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

If you’re thinking about exploring Pisa in a way that’s both flexible and fun, a self-guided bike tour might just be the perfect fit. Instead of joining a crowded group or rushing through highlights, this option lets you set your own pace and uncover some of the city’s lesser-known sights. While it’s centered around a bike rental and a smartphone app, it offers enough structure to keep you on track without feeling confined.

What we love about this tour are two standout features: the freedom to explore on your own terms and the chance to see a broader spectrum of Pisa’s attractions—not just the famous Leaning Tower. That said, a potential challenge is that the app’s navigation isn’t flawless, which could be frustrating if you’re not comfortable with digital directions. This experience seems best suited for travelers who enjoy independent exploration, value good value for money, and want a relaxed but comprehensive way to discover Pisa.

Key Points

• Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided approach.
• Affordable price point considering bike rental, app guides, and helmets included.
• Coverage of more than just the Leaning Tower, including hidden churches, gardens, and murals.
• Realistically suited for anyone comfortable with using a smartphone for navigation.
• Great for those wanting to see Pisa beyond the typical tourist spots without being tied to a schedule.
• Reviews highlight friendly staff and good value.

An Honest Look at Pisa by Bike: What’s Included and What to Expect

This self-guided bike tour is essentially a 3-hour bike rental combined with an app-based navigation system. It’s designed for independent travelers who want to explore Pisa without a guide, but still with some structure and insight. For $25.54 per person, you get access to a bicycle, helmet, and a phone holder—plus the convenience of pick-up right at Pisa Centrale station.

These features make it straightforward to start your adventure without fuss, and the app guides you along a route that takes in the city’s key sights. From the outset, the emphasis is on freedom of movement, letting you decide how long to linger at each stop. Reviews commend the helpful staff, who are fluent in English, and appreciate the value for money, with some even renting bikes twice during their stay.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Why It Matters

The route begins at the Smile & Ride rental point, where you’ll pick up your bike and get briefed on how to use the app and equipment like the phone holder and helmet. From there, the tour takes you through a series of interesting stops, each offering a glimpse into Pisa’s historic charm.

Starting Point: Smile & Ride

The rental shop is centrally located at Piazza della Stazione, making it easy to access from public transportation. Staff are friendly and helpful, as several reviews mention, and this initial step sets a relaxed tone for your exploration.

Santo Sepolcro – The Octagonal Church

This quiet church is a quick stop but packs a visual punch with its distinctive shape. It’s a good example of the many religious sites scattered around Pisa and offers some insight into medieval architecture.

Giardino Scotto and San Gallo Fortress

Next, you’ll pass by the medieval fortress, giving you a sense of Pisa’s defensive past. The garden is a peaceful spot for a quick stop, and the fortress’s history adds depth to your city walk.

The Second Leaning Tower of Pisa – Chiesa San Michele degli Scalzi

Here, you’ll see a less famous but intriguing structure leaning even more than the tower everyone knows. It’s a neat reminder that Pisa’s leaning architecture isn’t limited to the Tower itself.

The Middle Age Aqueduct

Passing by this ancient aqueduct, built during the Middle Ages, offers a tangible connection to Pisa’s engineering history. It’s a short stop but provides a different perspective on the city’s infrastructure.

Chiesa di San Zeno and Piazza Santa Caterina

These sites highlight Pisa’s ecclesiastical architecture and were noteworthy for their Roman marble and the nearby bell tower, which Galileo used as a reference point. Several reviewers appreciated how these spots helped reveal the city’s academic and religious history.

Main Square: Piazza dei Miracoli

You’ll spend about an hour here—an essential stop for any Pisa visit. The square is iconic, home to the cathedral, baptistry, and, of course, the Leaning Tower. While the tour doesn’t include entrance tickets, just walking around the square gives you a sense of its grandeur. This is where most visitors tend to linger, soaking in the architecture and atmosphere.

Orto e Museo Botanico di Pisa

This botanical garden is a quieter, more relaxed stop. It displays exotic plants and features unique ceramic decorations. A nice break from the more crowded parts of the city, as noted by a review praising the walk along the river.

Piazza dei Cavalieri and Surroundings

Once the civil center of Pisa, this square is filled with history and striking architecture. It’s less crowded but offers a genuine feel for the city’s medieval civic life, which many travelers find rewarding.

The River and Gothic Churches

Stops at Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina and Chiesa di San Frediano introduce you to Pisa’s riverside architecture and Gothic styles. Quick visits but visually memorable.

Keith Haring’s Murale Tuttomondo

Finally, a modern touch—Haring’s mural adds color and contemporary art to Pisa’s historical landscape. Several reviews mention the mural as a fun and unexpected highlight of the ride.

Using the App and Riding Experience

The app is designed to guide you smoothly along the route, with information about each site. Based on reviews, most found it easy to follow, although some mentioned that the map navigation could be a bit clunky. A review notes that the app’s map didn’t load perfectly, which might cause some confusion, especially if you’re not comfortable with digital directions.

The bikes themselves are generally considered good quality and comfortable for a city ride. The included helmets and phone holders add a layer of safety and convenience, making the experience more relaxed.

The Value: Does It Match the Price?

For just over $25, this package offers a solid way to see a good chunk of Pisa without the stress of guided tours or the expense of private guides. Reviews consistently mention that it’s a really good value, especially since you get a bike, helmet, and app—all essentials for an independent adventure.

Some reviewers even rented bikes twice, emphasizing the affordability and reliability of the service. Keep in mind that food and drinks aren’t included, so plan for snacks or a picnic if you want to refuel during your ride.

What Travelers Say

Many reviews are glowing about the staff’s friendliness and the overall experience. One reviewer mentioned that the app was a bit “funky” and navigation tricky at times, but still worth the price. Others appreciated the way the route took them through hidden spots most travelers miss, making the trip feel more authentic.

The fact that the tour is private means you won’t be rushed, and you can spend extra time at spots you love. Several travelers highlighted how the bike tour was a great way to see Pisa’s sights without feeling overwhelmed, especially in hot weather.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re comfortable with using a smartphone for navigation and want the flexibility to explore at your own speed. It’s perfect for those interested in seeing more than just the Leaning Tower—the hidden churches, gardens, and murals provide a richer picture of Pisa. If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy cycling and open-air exploration, this is a good option. It’s also great for travelers on a budget, given the good value and comprehensive coverage.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, Pisa by Bike: Beyond the Leaning Tower offers a relaxed, self-directed way to discover Pisa beyond its most famous site. The combination of a reliable bike rental, a helpful app, and a thoughtfully curated route makes it a practical choice for independent explorers. While there may be minor hiccups with the app’s navigation, overall, most travelers find it a worthwhile way to spend a few hours.

It suits those who value flexibility, enjoy cycling, and want to see Pisa’s lesser-known gems at their own pace. If you’re okay with navigating via smartphone and looking for good value, this could be your favorite way to experience the city.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be at least 10 years old to ride a bicycle, and they should be accompanied by an adult. The tour is geared toward independent riders, so younger kids might need extra supervision or alternative options.

How long does the bike rental last?
You’re given approximately 3 hours of bike usage, which allows ample time to explore the city comfortably.

Where do I pick up the bikes?
Bikes are available at the Smile & Ride shop located at Piazza della Stazione, 7, Pisa. The location is close to public transportation, making it easy to access.

Does the tour include entrance tickets?
No, entrance tickets are not included for sites like Piazza dei Miracoli or the Botanical Garden. You’ll see the exteriors and surroundings, but if you want to go inside, you’ll need to buy tickets separately.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the bicycle, helmet, a phone holder, and the app with navigation to guide you along the route.

Can I cancel this experience?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start. It’s flexible if your plans change.

Is the app easy to use?
Most reviews mention that the app is helpful but sometimes a bit “funky” or slightly tricky, especially with navigation. It’s best to familiarize yourself with its operation before setting off.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It’s a relaxed city ride—mostly flat terrain—and suitable for most people comfortable on a bike. If you’re used to cycling, it will be a breeze.

Will I see the Leaning Tower?
Absolutely! The tour passes by Piazza dei Miracoli, so you’ll get great views and photo opportunities of the iconic tower and surrounding monuments.

All in all, this self-guided bike tour offers a charming, flexible way to see Pisa beyond the crowded landmarks. If you’re eager for a personal, relaxed exploration—and don’t mind navigating with a phone—this could very well be your favorite part of the trip.