Experience in Pisa, Italy by Astha

What is it like to live in Pisa? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Pisa is a beautiful small town in the beautiful region of Tuscany, home to amazingly beautiful and breathtaking landscapes. Living in Pisa is a homely experience, interacting with locals and being a part of the neighbourhood, while also observing and experiencing the tourists that are brought due to the Wonder of the World, the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

What is the student lifestyle like in Pisa?

It's very chill and laid-back! The student lifestyle is very routinely- study during the day, relax and kick back with drinks in any one of the beautiful outdoor cafes in the town. The locals and students both are very friendly, so interaction and exploration is not only a must, but happens on its own!

How much does it cost to live in Pisa?

Monthly rent usually starts from 400-500 euros per month, and goes up depending on the size of the apartment, facilities and location. Groceries is about a 100-150 euro budget per month, depending on personal requirements. Utilities are also around 100 euros, if not included within the rent.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Pisa? Is there any advice you can give?

Near the universities it is easy to find shared apartments. On popular websites though, like spotahome, uniplaces and housinganywhere, it is quite hard to find accommodation as the options are less and the ones that are there get booked really fast. I suggest you to check facebook groups to find roommates or flatmates, or someone looking for those. I will also suggest you to book a hotel/airbnb if you have not been able to find anything, and then searching for accommodation in Pisa itself through the help of other students and locals in your neighbourhood.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is mainly Italian cuisine, offering some experimental and fusion cuisine as well. Pizzas, pastas and seafood take center-stage, as well as gelato and cheesecakes. It is a little hard to find completely vegetarian/vegan options though. I love Italian cuisine, so all of the dishes are my favorite!

What places would you recommend visiting in Pisa?

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, obviously! The historic monument is one of the most famous Wonder of the World, rooted in the Italian culture and drawing as many tourists as the renowned Colosseum in Rome. Around the Leaning Tower is the Cathedral square which has the Duomo Cathedral of Pisa and the Piazza del Duomo, a beautiful green landscaped garden.
Right outside the square is a street filled with great restaurants and shopping outlets, giving you various gastronomical and shopping options!
You can also walk along the banks of the Arno river, where you can find many other cultural outlets and watch the sun set. Then there is also the Knight's Square and the San Giovanni Baptistery which are must-see places.

Is it good to eat out in Pisa? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

As I went on a one day trip, I only know the places I visited! For lunch, I chose the restaurant called Strittendfud Cibi di Strada, Pisa which had an experimental-like cuisine and palate which i found quite delectable. The pricing was average and not very expensive. It is located on the street right outside the Cathedral.

After lunch I walked along the Arno River for some time, appreciating the streetscape and watching the sky turn darker and the city getting lit up. It was a really nice end to the hectic day, giving me some peace and comfort and letting me take in the vibe of Pisa. For added peace, you can purchase a cone of the world famous Italian gelato and gently finish it while continuing your pleasant stroll.

What advice would you give future students heading to Pisa?

It's a beautiful town, located in arguably the most beautiful region in Italy (if we go by the landscape - Tuscany has one of the most breath-taking landscapes ever!). Living in Pisa will feel like both in a city and a town, which is an experience very less people are able to enjoy in their lifetime!