Studying in Pisa: An Insider's Guide

Gracy Rigano, who is studying business economics at the University of Pisa, shares her favorite things to do as a student in this famous Italian city.

1. Enjoy the local food

Most people agree that Italian cuisine is among the best in the world. I’d recommend the traditional snack schiacciata con cecina – a kind of pizza-base sandwich, with a chickpea omelette inside (sounds strange, but trust me, it’s good). Wash it down with a glass of spuma bionda, a popular sweet soft drink.

Tuscany is famous for its excellent meats and wines of world renown, and Pisa offers a selection of the best. If you want to enjoy an aperitif with friends in true Italian style, made from local products, drop by the ‘In Vino Veritas’ bar – you won’t regret it. The manager is a nice character, and a very typical Pisan. He’ll give you a good introduction to Pisan culture and suggest some excellent dishes for you to sample.

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2. Have a drink with friends

Pisa is not a huge metropolis, so don’t expect lots of big clubs. However, there are still plenty of pleasant places to spend an evening – after all, it’s not the place that’s important, but the people you’re with!

For those who are into ‘alternative’ genres of music, the Borderline Club is the place to go. From Rock to Metal, Hard to Blues, Alternative Folk and even Swing, Ska, Reggae, Surf and Ethno music, in this club music is played to suit all ears. On many evenings there’s also good quality live music. The Exwide Club is a similar venue.

If you’re in the mood to relax with a drink and maybe something to eat, Bazeel is a popular option among young people. You can stay indoors, or find a place at an outdoor table in Piazza Garibaldi, while admiring the river Arno and the middle bridge with the clock tower on the other side.

Alternatively you can always walk a short distance to Piazza Delle Vettovaglie, a square close to Borgo Stretto, which attracts young people as a meeting point in the evening, and where you can find several bars and cafes.

Another top Italian city: Milan >

3. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere

Close to Corso Italia you’ll find Caino, a coffee bar with a minimalist and stylish décor which is popular for chilling out during the afternoon and into the evening. You can relax in comfortable red armchairs, while watching the large TV screens set into the walls, continuously transmitting cult films of the past and present.

In addition, the service is quick and the cocktails are good, all of which makes Caino a popular choice for the young and trendy – it’s not uncommon to see a Porsche parked outside.

If you want to enjoy a good cup of tea, Sottobosco is a great choice. It’s furnished with a particular taste for art and literature, and has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

However, when the sun’s shining, the best place to be is outside, enjoying a stroll along the banks of the River Arno, or relaxing on the grass in the Square of Miracles – beneath the famous leaning tower.

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4. Concerts and festivals

In summer, the Giordano Scotto – a park set in the ruins of a Roman fort – becomes the venue for many outdoor events, and there are often free concerts that attract most of the youth and student population.

The month of June is particularly active in the Tuscany region. One of the highlights is the 16th of the month, the eve of the feast day for patron saint San Ranieri. This is celebrated with a festival of lights, called Luminara, providing an opportunity to see all the riversides of Pisa illuminated – before diving into the town to party with friends.

5. Go to the ‘beach’

During summer, along the banks of the Arno, structures are installed as bars, similar to artificial beaches. It’s not quite the same as a holiday on the coast, but it’s a great way to cool down in the evening with friends and a cold drink, after a long afternoon of studying during the hot summer months.

6. Study in the open air

Many students don’t really like to shut themselves up within the walls of their room. Obviously, every faculty has a library and study rooms, but if you are one of those who prefers to study in company, you can also go to Pacinotti study centre, a building managed by the Students Committee. There is an open area with there are lots of tables for studying in the sun, and also closed rooms for the winter days.

• More about studying in Italy >
• Another top Italian city: Milan >