Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa

How to Make the Most of Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa

You simply cannot visit Pisa, Italy without seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This iconic monument is known around the world and tourists flock to Italy to check it off their travel list. Seeing the tower in person is a breathtaking experience; it’s every bit as magical in person as you think it will be.

There are some key tips to know before planning your visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. We’ll cover all the details below so you can have the best experience while visiting the Leaning Tower. If you have more time here, check out our Pisa Itinerary and other Free Things to do in Pisa!

So how do you make the most of visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Leaning Tower of Pisa Location

The iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in the charming Italian city of Pisa. Along with the Cathedral of Pisa, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is situated in the Piazza del Duomo, about a 20 minute walk from Pisa Centrale, the main train station of Pisa. You can check off several historical sites all in one location if you head over to the Piazza del Duomo.

Can you go inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Yes, you can go inside the Leaning Tower and walk all the way to the top! You do have to purchase tickets, which we recommend getting ahead of time. We found it well worth spending the money on a ticket to climb the stairs to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Be prepared for a workout though, it’s a lot of stairs and it’s a two-way staircase with people going up and down the same narrow staircase.

Leaning Tower of Pisa Tickets

You can see the outside of the Leaning Tower of Pisa for free. It is located in the Piazza del Duomo along with other sites. You have to purchase tickets in order to go inside the Leaning Tower, but it is free to walk around the Piazza del Duomo. We recommend buying tickets ahead of time if you know when you’ll be visiting the tower. You have to choose a time slot for when you want to climb the Leaning Tower, as they only allow a certain number of visitors inside at one time. You can buy tickets for the Leaning Tower of Pisa online or in person, but I personally wouldn’t risk waiting to buy them in person as they do sell out. They do sell tickets that allow you to enter the surrounding buildings as well, such as the Baptistery and the Camposanto.

Bag Check and Luggage

You are not allowed to bring any bags inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa. They do have a free bag check if you’re carrying a purse or day bag. Make sure you check your bag right before your time slot. They won’t let you check it too early; they look at your ticket to see what time you’re scheduled to climb the tower. Remember that you can only check small bags and backpacks. Suitcases and large backpacks will most likely not be checked which means you won’t be able to climb the Leaning Tower if you're bringing these with you.

Lines and Time Slots

You will have to choose a time slot when you purchase your Leaning Tower of Pisa tickets. They only allow a certain number of people inside the tower at one time, so you will be prompted to pick a time that fits your schedule when you buy the tickets online. Each time slot lasts about 30 minutes. Even though you have a predetermined time slot to climb the Leaning Tower, you will still have to wait in a line. I recommend arriving about 10 to 15 minutes prior to your time slot and checking any bags you have with you. The bag check is located next to the souvenir store and the ticket office. Then head over to the line right outside the Leaning Tower. The people waiting in line are all the people who have the same time slot as you. Once it reaches your time slot, they will start letting people in. They do check everyone’s ticket, but thankfully this line moves quickly.

Leaning Tower of Pisa Tour

After buying tickets, heading over to Piazza del Duomo, and waiting in line for your time slot, you can now climb up the Leaning Tower of Pisa! You are given around 30 minutes to explore the tower and admire all the beautiful views at the top. There is one small staircase inside, used both for climbing up and down. So be prepared for tight spaces next to other people. Once you reach the top, you will have an incredible view of the city of Pisa and Tuscany beyond. We found it worth buying tickets to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa just to catch the views from the top. They’re absolutely breathtaking! You can also walk all the way around the top of the tower to get 360° views, including looking over the top of the Cathedral of Pisa and out over the Piazza del Duomo.

Now you’re ready for your visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa! You do not want to miss out on this iconic historical monument when you are traveling in Italy. We hope you enjoy climbing the Leaning Tower and admiring all the incredible views from the top. Don’t forget to look down the center of the tower from the top. This view is not for the faint of heart! If you’re terrified of heights then this might not be the best activity for you, but if you can brave the heights, going to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a very fun adventure!

The rest of Pisa also has so much to offer, so check out our ultimate Pisa Itinerary for a fun day in this charming Italian city. If you’re traveling to Italy on a budget, check out some of the best free things to do in Pisa as well!

Will you be climbing the Leaning Tower? Can you brave the heights? Let us know in the comments! Subscribe below and be the first to learn about our lates travel and camping recommendations!