What you need to know about visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa

If you are planning a trip to the Tuscany region of Italy, then the Leaning Tower of Pisa is definitely on your radar. Whether you are looking for visiting tips, or if you are considering if you should even include it in your itinerary, this guide will answer some of the questions you might have!

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa probably doesn't need further introduction. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, the iconic structure that is known worldwide for its distinctive tilt attracts millions of visitors annually.

Constructed over the course of two centuries, beginning in 1173, the Leaning Tower of Pisa was originally intended to be a freestanding bell tower for the adjacent cathedral. However, due to the soft ground beneath its foundation, the tower began to lean during its construction, resulting in the characteristic tilt that has made it famous.

Despite its unintended lean, the tower's architectural design is a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Standing at approximately 58 meters tall, with a spiral staircase of 251 steps, the tower's white marble facade is adorned with intricately carved columns, arches, and decorative motifs.

Do you have to pay to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

You can actually visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa for free, if all you want to do is to look at it from the outside! Access to the site of the Tower is open to all, so you can stroll around the tower, admire its architecture from outside. And of course, don't forget to snap some fun (or tacky?) photos with the tower!

But, if you want to go into the tower and climb up to the top of the tower, then tickets are required.

It is highly recommended to book a ticket in advance to secure your visit. Tickets are dated and timed, and you will only be able to visit on the time specified. It is important to note that there is a fixed quota of visitors who are allowed in the tower at any one time, so your entire visit in the tower will last only 30 minutes - that includes the time you need to climb up to the top of the tower and back down.

Is it worth climbing up to the top of the tower?

Given you have a limited time visit of 30 minutes which includes the ascend and descend — essentially leaving you with probably just 10 minutes at the top of the tower — you might be wondering if it is worth paying the price to climb to the top of the tower.

Generally, climbing up the tower will give you a few things:

• The sensation of being in an inclined tower — you can feel the slant in the tower
• A magnificent view of Pisa from the top of the tower; and
• Bragging rights

The experience and views are great, but tickets are not cheap. There are generally varied reviews about whether the experience is worth the price. Ultimately, it depends on how much you value that experience.

But, well, to get to the Tower of Pisa, chances are you are doing a day trip from Florence. And if you have already travelled out that far, why not just complete your visit to the top of the tower!

How much are the tickets?

Tickets are available from 20 EUR, and you can purchase them from the official website.

Each ticket also comes with entrance to the Cathedral, or you could choose to get a ticket for a complete visit to the other attractions around the tower for 27 EUR.

Reduced price tickets are not available for the Tower.

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

In the early morning, if you wish to avoid the crowds.

If you are planning to climb up the Tower, it is also recommended to choose a slot in the morning. But, take note that you cannot be late for your reserved slot — if you are late, you will not be allowed entry. So choose a timing that you are confident that you will not be late for.

There are also a few other museums around the tower, but aside from that, there isn't much to do around the area. The museum's aren't as impressive as the other museums in the region, but you could consider visiting them after your visit to the Tower. And in case you choose not to, visiting the Tower in the early morning also frees up the rest of your day to do other things.

How far in advance should I buy tickets?

Tickets can be purchased up to 90 days in advance. During the off-season, you might not need to buy your tickets that far in advance; but it is recommended to buy it early if you are visiting during the peak summer seasons.

It is important to note that once you have purchased your tickets from the official site, you cannot change your dates, though you will be able to change your time slots up to 2 hours before the chosen time. You will also be able to cancel your entire order up to 2 hours before your scheduled visit.

Do I need to get skip-the-line tickets?

Well, you might also have seen skip-the-line tickets that are offered on some OTAs.

They are often priced slightly higher than the tickets that are available on the official website, and are marketed as 'skip-the-line'.

Truth is, these tickets don't differ much from tickets that you buy online through the official website. If you had pre-purchased your tickets online in advance via the official website, you don't have to queue at the ticketing offices either. So, if you are buying your tickets in advance, getting it directly from the website would probably be the cheapest for you.

That said, in the event where you are not able to secure tickets on the official site, getting a ticket from one of the OTAs is probably a much better option than to get them on-site. We've had a look through the various OTAs, and GetYourGuide has some of the lowest prices with tickets available from 24.60 EUR.