Pisa & Lucca daytrip with Kids
Perfect day trip to Pisa and Lucca with Kids
Are you looking for a fun-filled family adventure in Tuscany? Look no further than a day trip to Lucca and Pisa with your kids! From the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa to the delicious Paniko Gelato in Lucca, this day trip has something for everyone.
Our family took a day trip to Pisa and Lucca from our home in Pistoia with our Boundless Life team. This is a great day trip for anyone doing the Boundless Life program, as well as any family visiting the Tuscany region of Italy! We traveled in a group and took a bus, but Pisa and Lucca are both easily accessible by train and both towns are very pedestrian friendly. No matter which option you chose, you will find something for everyone in both of these towns!
Getting there
We took a group bus from Pistoia to Pisa, however, Pisa is also an easy train ride from Florence. Other options include:
By Plane: Pisa has its own international airport called Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport - PSA). It is well-connected to major cities in Europe and beyond. From the airport, you can easily reach the city center by taking a short bus or taxi ride.
By Train: Pisa is well-connected to the Italian rail network, making it easy to reach by train. The city has two train stations: Pisa Centrale and Pisa San Rossore. Pisa Centrale is the main station and is served by high-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Frecciabianca) as well as regional trains. It has connections to major cities such as Florence, Rome, Milan, and Venice. Pisa San Rossore is a smaller station located closer to the city center and is primarily served by regional trains.
By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can reach Pisa by car. The city is well-connected to the Italian road network, with the A12 highway passing by Pisa. However, keep in mind that parking in the city center can be limited and expensive. It's advisable to park in designated parking areas and then use public transportation to explore the city.
If you’re planning to visit Pisa, it’s important to note that Pisa (and Italy) are part of the European Schengen zone and US visitors are limited to a 90-day stay. For more information about the Schengen, check out our Instagram reel here!
Start in Pisa
First, start your day off in Pisa with a trek to the iconic Leaning Tower. The construction of the tower took over 200 years to complete, starting in 1173 and finishing in the 14th century. The tower has 8 floors and stands at a height of 56 meters (183 feet) at its tallest point. It was originally intended to be a bell tower, but the unstable ground it was built on caused it to lean. Today, the lean is about 5.5%, which looks much more dramatic in person!
On the way to the tower, you will likely pass several snack vendors if you need to grab a quick bite to eat. You’ll enter the tower area through the Piazza dei Miracoli (Miracle Square) and immediately be greeted by a view of the tower. Piazza del Miracoli, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous landmarks in Italy.
The other three main buildings in Piazza del Miracoli are the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, and the Camposanto Monumentale. I recommend letting the kids run around in the green grass near the Cathedral and Baptistery. It’s an easy way to let them play for a bit and have fun while taking in some history and culture.
If you’re feeling up to the adventure, you can climb up the tower. Tickets start at €24 per person and there are about 300 steps to get to the top!
Your kids will be in awe of the leaning structure and can snap some fun photos with the tower in the background. Be sure that your phone is fully charged in Italy with this power adaptor and bring a spare power pack just in case! This travel tripod is also a great option to bring with you on days like this; it’s compact but extendable, fits an iPhone and as a Bluetooth remote to help you snap the perfect pic!
After your tower visit, take a stroll around the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli and enjoy the stunning architecture of the Cathedral and Baptistery. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is known for its impressive Romanesque architecture and contains many works of art, including a bronze statue of St. John the Baptist by Donatello. The Baptistery of San Giovanni is the largest baptistery in Italy and is known for its unique acoustics, which create a natural echo that can last up to 6 seconds. The Camposanto Monumentale is a cemetery that was built in the 13th century and contains many notable works of art, including frescoes and sculptures.
Head to Lucca
Next up, it's time to head to Lucca! This charming medieval town is perfect for a family day out. Upon arriving in Lucca, the first thing you’ll see are the tall brick walls. This wall, constructed in the Rennaisance era, is said to contain over EIGHT MILLION bricks! Inside the walls, Old Town is pedestrian and bikes only (no cars!), making this a great spot to let your kids enjoy a little independence without a lot of worries.
For lunch, you will want to make your way to one of Lucca’s many charming osterias. We ate at L’Oste Di Lucca. We started with the traditional antipasti plate, which was incredible (and huge!). For pasta, I highly recommend the Gorgonzola Gnocchi as well as the Pici Bolognese. Across the street is an adorable toy store for window shopping if you need to walk off a bit of your meal.
Once you’ve finished your lunch, take a leisurely walk through the town and head to Piazza Napoleone. Here, your kids can enjoy a ride on the beautiful carousel while you take in the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings. You can also visit Paniko Gelato for some of the best gelato in Tuscany. With flavors like Stracciatella and Pistachio, everyone in your family will find something they love.
Finally, before heading back home, take some time to walk around and explore. There are over 100 churches to see, as well as the Guinigi Tower, with trees growing on its rooftop terrace. You can also walk the Lucca city walls. The top of the walls offer beautiful views of the town and are perfect for a family photo op.
Overall, a day trip to Lucca and Pisa with your kids is the perfect way to experience the beauty and charm of Tuscany. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for a day of family fun and adventure! If you want to see more about our trip to Lucca & Pisa, check our our reel on Instagram!
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