iced Tea which was again very enjoyable.
I would really recommend checking this place out if it is for a drink, especially in the early evening because you are next to the River Arno and you can get some really gorgeous pictures at night here. Plus, from just after 5, this place becomes very busy, very quickly. With people often waiting for seats.
Overall I loved my short but sweet stay in Pisa. Honestly, if you are in a nearby city you could probably get away with doing Pisa in a day because everything is so close together! Just be careful of the taxes, tricks and read the small print!!
Imogen xoxo
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