We’re sure you’ve seen the photos of this mesmerizing monument in Europe. Yet, seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa Italy in person is a whole different story! Here’s everything you need to know about planning your trip to Pisa, and even how to climb to the top of this iconic building.
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9 Important Tips for Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa Italy
1. Pre-Book Your Tower of Pisa Tickets
The most essential thing to do beforehand is to book your Tower of Pisa tickets. This is even more important if you are visiting on a day trip or have limited time in the city. When you purchase your ticket you will be given a time slot. This is the ONLY time you will be allowed to go inside the tower of Pisa.
Obviously, this is done to protect the structure so there are never too many people visiting it at once. Since the number of slots for each time is limited, the popular ones go first. By booking prior to your arrival, you will have the choice of which time works best with your schedule.
Not to worry though! If you didn’t book your ticket in advance you can head to the official office across the square from the Leaning Tower of Pisa Italy. Just know that sometimes the wait can be hours long! Also, don’t be surprised if there isn’t anything available until much later in the day.
2. More Historic Buildings in Pisa
With the general Leaning Tower of Pisa ticket, you’ll be given entry to the beautiful Cathedral as well. If you plan to visit the Cathedral know there is a dress code. Like many churches in Italy, shoulders are required to be covered here.
To visit the other historic buildings around the Tower of Pisa you’ll need a different ticket. Luckily, you won’t need to reserve a time in advance for these attractions and they’re all located close together. They are also a great way to use your time while you wait to visit the tower! Below are the other amazing historical sites to see in Pisa.
- Museum of the Opera del Duomo
- Camposanto
- Battistero di San Giovanni
- Cathedral of Pisa
- Sinopie Art Museum
3. Tower of Pisa Italy Guided Tour
A great way to experience the historical area of Pisa is with a professional guide. Just walking around you will see numerous groups huddled together learning about the Leaning Tower of Pisa Italy.
Also, remember that Pisa is one of the most popular day trips in the country. There are tours running from Rome, Florence, and other places all around Italy. Definitely think about taking a tour to get the background information while you explore this spectacular site.
→ Book an All Inclusive Guided Tour with Optional Leaning Tower
4. Check Your Bag
So you have your ticket and you’re ready to head up the legendary Tower of Pisa Italy! However, you’ll actually have to check your bag first before making the climb to the top.
Not even a small purse or camera bag is allowed inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa. That means you’ll have to leave your bags at the nearby lockers. Don’t worry though! The lockers are included with your ticket and are located right across from the Pisa Tower.
15 minutes before your selected time slot you should go over to leave your bag. You’re given a key card that you return after your visit to get your belongings back. Obviously, take out anything important that you need (like your camera) before heading to the tower.
5. Line Up for the Tower of Pisa Italy Early
If you’re going to the Leaning Tower of Pisa you might as well do it right! Plan to drop your bag if you have one and immediately get in line for the Pisa Tower. You can start to line up 15 minutes before your entry time.
How it works is that each group is allowed in at their time slot. This means that they can start to line up early and will be let in once most of the prior group has left.
So what’s the benefit of being one of the first in line? Well, the steps are narrow as they wind their way up the tall Tower of Pisa. If you are last in line you’ll be behind everyone making the climb. While there are some points where you can pass, this can be a little frustrating.
6. Understanding the Pisa Tower Climb
There are over 250 steps that wind their way around the tower leading to the viewpoint on top. It’s important to know that there is no elevator in the Leaning Tower of Pisa Italy!
Aren’t sure that you’re able to physically do it or are you uncomfortable in small spaces? Then it might be best to take in the leaning Tower of Pisa from the outside only.
7. The Top of the Tower of Pisa Italy
Take your time to explore the top but know that it will get crowded fast. From the highest point of the Leaning Tower of Pisa you’ll have an unbelievable 360 degree view!
Here you can see everything from the Pisa Cathedral to the square below, and a massive mountain range in the distance. From up here, you’re sure to get some amazing photos of the city.
If you can time it so you’re there for sunset it is truly magical! Yet, any part of the day is sure to be a special sight from the top of this famous monument.
8. Don’t Head Down Too Quickly
Once you take in the views and walk around the circle you might be ready to head down… But wait just a minute! If you head towards the opposite side there will be a gate with an employee standing on the other side.
After a little while, enough people will come down where you can head further up. This higher level not only holds more spectacular views, but you’ll be able to see the Tower of Pisa bells clearly.
9. Strike a Pose With the Leaning Tower of Pisa Italy
Did you even visit Pisa if you leave without a silly photo?? Before or after you climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa, take one of these classic photographs.
It might feel a little silly at first but literally, hundreds of others are doing it at the same time. Have fun posing in wild and funny angles and capture the perfect Pisa photos to remember your trip with.
5 Most Popular Tower of Pisa Poses
- Holding up the tower
- Leaning against the tower
- Eating the tower
- Holding it in an empty ice cream cone
These are just the most popular ones we saw at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. If you have any more you want to share let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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More Italy Tips
- 15 Helpful Travel Tips for Rome Italy: How to Save Money & Time
- Why Every Traveler Will Fall in Love with Cortona Italy
- Castiglione del Lago in Italy: 9 Fun Facts to Know Before You Go!
- 10 Tips for Visiting Tuscany in Italy: How to Plan the Best Holiday
- Fun Tuscany Hike From Montepulciano to Montefollonico Italy
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Italy Travel Planning
Flights: We always check Skyscanner and Kayak to search for cheap flights. That’s how we got from Rome to Venice for under $30 USD!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to explore when traveling. Consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another for an epic Italian road trip!
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities around the world. Book a Florence winery tour, Capri Boat trip, or street food tour with a local guide in Rome!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
