Let’s face it – a trip to Italy isn’t complete without an obligatory visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Yes, it’s kind of tacky and very touristy. Yes, there are people making stupid poses where they’re pretending to hold up the tower (guilty!). Yes, there are going to be a ton of souvenir stalls with a selection of crappy tower-shaped fridge magnets. But despite all of that, I think that Pisa is still a bit of fun for two reasons.
First, the tower’s history is comical. The tower started leaning after only two levels were built, where some might argue that those who were building it should have paused and examined the foundational problems (turns out it was swampy) but they kept on going with it anyway, making futile engineering attempts to correct the lean in the upper levels. The tower continued to sink and the result was a banana-shaped mess that took 200 years to complete.
Second, the idea that this visibly tilted tower is still standing today–850 years after construction began–is somewhat impressive (how did it not fall over??). This is why people travel from all around the world to see what can only be described as an amusing construction failure that developed such a reputation that it is now a popular tourist attraction.
Pisa is located not far from the Italian city of Florence, so you can easily make a day trip out to see it. I had the chance to visit this icon as a teen in 2006 (hence the crappy old photos, sorry!) but I still remember it being a highly unusual and interesting place.
Here are all my tips for planning a perfect Pisa day trip from Florence.
Quick summary:
Planning a day trip to Pisa from Florence? This guide covers the basics from how to get there (train, bus, car, or guided tour), to climbing the iconic Leaning Tower and exploring the other must-see sights in the Square of Miracles.
Recommended tours and tickets:
🚌 Pisa Half-Day Guided Tour from Florence – Includes transport, a walking tour of the Square of Miracles, and optional Leaning Tower tickets.
🎟️ Leaning Tower of Pisa Entry Ticket – Climb the 294 steps with a timed ticket – book in advance!
🎫 All-In-One Pisa Attractions Pass – Includes entry to the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery.
🚶 Pisa Walking Tour – Get the full story behind Pisa’s famous landmarks with a local guide.
How to get to Pisa from Florence:
There are a few options including guided tour, train, or driving. To make the most of your day, try to depart Florence early in the morning so that you can make it there before the crowds arrive.
Pisa guided tour
🚌 A guided tour is the easiest way to visit the tower. A half-day Pisa guided tour includes transport to and from Florence – the bus will pick you up from the Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal and drive you to Pisa in around 1-1.5 hours.
On arrival, you’ll get some time to explore as well as a walking tour of the monuments around the Square of Miracles and entrance to the Cathedral. There’s also the optional extra to purchase tickets to go up the Leaning Tower.
Florence to Pisa train
Italy has a fairly extensive rail network, so travelling to Pisa from Florence via train is a convenient option. Tickets can be purchased at the station from ticket machines or the ticket office, or you can book Pisa train tickets online in advance.
To take the train, head to Florence’s main railway station, Santa Maria Novella Station. Trains to Pisa depart around every half hour throughout the day, and take about 1.5 hours to get to Pisa Centrale Station. Remember to validate your tickets before boarding – validation machines are located on the platforms. Insert your ticket into the machine, and it will be stamped with the date and time.
There are also intercity trains that take this same route which are faster at about 50 minutes journey time, though they depart much less frequently, around every 2 hours.
Once you arrive at Pisa Centrale Station, you can either walk to the leaning tower (about 20-25 minutes). If you prefer not to walk, buses and taxis are readily available outside the station. Local buses can take you directly to the Piazza dei Miracoli in about 10 minutes.
Having mobile data is handy here for bus schedules and getting directions while navigating the city streets. If you’re visiting multiple countries, I recommend choosing a regional Europe eSIM that covers several destinations, perfect for your Eurotrip.
Florence to Pisa bus
There are a few bus operators including Flixbus and Marino Bus that have a direct bus to Pisa from Florence. Just double check that the end destination is Pisa city and not at the airport – you’ll probably want to choose a bus that drops you off at Pisa, Via delle Fiamme Gialle (Park Pietrasantina), which is just a 20 minute walk from the Leaning Tower. Head over to Omio to search for buses to Pisa.
Driving to Pisa
If you prefer more flexibility, driving is an option. It takes about 1.5 hours to get from Florence to Pisa. You can also drive to Pisa from the cities of Milan, Venice, or Rome in about 3-4 hours.
Be aware that traffic can change the driving time, and parking in the city center of Pisa can be challenging, so you may have to walk to the main attractions from a parking lot outside of the downtown area.
Leaning Tower of Pisa tickets:
You don’t need to buy tickets for wandering around the base of the Leaning Tower or around the Square of Miracles – this area is free to the public.
Climbing the 294 spiral steps to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a fun activity, so many visitors will choose to purchase a tower ticket.
🎟️ There are limited numbers allowed in the tower at any one time, so it’s recommended that you book your tickets in advance. When booking online, you’ll be required to select a specific time slot for your climb.
The entire experience, including the climb and time spent at the top, typically takes about 30-45 minutes. Large bags, backpacks, and bulky items are not allowed inside the tower, but there is a free bag storage facility at the entrance where you can leave your belongings.
Please note that the tower climb involves a tilted floor (duh!) and some worn, uneven surfaces on the steps, so if you or someone you’re travelling with isn’t steady on their feet, it might be best to sit this one out.
🎫 If you would like tower tickets and also want entrance into the Cathedral and Baptistery, you can choose a Pisa all attractions pass that includes all three options.
Buying tickets onsite
It’s possible to buy tickets onsite at the ticket office located near the tower (in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo), however, onsite tickets are subject to availability so if you arrive when it’s busy, there is a risk that the tickets for your preferred time slot may be sold out. If you decide to purchase tickets onsite, it’s best to arrive early in the morning to increase your chances of getting a time slot that fits your schedule.
Other things to do in Pisa:
Most of the main sights in Pisa are located in the Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is situated right beside the Leaning Tower.
🚶 If you want, you can book a Pisa guided walking tour where a guide will give you a commentary on the important monuments in this area, as well as entrance to the Cathedral and Baptistery.
Square of Miracles attractions:
Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa) – Next to the Leaning Tower is Pisa Cathedral. This Romanesque masterpiece, which features a stunning marble facade, is filled with beautiful frescoes, a pulpit by Giovanni Pisano, and impressive mosaics.
The Baptistery – The round, domed Baptistery of St. John is an architectural gem in the Campo dei Miracoli and is the largest baptistery in Italy. Be sure to step inside to experience a live demonstration of the building’s echoing acoustics, which create a hauntingly beautiful sound.
Camposanto Monumentale – This historical cemetery is often overlooked by tourists but is well worth a visit. The Camposanto is said to contain soil brought back from Golgotha during the Crusades, and its cloisters house stunning frescoes.
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