Leaning Tower of Pisa in a Day
By Gillian Boyd Published 8 July 2026
Everything you need to know to see the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto in just one day.
The 4 main attractions of this UNESCO site are all situated in The Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli). They are beside each other making it a compact site to visit, as you can see in the photo. It is all here in one place so there is no need to visit the rest of Pisa. One day is all you need.
Getting There
Although there is an international airport in the centre of Pisa with direct flights from UK, we were already in Italy and travelled to Pisa from Lucca by train as a day trip.
It is also very easy to visit Pisa by train as a day trip direct from Florence or as a stopover on your way from Florence to Lucca.
There are various options at the train station or nearby for you to leave your luggage in safe storage while you visit the attractions. It is only a 25 minute walk through the town from Pisa Centrale train station to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Pro tip – a ticket to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa includes free locker storage.
Pisa Cathedral, Baptistery and Monumental Cemetery from rooftop of Leaning Tower of Pisa
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Torre Pendente)
Over 5 million people a year visit the Square of Miracles to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa but only around 500,000 climb the tower due to capacity restraints.
Having studied civil engineering, Graham was not going to miss this one and it did not disappoint.
Timed Entry
We booked a 12:00 timed entry to the Leaning Tower at least a month in advance from the official website. It includes free entry to the Cathedral.
Belongings are left in the lockers included with your ticket. Only phones and a bottle of water are permitted. No bags at all. They are very strict. Like many towers, it is not suitable for people with heart conditions.
Feel the Sloping Floor
At the allocated time we are all granted entry to the empty ground floor of the tower. From your first step onto the marble tiles, you feel how much the floor slopes and adjust your body weight accordingly.
In the centre of the room, a metal staff holds a pendulum that indicates how extreme the slope is. Graham was so excited. He grinned like a Cheshire cat as he looked up the hollow centre of the tower.
In single file, we climbed the circular narrow steps, the stone worn down in places from thousands of visitors walking there before us. It made me conscious of my place in history.
Arches and bells on rooftop of Leaning Tower of Pisa
55m High Tower
The tower is only 55m high, but that is still high enough for good views over the city of Pisa and the Cathedral.
We looked out over terracotta roofs, interspersed with dark green trees and the Pisan Hills beyond. We even saw the Pisa stadium and on a clear day you can see the jagged pale peaks of the Apuan Alps.
7 Bells and Arches
The top of the tower is beautiful with elegant arches open to the sky. Somehow it makes me think of Salvador Dali and astronomical instruments.
There are 7 bells, each tuned to a different note of the major scale but ringing was suspended during restoration to avoid vibrations that might worsen the tilt. We enjoyed taking photographs and then descended when ready.
On the way down, I noticed a member of staff tucked into an alcove – her job was to call for medical assistance if needed. Another reminder of why we prioritise our health and fitness so we can still do these things in our 60’s.
Interior of Pisa Cathedral
Pisa Cathedral
A few steps from the Leaning Tower of Pisa is the Cathedral. Like the Duomo in Florence, Pisa Cathedral is an ornate marble building and a symbol of the wealth of the city. For centuries there has been rivalry between Florence and Pisa and it still exists today.
Cool Interior
We walk past the curtain keeping the hot sun out of the cool Cathedral. Inside is just as grand as the outside with marble floors, arches, and frescos.
The interior is a lesson in repeating patterns and complementary colours. Everything is decorated but it is not overwhelming. There is still a calmness.
The domed ceiling behind the altar glows as the sunlight reflects the gold. We take a few moments to sit on a pew and reflect.
Pisa Baptistery
Baptistery of St John
The Baptistery, as you would expect, is much smaller than the Cathedral.
The white marble circular has a domed roof which is highly decorated in arches and statues. It reminds me of a traditional Royal icing wedding cake.
The building is famous for its acoustics but as it was not included in our ticket, so we didn’t go inside, so are unable to confirm or deny this fact.
Monumental Cemetery in Pisa
The Monumental Cemetery
Also known as The Camposanto Monumentale, the Monumental Cemetery is a peaceful, fresco-lined cemetery with centuries of history. It felt like a Gothic church but there was no glass in the windows or pews.
Founded in 1277, it is a quadrangle with a lawn in the centre built on soil brought back from Golgotha during the Crusades and means ‘Holy Field’.
After the bustling crowds, this felt a quiet place to admire the frescos and to contemplate.
Hand pushing the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Take Optical Illusion Photos of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Although not listed as an attraction, it is definitely an activity you will want to do. Take some fun optical illusion photographs with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It’s a unique opportunity to unleash your creativity and demonstrate your photography skills.
Many people, including us, climbed one of the stone bollards of the fence so it looked like we were holding the tower between our fingertips. Others took photos of leaning or pushing against the tower. What would you do? Maybe you could create something else?
Final Thoughts
A single day to Pisa was all that was needed to feel like we had ‘done’ Pisa. Even the engineer in Graham was satisfied with that and we also had time for a late leisurely lunch nearby.
It is such an iconic image that you feel you already know it before you get there. We were very glad that we climbed the tower as it gave us a different perspective on the Leaning Tower. It was surprising to find some quiet, contemplative places among the busy crowds.
Yes, we were like children taking silly photos but that was an integral part of the experience and it was a lot of fun.
We enjoyed the visit and were glad we went.