Things To Do
in Pistoia
Nestled in the Tuscan hills just northwest of Florence, Pistoia is a compact city that blends medieval charm with green, leafy streets. Its historic center centers around the Piazza del Duomo, where the Cathedral of San Zeno and a graceful Baptistery anchor daily life and photography. The city is famed for its preserved arcades, artisan shops, and the terracotta artistry of the Ospedale del Ceppo, which adds color and texture to street corners.
With easy access to the countryside and a relaxed pace, Pistoia makes for a rewarding escape from larger Tuscan hubs.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets of Pistoia's historic center, taking in the beautiful medieval architecture. Visit the impressive Piazza del Duomo, where you can admire the stunning Cathedral of San Zeno and the Baptistery. Don't forget to stop by a local café for a traditional Italian breakfast of cornetto and cappuccino.
After lunch at a quaint trattoria, spend your afternoon exploring the Museo Civico, which houses a collection of Renaissance art and artifacts. Continue your exploration by visiting the historic Palazzo dei Vescovi, where you can learn about the city's ecclesiastical history. Take a moment to relax in the lush Giardini della Libertà, enjoying the serene atmosphere amidst the blooming flowers.
As the sun sets, make your way to a local osteria for an authentic Tuscan dinner, savoring dishes like pappa al pomodoro or ribollita. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, soaking in the ambiance of the city at night. End your evening with a gelato from a nearby gelateria, a perfect way to conclude your day.
Kick off your day with a visit to the Basilica of San Giovanni Fuorcivitas, known for its stunning Romanesque architecture and intricate frescoes. Take a guided tour to truly appreciate the art and history within its walls. Afterwards, visit the nearby Museo di Pistoia, which showcases the city's rich artistic heritage.
For lunch, find a local pizzeria where you can indulge in authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. Post-lunch, delve into contemporary art at the Officina Giovani, a cultural hub that often features exhibitions from local artists. Don't miss the chance to participate in a workshop or event if one is available during your visit.
As night falls, discover Pistoia's vibrant cultural scene by attending a live music performance or a theater show at the Teatro Manzoni. Enjoy a pre-show aperitivo at a nearby bar, mingling with locals and soaking in the lively atmosphere. After the performance, take a leisurely walk back, enjoying the ambiance of the city under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (espresso or cappuccino) | $1.5-3 |
| 🧀Groceries for a day | $8-15 |
| 🚌Public transportation (single ride) | $1.5-2.5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable historic center
- Rich architecture and terracotta artistry
- Beautiful surrounding Tuscan countryside nearby
- Relaxed, uncrowded alternative to Florence
- Smaller nightlife scene compared with larger cities
- Limited public transportation options within the town
- Smaller choice of high-end dining compared to nearby cities
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Mi può consigliare una trattoria?" - Can you recommend a trattoria?
- "Posso avere il conto?" - Can I have the check?
Places to Visit in Pistoia
Visit one of these nice places.
A quintessential Tuscan square framed by Romanesque and Gothic elements, ideal for dawn and golden-hour shots.
15th-century terracotta friezes by Giovanni della Robbia line the courtyard, offering rich color and historical context.
Photo opportunities abound under the covered walkways that anchor the old town, with light filtering between arches and shops.
Elevated spots around the medieval perimeter provide sweeping views over terracotta rooftops and surrounding hills.
Food in Pistoia
Pistoia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thick tomato and bread soup that highlights ripe tomatoes and olive oil; commonly found in trattorias and home kitchens.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked wild boar ragù, often served with polenta or rustic pasta.
A thick-cut T-bone steak cooked simply with salt, olive oil, and pepper; a Tuscan must-try in many taverns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market near the historic center offering fresh produce, cheeses, olives, breads, and prepared foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera” when entering shops; maintain a courteous tone in conversation.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; speak softly and dress respectfully.
Locals take time with conversations; avoid rushing others in queues or narrow streets.
Safety
Tipping in Pistoia
Ensure a smooth experience
In Italy, a tip is not required but appreciated for good service. If a service charge is not included, rounding up or leaving 5–10% is common in nicer restaurants; smaller cafés may not expect tips.
Cash and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common in shops and restaurants. Some small venues may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds; ideal for walking tours and street photography.
Warm to hot days; stay hydrated and seek shade in the historic center or along river routes; many outdoor events run in the evenings.
Mild weather with harvest-time markets; vibrant foliage around the countryside makes for scenic day trips.
Cool but usually dry; some attractions may have shorter hours, yet the city takes on a cozy, quiet charm.
Pistoia at Night
Hiking in Pistoia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rolling hills with forested paths and scenic overlooks, ideal for day hikes and countryside walks.
A network of trails through wooded terrain and panoramic viewpoints around Pistoia’s surrounding summits.
Gentle trails along the riverbanks offering easy to moderate routes with tranquil scenery.
Airports
How to reach Pistoia by plane.
Approximately 30–40 km from Pistoia; well-connected by road and rail, a common entry point for international visitors.
About 90–110 km away; convenient for visitors combining Pisa or the coast with a trip to Tuscany.
Further away but accessible by high-speed rail connections; useful for paired trips through northern Tuscany.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Italian families and retirees, with a growing number of couples and small groups visiting for weekend trips.
Cultural travelers drawn to Tuscan towns, art lovers, and those seeking a quieter alternative to Florence.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime and local matches often draw enthusiastic crowds in nearby facilities.
Amateur and semi-professional play, with local courts and clubs in the region.
Popular along Tuscan routes, with scenic climbs in the surrounding hills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pistoia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most trattorias offer vegetable-based antipasti, soups, and pasta with tomato or mushroom sauces; ask for pasta with spinach, ricotta, or seasonal vegetables.
Rely on vegetable-forward dishes, olive oil-based soups, bruschettas with tomatoes and herbs, and salads; communicate dietary needs to staff for cheese-free options.