Pisa worth stopping by?
 

We have a pretty tight schedule in Italy, mainly we'll be at Rome, Florance, and Venice. But we are wondering if we should squeez in Pisa for like maybe half a day. Is it worth it? Can we get inside the tower? Is it far from the train station? or should we just save it for the next trip? TIA for your help.

Pisa is very easy and quick to see and you could certainly squeeze it in. I would try to see it since you will be up in the north and by Florence. Pisa is 1 hour away from Florence by train.

Once at the Pisa train station, it is approximately a 10 minute bus ride to the Campo dei Miracoli. You cross the street and you are at the piazza looking at the Leaning Tower and the Duomo. You can get inside the tower as well, but would have to allow additional time for that. I have managed to see the site twice with a 1 hour lay-over between trains in Pisa and am glad each time that I have zipped up there and back. I would try it - you could see everything in under 2 hours' time - and even less if you don't climb up the tower.

I certainly think a visit to Pisa is great, but it did not make it on my list until my third time to Italy. That said, depending on how you wish to spend your time, it's definitely something I would recommend. It's an icon and despite the tacky souvenir stalls lining the campo, it really is a neat place to visit. I would wonder if 2 hours would really be enough if you plan to go up the tower--we made a quick trip of it as well, didn't linger, and it took us longer. When do you plan to go? If you're going off peak, you may be fine going without reserving your tower tickets in advance, but if it were me planning an excursion to specifically see and ascend the tower, I would book my tickets in advance. We did this when we went and we were glad we did. Here's the website: http://www.opapisa.it/index.php?id=1...;T=2"> You also have to check in an hour in advance of your scheduled ascent time. And, by the way, I would not consider making the effort to go to Pisa without actually ascending the tower. And don't forget about the cathedral and bapistry, which are also worthwhile!

Hi Michitake -
I just arrived home from Rome and Florence via Pisa yesterday. We went to Pisa just because the airport in Florence was closed and we had to fly from there.

Keep in mind that it was a Sunday, but there was a two hour wait for the walk to the top even though the Campo dei Miracoli was not overrun with people. Maybe not doing the climb contributed to our impressions, but we were decidedly unimpressed with Pisa. It's a cute college town, but definitely not worth taking valuable time from Rome and Florence.

We did not go to Venice this trip, but Rome and Florence were simply amazing! You will love Italy!

Linda

We were at Pisa as a half day trip (an afternoon) from Florence. We love it, not only the tower, but also the cathedral and baptisery.
I think that is nice to go there, even you do not ascend the tower.

The first time I went it was on the one-hour train trip from Florence and I was thinking, "I've seen the pictures of it a million times; how great can it be in person."

For me, it was wonderful just to look at it and i think the other buildings are worth a visit, also. i don;t think you have to go inside the twoer to appreciate it.

And please, don't be put off by all the ya da ya da ya da here about "the crowds"....you want crowds, then wait until you get inside the Sistine Chapel, hang around the Spanish Steps, etc.

If you have time, go for it.

While on our cruise-stop in Livorno last summer, my DH and I went to Florence. He really wanted to go to Pisa (I wasn't crazy about taking time away from Florence). We went to Pisa (a hot July afternoon). It was wonderful! Even the entrance into the Field of Miracles was impressive. The history is rich (read about it before you arrive) and the buildings are as beautiful as any we saw in Florence or Rome -- pristine and detailed. We were there for maybe an hour (didn't go up the tower -- did that in Florence) but could have spent some more time. Maybe next time! Enjoy!

The answer to your question - Yes!!! It is worth the stop. I don't regret the little extra time it took to see it.

MY

The Campo dei Miracoli is only about a 20-25 minute walk from the train station. We arrived from Florence at 9:30 am.

We had 11:40 tower reservations (make them online before you leave). First we saw the Baptistery and Duomo on a combo ticket.

Check bags and purses at TI office before Tower tour (strictly enforced), and go to the top of the Tower whenevr your time is reserved. Visitors are limited to 30 minutes.

We were on the 1 pm train back to Florence (one hour trip). I am very happy we made the visit, and, yes, I think a 1/2 day is definitely worth it.
((H))