Just a note: it is very easy to do Pisa in one day, maybe even half a day if you’re trying to split up your time between other Italian cities. It’s only a 50 minute train ride from Florence, usually less than 10 euro but it’s easily doable in a day. The reality is, there is very little to see in Pisa aside from the tower. That’s not to say seeing the tower or climbing up it if you’re brave enough aren’t worth it, I just wouldn’t put it very high up on the list of Italian cities to see if you’re there for a short amount of time.
Sights & Activities
LEANING TOWER: This infamous tour is the postcard of Pisa and a major landmark for Italy in general. It’s definitely a tourist-filled spot but getting that photo is a must if you’re there! It’s so entertaining to watch everyone just holding up their hands in the air, pretending it’s on their back, or kicking it over. For 18 euros, you can climb up to the top if you’re feeling extra adventurous. Don’t worry, it’s only 300 steps (not nearly as many stairs as the Duomo) but the view is incredible. Something I wasn’t expecting though was to feel myself being pulled forward and backward was as you climb up because the tower is really leaning that much (4.47 meters off of where it should be currently!). When you stand close to the tower, it’s really incredible to see just how much it leans but don’t let that stop you!
To buy tickets: you can buy them online here choosing the date of the visit. You can also buy them once you get there like we did, you’re just not guaranteed a spot (only 40 people are allowed in the tower at a time) and have to wait in line for a bit.
*Let me just say, standing still enough balancing on those spheres right in front of the fence is a lot harder than it looks! Some advice for getting that photo holding up the tower just right: instead of the photographer saying “move your hand an inch to the left, or flatten out your hand a little, have the person taking the photo move the camera instead. The odds of getting a photo with your hand lined up perfectly are much higher when the photographer moves than when you do because they can see what the camera sees! It’s one of those tricks that makes a ton of sense but nobody ever really thinks of.
**Also, one of the two times I went I got yelled at because they frown upon people jumping over the fence onto the grass (unsure why because I’ve definitely seen photos of people standing on the lawn holding up their hands but maybe it’s certain times of the day). My friend and I jumped over really quickly, for not more than 30 seconds and a guard started whistling at us to get off – just like the scene in Princess Diaries where they start screaming at Mia to get off the grass in 10 different languages…so try to avoid that if you can.
Best Kept Secrets
PISA CATHEDRAL: After you get the perfect shot with the tower, I’d highly recommend going inside the Pisa Cathedral (or the Baptistry next to it) if you have time. Construction on this incredible church began in 1063 and was completed in 1092. The outside is so ornate and the inside is just breathtaking – definitely a hidden gem. Everyone focuses on the tower but if we hadn’t followed the people in front of us, we would have never gone inside this beautiful church.
Good to Know
Pisa is a great central place in terms of transportation. Whether you’re traveling to or from Rome, Florence, or any other major city, be sure to check with trains and planes flying out of Pisa. Often times the rates are cheaper so if you can plan accordingly (accounting for the time it takes to get to Pisa from your city), it may end up saving you some money if you’re looking for more options!