There are plenty of things to do in Pisa when it’s raining and while Pisa’s climate is typically hot and dry during the summer months, if you’re visiting the city in the spring or autumn months, it can be easy to find yourself stuck inside on a rainy day. Luckily, the city has plenty to offer even when the weather isn’t perfect, so here are a few of our recommendations on what to do on a rainy day in Pisa.
1. Visit the Pisa Cathedral
The Duomo di Pisa is one of the city’s main attractions. Entry to the cathedral is completely free, and the densely decorated interior of the building will likely make you forget about the less-than-ideal weather outside. The medieval pulpit constructed by Giovanni Pisano is one of the cathedral’s most notable features and depicts scenes from the life of Christ. Construction began on the duomo in 1064, and it showcases an incredible blend of both Gothic and Romanesque architecture that is truly breath-taking for anyone visiting the site. Having taken almost thirty years to construct, the building itself is made almost entirely out of marble, with its 68 monolithic columns imported from Sardinia. While the cathedral was heavily damaged in a fire in 1595, much of the original marble flooring was saved, and remains intact to this day. Book skip the line tickets to the Duomo in Pisa to avoid queuing in the train.
2. Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Despite the rain, the Leaning Tower of Pisa remains open to visitors regardless. Constructed over eight centuries ago, the leaning tower is one of Italy’s most well-known attractions with over five million visitors flocking to the site every year. If you can manage the near 300 step staircase, the observation deck on the top floor offers excellent views of the surrounding city, especially the adjacent cathedral and baptistry.
While tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths near the tower, as entry numbers are strictly limited, we recommend pre-booking online tickets to the Leaning Tower of Pisa to avoid missing out – especially during the summer months. This will also mean you can avoid having to wait in a queue in the rain too!
3. Admire the artworks at the Palazzo Blu
Just a fifteen-minute walk from the leaning tower lies one of Pisa’s best art galleries – Palazzo Blu. The gallery showcases a unique collection of artworks from contemporary artists that are often lesser-known outside Italy. The museum’s temporary exhibitions often receive international acclaim and the works of some of the world’s best-known artists have passed through the building’s doors; Picasso, Warhol, and Kandinsky have all been featured in the past. A unique attraction of the gallery is the archaeological records that date back as far as the Roman period. For any art enthusiast, this gallery is a must-visit attraction in Pisa. It’s also the perfect place to visit if you’re searching for ideas on what to do when it’s raining in Pisa.
4. Eat…!
Like many other Italian cities, the cuisine in Pisa revolves around gamey meats and seafood. In the past, Pisa’s speciality was Cee alla Pisana, a dish consisting of baby eels found in the Arno river that runs through the city. While some traditional restaurants still serve the dish to this day, the more modern food in Pisa is likely much more appealing to potential tourists. The city’s cuisine can be incredibly varied, and typically reflects the local produce of the surrounding Tuscan hills. Sullo Scio, a soup made with tomatoes, broken tagliatelle, and parmesan is the perfect way to warm up on a cold day if visiting in the winter months.
If the bad weather really doesn’t seem to be breaking, a lazy lunch in one of Pisa’s many authentic trattorias can be the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Alternatively, whilst we can’t guarantee you will avoid the rain completely during a food tour of Pisa, much of the tour is indoors and it’s a great activity to enjoy on a rainy day in Pisa.
5. And drink!
If you’re looking for something to wash all this food down with, then the Tuscan hills are renowned for their wine-making capabilities. These give Pisa excellent access to local grapes such as Chianti, Montepulciano, and Montalcino. If it’s raining in Pisa, then why not head out of the city and enjoy a wine tasting experience in Tuscany. You’ll get to visit a winery, speak to the winemaker and learn all about the wine-making process. And of course, you’ll be able to sample them all too!
6. Enjoy a hands on cookery lesson!
If all this incredible food and drink has inspired you, why not make the most of a rainy day in Pisa and spend it learning how to create these dishes for yourself! Italians are renowned for their warmth and hospitality and there can be no better way to learn how to make Italian food than by booking a hands on cooking lesson at a local’s home. Definitely immerse yourself in a cooking class in Pisa if you’re looking for things to do when it’s raining in Pisa!
7. Visit the Pisa Baptistry
Directly opposite the main entrance to the cathedral lies the Baptistry of St John. The structure was completed in 1363 after more than 200 years of construction. At more than 54m high, it is the largest baptistry in Italy.
It showcases the gradual shift from the more traditional Romanesque architecture to the gothic style that was becoming increasingly popular at the time. The building was designed by the architect Diotisalvi, who’s original signature inscribed into the interior in 1152 can still be seen to this day. The entire building was designed with acoustics in mind, and the interior has purposely been left empty to further enhance the building’s impressive echo. If you’re lucky enough, you might even hear the Baptistry’s guards demonstrate this effect to visitors. Book skip the line audio guide tickets to the Baptistry in Pisa to make the most of your visit.
8. Marvel at the exhibits at the Museo di storia naturale
The Museo di storia naturale dell’UniversitĂ di Pisa is the city’s natural history museum. Situated on Via Roma, it is packed full of weird and wonderful exhibits. These include a plethora of fossils, minerals and meteorites. But you will also find a number of taxidermy mounts there and a large ornithological collection consisting of over 250 nests and 550 eggs. It’s also home to the largest freshwater aquarium in Italy, a hall charting the evolution of man and much, much more! For those interested in the natural world, it’s a great place to spend a few hours on a rainy day in Pisa.
9. Admire the artefacts at Pisa’s National Museum of the Royal Palace
The Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Reale in Pisa is jam packed with incredible treasures and artefacts. The palace itself was built in the late 16th century and was commissioned by Francesco I de Medici. Situated on the River Arno, its walls are adorned with luxurious tapestries and artworks. Artists whose works are displayed include a young Raphael, Rosso Fiorentino, Francesco and Luigi Gioli amongst others. It’s also home to a significant collection of armaments of the Gioco del Ponte along with incredibly ornate gilded furniture.
10. Go shopping!
Whilst we always recommend visiting the markets when holidaying in Italy, shopping here isn’t necessarily going to keep you nice and dry. Instead, if it’s raining in Pisa, you may want to visit the Centro Commerciale Pisanova on Via Venezia in Pisa. It’s an indoor shopping centre where you can escape the rain for a bit. And then, when the rain eases, head outside and go shopping for vintage items and antiques in one of Pisa’s many markets. Our favourite is the flea market in Via San Martino, held every Wednesday and Saturday morning. Or shop for souvenirs on the Via Santa Maria.
While rainy days in Pisa are thankfully few and far between, especially during the summer months, if one does arrive during your visit, the city still has plenty to offer. From the detailed mosaics that line the walls of the central cathedral, to the cosy trattorias that serve traditional family dishes handed down through the generations, there’s plenty of ways to make the most of the city when the weather is less than ideal.