Pisa by Bike : Beyond the Leaning Tower(Self-Guided Tour)

Discover Pisa beyond the famous Leaning Tower with this self-guided bike tour that offers a flexible, relaxed way to explore the city’s hidden corners and iconic sights. Priced at $25.54 per person, this 2-hour adventure provides bike rental, helmet, and a smartphone app to guide you through the city’s most interesting locations. Pick up your bicycle conveniently at Pisa Centrale railway station and set off at your own pace, learning about the city’s history and discovering lesser-known treasures along the way.

This tour has earned a perfect rating of 5.0 based on 96 reviews and is highly recommended by 97% of participants. Its popularity is reflected in its booking pattern, with most travelers reserving their spot about 11 days in advance. While the app-guided route takes you around Pisa’s main landmarks and points of interest, some reviewers note that the app can occasionally be tricky to navigate, so a little familiarity with the system helps.

Key Points

• Affordable price at just $25.54 per person including bike rental and helmet.
• Flexible, self-guided experience using a smartphone app to explore Pisa at your own pace.
• Multiple stops covering key sights like Piazza dei Miracoli, the Leaning Tower, and the Knights Square.
• Ideal for independent travelers who enjoy exploring with minimal guided interference.
• Duration of about 2 hours, although you can spend extra time at the major sites.
• Bike rental at Pisa Centrale makes logistical planning simple.

The Convenience of Pisa’s Bike Rental at Pisa Centrale

This self-guided tour starts with bike pickup at Pisa Centrale railway station, making it especially convenient for travelers arriving by train. The rental includes not only the bike but also a helmet and a phone holder, ensuring safety and easy access to the app-guided route. The process is straightforward, and the rental allows most travelers aged 10 and above to participate, making it accessible for families with older children.

The tour’s independence means no fixed schedule or guide, which appeals to those who prefer to explore at their own pace. The app + phone holder setup guides you along the route, pointing out each landmark and providing interesting details without the need for a guide speaking in real time.

Exploring Pisa’s Landmarks with the Guided App

The route takes you past more than just the Leaning Tower, introducing you to hidden gems and historical sites that many visitors miss. The first stops include Smile & Ride, where you begin your journey, and the Santo Sepolcro, an octagonal church with free entry. The Giardino Scotto offers a view of the San Gallo fortress, a medieval structure worth noting for its history.

An intriguing highlight is the second leaning tower, the Chiesa San Miche degli Scalzi, which leans more than the famous tower—a unique photo opportunity. The Medicean aqueduct, dating back to the Middle Ages, showcases Pisa’s ancient infrastructure, while Chiesa di San Zeno presents Roman marble architecture.

Most stops are free to explore, with some sites like Piazza dei Miracoli and Orto e Museo Botanico di Pisa allowing extra time for sightseeing. The app guides you through these locations, providing context and directions, although some reviewers have experienced minor issues with navigation.

Discovering Pisa’s Historic Squares and Religious Sites

Piazza Santa Caterina is notable for its bell tower, which historically served as a reference point for Galileo. The Piazza dei Miracoli is the tour’s centerpiece, recognized globally for its medieval architecture, featuring the Pisa Cathedral, Baptistry, and Monumental Cemetery. While the admission to the square’s main attractions is not included, the square itself makes for a stunning stroll amidst well-kept lawns and grand buildings.

Other religious sites include Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina, a Gothic riverside church, and Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Paolo, a medieval church that was once a velodrome. These locations showcase Pisa’s religious architecture and offer peaceful stops along your route.

Artistic and Cultural Stops Along the Route

A modern highlight is the Murale Tuttomondo by Keith Haring, painted on the side of Saint Anthony’s Church. This mural, covering 180 square meters, features 30 figures and was conceived after an encounter between the artist and a Pisa student. It’s a vibrant piece that adds a contemporary touch to the cityscape and is a favorite among visitors, who enjoy the colorful contrast to historic surroundings.

The Pisa Botanical Garden and Piazza dei Cavalieri further enrich the experience with their blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The Piazza dei Cavalieri, once a hub of civic power, now hosts notable Renaissance architecture and statues, making it a meaningful stop to understand Pisa’s civic history.

Practical Aspects of the Bike Tour

The meeting point at Piazza della Stazione, 7 is easily accessible by public transport, which is helpful for travelers arriving by train. The tour’s duration of approximately 2 hours is flexible, and most travelers find it suitable for fitting into a half-day sightseeing plan.

Inclusions like the bike, helmet, and app make this an excellent value, especially considering the price of just over $25. However, food and drinks are not included, so bringing water or snacks is advisable, particularly during warmer months.

Participants should be comfortable riding a bike and understanding the app’s navigation, although some reviews mention minor app issues. The private nature of the tour means your group will have exclusive use of the rental and guide, which adds to the personalized experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Pisa Bike Tour?

This tour suits independent travelers who want to explore Pisa without a guided group, enjoying the freedom to linger at favorite sites or skip others. It’s also ideal for those who prefer cycling over walking and want to cover more ground in less time. Families with children aged 10 and above will find this activity accessible, especially as it includes bike helmets and is organized for safety.

Those interested in medieval architecture, religious sites, and modern murals will especially appreciate the variety of stops. However, visitors who want guided commentary or ticketed entry at specific attractions might want to supplement this experience with additional tours.

The Sum Up: An Independent Way to See Pisa’s Best and Hidden Sights

This self-guided bike tour at $25.54 offers exceptional value for travelers seeking a flexible, independent way to explore Pisa. The bike rental and app-guided route enable you to discover both famous landmarks like Piazza dei Miracoli and lesser-known gems such as the Keith Haring mural or the Medicean aqueduct.

While some might find the app navigation occasionally challenging, the overall experience receives high praise for ease of use, affordability, and the diverse stops it includes. It’s particularly well-suited for young adults, families, and adventurers comfortable with self-guided exploration.

For those wanting a personalized, relaxed way to see Pisa at their own pace, this tour delivers a memorable journey through the city’s history, art, and architecture—without the constraints of a guided group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 10 and above can participate, and the rental includes helmets for safety.

How do I start the tour?
You pick up your bike at Pisa Centrale railway station and use the app to guide you along the route.

Are entrance fees to sites included?
No, the tour does not include entrance fees to attractions like Piazza dei Miracoli or Orto e Museo Botanico.

What if I don’t understand the app?
The app guides you throughout the route; however, some reviews mention minor issues. It’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the app beforehand.

Can I customize the tour duration?
While the tour lasts about 2 hours, you are free to spend more time at specific stops as the route is self-guided.

What is included in the price?
The bike, helmet, phone holder, and app are included. Food and drinks are not.

Is the tour private?
Yes, only your group participates, providing a personalized experience.

What if I book last minute?
Most travelers book about 11 days in advance, but last-minute bookings are generally accepted, subject to availability.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this a guided tour?
No, it is self-guided, allowing you to explore Pisa at your own pace with the app as your guide.