How to Spend the Perfect Day in Lucca, Italy

Lucca is a hidden gem in Northern Tuscany, often overlooked by those heading to its Tuscan neighbors – Pisa, Florence, or Siena, but Lucca is definitely worth a visit. Being less well-known also means it is less touristy- another great reason to visit! Lucca is a short train ride (a little over an hour) from Florence, making it a perfect day trip. Also, its close proximity to other Tuscan towns and the Cinque Terre makes it an excellent base for exploring the region. This small city has tons of charm and history with its narrow cobbled streets and surrounding Renaissance wall. The city restricts the number of cars inside the city walls, making Lucca very walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

Bike or walk Lucca’s ancient wall

Lucca’s Renaissance wall was built to protect the city but now serves as a park-like setting with trees and a well-shaded walking/bike path. The wall overlooks the town on one side and has beautiful views of its surrounding Tuscan countryside on the outer part of the wall. This ancient wall is spacious and wide and is two-and-a-half miles long, encircling the city. It’s the perfect place for a stroll with gelato in hand, a nice jog, or bike ride. There are a variety of bike rental outfitters around the town. We rented from Cicli Rai.

Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

In the center of Lucca is the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. The once Roman Amphitheater is now lined with restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, and shops. It’s a great place to grab an espresso, coffee, or glass of wine and relax.

Climb the Torre Guinigi

Lucca has several towers, but the most well-known and panoramic is the Torre Guinigi. It is a city landmark with a tree-topped roof allowing nice shading while enjoying spectacular 360-degree views. You will welcome the shade from the sun after climbing its 230 stairs! Go early to avoid a crowd (but isn’t that always the case?). The tower is open daily from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Explore Lucca’s Cathedrals

Lucca has its fair share of gorgeous churches. The most beautiful, in my opinion, is the Chiesa di Michele in Foro, Cathedrale di San Martino (Lucca Cathedral) and Basilica of San Frediano. The Chiesa Di Michele in Foro has a grand presence in the Piazza San Michele. This Roman Catholic Basilica dates back to the 13th century. Situated in the Piazza Antelminelli is the Cathedrale di San Martino (Lucca Cathedral). Dating back to the 11th century, this church is dedicated to St. Martin and is the seat of the Archbishop of Lucca.

Discover Lucca’s narrow streets

Exploring Lucca’s narrow alleyways and cobbled streets and Piazzas was perhaps the best part for me. Lucca is pedestrian-friendly and unbelievably charming with its small cafes and boutiques and streets opening up to Piazzas. I enjoy following the locals to find the best coffee shops and cafes. Via Fillungo is one of Lucca’s liveliest streets, running through its historic district, with many shops and restaurants. Piazza Napoleone (aka Piazza Grande) is Lucca’s largest square and home to the Lucca Summer Festival, a large music festival, bringing in big-name artists annually.

More things to do in Lucca…

Though Lucca is relatively small, I didn’t get to do everything in Lucca. On the list for next time is Puccini Museum. This museum is dedicated to Giacomo Puccini – the famous opera composer born in Lucca is 1858.

Palazzo Pfanner is a 17th century villa and magnificent garden, home to an affluent local doctor. It’s lush garden can be seen from the Renaissance Wall.

There are many wine and bike tours where you can explore the local region and countryside, outside of Lucca’s walls.

Getting to and around Lucca

The best way to get to Lucca by air is through Florence International Airport (FLR) or Pisa International Airport (PSA). To get to Lucca by train from Florence will take about an hour and 20 minutes. From Pisa by train, only 15-20 minutes. If you drive to Lucca, you must park outside the city wall. The best way to explore Lucca is by foot or bicycle.

I hope you found this post helpful. Feel free to leave a comment with any questions or to share your Lucca experience!

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Cheers,

Angela