How to Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa

There were like a bajillion highlights of our first trip to Italy, but our fun time climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa truly sticks out (pun, unfortunately intended).  At the port of Livorno, there are many excursion options.  In the best interest of our kids, we decided to skip Florence and visit Lucca and Pisa.  Okay, it may have been in my best interest as well as I have always wanted to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and take one of those cheesy photos of the kids holding it up.  I was even more excited about it when I learned that you could climb the tower.

You can purchase tickets (18 euros each) to climb the tower through the official website at www.opapisa.it, but be aware that children that have not turned 8 by the end of the year will not be permitted to enter.  Tickets can be ordered a maximum 20 days (GMT) in advance of the date of the visit.  I would recommend setting your alarm because tickets sell out fast! 

There are 251 steps to the top and typically, the visit takes 30 minutes.  The climb is not recommended for those with cardiovascular and muscle disorders and the site cautions that the floor is uneven and slippery.  Bags are not allowed in the tower so make sure you give yourself time to drop them off at the cloakroom.  If the weather looks a little iffy, keep your umbrella with you.  We wish we had because during our descent, it started to storm and then hail!  Luckily, the kids were amazed by the hail and it made the experience more memorable.

This way up!

The view is quite worth it! 

Top view of the Cathedral.

Before the storm.



8 year old for scale.

Goal attained!