Is climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa worth it?

Clive Bilby

Self-employed polymath and student that loves to learn  Updated Sep 3

Is climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa worth it? What should I know before visiting?

Is climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa worth it?

Yes, if you like being at the top of a tower.

No, if being 183ft high up doesn’t do it for you!

What should I know before visiting?

First off, it will be very popular and very busy during peak season. This is what everyone comes for.

Secondly, you need a €20 Euro ticket to climb the tower, which will also provide you with access to the Cathedral. For €27 Euros, you can access everything else on site. Whatever type of ticket you choose to get, entry to the tower of Pisa will be timed; miss your slot, miss your climb.

I highly recommend booking your tickets as far in advance of your arrival as possible. Do not try to do it on the same day, or else you might have to wait hours at best, or be declined as tickets are sold out at worst.

Audio guides are available, in a variety of languages, for the entire site including the tower and the commentary lasts 90 minutes.

When it's your time to go up the Tower of Pisa, there are 251 steps to climb, which are worn unevenly and can be slippery, so ensure you wear appropriate footwear.

Once at the top, there is a view of the surrounding area (it's quite low level and flat) and the bells. The steps and bells are all in a circle around the outsite, leaving the middle a hollow cylinder capped with a glass plate. This is what you see when first going in and looking up, and what you’ll see looking down at the top, when in the centre.

Have a great time!