The main pedestrian zone of Pisan, right in the historic centre, is the Borgo Stretto, which connects Piazza Garibaldi on the banks of the Arno River with Via Guglielmo Oberdan, but is only a de facto continuation of the Borgo Stretto.

This lively street has arcades on both sides, full of luxury clothing shops, as well as classic grocery stores, local newsagents and smaller convenience stores. The shops are of course complemented by countless small cafes and restaurants that live long into the night.

In the Largo Ciro Menotti square, about halfway down Borgo Stretto, you may come across a statue of a local native, the famous astronomer Galileo Galilei, who was born in Pisa in 1564. A small plaque on his birthplace can be photographed about 400 metres from Borgo Stretto at Via Giuseppe Giusti 24.

Parallel to the Borgo Stretto is the narrow, sunken Via Notari, where you will find yourself in another world. No tourists, no crowds, in the dark corners of old Pisa.

Accommodation

If you enjoy living right in the centre of the action, then the area around Borgo Stretto is perfect for you. However, the central location takes its toll on the higher prices; only private apartments can be found right on the street, with prices from 120 eur per night upwards.

Cheaper hotels around 70 eur per night can be found within a 5-minute walk, so for example the Royal Victoria Hotel on the seafront or the highly rated Hotel di Stefano on the extended extension of Borgo Stretto.