I'd echo the last message. Stay overnight in Pisa, have a lovely dinner and then walk around to the Camposanto (or Holy Field). We did this last summer and we turned the corner to see the Tower, Baptistry and Cemetario, lit by soft light AND we had the place to ourselves- it was truly magical. Compare the next day with the stalls of tourist tat and the unavoidable school parties!!

Carrom, we were also lucky to happen onto Pisa on the feast of San Ranrieri, Pisa's Patron Saint. It is quite the spectacle!

I've said it before and I'll say it again; get away from the Campo di Miracoli and you'll find Pisa an interesting and non touristy town.

Yes it is worth the time to visit. We liked it a lot and would have spent more time there if we could have.

Yes, it is worth it.

Two things people will ask you from a trip to Italy.

1. Did you take a gondola ride?
2. Did you see the leaning tower?

The tower was closed for years due to repair. We were able to climb it on our first trip in 1971 but could not in subsequent trips in 1998 and 1999. Do go up in the tower. The "lean" of the leaning tower is very noticable! Do not just look and take pictures....go into the tower.

I always wonder if people who say it is not worth it have already seen it. I mean it is one of the most famous sights in the world why wouldn't you want to see it when you have a chance. When do you think your next chance will be?

IMHO it is worth paying the exhorbitant price to go up the tower just for the experience and the view- you can book online beforehand. You definitely want to take your own silly photos holding the tower up. You don't have to buy the souvenirs if you don't want them. The baptistery and cathedral are beautiful.

We went in half a day from Florence. We walked from the station - it took about 20 minutes I think and was flat and easy - we are in our 40s and had our teenage kids with us. Pisa itself is quite a nice town from what we saw.

Does it really matter if you get the 5pm train to SML?

Right! How much more time will you have in SML if you take the fast train?


How long is the train trip between the two places?

(Just curious because I will be in SML, too, and might want to make the trip!)

I wish I hadn't gone to all the time and trouble.

For me, standing in front of the Tower was one of those "I can't believe I'm here" moments in Europe. And the frescos in the Duomo are unbelievably beautiful. I didn't have to go through a lot of trouble to reach Pisa as it was a stop on my tour, but for me it was definitely worth it.