The Leaning Tower of Pisa sits just over an hour from Livorno cruise port by train, and it’s one of those rare sights that actually lives up to the hype. Sure, it’s crawling with tourists doing daft poses on the lawn, but standing in front of a 900-year-old building that shouldn’t still be upright is genuinely impressive. The real question is whether you should just snap photos from the grass or fork out to climb the wonky staircase inside.
Getting there is refreshingly simple compared to other Italian port excursions. The train runs frequently, costs less than a fancy coffee back on the ship, and drops you close enough to walk. You’ll need to decide if climbing is worth the extra time and euros, especially if you’re also considering other Tuscan stops like combining Florence and Pisa from Livorno in one day.
Want to know more about your port? Check out our complete Livorno cruise ship port guide for all the essentials.
Getting from Livorno Port to Pisa by Train
The train is hands-down the best way to reach Pisa independently. From the cruise terminal, you’ll need to get to Livorno Centrale station first. Most ships dock at either Porto Mediceo or Porto Nuovo, and both are about 2-3 kilometres from the station. You can walk it in 20-30 minutes if you’re keen, grab a taxi for around 10-15 euros, or catch a local bus.
Once at Livorno Centrale, regional trains to Pisa run every 15-30 minutes throughout the day. The trip takes 15-20 minutes, and tickets cost roughly 2.50-3.50 euros each way. Buy them from the ticket machines in the station or at the Trenitalia counter. Don’t board without a valid ticket – inspectors do check, and fines are steep.
- Train frequency: Every 15-30 minutes during daytime hours
- Travel time: 15-20 minutes to Pisa Centrale
- Cost: Around 2.50-3.50 euros each way
- Validate your ticket: Use the green or yellow machines on the platform before boarding
From Pisa Centrale station to the Leaning Tower, it’s about a 20-minute walk through the city centre. The route is straightforward – exit the station, head north on Via Francesco Crispi, then follow signs for Campo dei Miracoli. Alternatively, the LAM Rossa bus runs from outside the station directly to the tower area for about 1.50 euros. For the walk, comfortable walking shoes for women or walking shoes for men make a huge difference on the cobblestones, and pack some blister prevention if you’re breaking in new footwear.
Climbing the Leaning Tower: Cost and Booking
Climbing the tower costs approximately 18-20 euros per person, and you absolutely must book in advance. Tickets are released online about three months ahead and sell out quickly, especially during cruise season from April through October. Walk-up tickets are occasionally available but rare, and you’ll waste precious port time queuing on the off-chance.
The climb allows timed entry slots, usually in 30-minute intervals. You’re given a specific entry time and must arrive punctually – if you’re late, you forfeit your ticket with no refund. Groups are limited to about 40-50 people at a time to manage the structure’s stability. The whole experience inside takes roughly 30-45 minutes including the climb up and down.
| Ticket Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tower climb only | 18-20 euros | Must book ahead, timed entry |
| Cathedral entry | Free (5 euro booking fee) | Separate ticket required |
| Baptistery or Cemetery | 7 euros each | Can visit without tower ticket |
| Combined ticket | Varies | Usually includes tower plus 1-2 other monuments |
Children under eight aren’t allowed to climb, and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. You’ll need to leave bags in the free lockers provided – only small items like phones and cameras are permitted. No large rucksacks or handbags allowed on the stairs. If you’re carrying belongings from the ship, consider using a compact anti-theft messenger bag that stores easily, or better yet, leave extra items at the Pisa station left-luggage facility.
What the Climb is Actually Like
The tower has 251 steps spiralling up inside a hollow core. The staircase is narrow, worn smooth from millions of feet, and the tilt means you’re constantly leaning at an odd angle. It’s disconcerting at first – your brain knows something isn’t quite right. The steps are uneven, with some measuring just a few centimetres deep where centuries of erosion have taken their toll.
About halfway up, there’s a small chamber where you can catch your breath and peek through the columns at the ground below. The views improve as you climb, with each level offering different perspectives through the tower’s arched windows. The top platform is compact and enclosed by railings. It’s not a huge space, so you’ll be sharing it with your timed-entry group.
- Fitness level: Moderate – the stairs are steep and uneven, but most reasonably fit people manage fine
- Time inside: 30-45 minutes total, including about 15 minutes at the top
- Accessibility: No lift or alternative access – stairs only
- Claustrophobia warning: The stairwell is tight and enclosed
The view from the top stretches across Pisa’s terracotta rooftops, over the Arno River, and on clear days towards the mountains. It’s lovely, but truthfully not dramatically different from photos. The real charm is being inside this medieval oddity and feeling the tilt under your feet. Keep your phone charged for photos with a compact portable charger – the last thing you want is a dead battery at the top.
Photo Strategies That Actually Work
The lawn in front of the tower – Campo dei Miracoli – is where everyone congregates to take those forced-perspective shots. You know the ones: pretending to hold up the tower, push it over, or lean against it. They’re cheesy but oddly compelling, and you’ll probably do one yourself despite rolling your eyes at everyone else.
For the classic holding-up shot, position yourself farther from the tower than feels natural. Your photographer should crouch low and shoot upward to align your hands with the tower’s lean. Late afternoon light works best, and mornings before 10am offer the smallest crowds. Summer brings more people but better weather, so pick your compromise.
- Best photo times: Early morning (8-10am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) for fewer crowds and better light
- Photographer position: Low to the ground, shooting upward
- Your position: Farther back than you think – your photographer will guide you
- Patience required: Expect to wait for gaps in the crowd or accept random strangers in your shot
Inside the tower, photography is allowed but challenging. It’s dim, cramped, and the tilt makes framing shots awkward. The marble columns and worn stairs photograph beautifully in natural light filtering through the arches, but you’ll need steady hands or a high ISO setting. From the top, wide-angle shots capture the piazza layout best, though guard railings often intrude into the frame. Protect your phone from drops with a waterproof phone pouch that also keeps it safe during unpredictable Italian weather.
The cathedral, baptistery, and cemetery alongside the tower often photograph more impressively than the tower itself once you’re up close. The cathedral’s striped marble facade and the baptistery’s perfect circular form make stunning shots, and you’ll have fewer people photobombing.
Is Climbing the Tower Worth It?
Here’s the honest verdict: climbing the tower is worthwhile if you’ve got time to spare and you’re curious about experiencing the tilt from inside. It’s a unique sensation and a proper bucket-list moment. But if you’re tight on time from your cruise or trying to fit Florence and Pisa into one day from Livorno, skip the climb and spend that hour exploring the rest of the piazza or grabbing lunch in Pisa’s less-touristy backstreets.
The view from the top is pleasant but not spectacular. You’re only 56 metres up, so it’s not like climbing a cathedral dome in Florence or Rome. The surrounding monuments – particularly the cathedral – are architecturally more interesting when you examine them closely. The cathedral’s interior is free to enter (though you need a timed ticket) and genuinely stunning, with intricate mosaics, Galileo’s lamp, and soaring columns.
Skip the climb if:
- You’re combining Pisa with Florence in one port day – you won’t have enough time
- You struggle with stairs or tight spaces
- You’re travelling with young children who can’t climb anyway
- You’d rather spend that 20 euros on a proper Tuscan lunch
Do the climb if:
- You’ve got 4-5 hours minimum at the site
- You want the full experience and that Instagram moment from the top
- You’re fascinated by medieval engineering and want to feel the tilt yourself
- You’ve booked ahead and have a confirmed time slot
What Else to See in the Piazza
The Leaning Tower is just one element of the Campo dei Miracoli – the entire piazza is a UNESCO World Heritage site packed with Romanesque architecture. The cathedral (Duomo) next door is free to enter and far more impressive inside than the tower. Its striped marble exterior, intricate bronze doors, and gilded ceiling make it the real star of the square.
The Baptistery opposite the cathedral is the largest in Italy and has remarkable acoustics. Staff sometimes demonstrate the echo effect, and it’s genuinely spine-tingling. The Camposanto Monumentale (monumental cemetery) at the north edge of the piazza houses Roman sarcophagi and medieval frescoes, though it’s less visited and quieter.
- Cathedral (Duomo): Free entry with timed ticket, 5 euro booking fee, stunning interior
- Baptistery: 7 euros, amazing acoustics, climb to the upper gallery for views
- Camposanto: 7 euros, peaceful cloisters and ancient frescoes
- Combined tickets: Available for multiple monuments, usually better value
The grass lawn surrounding the monuments is perfect for a rest after walking from the station. Grab a spot in the shade and just enjoy the architecture. The whole piazza takes 2-3 hours to see properly if you’re visiting multiple buildings, or about an hour if you’re just doing the tower and taking photos. Spring weather can be unpredictable, so having a lightweight rain jacket for women or rain jacket for men stuffed in your bag saves the day when showers roll in.
Timing Your Visit from the Cruise Port
If your ship docks in Livorno around 8am and has an all-aboard time of 5pm or 6pm, you’ve got a comfortable window for Pisa. Budget roughly 5-6 hours total for a relaxed visit including travel time. That breaks down as:
- Port to Livorno Centrale station: 20-30 minutes (walk, bus, or taxi)
- Train to Pisa Centrale: 15-20 minutes
- Walk or bus to tower: 20 minutes
- Time at the piazza: 2-3 hours (including climb if booked)
- Return journey: 1 hour total back to ship
Book your tower climb for mid-morning (10am-11am) or early afternoon (1pm-2pm) to allow comfortable travel time either side. Always build in a buffer – trains occasionally run late, and you don’t want to be sprinting back to the port. Keep essentials organized with travel cable organizers for your phone chargers and a hanging toiletry bag if you’re planning to freshen up before returning to the ship.
If you’re visiting Pisa alongside Florence, you’ll need to be more selective. Most people skip the tower climb and spend about 90 minutes in Pisa for photos and a quick look at the cathedral before heading to Florence. Check our guide on doing Florence and Pisa from Livorno in one day for detailed timing strategies.
Food and Facilities Near the Tower
The immediate area around the piazza is tourist-trap territory. Restaurants and cafes facing the tower charge premium prices for mediocre food. If you’re hungry, walk five minutes away from the main square into the side streets where you’ll find better-value trattorias serving proper Tuscan fare.
There are public toilets inside the ticket office complex (near the bag lockers), which cost about 1 euro. Free water fountains are dotted around the piazza. Souvenir stalls line the edges of the square selling everything from fridge magnets to leather goods – prices are negotiable if you’re keen on haggling. Carry a collapsible water bottle to refill at fountains and save money on overpriced bottled water near the tower.
What to Pack for Your Day Trip
Pisa in spring and autumn can swing between warm sunshine and sudden rain, so layering is key. A lightweight packable jacket for women or men’s packable puffer takes up minimal space but keeps you comfortable when temperatures drop. If you’re visiting in cooler months, a women’s puffer jacket or men’s puffer jacket is essential for early morning train rides.
Keep valuables secure in an anti-theft backpack while exploring crowded tourist areas. A portable charger with built-in cables means one less thing to worry about when your phone battery drains from constant photos. European outlets require a power adapter, so grab one before leaving the ship if you plan to charge devices during lunch breaks.
If you’re carrying purchases or extra layers, shoe bags double as storage for keeping items separated in your daypack. Long days of walking benefit from compression socks that reduce fatigue and swelling, especially helpful when you’re rushing back to make ship departure.
Extend Your Stay in Pisa
Most cruise passengers treat Pisa as a quick half-day stop, but the city has more to offer if you’ve got extra time or fancy spending a night ashore. The historic centre along the Arno River is charming, with medieval streets, vibrant markets, and excellent restaurants where locals actually eat. Borgo Stretto and Piazza dei Cavalieri are lovely areas to explore away from the tower crowds.
Hotels in Pisa range from budget guesthouses to upscale historic properties, many within walking distance of both the tower and the train station. Staying overnight means you can visit the tower at opening time before the crowds arrive, then spend the afternoon exploring Florence or the Tuscan countryside at a relaxed pace. Accommodation near Pisa Centrale station is particularly convenient for train connections back to Livorno the next day, and prices are generally more reasonable than staying in Florence.
The city’s university gives it a lively atmosphere in the evenings, with student bars and restaurants offering good value. If you’re travelling with family or want a more authentic Italian experience beyond the cruise ship schedule, an extra night in Pisa makes the whole region feel less rushed. Pack efficiently with compression packing cubes or a 4-piece packing cube set to maximize space in your hardside carry-on luggage for overnight stays.
Personal Experience
We took the train from Livorno Centrale to Pisa, and honestly, it’s the easiest part of the whole trip – about an hour and pretty affordable at around 8-10 euros. The walk from Pisa Centrale station to the tower takes roughly 20 minutes, or you can grab a bus if you’re not feeling it. Once you’re there, climbing the tower costs about 18-20 euros if you book ahead (which you absolutely should, because spots fill up fast). The climb itself is a bit weird – the tilt makes you feel slightly off-balance, and the stairs are worn smooth from centuries of tourists. My legs were burning by the top, but the view over Pisa’s rooftops is pretty special.
As for photos, forget about getting that classic “holding up the tower” shot without a crowd – everyone’s doing it on the lawn, and you’ll need patience. The trick is to position yourself farther back than you think and have your photographer crouch low. Inside, photography is allowed, but it’s cramped and dim. Worth it? If you’ve got limited time from your cruise, the tower delivers that iconic moment you came for, but the cathedral and baptistery right next to it are actually more impressive up close. The whole piazza is beautiful, and you can do it all in about 3-4 hours total from the port. It’s touristy as anything, but there’s a reason people keep coming back.
Common Questions & FAQ
Can I buy Leaning Tower tickets on the day?
Walk-up tickets are occasionally available but extremely rare, especially during cruise season from spring through autumn. The official ticket office near the tower sometimes releases same-day slots if there are cancellations, but queuing for these wastes valuable port time with no guarantee. Book online at least a few weeks ahead to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.
How long do I need at the Leaning Tower?
Budget 2-3 hours minimum for the whole piazza experience. That includes time for photos on the lawn (15-30 minutes), the tower climb itself if you’ve booked it (30-45 minutes), and a quick look at the cathedral or baptistery (30-60 minutes). If you’re combining with Florence or want to explore Pisa’s city centre, allow 4-5 hours total at the site.
Are there left-luggage facilities at Pisa station?
Yes, Pisa Centrale has left-luggage services (deposito bagagli) inside the station. It costs around 6-8 euros per bag for the day and operates during standard daytime hours. This is handy if you’re carrying cruise day bags or shopping from Livorno and don’t want to haul everything to the tower. The lockers at the tower itself only accept small items, not full-size bags. A luggage scale helps ensure your bags stay within weight limits for any onward travel.
Is the tower area wheelchair accessible?
The piazza and grounds are flat and fully wheelchair accessible, with smooth paths around all the monuments. The cathedral has ramp access and accessible viewing areas inside. However, the tower climb is stairs-only with no lift or alternative access, so wheelchair users can enjoy everything except going up the tower. The baptistery and cemetery have some steps but accessible ground-level viewing.
What if my cruise docks late or leaves early?
Check your ship’s all-aboard time and work backwards. If you’ve got less than 6 hours in port, attempting Pisa independently becomes risky – trains can be delayed, and missing the ship is costly. Consider a ship-organised excursion instead, as the ship will wait if the tour runs late. If you do go independently with tight timing, skip the tower climb and just visit the piazza for photos, which cuts your time by at least an hour.
Can I visit Pisa and Florence in one cruise day?
Yes, but it’s tight and you’ll need to be selective. Most people visit Pisa first for 90 minutes (photos and cathedral, no tower climb), then take the train to Florence for 3-4 hours before returning to Livorno. You won’t see everything in depth, but you’ll hit the highlights in both cities. Our guide on combining Florence and Pisa from Livorno in one day has detailed timing breakdowns and practical tips.
What’s the best time of day to photograph the tower?
Early morning between 8am and 10am offers the best combination of soft light and fewer crowds. Late afternoon from 4pm onwards gives warm golden-hour light, though crowds remain heavy until closing. Summer mornings can be hazy, while autumn and spring often have clearer skies. Avoid midday when harsh overhead sun creates strong shadows and the piazza is at its busiest with tour groups.
Do I need to book the cathedral separately from the tower?
Yes, cathedral entry requires a separate ticket even though it’s free. You book a timed entry slot online for a 5 euro booking fee, or collect a free ticket from the ticket office on the day if available. This system manages crowd flow inside the cathedral. If you’re climbing the tower, book both at the same time and schedule the cathedral visit before or after your tower slot, allowing about 30 minutes inside.
Last Updated: 29 January 2026