Leaning Tower of Pisa Review: Is It Worth Visiting?

Hey there, fellow travelers! (●'◡'●)

It's Jinnie here.

Words & Photos © Jinnie

Today, I'm tackling a question that almost every traveler heading to Florence, Italy, debates at least once:

Is the Leaning Tower of Pisa actually worth visiting?

If you're wondering if you should squeeze a Pisa day trip into your Tuscan itinerary,

I've put together an honest review and some essential tips you need to know before you go in 2026.

Let's dive right in!

Location & Basic Info

Name: Leaning Tower of Pisa (Torre di Pisa)

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy

How to get there: About a 20-minute walk from Pisa Centrale station, or you can catch the local bus (LAM Rossa).

Open daily (Operating hours vary by season, so definitely check Google Maps before you go!)

Location: The free-standing bell tower of the Cathedral of Pisa, located within the Piazza del Duomo (Square of Miracles).

Height: Approximately 183 to 186 feet (55.86m to 56.67m) with 297 steps to the top observatory.

Tilt: Roughly 3.97 to 4 degrees. The lean is all thanks to the soft, unstable subsoil on one side!

The World's Most Famous Construction Fail & Romanesque Masterpiece

Construction took nearly 200 years (from 1173 to 1372). To compensate for the tilt, engineers built subsequent floors with one side taller than the other, giving the tower a slightly curved, banana-like shape if you look closely.

It's also famously known as the spot where Galileo Galilei supposedly conducted his gravity experiments, making it an absolute bucket-list landmark in Italy.

First Impressions & Atmosphere

After walking all the way from the train station and finally catching sight of the tower, my very first thought was:

"Wow, is this really it? Did I come all this way just for this one tower?"

Even though the beautiful Pisa Cathedral sits right next to it,

I was so focused on the tower that everything else kind of faded into the background.

It was basically just the tower and a sea of tourists striking hilarious poses!

Of course, I couldn't resist joining in and snapping a few classic forced-perspective photos myself.

Ticket Prices (Official Website Rates)

Tower Only (Tower + Cathedral): €20 (~$22 USD)

All-Inclusive Ticket (Full Square Access): €27 (~$30 USD)

If you want to climb all the way to the top observatory, you'll need to tackle those 297 narrow, winding steps.

If you're planning to make the climb, make sure to read these essential tips first!

👍 Jinnie's Essential Pisa Tips!

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1. Book Your Tickets in Advance

The tower operates on a strict timed-entry system. Booking ahead essentially acts as a fast-track pass, and tickets regularly sell out on-site during peak season!

2. No Bags or Backpacks Allowed

The staircases inside are incredibly narrow, so you cannot bring any bags up. You'll need to drop them off at the free luggage storage office before climbing.

3. Age Restrictions apply

For safety reasons, children under 8 years old are not permitted to climb the tower.

4. You Don't Actually Have to Climb

If your main goal is getting those iconic Instagram photos, hanging out in the square and taking pictures from the lawn is more than enough to satisfy!

5. Arrive Early in the Morning

If you aren't climbing, you'll still want to arrive early to beat the massive crowds. I got there around 8:30 AM, and it was already starting to fill up. For crowd-free photos, aim to arrive right at sunrise!

My Honest Verdict & Review

Vibe & Cleanliness: ★★★★☆

Sights & Fun Factor: ★★★☆☆

Would I Go Back? Once is definitely enough!

I spent a lot of time debating whether to add Pisa to my itinerary. I kept going back and forth: should I spend a full day in Cinque Terre, or do a combined tour of Pisa and some Florentine museums?

In the end, I have zero regrets. While I probably won't visit again, seeing this world-famous landmark with my own eyes was a memorable and worthwhile experience.

I took the train to get here, and as many travelers know, Italian train delays can be quite common. If you're nervous about navigating the transit system on your own, joining a guided day tour is a much more relaxed and hassle-free option!

[Morning/Afternoon] [Max 6 People] Leaning Tower of Pisa & Michelangelo Square Tour with a Photogenic Guide3ha.in

I hope this quick guide helps you plan your Tuscan adventure! Have an amazing trip! ❤️