Things to do in Pisa – including climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa

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Latest update: 20 June 2023

After only 20 attempts I’ve got it: my ultimate leaning Tower of Pisa photo – well, almost. Let’s get you one too, and then climb the Leaning Tower and see what more there is to do in the city. Check the tips.

A few hours to explore Pisa

Pisa in Italy. It is one of those cities that you “tick off” when in Tuscany. Climbing the Tower of Pisa? Check, what’s next? I also visit Pisa that way. I arrive in Pisa early in the morning, and I’m already gone before lunch. I have to see Lucca today. Holidaying is hard work. 😉 So let’s quickly find out what else you can do in Pisa.

Tip 1: Admire the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa

Admire the Square of Miracles: Piazza dei Miracoli. The square is also known as the Piazza del Duomo. Here, you find the cathedral, the baptistery, the monumental cemetery, and the Tower of Pisa. Well-maintained, fenced lawns surround the buildings in the Piazza. That fence is very welcome because that way, you can take a decent picture of all those historic buildings without getting frustrated with the crowd.

Going early in the morning really pays off. The square is the most popular part of Pisa and everyone wants to get a glimpse of the Tower of Pisa. That means not only a lot of tourists but also many street vendors and stalls.

Google Maps location

Coffee tip! Drink your coffee like the Italians do: leaning on the bar at Bar Tiziano. It’s right around the corner from the Leaning Tower of Pisa – and nice and cheap. Google Maps location

Tip 2: Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa was once built to be the bell tower of the huge cathedral next to it. It took 200 years to build the tower. Over the years, the tower became increasingly crooked – hence the name Leaning Tower of Pisa. In the 90s, the Italians stabilized the Tower of Pisa.

In the Piazza dei Miracoli, you have the best view of the Tower of Pisa and you can also photograph it most beautifully. Many people try to do this as creatively as possible by pretending to push it over or capture it like an ice cream. At a stall, I pay a euro for an empty cone and then make several brave attempts.

If you want, you can also climb the Leaning Tower. For this, you have to buy a ticket of € 18 (price in 2020) and choose the time you want to climb the Leaning Tower. There is only limited space, so this is all arranged very strictly. Be careful, you can’t bring your bag inside. You must hand it over (free of charge) next to the box office at the Opera della Primaziale Pisana. Do this well before it is your turn to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa – if you’re late, they will deny you entrance.

Once in the tower, I realize how much the Tower of Pisa actually leans. Due to the intensive use, the marble stairs are hollow and smooth. If you have difficulty walking, climbing the Leaning Tower is not a good idea. Even with a fear of heights, it may not be that smart. I, for one, suffer from it quite a bit during the climb, but even more so when I’m on top of the Leaning Tower. I cling to the wall and hardly dare to stand. The view of the huge duomo is fantastic though. Perhaps even more impressive than the tower itself, but I find it terrifying to be up here.

Google Maps location

How high is the Tower of Pisa?

The Tower of Pisa is 56 meters high.

Where can I buy tickets for the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Buy your tickets online in advance. You can also buy a ticket on arrival at the office, just behind the Leaning Tower. But if you want to climb the tower, it’s better to book a ticket and time slot in advance. You could also buy a combination ticket to combine climbing the Leaning Tower with one or more other sights.

What is the address of the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

The Tower of Pisa’s address is Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI. This is the Google Maps location.

What are the opening hours of the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Normally, the Tower of Pisa, like the buildings around it, is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. But there are always exceptions! Please check the opening hours here.

Tip 3: Visit the huge duomo, for free!

The cathedral in Piazza dei Miracoli is the only building that is free to visit. You can enter from 10 am. This duomo is impressive in size and looks – the marble is gorgeous. The inside of the Duomo Santa Maria Assunta has mainly white and black marble. On the outside, it has mostly white marble. For the best view of the duomo of Pisa, the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is where you need to be. So make sure you climb it!

Google Maps location

Tip 4: Marvel at the baptistry (Battistero)

The baptistery is round on the outside, but inside I discover hexagon shapes. It is the largest baptistery in Italy, and you can go anywhere you like once inside. Through the small windows, you can gaze at the enormous duomo next door.

You pay a fee to visit the Baptistery, Battistero, just like you do for the other monuments. Only the duomo is free. One monument costs € 7, if you visit them all it’s only € 10 in total. Buy your tickets online.

Google Maps location

Tip 5: Stroll through the Camposanto in Pisa

The Camposanto is the monumental cemetery in the Piazza dei Miracoli. It is a very serene place to stroll around. It is an open-air gallery with long, wide corridors. About 600 grave plates are incorporated in the floor. Paintings and frescoes hang on the walls, and many statues are to be admired. You can also see how the bombings of World War II severely damaged the Camposanto and how it was restored.

You have to pay an entrance fee for the Camposanto. You can do this at the ticket office or online in advance.

Google Maps location

If the weather allows you can walk on the city wall of Pisa for € 5. The walk is 3 km long. Or, save a few euros and buy your ticket in advance.

Tip 6: Surround yourself with palaces in the Piazza dei Cavalieri

Around the corner from the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli is the Piazza dei Cavalieri. There is not just one palace on this square – there are several. You are now in the heart of the medieval city. The most striking palace is the Palazzo della Carovana. The palace has a long, slightly curved structure. Nowadays, this is the main building of the University of Pisa.

Google Maps location

Tip 7: Church on the water: Chiesa di Santa Maria Della Spina

The Chiesa di Santa Maria Della Spina church (what a mouthful!) has a super beautiful location next to the river Arno. The small church has all kinds of towers, gables, and niches. The church’s name is thanks to the crown of thorns of Jesus that was kept here – a thorn is spina in Italian. Visiting this church is a quick and easy thing you can do in Pisa. And it’s cute, so it’s worth a few minutes of your time.

Google Maps location

Tip 8: Walk along the Arno river

The Arno flows through Pisa. It is the longest river in Tuscany, it’s about 241 kilometers. Impressive buildings frame this wide river. There are huge villas and palaces to marvel at.

Get even more out of your visit to Pisa – other things to do

Do you have some more time? Then there are other fun things to do in Pisa:

• Take a bike tour in Pisa with Baja Bikes.
• Prefer walking? Then do a walking tour in Pisa.
• Check out Keith Haring’s famous Tuttomondo mural in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
• Go shopping on the Corsa Italia, the main street of the shopping area
• Visit the botanical garden
• Admire fortress Cittadella Vecchia
• Try one of Get Your Guide’s options

How to get to Pisa?

Pisa is easily accessible by train and car. Pisa’s train station is about a 25-minute walk from the Leaning Tower of Pisa. On the way, you immediately pass the mural of Keith Haring and then cross the Arno river. Find train and bus tickets at Omio or bus tickets for longer distances on Busbud.com.

Parking isn’t expensive in Pisa. At this parking lot, I paid € 2 per hour. A great price for a parking space so close to all the sights of Pisa. Speaking of parking and cars, are you still looking for a rental car? I recommend Sunny Cars: all-inclusive, no hassle.

You can also fly to Pisa. Check the flight options on Skyscanner, Kiwi, or Momondo.

First published: June 2020. Updated since!