Is climbing on the Leaning Tower at Pisa, Italy allowed as on the Eiffel Tower? If so, what is the cost of the ticket? Will one has to purchase the ticket in advance so as to avoid queue? What else is there to see in Pisa other than Leaning Tower?

You can climb the tower of pisa and you can buy tickets ahead of time or when you arrive. If you are traveling with kids then be aware that there are strict rules about children. No children under the age of 8 allowed at all. And I believe children under 12 must be held by the hand at all times. I can't find the under 12 rule at the moment but I know I researched this before going to Pisa last year. The rails at the top are quite low and far apart, thus the strict rules.

It is definitely advised to purchase tickets well ahead of time. They allow groups of roughly 30 or so up at timed intervals. If you arrive without ticket on a busy day you may find the next available time slot is hours away. There really isn't a queue per se. With the timed entry you show up at the meeting point at your time.

http://boxoffice.opapisa.it/Torre/first.jsp

I've never climbed the Tower, and I'm a little puzzled as to why people do. It is the most beautiful sight in Pisa, apart from the interior of the Duomo. Getting a "view" of the city of Pisa has never seemed to me to be worth the effort. I'd rather stand on the ground and study the tower itself.

The tower is part of a very important and beautiful complex of buildings that take at least half a day to tour. In addition, Pisa has several other architecturally lovely churches (although a great deal smaller) and fine small art museums that are famous for never getting any tourists.

http://www.igougo.com/journal-j5468-...ing_Tower.html

I ran up the tower in 1970. Lots of fun. A very weird feeling.

Huge difference in price booking online in advance!

It's not a bad walk up either. Good views of Pisa.

DH and I love Pisa because all the tourists are at the one spot. Leaving us free to enjoy a lovely university city!