It’s the classic traveler’s nightmare. You’ve planned your trip to Tuscany, you arrive at the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli, and you head straight for the ticket office… only to see that dreaded sign: “SOLD OUT”.
I’ve seen it happen dozens of times. Tourists standing there, scrolling frantically on their phones, realizing the next available slot is three days away… exactly when they’ll be on a plane home.
But don’t panic just yet.
Most people think that if the official website (opapisa.it) says “no availability,” it means the tower is full. That is not always true. There is almost always a way to get in, even last minute, if you know where to look.
In this guide, I’ll show you the exact workaround to secure your spot to climb the tower when everything else looks fully booked.
Why does it always seem sold out?
The Leaning Tower isn’t just a monument; it’s a fragile, leaning building. For safety reasons, they strictly limit the number of people allowed on the stairs at any one time.
Because everyone wants to climb it, the tickets on the official site often vanish weeks in advance, snatched up by early planners.
But here is the secret: Tour operators and ticket partners reserve large blocks of tickets in advance. When the official box office is empty for individuals, these partners often still have inventory sitting in their allocation.
Option 1: The “Skip-the-Line” Partner Ticket (Best Chance)
This is your fastest and most reliable backup plan.
Authorized partners like Viator have their own allocated slots that are invisible on the main ticket site. Yes, you might pay a few euros more than the base ticket price, but think of it as paying for certainty. It guarantees you:
- A specific time slot (so you can plan your day).
- Guaranteed entry to climb the 294 steps.
- Usually includes entrance to the Cathedral as well.
👉 [Check Last-Minute Ticket Availability Here]
My advice: If you see a slot that fits your schedule, book it immediately. These last-minute spots tend to disappear fast.
Option 2: The “Guided Tour” Backdoor
If the single entry tickets are gone on Viator too, don’t give up yet. Try looking for “Small Group Tours”.
Why? Because tour guides pre-book entrance slots for their groups. Even if individual tickets are sold out, there is often a spot left in a group of 10 or 15 people.
Honestly, this is often a better experience anyway. You get a professional guide who can tell you the fascinating (and chaotic) history of why the tower leans and the engineering miracles that stopped it from falling.
👉 [View Available Guided Tours with Tower Entry]
Option 3: The Day Trip Hack
Sometimes the “Tower Only” tickets are completely dry, but the “Pisa + Florence” or “Pisa + Tuscany” day trips still have space.
If you are staying in Florence, this is actually a much more relaxed option. You hop on a bus, get driven directly to the Piazza, and the guide hands you your pre-booked ticket. No stress about trains or parking.
Is it really worth climbing?
Absolutely. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
There is a unique, slightly disorienting feeling when you climb the spiral staircase and gravity pulls you to the side. And the view from the top, when you look out over the white marble of the Cathedral and the red roofs of Pisa, is spectacular.
Don’t let a “Sold Out” sign ruin your trip. Check the partner inventory below and secure your spot.
