A perfect complement to the Duomo cathedral. The architecture was intricate and its design matches that of the Duomo and the Baptistery, making it essentially a cathedral complex. Looking up, it does look massive in person. Pretty insane for their time period. And to the Assassin's Creed fans, please do not scale the tower to get a view and jump from the top, there are no hays at ground level for assassins to safely land on. You will desynchronize. It is much better to appreciate Ezio's adventures at ground level, or maybe climbing the tower... form the inside.

Climbing the tower might be quite challenging, even for the fit ones (414 steps in all), however very much worth it. I'd say even more worth it than climbing outside the duomo itself, since you can get the best view of the duomo from the tower. The cheapest ticket to visit the tower costs 20eur, but includes entry to the battistero, museum and Santa Reparata as well.

Investigating tickets to visit the Duomo, the Bell Tower before we left the UK, only guided tours came up for £60 - £80. We didn’t buy as too expensive. There is a ticket office in a separate building opposite the Bell Tower where you could buy 3x tickets depending on the buildings you wanted to visit at 3 x different prices. We paid €20 per person ( middle price) to visit the Tower; Duomo ( not the roof) ; crypt; museum and Baptistry. So without a guide, so much CHEAPER. The Tower was good for the views, 400 steps, narrow stairways, but mid terraces to catch your breath. Inside the Duomo is disappointing, compared to other churches eg Saint Maria Novello. Never made the crypt. The tickets to the roof of the Duomo are timed so go and book as soon as you arrive in Florence, otherwise non left or only 8.15am! There is a chance to enter the Duomo free of charge if you are prepared to queue, but they can also stop it at short notice. For wonderful art, visit Saint Maria Novella or oginssanti church.

Climb up and see the view. It’s one way up and down so can be tight at places to pass but will definitely keep you fit. The view is again breathtaking once you are up at the top. There was no wait to climb on a Sunday afternoon and was included in our ticket we purchased. I must admit I preferred the Duomo done climb and view!

Incredible view, definitely worth the climb. The different platforms are super nice as well and all offer a spectacular view. Perfectly doable after climbing the Duomo as long as you take a break. Would recommend buying a Brunelleschi pass instead of a seperate ticket for the tower. Would not recommend if you’re very claustrophobic or if you have movility issues.

This had a great view of the city and included the Basilica. Compared to the Duomo, there were slightly less steps to climb, but the foot traffic went both ways so it was a bit harder to maneuver. Note that there’s high metal bars at the top for protection which may affect photos. There’s a couple of lower points to stop and see the views from before continuing your ascent. You need a ticket to access this, and can use the Bruneschellini Pass (pre purchase beforehand online). Definitely avoid if you’re claustrophobic and/or are afraid of heights. Wear comfortable shoes as well.

This Gothic bell tower is located in the Piazza del Duomo. There is a fee to get in, so during busy season, you should buy your ticket in advance, online. To get to the top, there are 414 steps that get narrower and narrower as you mount. Traffic is two-way, so it can be a tight squeeze at times, but there are place to "pull over" and let others go by. The views from the top are worth it -- a grand panorama of Florence, including the Dome which is right next door. When we got to the top, the bells started ringing, which nearly blew our ears out. But a very fun experience. Worthwhile.

Even if you don't plan ahead, you can get tickets "at the door" to climb this. This is also included in a package to climb the cathedral dome but you definitely have to book that in advance - typically 2-3 weeks. The climb is over 400 stairs, some of which are not too bad and some of which are narrow and circular. If you've never climbed a tower or old structure in Europe then be prepared for this one. there are a couple floors where you can stop and take in the different views but also catch your breath if you need to. Once on top, the views are fabulous. You're not quite as high as the adjacent dome from the top but you do have a spectacular view of it from here.

Some great panoramic views from the top of this tower, both of the dome and the city. Recommend getting the Brunelleschi Pass (3 day pass to visit Dome, Church + Crypt, Baptistry, Museum, and Bell Tower) to visit this and the other sights. It's 414 steps to the top, but with different levels along the way where you can stop and rest. There is no lift or escalator. It's one way up and one down, no exceptions. Thus, if you're out of shape, scared of heights, under 10 yrs old, have knee problems, etc., then DO NOT do this climb. Saw people bail after the first two levels because of the length of the climb. The steps are not overly intense, not like that of the Dome, there's just lots of steps but nothing too steep. Bring a camera and some water and enjoy the views.

Decided to climb the Bell tower after finding out Duomo was sold out for days. The climb to the top is 414 steps but didn't find it too difficult and great view from the top !! It is enclosed at the top so can be difficult to take photos.. Admission price was €20 which I thought was quite expensive but did also include visit to museum but it was too late to do both on this occasion.