Near the Arno river, just south of the Piazza dei Cavalieri, is one of the most charming shopping streets of the city: Borgo Stretto.

The street runs from the Piazza Garibaldi, near the Arno river, by the Ponte di Mezz or Medioo Bridge. And this space is located in the geometric centre of Pisa. It is always busy and lively, among other things, it has the most famous ice cream shop in the area: La Bottega del Gelatto. Of course, you cannot leave Pisa without having tasted some of their frozen specialties.

In the middle of the square there is a statue of Garibaldi, to the sides of which are other important buildings such as the orange Casino dei Nobili where wealthy eighteenth century nobility came together to pass the time.

Once you've finished your ice cream, head north to Borgo Stretto. Under its beautiful porches are the most elegant shops and boutiques of the city. Allow yourself some time to admire its small buildings and major brands. Walking around here is certainly unforgettable. 

A few metres up at number 34, you will find Caffè Settimelli where, in addition to enjoying a cappuccino or a good typical Tuscany chianti, you should look around for the plaque on the house where Galileo Galilei was born in 1564.

Just a few more metres and the road ends to become the Via Guglielmo Oberdan, but not before offering one last culinary delight. Lo Sfizio at 54 Borgo Stretto is another unforgettable coffee restaurant. So if you haven’t had a cappuccino yet, there's still time.

If you like coffee but prefer to enjoy it somewhere quiet, and cheaper, as well as to discover other corners of Pisa, not far from here there are several intimate areas such as Borgo Stretto that are much less crowded.

Here is a savvy traveller tip: do not miss the Piazza delle Vettovaglie. You can get to it by exiting from the Piazza Garibaldi on Via Notari. Just take the first corner to the left and you will enjoy the most Medieval part of Pisa.