Leaning Tower of Pisa

The basics

Due to the Leaning Tower of Pisa's global renown and unstable subsoil, tickets to the 12th-century tower are strictly limited and visits are timed; booking in advance is a must, and skip-the-line tickets are highly recommended.

All Pisa walking tours cover the Leaning Tower and often include other sites in Piazza dei Miracoli—including the sublime white-marble Pisa Baptistry, Duomo, and Sinopie Museum)—and Knights' Square (Piazza dei Cavalieri). Day trips to Pisa generally depart from Florence or Rome; travelers short on time can combine a visit to Pisa with whistle-stop tours of Lucca, Siena, and San Gimignano, all of which travel through the serene Tuscan countryside.

Things to know before you go

• Book skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid disappointment and dodge the long lines at the on-site ticket office.

• Opt for a private tour of Pisa, Tuscany, or the Cinque Terre to travel with a tour guide who will customize your itinerary.

• Children under the age of 8 are not permitted to ascend the tower.

• The Leaning Tower of Pisa is not accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

How to get there

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located on the Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square), also known as the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) in Pisa, Italy. From Pisa Centrale train station, take the bus to the tower. From Florence, trains depart for Pisa about every 30 minutes and take 1 hour. From Rome, take a direct train to Florence and connect to Pisa.

When to get there

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is open daily from morning to evening, though exact hours differ from month to month. If visiting in June, expect large crowds and festive euphoria in equal measure—La Luminara di San Ranieri celebrations take place on June 16, illuminating the city with thousands of candles and fireworks.

What to do in Pisa

While the tilted tower is undeniably the city of Pisa's most well-known attraction, the Tuscan cultural capital has plenty to offer curious visitors exploring on their own or with a guided tour. Stop by the Romanesque Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral; visit the beautiful and well-curated Cathedral Museum; and don't miss the lush Orto Botanico, supposedly the first university botanical garden in Europe.

Do I need a ticket for the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Yes, you need a Leaning Tower of Pisa ticket to enter or climb the bell tower. However, you can see the tower and capture comedy selfies from the Piazza dei Miracoli, a grassy square that’s free for everyone to enter, so many travelers visit Pisa without buying a ticket for the tower.

Can you walk around the Leaning Tower of Pisa for free?

Yes. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is situated in a public space accessible for all to enjoy without reservations or tickets. However, if you want to enter the tower, you’ll need to book a slot: timed tickets sell out fast, so book ahead. Alternatively, join a Leaning Tower of Pisa tour that includes admission.

Can you go in the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Yes. You’ll need to buy a ticket combo with a time slot for Leaning Tower entry. Visits last about 30 minutes, plenty of time for reasonably fit people to climb to the top and back down plus linger at the top of the Leaning Tower to take in the view for a few minutes.

How hard is it to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Reasonably. The Leaning Tower of Pisa stands over 190 feet (58 meters) tall and has over 250 slippery and uneven steps to the top. Children who will be under 8 at the end of the calendar year are not admitted, while people with cardiovascular or mobility issues should avoid the climb.

What is the best time of day to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

The best times to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa are evenings and early mornings when day-trippers are elsewhere. If you want to climb the tower, book the first time slot of the day for a quieter experience or just before sunset to get the best light for photography.

Is the Leaning Tower of Pisa accessible?

No. The Piazza dei Miracoli is wheelchair-accessible, so everyone can see the tower from outside and take photos, and there are wheelchair-friendly entrances to the cathedral, baptistery, and museums. However, travelers who rely on wheelchairs or have mobility issues cannot climb the Leaning Tower's stairs.

Ways to explore

Pisa walking tours generally cover the Leaning Tower and often include other sites in Piazza dei Miracoli and Knights’ Square (Piazza dei Cavalieri). Day trips to Pisa regularly depart from Florence or Rome; travelers short on time can combine a visit to Pisa with whistle-stop tours of Lucca, Siena, and San Gimignano, all of which travel through the serene Tuscan countryside.

Accessibility

The Leaning Tower is not accessible to wheelchairs or visitors with limited mobility due to its hundreds of steps.

Age limits

The tower is not accessible for children who will not have turned 8 years old by the end of the current year.

What to pack

ID to verify your age, headphones if you don’t want to use the disposable ones for audio tours

What to wear

There is no strict dress code to enter the Leaning Tower (though you should opt for comfortable shoes to tackle the steps), but opt for clothing that covers shoulders and knees if visiting the cathedral and other sacred sites in the Piazza dei Miracoli.

Not allowed

Large bags and backpacks, infants (even if carried in a baby carrier), pets aside from service dogs

Amenities

The tower has a luggage check for large bags, available only for ticket-holders. There are also public restrooms and a small gift shop.

Address

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located on the Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square), also known as the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) in Pisa, Italy. Most visitors arrive by train, then continue on to the Leaning Tower on foot or by city bus.

Driving

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is easily accessible from Florence, about 1 hour and 15 minutes via the A11 and A12 highways. From Rome, it’s approximately a 3-hour drive via the A1 and A11 highways. Keep in mind that parking near the tower can be limited and expensive.

Public transportation

To reach the Leaning Tower of Pisa by public transport, take a train to Pisa Centrale Station or Pisa San Rossore Station. The San Rossore station is a short walk from the tower, while buses from the central station run directly to the Piazza dei Miracoli.

Best times to visit

The top of the Leaning Tower affords great views over Pisa, and the clearest panoramas are usually in the early morning or late afternoon. Entrance to the tower is timed and there is a cap on visitors for each time slot, so the stairs and observation deck never get too crowded.

Best days to visit

Since visitor numbers are capped for each entry time, the Leaning Tower is never overrun with crowds. However, weekends and holidays are the most popular times to visit, so booking tickets before they sell out on those days can be a challenge. Plan to climb the tower on a weekday for a better chance of finding availability.

Best months to visit

Tickets to climb the Leaning Tower sell out far in advance during the peak summer months. Visit in the quieter time of year between November and March to find an available time slot and climb to the top for bird’s-eye views.