Thinking about visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa while you’re in Florence? Keep scrolling to check out my honest opinion about exploring the Leaning Tower of Pisa with kids from my last trip to Italy!
This review of whether or not it’s worth visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa with kids was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Do you have the Leaning Tower of Pisa on your Italy bucket list?
We’ve been to Italy many times, but we had never stopped in Pisa, even when we were in Tuscany. So when my kids asked if we could go see it while we were on our way back from Cinque Terre, we figured why not?
This blog post is an honest opinion about whether or not it’s worth visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa with kids. We didn’t do any research until we hopped on the train to Pisa from Cinque Terre.
Keep scrolling to see if we regretted this stop or if it was a family favorite!
Don’t have time to read a bunch of Florence blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Florence with kids.
Popular Florence Tours/Activities
- Florence Golf Cart Tour (easy way to see the highlights while resting your legs)
- Uffizi Gallery Kid-Friendly Treasure Hunt Tour (includes skip-the-line tickets)
- Family-Friendly Private Tour (there are games and treats)
- Flytographer photo shoot (they are easy to book are really affordable)
Kid-Friendly Florence Hotels
- Hotel La Scaletta Al Ponte Vecchio (great location with family rooms, free WiFi, and A/C)
- The FRAME Hotel (great location with family rooms, free WiFi, and A/C)
- Hotel Accademia (lots of family rooms, free breakfast, free WiFi, and A/C)
- Il Perseo (it has family rooms, free WiFi, and A/C)
- Golden Tower Hotel & Spa (it’s near the Uffizi Gallery and offers free breakfast, WiFi, and A/C)
Where is the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in the city of Pisa, in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is situated in the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), near the Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery.
Pisa is about 53 miles west of Florence and it’s easy to get to Pisa from Florence by train.
How to Get to the Leaning Tower of Pisa from the Pisa Centrale Train Station
Walking
If you’d like to walk to the Leaning Tower of Pisa from the train station, it takes about 20 minutes.
We didn’t see any signs near the train station, but once we started walking the right way (thanks GPS), we saw brown street signs that made it clear where to go.
Once you cross the bridge, it’s very simple to get to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Bus
Another option is to take the bus. To get to the Leaning Tower of Pisa from Pisa Centrale train station by bus, you can take the LAM Rossa (LAM Red) bus line, which has a stop at Pisa Centrale and goes directly to the Leaning Tower area, stopping near Piazza dei Miracoli.
The bus ride takes about 10 minutes and buses are usually frequent.
Taxi
To get to the Leaning Tower of Pisa from Pisa Centrale train station by taxi, you can find a taxi stand just outside the train station.
Hop into a taxi and tell the driver you want to go to the Leaning Tower of Pisa or Piazza dei Miracoli. The drive is relatively short, typically taking around 10 minutes depending on traffic.
Keep in mind that taking a taxi will be more expensive than using public transportation. You’ll also need to call the taxi number and walk over to an area where they can pick you up to return back to the train station.
Can I Take a Day Tour to the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
If you’re not sure that you want to take the train by yourself and navigate to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, there’s always an option to join a tour.
Here are a few kid-friendly tours of the Leaning Tower of Pisa you might want to consider if you’re staying in Florence.
I want to highlight that some of these Pisa tours are for kids who are at least 8 years old because they include Pisa tower tickets.
Day Trip Pisa, Siena & San Gimignano
This is a 12-hour tour that hits the highlights of Tuscany. This includes Piazza del Campo, where the Palio di Siena horse race is run, a traditional Tuscan countryside lunch, and the medieval town of San Gimignano.
Finally, you’ll continue to Pisa and visit its stunning Piazza dei Miracoli. You can check out the Baptistery, the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and, of course, the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. This does NOT include tickets to climb the tower. Check the latest rates and availability.
Pisa Day Tour with Leaning Tower of Pisa
This is a 6-hour tour for kids ages 8 and older that just focuses on the town of Pisa. You’ll get a guided tour of the Cathedral and an opportunity to explore the Baptistery and graveyard.
Then, you’ll climb up to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Check the latest rates and availability.
Pisa and Cinque Terre Full-Day Tour
This is a cool tour that does a 2-hour stop in Pisa where you can explore Pisa on your own. Pisa Tower tickets aren’t included so you can decide whether or not you want to climb. This is for all ages and it includes train tickets.
You hop back on the train and explore a few towns in Cinque Terre before heading back to Florence. Check the latest rates and availability.
What is the Best Way to Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
We first tried to take a taxi to get there because we were all a bit wiped and we figured it would be the fastest way to get there. However, we waited about 10 minutes in line and no taxis showed up, so we moved on to Plan B.
Personally, I thought it wasn’t too difficult to take the train and walk to the Leaning Tower of Pisa from the Pisa Centrale train station with my 9-year-old.
However, my 6-year-old was already pretty tired from spending most of the day in Cinque Terre, so my husband took him on the bus to get there. They ended up arriving a few minutes before us.
So, I’d say if you are visiting with younger kids, take the bus. Otherwise, you’ll see tons of people walking and it’s not hard to follow along.
Is the Leaning Tower of Pisa Free?
So, it’s totally free if you just want to go there and take photos of the outside of the Pisa Tower. Or if you just want to see it. There is no admission fee to enter the area to do your photo op.
But, if you want to go INSIDE the Pisa bell tower, you’ll need a tower ticket.
How to Get Leaning Tower of Pisa Tickets
I admit, I wasn’t sure what to say when my 9-year-old asked if people could climb up the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I didn’t do any prior research since this was a spur-of-the-moment trip.
So, he was giddy when he looked at the top of the tower and saw people up there!
As soon as my 9-year-old and I heard there was an option to climb the stairs, we immediately went to see if we could get tickets. Kids must be at least 8 years old to do the Leaning Tower of Pisa climb.
We visited at 7:45 p.m. in mid-June and we were able to walk right up to the ticket office and buy timed Pisa entry tickets for 8:00 p.m. I think this might be unusual during the summer months.
My understanding is that there can often be a long wait if you buy your tickets there. That’s because only 45 people are allowed for each time slot.
So, one way to avoid this is to buy skip-the-line tickets. If this had been a part of our original Florence itinerary, this is exactly what we would have done.
What’s it Like Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa
We brought our timed ticket right to the tower entrance and a security person told my 9-year-old he “wasn’t a threat” and waved him past. But she wanded me to make sure I wasn’t bringing anything.
When we got inside, we went right to the middle so we could look up and see just how tall it is. Then, we headed over to the spiral staircase and started climbing.
It’s a HIKE! But, thankfully, there are open windows along the way and places to pull off and rest while others pass you. We took advantage of these about half of the time.
The stairs can get pretty slick and they have been so worn down in the center from all the tourists that there are major indents on the steps.
When you get up near the top, there is a huge open-air balcony that goes around. You can get epic views of the Pisa Baptistery,
As you walk around, you’ll notice a tiny spiral staircase that allows you to go up to the Bell Tower area. This was seriously cool and we really felt like we conquered the Leaning Tower of Pisa at this point!
It took us about 15 minutes to climb to the very top and back down again.
Tips for Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa with Kids
Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa with kids can be a memorable family experience. Both my kids keep telling me it was a highlight of our trip to Italy.
Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:
Book Tickets in Advance
To avoid long lines, especially during peak seasons, book your tickets online in advance. We really lucked out because we went so late in the day. We would have been heartbroken otherwise.
Plan Your Timing
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat, especially if you’re traveling with kids during summer.
We arrived around 7:30 p.m. and stayed for an hour and the weather was perfect. Plus, it didn’t feel super crowded (but still a bit crowded).
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes as there is a fair amount of walking involved from the Pisa train station. Climbing the Tower of Pisa requires navigating narrow and winding stairs.
We noticed that the stairs were worn down in the middle so they were really uneven and slippery. We wore flat sandals. I can’t imagine wearing any sort of heel.
Age Restrictions
Keep in mind that children under the age of 8 are not allowed to climb the Tower of Pisa. Kids between 8 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
It’s up to you if you want to take turns watching younger kids while you climb. We didn’t really have enough time to do this and my husband was awfully tired from carrying our 6-year-old around.
Store Your Bags
You can’t bring any bags with you inside the tower. Thankfully, there’s a place to store bags right by where you buy tower tickets. Take advantage of this!
Stay Hydrated
Bring water bottles, as exploring the area and climbing the tower can be tiring, especially for kids. My husband and youngest son actually went to buy water bottles while we climbed so we could immediately rehydrate.
Explain the History
Before visiting, explain the history and significance of the Leaning Tower to the kids to make the visit more engaging and educational.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is historically significant as a remarkable architectural achievement of medieval Europe, and its unintended tilt became a symbol of both human ingenuity and the challenges of engineering.
Photo Fun
Have fun taking creative pictures with the Leaning Tower. Kids usually enjoy posing for the classic “holding up the tower” shot.
Yes, these are super cheesy. But, that doesn’t mean they aren’t also fun!
Explore the Surroundings
Besides the tower, don’t forget to check out the Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the nearby museum. Some kids find the echo inside the Baptistery particularly amusing.
Use Restrooms Before Climbing
There are no restrooms in the tower, so make sure the kids use the facilities in the piazza before climbing. You definitely don’t want a potty emergency anywhere in the tower!
Did My Kids Enjoy the Pisa Leaning Tower?
Both kids LOVED their Leaning Tower of Pisa experience. My 6-year-old thought it was fun to pose with photos and debate whether or not the tower was actually leaning. Spoiler: it DOES lean!
My 9-year-old thought it was seriously cool to do the Pisa Tower climb to the top and I’m pretty sure he’s going to brag about that experience for all the years to come.
They thought it was totally worth the train ride and they seemed to like it even more than going all the way to Cinque Terre. They think other kids would like to do this as a Florence day trip.
World Famous Leaning Tower of Pisa FAQs
Can you still go into the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
Yes, visitors can go inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa and climb to the top. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as there is often high demand.
Is the Leaning Tower of Pisa free to visit?
Sort of. There is an admission fee to enter and climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The surrounding area, Piazza dei Miracoli, where the tower is located, is free to enter and walk around, but entering the tower itself requires a ticket.
When is the Leaning Tower of Pisa open?
The opening hours of the Leaning Tower of Pisa may vary throughout the year. Generally, it is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, but during the summer months, it often stays open until 8 PM or later. It’s a good idea to check the official website for the most current information before planning your visit.
What is the best time to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
The best time to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa depends on your preferences. Spring (April to June) and fall (September and October) are generally considered ideal for moderate weather and smaller crowds. Early morning or late afternoon can be great times to avoid mid-day crowds.
How long do you need at the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
If you just want to go to take your photo with the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you just need about an hour. That will give you 20 minutes to walk there, 20 minutes to take photos, and 20 minutes to walk back.
If you plan on climbing up the Tower of Pisa, I’d allow yourself 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Is the Leaning Tower of Pisa a Unesco World Heritage Site?
Yes, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is part of the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The UNESCO designation, made in 1987, includes the tower, the Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery), recognizing their architectural and artistic value.
Will the Tower of Pisa fall over?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa has undergone extensive stabilization work to prevent it from falling. Engineers and conservationists have managed to partially correct the lean and stabilize the foundation.
Is there a restroom at the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
Yes, but it costs 1 euro for adults. Thankfully kids are free!
What are some other things to do in Pisa?
In Pisa, visitors can explore the Piazza dei Miracoli, which includes not only the Leaning Tower but also the stunning Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery.
Additionally, taking a leisurely walk along the Arno River, visiting the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo to see artworks from the cathedral, and trying Tuscan cuisine in local cafés and restaurants are enjoyable activities in Pisa.
Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa with Kids Wrap Up
Taking the family to see the famous leaning tower is a golden opportunity to witness one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
While the tower itself is awe-inspiring, the surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli, with its stunning Duomo di Pisa, is equally captivating for both kids and adults.
Squeeze it into a half-day tour, and you have a recipe for a magical and educational experience that the whole family will treasure.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for that perfect family photo, the famous leaning tower and the gems surrounding it are well worth a visit.
Looking for more Italy travel content? Check out my top Florence travel tips, Rome to Pisa Day Tour: Travel Tips & Itinerary, things to do in Florence with kids, best day trips from Florence, how to plan a day trip to Cinque Terre, how to spend 10 days in Italy with kids, tips for visiting Italy with kids, how to plan a trip to Italy, and where to stay in Florence with kids!
