When visiting Italy, it's hard to miss the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. However, in summer, queues can be long, sometimes making the experience less enjoyable than it should be. If - despite our article on the value of pay to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa- you've decided to take a look inside; move on to an hour in front of the counter in direct sunlight... it's far from pleasant. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you avoid the queue and make the most of your visit.
Book your Skip-the-Line Tickets in advance
To avoid wasting time in a long queue at the ticket office, consider booking your tickets online in advance. By booking online, you'll have direct access to the Leaning Tower of Pisa without waiting. Tickets cost 24.6 euros per person. Please note, however, that these tickets are not valid for children under the age of 8, nor for people with reduced mobility, whose access to the Tower is simply forbidden (there are still 297 steps to climb...). What's more, these basic tickets do not include a guided tour, and in the event of cancellation or problems, they are non-refundable.
How does a Leaning Tower of Pisa ticket work?
It's very simple: you buy your ticket online in advance for a specific day and time. The slots go from 1/4 h to 1/4 h. On site, at the reserved time, you double the queue and present your QR code on paper or on your cell phone screen.
Allow plenty of time
To be on the safe side, be sure to allow plenty of time when booking online. It would be a shame to miss out on access to the Tower for lack of time. Expect to wait between 30 minutes and 1 hour before entering the Tower of Pisa. The tour itself takes around 30 minutes.
If you have a ticket, don't take it lightly either: reservations are made for a specific time slot. If you arrive late, your ticket will no longer be valid. Please note that the time requested at the time of purchase may be changed by one hour before or after your choice (depending on attendance).
Opt for a combined pass with other monuments
If you're also planning to visit other monuments in Pisa, a combined pass may be a good solution. Not only will it save you time, it will also save you money on individual tickets.
Choose the right periods to avoid crowds at the ticket counter
While it's not always possible to choose the right season for your vacation, there are certain times of the year when it's best to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa. That's right, the holiday season and summer months are particularly popular with tourists and can therefore lead to longer queues. The worst time to visit the Leaning Tower is unquestionably summer.. Choose the months from September to June to take advantage of less crowds and spend less time in line.
Digital tools to anticipate peak demand
To best prepare your visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, there are a few digital tools you can use to anticipate the number of visitors to the site. A number of websites (including the Leaning Tower of Pisa entry on Google, located on the right-hand side of the search engine) and mobile applications offer the following information consult visitor numbers at tourist attractions in real timeto give you an idea of the estimated waiting time.
Cathedral opening hours (last entrance 30 min before closing time) :
- Nov-Feb: 10:00-12:45; 14:00-17:00,
- March: 10:00-18:00,
- April-Sept: 10:00-20:00,
- and October: 10:00-19:00
Practical tips for your visit to the Tower and Cathedral
To make the most of your visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, here's how some practical advice to be taken into account :
- Remember to bring your identificationoften requested when entering monuments;
- Note that it is prohibited to climb the tower
- with a suitcase or bulky bags: only small bags or backpacks will be accepted, with a maximum size of 20x30x38 cm and no weight restrictions
- as unaccompanied minors
- in short skirts, shorts or tank tops
- If you travel with a pet (like a dog)If you're not sure, think about having someone else look after it on that day or outside.
- You will need to leave all metal objects, bags or containers in the checkroom located at 21 Piazza del Duomo (80 m walk from the foot of the Leaning Tower of Pisa).
- Get ready for climb the tower steps People with mobility problems may find this climb difficult;
- If the sun is strong during your visit, don't forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and sun cream;
- Gather all the information you need about the tower and its history before the tour, as it usually doesn't include a guide... and as you'll only be able to stay inside for 30 minutes, it's always better not to have to discover everything once you're inside.
Visiting the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa without waiting in a long queue is perfectly possible if you follow these few tips. When booking your online ticketingBy choosing the right time slot and anticipating the crowds thanks to digital tools, you'll be able to take full advantage of this must-see attraction of Italian heritage. So get ready to climb the steps of this historic and atypical building, and treat yourself to an unforgettable souvenir of your escapade in Italy!
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