The Leaning Tower is the reason most people come to Pisa, and it does not disappoint. Begun in 1173 as the bell tower of the cathedral, it started to sink into the soft ground after only three storeys were built, and the builders spent the next two centuries adjusting each new level to compensate, which is why the tower has a slight banana curve. Long engineering works around the turn of the millennium reduced the tilt and made it safe to climb again, and visits are now carefully managed. Entry is by timed slot, groups are small, and you climb a narrow spiral staircase of about 250 worn marble steps inside the walls, feeling the lean shift under your feet, to the bell chamber and the open terrace at the top. The view takes in the Cathedral roof, the Baptistery dome, the red roofs of Pisa and, on a clear day, the Apuan Alps.
How it works: tickets are sold for a specific time slot and numbers inside the tower are limited, so book ahead, especially for weekends and school holidays. The Tiqets ticket linked here is sold on behalf of the Opera della Primaziale Pisana, the body that runs the square, and includes entry to the Cathedral. You can add the Baptistery, the Camposanto and the museums at checkout. The ticket is non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled, so choose your slot with care, and be at the meeting point about twenty minutes before your time. In November 2026 the tower is open from 9:00 to 18:00, with last entry half an hour before closing.
Rules to know: children under eight are not allowed to climb, and older children must be with an adult. Every bag, including small handbags, has to be left in the free cloakroom before you go up, so keep your phone or camera in a pocket. The tower is not accessible to wheelchair users, although the other monuments in the square are.
Making the most of it: the first slots of the morning and the last ones of the afternoon are the calmest, and winter light is soft and golden in late afternoon. Take your joke photo holding up the tower on the lawn before or after, then walk into the Cathedral, which your ticket covers. If you want the full story of the lean and the rescue, pick the guided tour instead.
What to expect
The experience
A timed, self-guided climb up a narrow spiral staircase inside the tower to the bell chamber and the top terrace, with Cathedral entry included in the ticket.
Best time
The first slot of the morning or a late-afternoon slot, when the square is calmer and the low winter sun lights the marble.
How long
Allow about half an hour for the climb itself, plus time for the cloakroom and the Cathedral visit included in your ticket.
Tips
Book your slot several days ahead, arrive twenty minutes early, leave every bag in the free cloakroom and wear shoes with grip for the worn marble steps.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Every first-time visitor to Pisa, and anyone who wants to feel the famous lean for themselves rather than just photograph it.
- Families
- Children aged eight and over usually love the tilting climb, but under-eights are not admitted, so plan an alternative for younger ones.
- Couples
- Reaching the breezy top terrace together and looking over the Cathedral roofs is a memorable shared moment, especially in late afternoon light.
- Pair with
- The Cathedral, included in your ticket, then the Baptistery and the Camposanto across the lawn.
- Time needed
- Plan on about two hours for the tower and the Cathedral together, including queues and the cloakroom.
Good questions
Do I need to book Leaning Tower tickets in advance?+
Yes, it is strongly recommended because climbs are by timed slot and numbers are limited. Weekend and holiday slots can sell out days ahead.
Is there an age limit for climbing the Leaning Tower?+
Children under eight are not allowed to climb. Children and teenagers under eighteen must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I take a bag up the Leaning Tower?+
No, all bags, including small handbags, must be left in the free cloakroom before the climb. Keep your phone or camera in a pocket.
How many steps are there in the Leaning Tower?+
There are roughly 250 marble steps on a narrow spiral staircase. The climb is steady rather than hard, but it is not suitable for people with mobility problems.
Does the Leaning Tower ticket include the Cathedral?+
Yes, this ticket includes entry to the Cathedral as well as the timed climb. The Baptistery, Camposanto and museums can be added when you book.