The Leaning Tower of Pisa is without a doubt the most famous landmark in Pisa and is on the itinerary of many travelers during a trip through Tuscany. The tilted bell tower on Piazza dei Miracoli attracts millions of visitors every year, but it also raises practical questions. What is there exactly to see, can you climb the tower, how crowded does it get, and do you need to book tickets in advance?
On this page, you’ll read what to expect when visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I discuss the background and unique features of the tower, provide practical information about accessibility and tickets, and share my own experience and tips to help you prepare for your visit. This way, you can decide for yourself whether—and how—the Leaning Tower of Pisa fits into your trip.
History of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was built as a bell tower for the Cathedral of Pisa and is part of Piazza dei Miracoli. Construction began in 1173, at a time when Pisa was a wealthy and powerful city and wanted to showcase this with grand architectural projects.
Problems arose early in the construction. After a few levels had been built, the tower began to sink at an angle. The ground turned out to be too soft and could not properly support the weight of the tower. As a result, construction was halted several times.
These long pauses had an unexpected positive effect. Because work stopped for extended periods, the soil had time to slowly adapt to the weight of the tower. This ultimately prevented the tower from collapsing.
Over the following centuries, construction continued. Builders attempted to correct the tilt by building the upper levels slightly angled in the opposite direction. This is why the tower today is not only leaning, but also has a subtle curve.
By the end of the twentieth century, the tilt had become so severe that the tower was temporarily closed. Between 1990 and 2001, major restoration work was carried out to stabilize the structure. Since then, it has been safe for visitors once again.
It is precisely this long construction history, the distinctive lean, and the successful restoration that make the Leaning Tower of Pisa so remarkabl
Why is the Leaning Tower of Pisa so special?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is not special because it is particularly tall or old, but because it has been leaning for centuries. This makes the tower unique: nowhere else in the world is there a bell tower that leans so dramatically and is still in use and open to visitors.
The tilt began during construction, caused by the ground being too soft. Instead of demolishing the tower, the builders decided to continue. In hindsight, this turned out to be a fortunate mistake. It is precisely this flaw that made the tower world-famous.
What makes the Leaning Tower of Pisa even more remarkable is that, despite its tilt, it has always remained standing. Over the centuries, several attempts were made to reinforce the tower, culminating in the major restoration project in the 1990s. Thanks to these interventions, the tower is now stable and safe for visitors.
Its location also adds to its significance. The tower stands on Piazza dei Miracoli alongside the cathedral, the baptistery, and the cemetery. Together, these monuments form one of the most important religious and historical sites in Italy.
In short, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is not just a famous symbol, but also an extraordinary example of history, engineering, and perseverance.
What is there to see at the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa does not stand alone, but is part of Piazza dei Miracoli. This large square forms the historical and religious heart of Pisa and is completely car-free. Besides the leaning tower, you’ll find several other important buildings here, all of which together are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Right next to the tower stands the Cathedral of Pisa. This impressive church is richly decorated and forms the centerpiece of the square. The cathedral can be visited for free, but you do need a time slot, which is often combined with a ticket for the tower or one of the other buildings.
Close to the cathedral is the Pisa Baptistery, the largest baptistery in Italy. Its round shape and remarkable acoustics make it one of the most striking buildings on the square.
On the edge of Piazza dei Miracoli you’ll also find the Camposanto Monumentale, a monumental cemetery with covered galleries, frescoes, and Roman sarcophagi. This part is often overlooked, but it offers a peaceful contrast to the crowds around the tower.
Together, these buildings ensure that a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is more than just a quick photo stop. Even if you don’t climb the tower, it’s well worth walking across the square and exploring the other landmarks.
Climbing the tower: what can you expect?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa can be climbed, but it’s different from many other towers. You go up via a narrow spiral staircase with 294 steps. Because the tower is leaning, walking up can feel a bit strange at times. Especially on one side, you may notice that you’re slightly off balance.
During the climb, you pass small openings where you can briefly look outside. Many people use these moments to take a short break and enjoy the view.
At the top, you stand near the bells and have views over Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli. You won’t stay up there for long: visitors are given a fixed time slot and are asked to head back down after a short while. This is done to limit the number of people inside the tower and ensure safety.
Not everyone can or wants to climb the tower. Access is restricted for young children, and the climb is less suitable for people with mobility issues or a fear of heights. In that case, it’s good to know that there is still plenty to see on the square and in the surrounding buildings even without climbing the tower.
How much time do you need for a visit?
You usually don’t need to set aside a full day to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Most visitors spend around one to two hours here, depending on what you want to see and do.
If you only visit the square and take photos by the tower, you’ll often be done within half an hour. If you also want to explore the cathedral, the baptistery, or the Camposanto, the visit can easily take longer. These buildings are close together, making them easy to combine without losing much extra time.
If you plan to climb the tower, keep in mind that entry is scheduled in fixed time slots. The climb itself doesn’t take long, but you should allow extra time for waiting until you’re allowed to enter. In that case, it’s wise to plan a bit more generously.
Pisa is often visited as a day trip, for example from Florence. In that case, it’s helpful to decide in advance how much time you want to spend here, so your visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa fits smoothly into the rest of your day.
What is the best time to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is popular year-round, but the time of day and the season make a big difference in how crowded it is and how much space you have to look around.
Mornings are usually quieter than later in the day. Especially early in the morning, you’ll have more space on the square and it’s easier to take photos without large crowds in the background. The earliest time slots for climbing the tower are often more pleasant as well.
In the afternoon and early evening, it tends to be busier, especially during the high season. Many day-trippers arrive at that time, for example from Florence or other cities in Tuscany. On warm days, it can also get quite hot on the open square.
As for the season, spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable for most visitors. Summer is busier and hotter, while winter is quieter but comes with shorter days and a higher chance of rain. The tower remains a popular attraction even in winter, although the atmosphere is noticeably different.
In short, if you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa early in the day and, if possible, plan your visit outside the high season.
Opening hours of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is open to visitors for most of the year, but opening hours vary by season. During the busier months, such as spring and summer, the tower is open longer than in the winter period.
Because the tower operates with time slots, it’s not possible to enter at just any moment. You visit the tower at the time indicated on your ticket. This applies only to climbing the tower; the square itself is freely accessible and can be visited at any time.
Exact opening hours may change due to:
the season
public holidays
special events
For this reason, it’s wise to always check the current opening hours when booking your tickets or planning your visit. This helps you avoid surprises and ensures that your visit fits well into the rest of your day.
Where is the Leaning Tower of Pisa located?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in the city of Pisa, in the Tuscany region of Italy. The tower stands on Piazza dei Miracoli, a large and easily recognizable square just outside the historic city center.
The square is within walking distance of Pisa’s center and is well signposted. As you get closer, the tower is visible from far away, making it hard to miss. Other famous landmarks, such as the cathedral and the baptistery, are located right next to the tower on the same square.
Thanks to its location, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is easy to combine with a short walk through the city.
How do you get to the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is easy to reach, both from within Pisa and from other cities in Tuscany. Many visitors arrive by train, but the tower is also easy to reach by car or as part of a day trip.
By train
Pisa has a main railway station, Pisa Centrale, with frequent connections from cities such as Florence. From the station, it’s about a 20–25 minute walk to Piazza dei Miracoli. You can also choose to take a bus or a short taxi ride.
By car
If you’re arriving by car, there are parking facilities near the square. Keep in mind that parts of Pisa’s city center are traffic-restricted zones. It’s therefore useful to check in advance where best to park and continue on foot from there.
On foot or by public transport in Pisa
If you’re already in Pisa, the Leaning Tower is easy to reach on foot from the city center. City buses also stop near Piazza dei Miracoli, which can be convenient if you prefer not to walk too far.
Thanks to its good accessibility, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is suitable for both a short visit and a day trip from another city.
Day trip to Pisa from Florence
Many visitors combine a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa with a stay in Florence. The distance between the two cities is relatively short, making Pisa a popular and easy day trip.
By train, you can travel from Florence to Pisa in about an hour. From the station, it’s then around a twenty-minute walk to Piazza dei Miracoli, where the tower is located. This option is especially suitable if you want to travel independently and set your own pace.
There are also organized day trips that include transportation and sometimes additional sights. This can be convenient if you have limited time or prefer to have everything arranged in advance. Keep in mind, however, that organized tours often offer less flexibility and follow a fixed schedule.
Whether a day trip from Florence is the best choice for you depends on your travel plans. For some travelers, Pisa is a short stop of a few hours, while others prefer to spend more time in the city and explore at a more relaxed pace.
If you prefer to have everything arranged in advance, you can opt for an organized day trip from Florence. Via the link below, you’ll find an overview of available day trips, including travel time and what is and isn’t included.
Tickets for the Leaning Tower of Pisa: where is the best place to buy them?
For a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it’s important to know that you can only climb the tower with a ticket. The number of visitors per time slot is limited, which means tickets often sell out quickly.
Buying tickets in advance
If you want to climb the tower, it’s wise to book tickets in advance. This way, you’re sure you can enter at your preferred time and won’t have to wait on site or risk disappointment. This is especially important during spring and summer and during school holidays.
Buying tickets on site
It is sometimes possible to buy tickets on the day itself, but this is not guaranteed. On busy days, available time slots are often fully booked early on. If you’re only in Pisa for a short time, this is a risk to keep in mind.
What’s included?
A tower ticket gives you access to the climb at a fixed time. Visiting the square itself is free. Other buildings on Piazza dei Miracoli, such as the cathedral or the baptistery, require separate tickets or combination tickets.
Where is the best place to buy tickets?
The most reliable option is to purchase tickets through official sales channels or authorized providers. These offer clear information about time slots, conditions, and possible combinations with other attractions. This helps avoid confusion and ensures your visit runs smoothly.
If you want to be sure of a time slot, it’s best to reserve tickets online in advance.
Whether a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is worth it mainly depends on what you expect and how you’ve planned your trip.
I’ve visited the tower several times and have also climbed it on multiple occasions. Most of the time, I visited Pisa as a day trip from Florence by train, but once I visited the tower as part of an organized day tour from Florence.
Pisa is well suited for a short visit: you step off the train, walk toward the square, and soon find yourself face to face with one of Italy’s most famous landmarks.
Even after multiple visits, the tower remains impressive to see. Afterwards, I always take some time to walk around Piazza dei Miracoli and visit the cathedral and the other buildings surrounding the square. This makes the visit more than just a quick photo stop.
I’ve visited Pisa at different times of the day. If you want to look around at a relaxed pace and take photos of the leaning tower, I recommend going early in the day. In the afternoon, it often gets crowded with large groups of day-trippers.
My conclusion: a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is worth it, especially when combined with a day trip from Florence.
My personal tips for visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Finally, I’d like to share a few tips based on my own visits to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Go as early in the day as possible
If you visit in the morning, the square is much quieter. It’s easier to walk around and take photos without groups of people constantly in front of you. Later in the day, it often gets busy quickly, especially due to day-trippers and organized tours.
If you want to climb the tower, arrange your ticket in advance
The climb works with fixed time slots, and a maximum of thirty people are allowed into the tower per slot. This means tickets are limited, and there is a time limit of about half an hour. Especially during the high season, waiting times can increase significantly. If you’re combining Pisa with a day trip, it’s convenient to know in advance exactly when you’ll be able to enter.
Also visit the Cathedral of Pisa
After the tower, I always take some time to visit the Cathedral of Pisa. Construction of the Duomo Santa Maria Assunta began in 1063 and took nearly two hundred years. The interior is impressive, and the cathedral is free to enter.
Visit the Baptistery as well
The Battistero San Giovanni is also worth a visit. With a circumference of 107 meters, it is the largest baptistery in the world. Construction took place between the 12th and 14th centuries. The interior is fairly simple, but from the balcony you have a beautiful view of the cathedral and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
See Pisa as a short stop
For me, Pisa works best as part of a day trip, for example from Florence. If you travel by train, you’ll arrive at Pisa Centrale. From there, walk toward the city center and Piazza dei Miracoli. Train tickets can easily be purchased from the machines at the station.
Frequently asked questions about the Leaning Tower of Pisa
How many steps does the Leaning Tower of Pisa have?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa has 294 steps. The staircase is narrow and runs through the leaning tower, which can make walking feel a bit unusual at times.
Can you climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa with children?
Yes, but children under the age of 8 are not allowed to climb the tower. Older children may climb under adult supervision.
Can you take a bag or backpack into the tower?
Large bags and backpacks are not allowed during the climb. These must be left at the cloakroom near the entrance to the square.
How much does the Leaning Tower of Pisa actually lean?
The tower leans at an angle of about 4 degrees and is clearly tilted. That may not sound like much, but when you’re at the top, the lean is very noticeable.
Is the Leaning Tower of Pisa safe to climb?
Yes. The tower has undergone extensive restoration and is continuously monitored. Since the stabilization works, it has been safe for visitors.
Can you visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa without a ticket?
You can visit the square and the buildings surrounding the tower without a ticket. You always need a ticket to climb the tower.
Edward
Hi, I’m Edward, an experienced city trip enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve visited dozens of cities across Europe and America. On Cities To Travel, I share personal experiences and practical tips to help you plan your next city trip. Have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
Disclaimer: This website contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, I may receive a small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps me continue to maintain Cities To Travel and share up-to-date travel tips.
Last updated: January 22, 2026
Over Cities To travel
Hi, I’m Edward, an experienced city trip enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve visited dozens of cities across Europe and America. On Cities To Travel, I share personal experiences and practical tips to help you plan your next city trip. Have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
Visiting the Tower of Pisa: tips, tickets and practical info
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is without a doubt the most famous landmark in Pisa and is on the itinerary of many travelers during a trip through Tuscany. The tilted bell tower on Piazza dei Miracoli attracts millions of visitors every year, but it also raises practical questions. What is there exactly to see, can you climb the tower, how crowded does it get, and do you need to book tickets in advance?
On this page, you’ll read what to expect when visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I discuss the background and unique features of the tower, provide practical information about accessibility and tickets, and share my own experience and tips to help you prepare for your visit. This way, you can decide for yourself whether—and how—the Leaning Tower of Pisa fits into your trip.
History of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was built as a bell tower for the Cathedral of Pisa and is part of Piazza dei Miracoli. Construction began in 1173, at a time when Pisa was a wealthy and powerful city and wanted to showcase this with grand architectural projects.
Problems arose early in the construction. After a few levels had been built, the tower began to sink at an angle. The ground turned out to be too soft and could not properly support the weight of the tower. As a result, construction was halted several times.
These long pauses had an unexpected positive effect. Because work stopped for extended periods, the soil had time to slowly adapt to the weight of the tower. This ultimately prevented the tower from collapsing.
Over the following centuries, construction continued. Builders attempted to correct the tilt by building the upper levels slightly angled in the opposite direction. This is why the tower today is not only leaning, but also has a subtle curve.
By the end of the twentieth century, the tilt had become so severe that the tower was temporarily closed. Between 1990 and 2001, major restoration work was carried out to stabilize the structure. Since then, it has been safe for visitors once again.
It is precisely this long construction history, the distinctive lean, and the successful restoration that make the Leaning Tower of Pisa so remarkabl
Why is the Leaning Tower of Pisa so special?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is not special because it is particularly tall or old, but because it has been leaning for centuries. This makes the tower unique: nowhere else in the world is there a bell tower that leans so dramatically and is still in use and open to visitors.
The tilt began during construction, caused by the ground being too soft. Instead of demolishing the tower, the builders decided to continue. In hindsight, this turned out to be a fortunate mistake. It is precisely this flaw that made the tower world-famous.
What makes the Leaning Tower of Pisa even more remarkable is that, despite its tilt, it has always remained standing. Over the centuries, several attempts were made to reinforce the tower, culminating in the major restoration project in the 1990s. Thanks to these interventions, the tower is now stable and safe for visitors.
Its location also adds to its significance. The tower stands on Piazza dei Miracoli alongside the cathedral, the baptistery, and the cemetery. Together, these monuments form one of the most important religious and historical sites in Italy.
In short, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is not just a famous symbol, but also an extraordinary example of history, engineering, and perseverance.
What is there to see at the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa does not stand alone, but is part of Piazza dei Miracoli. This large square forms the historical and religious heart of Pisa and is completely car-free. Besides the leaning tower, you’ll find several other important buildings here, all of which together are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Right next to the tower stands the Cathedral of Pisa. This impressive church is richly decorated and forms the centerpiece of the square. The cathedral can be visited for free, but you do need a time slot, which is often combined with a ticket for the tower or one of the other buildings.
Close to the cathedral is the Pisa Baptistery, the largest baptistery in Italy. Its round shape and remarkable acoustics make it one of the most striking buildings on the square.
On the edge of Piazza dei Miracoli you’ll also find the Camposanto Monumentale, a monumental cemetery with covered galleries, frescoes, and Roman sarcophagi. This part is often overlooked, but it offers a peaceful contrast to the crowds around the tower.
Together, these buildings ensure that a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is more than just a quick photo stop. Even if you don’t climb the tower, it’s well worth walking across the square and exploring the other landmarks.
Climbing the tower: what can you expect?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa can be climbed, but it’s different from many other towers. You go up via a narrow spiral staircase with 294 steps. Because the tower is leaning, walking up can feel a bit strange at times. Especially on one side, you may notice that you’re slightly off balance.
During the climb, you pass small openings where you can briefly look outside. Many people use these moments to take a short break and enjoy the view.
At the top, you stand near the bells and have views over Pisa and Piazza dei Miracoli. You won’t stay up there for long: visitors are given a fixed time slot and are asked to head back down after a short while. This is done to limit the number of people inside the tower and ensure safety.
Not everyone can or wants to climb the tower. Access is restricted for young children, and the climb is less suitable for people with mobility issues or a fear of heights. In that case, it’s good to know that there is still plenty to see on the square and in the surrounding buildings even without climbing the tower.
How much time do you need for a visit?
You usually don’t need to set aside a full day to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Most visitors spend around one to two hours here, depending on what you want to see and do.
If you only visit the square and take photos by the tower, you’ll often be done within half an hour. If you also want to explore the cathedral, the baptistery, or the Camposanto, the visit can easily take longer. These buildings are close together, making them easy to combine without losing much extra time.
If you plan to climb the tower, keep in mind that entry is scheduled in fixed time slots. The climb itself doesn’t take long, but you should allow extra time for waiting until you’re allowed to enter. In that case, it’s wise to plan a bit more generously.
Pisa is often visited as a day trip, for example from Florence. In that case, it’s helpful to decide in advance how much time you want to spend here, so your visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa fits smoothly into the rest of your day.
What is the best time to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is popular year-round, but the time of day and the season make a big difference in how crowded it is and how much space you have to look around.
Mornings are usually quieter than later in the day. Especially early in the morning, you’ll have more space on the square and it’s easier to take photos without large crowds in the background. The earliest time slots for climbing the tower are often more pleasant as well.
In the afternoon and early evening, it tends to be busier, especially during the high season. Many day-trippers arrive at that time, for example from Florence or other cities in Tuscany. On warm days, it can also get quite hot on the open square.
As for the season, spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable for most visitors. Summer is busier and hotter, while winter is quieter but comes with shorter days and a higher chance of rain. The tower remains a popular attraction even in winter, although the atmosphere is noticeably different.
In short, if you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa early in the day and, if possible, plan your visit outside the high season.
Opening hours of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
For this reason, it’s wise to always check the current opening hours when booking your tickets or planning your visit. This helps you avoid surprises and ensures that your visit fits well into the rest of your day.
Where is the Leaning Tower of Pisa located?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in the city of Pisa, in the Tuscany region of Italy. The tower stands on Piazza dei Miracoli, a large and easily recognizable square just outside the historic city center.
The square is within walking distance of Pisa’s center and is well signposted. As you get closer, the tower is visible from far away, making it hard to miss. Other famous landmarks, such as the cathedral and the baptistery, are located right next to the tower on the same square.
Thanks to its location, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is easy to combine with a short walk through the city.
How do you get to the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is easy to reach, both from within Pisa and from other cities in Tuscany. Many visitors arrive by train, but the tower is also easy to reach by car or as part of a day trip.
By train
Pisa has a main railway station, Pisa Centrale, with frequent connections from cities such as Florence. From the station, it’s about a 20–25 minute walk to Piazza dei Miracoli. You can also choose to take a bus or a short taxi ride.
By car
If you’re arriving by car, there are parking facilities near the square. Keep in mind that parts of Pisa’s city center are traffic-restricted zones. It’s therefore useful to check in advance where best to park and continue on foot from there.
On foot or by public transport in Pisa
If you’re already in Pisa, the Leaning Tower is easy to reach on foot from the city center. City buses also stop near Piazza dei Miracoli, which can be convenient if you prefer not to walk too far.
Thanks to its good accessibility, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is suitable for both a short visit and a day trip from another city.
Day trip to Pisa from Florence
Many visitors combine a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa with a stay in Florence. The distance between the two cities is relatively short, making Pisa a popular and easy day trip.
By train, you can travel from Florence to Pisa in about an hour. From the station, it’s then around a twenty-minute walk to Piazza dei Miracoli, where the tower is located. This option is especially suitable if you want to travel independently and set your own pace.
There are also organized day trips that include transportation and sometimes additional sights. This can be convenient if you have limited time or prefer to have everything arranged in advance. Keep in mind, however, that organized tours often offer less flexibility and follow a fixed schedule.
Whether a day trip from Florence is the best choice for you depends on your travel plans. For some travelers, Pisa is a short stop of a few hours, while others prefer to spend more time in the city and explore at a more relaxed pace.
If you prefer to have everything arranged in advance, you can opt for an organized day trip from Florence. Via the link below, you’ll find an overview of available day trips, including travel time and what is and isn’t included.
Tickets for the Leaning Tower of Pisa: where is the best place to buy them?
For a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it’s important to know that you can only climb the tower with a ticket. The number of visitors per time slot is limited, which means tickets often sell out quickly.
Buying tickets in advance
If you want to climb the tower, it’s wise to book tickets in advance. This way, you’re sure you can enter at your preferred time and won’t have to wait on site or risk disappointment. This is especially important during spring and summer and during school holidays.
Buying tickets on site
It is sometimes possible to buy tickets on the day itself, but this is not guaranteed. On busy days, available time slots are often fully booked early on. If you’re only in Pisa for a short time, this is a risk to keep in mind.
What’s included?
A tower ticket gives you access to the climb at a fixed time. Visiting the square itself is free. Other buildings on Piazza dei Miracoli, such as the cathedral or the baptistery, require separate tickets or combination tickets.
Where is the best place to buy tickets?
The most reliable option is to purchase tickets through official sales channels or authorized providers. These offer clear information about time slots, conditions, and possible combinations with other attractions. This helps avoid confusion and ensures your visit runs smoothly.
If you want to be sure of a time slot, it’s best to reserve tickets online in advance.
Is a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa worth it?
Whether a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is worth it mainly depends on what you expect and how you’ve planned your trip.
I’ve visited the tower several times and have also climbed it on multiple occasions. Most of the time, I visited Pisa as a day trip from Florence by train, but once I visited the tower as part of an organized day tour from Florence.
Pisa is well suited for a short visit: you step off the train, walk toward the square, and soon find yourself face to face with one of Italy’s most famous landmarks.
Even after multiple visits, the tower remains impressive to see. Afterwards, I always take some time to walk around Piazza dei Miracoli and visit the cathedral and the other buildings surrounding the square. This makes the visit more than just a quick photo stop.
I’ve visited Pisa at different times of the day. If you want to look around at a relaxed pace and take photos of the leaning tower, I recommend going early in the day. In the afternoon, it often gets crowded with large groups of day-trippers.
My conclusion: a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is worth it, especially when combined with a day trip from Florence.
My personal tips for visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Finally, I’d like to share a few tips based on my own visits to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Go as early in the day as possible
If you visit in the morning, the square is much quieter. It’s easier to walk around and take photos without groups of people constantly in front of you. Later in the day, it often gets busy quickly, especially due to day-trippers and organized tours.
If you want to climb the tower, arrange your ticket in advance
The climb works with fixed time slots, and a maximum of thirty people are allowed into the tower per slot. This means tickets are limited, and there is a time limit of about half an hour. Especially during the high season, waiting times can increase significantly. If you’re combining Pisa with a day trip, it’s convenient to know in advance exactly when you’ll be able to enter.
Also visit the Cathedral of Pisa
After the tower, I always take some time to visit the Cathedral of Pisa. Construction of the Duomo Santa Maria Assunta began in 1063 and took nearly two hundred years. The interior is impressive, and the cathedral is free to enter.
Visit the Baptistery as well
The Battistero San Giovanni is also worth a visit. With a circumference of 107 meters, it is the largest baptistery in the world. Construction took place between the 12th and 14th centuries. The interior is fairly simple, but from the balcony you have a beautiful view of the cathedral and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
See Pisa as a short stop
For me, Pisa works best as part of a day trip, for example from Florence. If you travel by train, you’ll arrive at Pisa Centrale. From there, walk toward the city center and Piazza dei Miracoli. Train tickets can easily be purchased from the machines at the station.
Frequently asked questions about the Leaning Tower of Pisa
How many steps does the Leaning Tower of Pisa have?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa has 294 steps. The staircase is narrow and runs through the leaning tower, which can make walking feel a bit unusual at times.
Can you climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa with children?
Yes, but children under the age of 8 are not allowed to climb the tower. Older children may climb under adult supervision.
Can you take a bag or backpack into the tower?
Large bags and backpacks are not allowed during the climb. These must be left at the cloakroom near the entrance to the square.
How much does the Leaning Tower of Pisa actually lean?
The tower leans at an angle of about 4 degrees and is clearly tilted. That may not sound like much, but when you’re at the top, the lean is very noticeable.
Is the Leaning Tower of Pisa safe to climb?
Yes. The tower has undergone extensive restoration and is continuously monitored. Since the stabilization works, it has been safe for visitors.
Can you visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa without a ticket?
You can visit the square and the buildings surrounding the tower without a ticket. You always need a ticket to climb the tower.
Edward
Hi, I’m Edward, an experienced city trip enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve visited dozens of cities across Europe and America. On Cities To Travel, I share personal experiences and practical tips to help you plan your next city trip. Have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
These are the most popular tickets and tours for a visit to Pisa
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Last updated: January 22, 2026
Over Cities To travel
Hi, I’m Edward, an experienced city trip enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve visited dozens of cities across Europe and America. On Cities To Travel, I share personal experiences and practical tips to help you plan your next city trip. Have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
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