Published date: June 13, 2025
Impressed by the Location of the Hotel Near the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
As soon as I exited Pisa Central Station, NH Pisa appeared right before me. The location couldn't have been better for a trip filled with train travel; I was grateful to reach it in just one minute while pulling my suitcase. The check-in was smooth, and the staff were proficient in English and polite. I remember feeling a little reassured by their excellent service, as I was starting to feel the fatigue of travel.
The room was spacious, featuring a calm palette of beige and brown in a European style. I was a bit worried that it might be noisy given its location at the train station, but surprisingly it was incredibly quiet, allowing me to sleep soundly at night. The bathroom was also clean, with excellent water pressure and temperature for the shower. It was more than comfortable enough for a stop during a long journey.
While the hotel had its own restaurant and breakfast venue, I passed on breakfast that day due to an early morning move, instead opting to take out espresso from a cafe inside the station to enjoy while walking through Pisa.
The Leaning Tower was about a 20-minute walk away. As I passed along the riverside and leisurely advanced through the charming streets of the old town, the journey transformed from mere "movement" to "sightseeing." Witnessing the Tower, slightly leaning yet standing tall in the morning light, truly moved me.
NH Pisa was the perfect hotel for both transit and sightseeing. It remains in my memory as a place where I could "properly rest" during my train journey. I highly recommend it for those who prioritize location.
Experiences during the trip
Early in the morning, as I left the hotel in front of the station, I headed straight to Corso Italia. This cobblestone street, adorned with porticos, was vibrant with the lives of the locals, filled with the aromas of small bakeries and self-service cafes. As I walked with an espresso in hand, I felt for a moment as if I had become a resident of Pisa.
I then strolled leisurely towards the riverside, arriving at the Ponte della Fortezza over the Arno River. The water's surface shimmered in the morning sun, and the ruins of the medieval city walls at Giardino Scotto (formerly Cittadella Nuova) created a quiet and graceful scene. Taking a moment to stop and breathe deeply made the fatigue of travel seem to fade away.
From there, I progressed to the city center, arriving at Piazza dei Cavalieri. Standing in front of the majestic Palazzo della Carovana, I was overwhelmed by its splendor. This is also a hub for university students, and I could spot a few quietly studying, which reminded me of my own student days, and I savored the slow passage of time.
As I walked further, I encountered the Orto Botanico di Pisa. Established in 1544, it is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe, and the lush green space felt refreshing, with rare plants capturing my attention. Sitting on a bench and soaking in the gentle sunlight felt like time was flowing slowly just for me.
Finally, I reached the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). Not just the Leaning Tower, but the Cathedral (Duomo), Baptistery, and the Cemetery (Camposanto), all made of white marble, came together to create an awe-inspiring landscape. Near the tower, I couldn't help but take a 'support photo,' capturing a touristy moment.
To avoid the crowds, I strolled around leisurely and also visited the inside of the Cathedral. While feeling the grandeur of Romanesque architecture that began in the 12th century, I took a quick look for the lamp said to have inspired Galileo's pendulum theory.
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This stroll, based at NH Pisa, was perfect for train travel, connecting a quiet morning walk around the town to the breath of the World Heritage site. Despite walking a lot, I felt no fatigue, and I realized that it was a supreme location for a 'quick stop during a journey.'