Lucca Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and other useful information about Lucca, Tuscany, Italy.


Introduction to Lucca

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Lucca is a charming medieval city that offers visitors a unique blend of history and culture. Surrounded by towering walls and set against a backdrop of rolling hills, Lucca is a hidden gem that is frequently overlooked by tourists visiting Italy. With its narrow streets, beautiful piazzas, and picturesque buildings, Lucca is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the crowds and experience the authentic side of Italy.

List of Places to Visit in Lucca

Lucca is a small city, but there is no shortage of things to see and do. Here are some of the top attractions you shouldn’t miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Piazza dell’Anfiteatro: Built on the site of an ancient Roman amphitheater, this charming piazza is one of the most iconic landmarks in Lucca and an ideal spot for people-watching.
  • Piazza Napoleone: The largest square in Lucca, it was built by Elisa Bonaparte, Napoleon’s sister, during her reign as Princess of Lucca.
  • Guinigi Tower: Climb up the tower and see the panoramic view of Lucca’s rooftops from one of the most famous lookout towers in Italy.
  • Cathedral of St. Martin: Featuring beautiful works of art, including a sculpture by Jacopo della Quercia and a painting by Tintoretto, this cathedral is a must-see spot for art lovers.

Natural Attractions of Lucca: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Walls of Lucca: Built in the 16th and 17th centuries, these ancient walls remain intact, and the entirety of the city can be viewed from fortifications via a pleasant stroll or bike ride.
  • Botanical Garden: Located just outside the city walls, Lucca’s botanical garden houses more than 2000 plants that are native to the Italian territory.
  • Park of the Villa Reale: The stunning architecture of the villa and the various art exhibitions and concerts definitely make it worth a visit.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lucca

Lucca is a great city to explore by foot or by bike. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Lucca:

  • Circuit of the Walls: This is a complete 4 km path that surrounds the walls of Lucca and takes approximately 60-90 minutes to complete.
  • Via Francigena: The Via Francigena is an ancient walking route that connects Rome to Canterbury. A small section of the route passes through Lucca and provides beautiful scenery of landscapes, woods, hills and ancient villages.
  • Pontesei Bike Path: This is a 6 km paved bike path that follows the Serchio river, providing a pleasant ride with scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Best Things to Do in Lucca: Activities and Tours

There are many entertaining and memorable things to do in Lucca. Here are our top recommendations:

  • Visit the Villas of Lucca: Lucca is home to some of the most beautiful villas in Tuscany, including the Villa Grabau and Villa Mansi, which are both open to visitors.
  • Take a Cooking Class: Learn to prepare the authentic Tuscan cuisine and take a taste of Italy home with you.
  • Music in Lucca: Lucca’s musical heritage is vast and spans several centuries. There are numerous musical events, especially during the summer months, including classical, opera concerts, and Lucca Summer Festival.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lucca

For visitors planning a week-long trip to Lucca, here is an example itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Lucca; explore the city’s historical center and have dinner in one of the many family-owned restaurants.

Day 2: Take a bike tour of Lucca’s Walls and Botanical Gardens.

Day 3: Explore the countryside and visit some of the charming hilltop towns nearby, including Montecarlo and Serravalle.

Day 4: Visit the Villas of Lucca.

Day 5: Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Tuscan dishes.

Day 6: Discover the region’s wine-tasting culture and book a tour of local wineries and vineyards.

Day 7: Explore the city one last time and take a night walk.

Food and Drink Scene of Lucca

Italian cuisine is famous worldwide, and Lucca is no exception. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Puccia: a simple, filling sandwich that is a staple of Lucca’s street food scene.
  • Buccellato: a typical sweet pastry made with flour, sugar, raisins, and aniseed.
  • Torta coi Becchi: a savory cake made with chard, cheese, eggs, and pasta.

Local Beverages

  • Limoncello: a popular alcoholic drink made with lemons and best served ice-cold.
  • Tuscan wines: Tuscany is known worldwide for its quality wines, including Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.

Where to Stay in Lucca: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lucca offers a variety of accommodations for all types of travelers. Here are some options:

  • Centro Storico Apartments: located in the heart of the historic center, these apartments offer complete independence yet are close to the city’s main attractions.
  • San Marco Holidays: charming and affordable accommodation with a pleasant and friendly atmosphere.
  • Villa La Freccia: a luxurious option just outside the city walls, which features an outdoor swimming pool and gardens.

What to Buy in Lucca: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products you can take home from your trip to Lucca:

  • Bottles of Tuscan Wine: bring home a taste of Tuscany with a bottle or two of delicious wine from the region’s vineyards.
  • Handmade Ceramics: Lucca is famous for producing handmade ceramics that are both beautiful and durable.
  • Hand-painted Silk Scarves: Silk scarves are made in Lucca using traditional techniques, and each piece is unique.

Local Culture and Customs of Lucca

The locals of Lucca are very friendly and welcoming to visitors. However, it is essential to respect their customs and traditions. Here are a few things to keep in mind while visiting Lucca:

  • Dress modestly: Italy is a conservative country, and it’s best to dress modestly when visiting churches and other religious sites.
  • Tipping is not necessary: Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill is appreciated in bars, restaurants, and cafes.

Best Time to Visit Lucca

Lucca is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months. During the summer months, the weather can be extremely hot and crowded with tourists.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lucca

Do:

  • Take a food tour: Get a taste of the local cuisine and learn some of the area’s secrets.
  • Learn some basic Italian: The locals will appreciate it if you make an effort to speak their language.

Don’t:

  • Skip Lucca: The city is authentic and has a lot to offer, despite often being overlooked by tourists.
  • Ignore pedestrian signals: In Italy, pedestrians are supposed to stick to their signal, so wait for the green light before crossing the street.

Safety and Health

Lucca is a safe city for tourists, and there are no major health concerns. However, it is always a good idea to exercise common sense and take proper precautions while traveling.

Safety in Lucca

  • Avoid walking alone in desolate areas at night: In case you need to walk alone at night, choose well-lit areas, and stay in the city’s historic center.
  • Stay away from pickpockets: Always keep your valuables in a safe place, especially in crowded areas and public transportation.

Health in Lucca

  • Drink bottled water: It’s best to stick with bottled water and avoid drinking tap water.
  • Bring some sunscreen: Summer temperatures can be scorching, so don’t forget to apply sunscreen.

Getting to Lucca: Transportation Options and Logistics

Lucca is easily accessible by train, plane, and car.

Airports Near Lucca

The nearest airports to Lucca are Pisa International Airport and Florence International Airport. Both airports are served by several major airlines.

Bus Stations Near Lucca

Lucca has a central bus station which is located near the city’s historic center and is serviced by regional and intercity buses.

Other Options

  • Train: Lucca is easily accessible by train, with regular services connecting Lucca to other major cities in Italy.
  • Car: Driving in Lucca is not recommended, as the city center is mostly pedestrianized and parking is limited.

How to Get Around in Lucca

Lucca is a small city that can be easily explored on foot or by bike. The city also has a local bus service that connects the city center to the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Lucca: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Lucca is an excellent base for exploring Tuscany’s many attractions. Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Pisa: home of the Leaning Tower and only a 20-minute train ride away from Lucca.
  • Florence: The birthplace of the Renaissance is only an hour away by train and is one of Italy’s most famous cities.
  • Cinque Terre: A string of five picturesque seaside towns that are easily accessible from Lucca.

Conclusion

Lucca is a beautiful and welcoming city in Tuscany that is often overlooked by tourists. The city’s rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty make it the perfect destination for those looking to experience the authentic side of Italy. With its narrow streets, beautiful Piazzas, and picturesque buildings, Lucca is a true gem waiting to be discovered.

The Duomo (San Martino) The Duomo (San Martino) Panorama of Lucca from the Torre Guinigi Panorama of Lucca from the Torre Guinigi View of the Duomo and the hills beyond, from Torre Guinigi View of the Duomo and the hills beyond, from Torre Guinigi City walls City walls San Frediano San Frediano