Leaning tower of Pisa
 

If going to see the leaning tower of Pisa, is there anything else of interest in that area?
Is it worth climbing to the top of the tower?

Be sure to reserve if climbing - was there just after it reopened after years of refurbishment and they only let up two groups of 35 each hour at that time - had to be escorted by a guide - no elevator. Otherwise to just look at it is the amazing thing. The tower is in a lovely square with in it the Baptistry - a fine old church. the town of Pisa is also nice with a slew of old towers, churches, etc. but is not one of the best Italian towns - nearby Lucca, however, is!

Thanks for the info. I think I will just stop to see it and then continue on my journey. I guess there is not much of a need to climb to the top.

CAA, I haven't been myself, but I have read, many times, that the highlight of Pisa is the Cathedral there. Its supposed to be way more impressive than the tower.

There are several buildings on the "Field of Miracles" including the cathedral mentioned above as well as the Baptistry; all of them lean to some greater or lesser extend but none to the extent of the tower.

The interesting thing about the tower of Pisa is that you will find a lot of travellers asking about it, or planning to go, but if you read a lot of trip reports, you will NOT find a lot of people raving about it and saying how awesome it was. It is usually not reported as the highlight of anyone's trip.

We skipped it with no regrets. Friends who have seen it were not very impressed.

I have traveled Europe annually for over 30 years - blah, blah but i do rave about seeing the Leaning Tower and even climbing it, though just seeing this wonder is awesome - one of the top things i've seen in Europe - i've seen it several times and am always in awe. Most Italian towns are just another ABC town - another bloody cathedral, but the tower is totally unique. Kind of like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower.

I am fairly well-traveled and have seen some amazing things in my life. A few weeks ago I went to Pisa on the spur of the moment to escape the heat and crowds in central Florence. I managed to find the Campo dei Miracoli just after a rainstorm with the sun breaking through and it was much cooler, less crowded and the beauty of the Tower, church and baptistry is something I'm still talking (yes, raving) about. I expected kitschy touristy stuff but was overwhelmed by the beauty of these three buildings and the physics of the tower itself. My brain had a serious problem processing the lean!

Note, I got there around 2:30 p.m. and all sunset and later climbs of the tower were already sold out and everything up to 6:30 or so were as well. Get there early and reserve if you want to climb the tower.

A delightful candy/food shop just 1/2 block from the tower is at Via S. Maria #74. I believe the name is Aria Di Toscana. Find the intersection nearest the tower, where the water fountain and horse carriages gather. Walk down the street where the direction of the tower leans the most. The tower will be at your back. The store will be on your left. They have wonderful Domori chocolates, honey, wood items, etc.

For a great restaurant, continue down the street another block and there is a small, grassy area on the left. Turn left and continue to blocks towards the University of Pisa. A rather large square with many buildings having frescos on their walls. Continue towards the market area on the right. After going through the market, turn left again and immediately after the food market, there is a restaurant , La Mescita, on the left. Great for lunch with innovative, modern cuisine based on traditional cuisine.
Perhaps just 15-20 minutes from the tower.

Pisa will only take 2-3 hours, so don't linger there all day. After seeing Pisa, head over to Lucca.

If you wish to climb the tower, it would be best to makes reservations. Otherwise you may be waiting all day for your turn.

You can get a multi ticket for the places that you want to see. The Church, Baptistry, and the cemetary were good, but the museum was not so good.

Do not take any of the day tours from Florence. They spend more time driving there than being there and are more expensive.