Lucca Travel Guide: 18 Best Things To Do & See
Everything you need to know about Lucca in Tuscany, including what to do & our top tips | Hi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here. |
Charming Lucca
When it comes to beautiful cities in Tuscany, the competition is truly fierce.
Marvellous Florence is unique in the best sense of the word, Siena houses the most beautiful cathedral in Italy (according to us) and Pisa has a world-famous leaning tower.
What about Lucca? The medieval city with the pretty name wins when it comes to charm.
It’s not that Lucca lacks attractions; the medieval city wall, the historical towers, lovely squares and several stunning churches offer more than enough to explore.
However, the true highlight of Lucca is simply wandering aimlessly through its old streets and soaking up the atmosphere.
In the old town, there are virtually no cars, and even if you don’t have the city entirely to yourself, there aren’t too many tourists either.
We stayed in Lucca for five nights and loved using the city as our base for excursions in the region.
Of course, there was also time to explore all the best things to see and do in Lucca, which we’ll get into further down in this travel guide + how many days to stay in the city, where to stay, how to get around, when to visit and much more. Enjoy your trip!
Our favourites: Where to stay in Lucca?
- Luxury: Grand Universe Lucca – Stay next to the central Piazza Napoleone in style.
- Value for money: Hotel San Marco – Big pool at a great price just north of Lucca’s historic city centre.
- Budget: La Gemma di Elena – Good reviews, low prices and a location within Lucca’s city walls (a pretty good combination!).
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Lucca here.
Table of contents
Lucca map and geography
Beautiful Lucca is located in the region of Tuscany in central Italy.
Just under 90,000 people live here.
How long to stay in Lucca
How many days you should spend in Lucca depends, of course, on your needs and travel plans.
Although Lucca is not very big, there is plenty to do.
You can easily visit the city on a day trip (for example from Florence or Pisa) – or you can spend a night or two on a drive through Italy.
We stayed 5 nights in the city and went on day trips from Lucca to Pisa and Cinque Terre.
It was pleasant to return home to the quiet atmosphere in the evening, and we had the chance to stroll up and down the streets a few times.
We get into the best places to stay in Lucca further down in the guide (including hotel recommendations and where to stay on a budget).
The 18 best things to see and do in Lucca
Lucca is such a beautiful city full of exciting things to see if you are just a tiny bit interested in culture, history, art or great food.
And even if you aren’t, pretty much everyone will enjoy strolling around the cosy streets of the historic centre.
Here are the best things to do and see in Lucca.
- The walls of Lucca – Well-preserved city wall from the Middle Ages
- Duomo di Lucca – The cathedral of Lucca
- San Michele in Foro – The most beautiful church in Lucca
- Torre Guinigi – Medieval tower with lush garden
- Torre delle Ore – Bell tower overlooking the city
- Piazza dell’Anfiteatro – Elliptical square on the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre
- Palazzo Pfanner – Palace with lovely baroque garden
- Piazza Napoleone – Town square with old palace
- Basilica of San Frediano – Church with golden mosaic
- Guided walking tour of Lucca – Learn about the city’s history
- Shopping – Buy local souvenirs
- Visit a winery – Taste the local grapes
- Fly in a hot air balloon – See Tuscany from above
- Puccini opera – Opera performances in a church
- Eat gelato – Enjoy real Italian ice cream
- Acquedotto Nottolini – Aqueduct with 400+ arches
- Rent an old Fiat 500 or a Vespa – Explore the area
- The best day trips from Lucca – Discover more of Tuscany
1. The walls of Lucca – Well-preserved city wall from the Middle Ages
Lucca is particularly known for its old wall mura di Lucca.
The well-preserved city wall that encircles Lucca’s historic centre is one of the few remaining intact medieval city walls in the world.
It is one of the most unique things to see in Tuscany and the reason why many stop by Lucca on their Tuscany trip. And we understand why.
The wall stretches over 4 kilometres, with tree-lined paths and green areas along the top, creating a charming experience.
It is popular (and free) to walk, run or bike on the city wall while enjoying the view of the city.
2. Duomo in Lucca – The cathedral of Lucca
Duomo di Lucca (or Duomo di San Martino as the cathedral is also called) is located in the old historical centre of Lucca, and you can recognise it by the beautiful facade with stone arches and detailed reliefs.
It stands almost continuous with another reddish building (which isn’t as pretty) meaning Duomo di Lucca doesn’t stand out as much as other cathedrals.
However, the bell tower soars high into the air, ensuring the cathedral is not completely overlooked.
The Roman Catholic cathedral is dedicated to San Martino (Saint Martin), and inside you can admire beautiful works of art and impressive ceiling paintings.
3. San Michele in Foro – The most beautiful church in Lucca
Italian churches are just something special.
The Roman Catholic Basilica of San Michele in Foro is perhaps even more spectacular than the city’s cathedral.
In any case, we found it more captivating and believe it is a must-see attraction in Lucca.
The interesting shape of the facade, the bell tower and the many details are impressive.
Piazza San Michele, where it stands, is lively and cosy. We found ourselves strolling by several times during our stay in Lucca.
4. Torre Guinigi – Medieval tower with lush garden
One of the most famous sights in Lucca is the medieval tower Torre Guinigi.
Lucca has many towers, but this one is perhaps the most beautiful (and most visited).
There is a small garden with oak trees at the top and from there you can get incredible panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
To reach the top of the 45-metre-high tower, you must climb a lot of stairs. Initially, they are wide and constructed from brick and towards the middle they become narrow metal stairs.
The stairs are not particularly difficult, but during busy times, you may need to be patient and let others pass. You might also need a break or two to catch your breath.
Tip: Due to limited space, the number of visitors to Torre Guinigi is restricted, which can result in queues during the day. We suggest beginning your day in Lucca with a brisk walk to the tower to ensure you can visit.
In 2024, the price was 6 euros for an adult ticket to Torre Guinigi. If you are under 18, over 65, a student or a large group, the entrance fee is 4 euros (remember to bring documentation). Children under 8 years old are free.
Read more about opening times and buy tickets online here.
5. Torre delle Ore – Bell tower overlooking the city
Just a 5-minute walk from Torre Guinigi, you’ll find Torre delle Ore (Bell Tower). These two towers are the only ones remaining intact out of 130 medieval towers.
With its 50 metres, Torre delle Ore is a bit higher than Torre Guinigi but it is far less popular. As a result, there are fewer people to share the stairs and the space at the top.
The panoramic view of Lucca is essentially the same as from Torre Guinigi – with the added bonus of seeing the tower with the garden on top from a distance.
The approximately 200 steps on the wooden stairs are narrow but relatively easy to climb.
We enjoyed visiting both towers, but if you’re not particularly photo-obsessed, one will suffice.
In 2024, the price was 6 euros for an adult ticket to Torre Guinigi. If you are under 18, over 65, a student or a large group, the entrance fee is 4 euros (remember to bring documentation). Children under 8 years old are free.
Note: Torre delle Ore may be closed in winter, so make sure to check the opening hours in advance and buy tickets online here .
6. Piazza dell’Anfiteatro – Elliptical square on the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is a beautiful square that encapsulates the charming Italian atmosphere of Lucca.
Its distinctive elliptical shape stems from its construction atop the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre.
Surrounding Piazza dell’Anfiteatro you’ll find colourful medieval buildings housing cosy cafes, restaurants and small shops, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere.
We enjoyed a pleasant break with a delicious gelato while taking in the surroundings.
7. Palazzo Pfanner – Palace with lovely baroque garden
If you are interested in history and art or, like Victoria, enjoy glimpses into extravagant aristocratic lifestyles, you must visit Palazzo Pfanner.
Here, you can admire the palace’s luxurious rooms and artworks and stroll through the garden.
We especially enjoyed the baroque garden with its elegant sculptures, flowers, fruit trees and fountain.
Read more about Palazzo Pfanner and see prices on their website here.
Tip: If you can’t get enough of luxuriously decorated villas, you can also check out the Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi.
8. Piazza Napoleone – Town square with old palace
During our stay in Lucca, we passed through Piazza Napoleone every time we entered the old town centre.
While the square itself may not be a major attraction, it bustles with life, featuring cafes, shops and occasional live music performances.
Piazza Napoleone also houses the ducal palace, Palazzo Ducale di Lucca.
9. Basilica di San Frediano – Church with golden mosaic
We’re adding one more church to the list because even though the Basilica di San Frediano may not be among the very best things to see in Lucca, we believe it’s worth visiting its namesake square; Piazza San Frediano.
The standout feature is the church’s facade which is adorned with a large golden mosaic.
Inside, while not wildly thrilling, you will find something unique: the mummified body of Saint Zita, the patron saint of servants.
10. Guided walking tour in Lucca – Learn about the city’s history
For those wanting to explore and delve deeper into the sights of Lucca while understanding its history, a guided walking tour is highly recommended.
It is a fun and slightly different experience in Lucca for those interested in history.
Guided tours are available in different durations and price points, so browse through the options below to find one that best fits your preferences.
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11. Shopping – Buy local souvenirs
In Lucca’s narrow and charming pedestrian streets, you can explore a diverse range of shops.
While there are some larger chain stores, it’s the small, independent shops and souvenir stores that are particularly worth visiting.
Here, you can find clothing, jewellery, artwork, wine, olive oil, ceramics and much more.
The street Via Fillungo (where Torre delle Ore is situated) is especially pleasant. Occasionally, you will also find market stalls in city squares such as Piazza Napoleone.
12. Visit a winery – Taste the local grapes
For wine enthusiasts, the region boasts numerous wineries open for tastings of the local grapes.
Usually, these tours include a visit to the vineyards and the cellars where you get a glimpse into the winemaking process.
Afterwards, you get to indulge in a wine tasting accompanied by insights into each wine’s unique qualities – all while soaking in the scenic vistas of the Tuscan countryside.
The wine tours come in various durations, levels of privacy and price ranges. Read more about each tour by clicking on the options below.
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13. Fly in a hot air balloon – See Tuscany from above
For an unforgettable experience in Lucca (if your budget allows it), consider a hot air balloon flight.
Enjoy a unique perspective of the lush vineyards, valleys of Lucca and the picturesque Tuscan countryside from above.
We were certainly tempted to give it a try!
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14. Puccini opera – Experience opera performances in the church
Opera composer Giacomo Puccini is famous for being one of the most influential composers of Italian opera.
Some of his most famous operas are “La Bohème” and “Madama Butterfly” – which are still performed all around the world!
Lucca, the hometown of Puccini, offers Puccini concerts at the Santi Giovanni e Reparata church.
In this historic Templar church, professional singers and a pianist perform opera pieces.
Tip: If you are very interested in opera, you can learn more about the Italian composer at the Puccini Museum. Read more about the museum here.
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15. Eat gelato – Enjoy real Italian ice cream
Oh, gelato… Is there anything better than the creamy Italian ice cream?
The taste is sooo much better than “regular” ice cream and we have to admit that we make sure to have at least one gelato every day when we are in Italy.
Do yourself a favour and eat as much gelato as you possibly can!
16. Acquedotto Nottolini – Aqueduct with 400+ arches
About a 15-20 minute walk from Lucca’s city centre (behind the main train station) you can find Acquedotto Nottolini.
This neoclassical aqueduct features large arches that historically supplied water to the city from the mountains.
Stretching over 3 kilometres through the Tuscan landscape, Acquedotto Nottolini offers a scenic route for walking or cycling, passing by charming Tuscan towns.
While we didn’t explore beyond the aqueduct ourselves, both it and its surroundings look beautiful if you have extra time to spare in Lucca.
17. Rent an old Fiat 500 or a Vespa – Explore the area
Is there anything more Italian than a Vespa? Well, it might be an old colourful Fiat 500.
Both scooters and cars can be rented for a charming adventure through the Tuscan countryside amidst vineyards and olive groves.
Receive assistance in planning your route from the rental place or create your own itinerary to suit your interests and preferences.
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18. The best day trips from Lucca – Discover more of Tuscany
Within a relatively short distance of Lucca, you can visit numerous small and large cities, all of which offer staggering amounts of history, art and, of course, fantastic food.
Here are the most recommended cities to visit on day trips from Lucca:
- Pisa. Just 30 minutes by train or car to The Leaning Tower of Pisa. We visited Pisa from Lucca ourselves.
- Florence. Take the train for 1 hour and 20 minutes (1 hour and 10 minutes by car) and experience some of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
- Siena. It takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes by train (or 1 hour and 40 minutes by car), and you’ll be in one of the most stunning cities in all of Tuscany.
- Cinque Terre. Drive to La Spezia in approximately 1 hour by car or an hour and a half by train and use local transport to the five colourful cities from there. When we visited the Cinque Terre, we used Lucca as our base.
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Map of the best things to do and see in Lucca
Here is a map of all the mentioned things to do and see in Lucca.
Where to stay in Lucca
The first question that arises when looking for accommodation in Lucca is whether to live on one or the other side of the city wall.
Generally, you can save money by choosing accommodations outside the historic centre of Lucca (of course), but there are actually quite a few budget-friendly hotels inside the walls as well.
If you have limited time in Lucca, prefer not to drive, or want the quintessential Lucca experience, staying in the historic city centre can be highly rewarding. Waking up in the heart of this beautiful city is truly fantastic.
However, there’s no shame in finding lodging just outside the walls either. You will find plenty of dining options there as well and it’s usually only a 5-15 minute walk to reach the centre of Lucca.
During our visit to Lucca, we stayed just south of the city wall, allowing us to walk into the centre within minutes. This location provided us with free parking and made it easier to avoid dealing with ZTL restrictions.
Both options have their pros and cons!
For more details about specific hotels and additional photos, check out our guide on where to stay in Lucca, or scroll down for the slightly shorter version.
Here are the best hotels in Lucca – both inside and outside the city walls.
Our favourites: Where to stay in Lucca?
- Luxury: Grand Universe Lucca – Stay next to the central Piazza Napoleone in style.
- Value for money: Hotel San Marco – Big pool at a great price just north of Lucca’s historic city centre.
- Budget: La Gemma di Elena – Good reviews, low prices and a location within Lucca’s city walls (a pretty good combination!).
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Lucca here.
The best luxury hotels in Lucca
- Luxury: Grand Universe Lucca – Stay next to the central Piazza Napoleone in style. This is Lucca’s best hotel.
- Luxury: Palazzo Dipinto – Charming 4-star superior boutique hotel in a historic setting in the middle of the city centre.
The best value for money hotels in Lucca
- Value for money: Hotel San Marco – Big pool at a great price just north of Lucca’s historic city centre.
- Value for money: Alla Corte degli Angeli – 4-star hotel located in the centre with a serene Mediterranean atmosphere and big wall paintings.
- Value for money: Palazzo Alexander Hotel – Charming blend of local ambience and decadent surroundings.
The best budget hotels in Lucca
- Budget: La Gemma di Elena – Good reviews, low prices and a location within Lucca’s city walls (a pretty good combination!).
- Budget: Villa Catelli B&B – Budget-friendly bed and breakfast conveniently located just outside the city wall.
- Budget: Bella addormentata e il principe Calaf– Cheap bed and breakfast including both parking and a nice breakfast.
How to get around Lucca
Lucca can be easily explored on foot or by bike.
The charming historic centre features primarily cobbled streets that are almost entirely flat.
The city is relatively small, so whether you stay within the centre or just outside the walls, additional transport isn’t necessary.
How to get to Lucca
By car
If you drive through Italy (as we did), you can easily get to Lucca via one of the motorways that pass by the city.
A car is unnecessary in Lucca so you can park it at your hotel or in one of the many parking lots.
There are parking spaces in and outside the city centre which cost a fixed amount per hour.
If you’re fortunate, you may find a white parking spot on the street – those are free. In some cases, you may still need to display a parking disc or indicate the parking duration on a piece of paper on the windshield.
Paid parking spaces are marked in blue, while yellow spaces are reserved for residents.
Watch out for ZTL
Note that most streets in the historic part of Lucca are designated as a “zona a traffico limitato” (ZTL), meaning it’s a restricted traffic area with specific regulations for driving and parking.
However, access is typically permitted for bicycles, electric cars, motorcycles, and scooters.
Surveillance cameras are in place, and hefty fines can be incurred for violating the regulations.
If your hotel is located within the ZTL, we recommend contacting them in advance if you plan to drive there.
By public transport
Lucca’s train station, Stazione di Lucca, is located just outside the city walls in the southern part of the city.
It is connected to several cities in the region and there are many train connections to Florence, Viareggio and Pisa.
We used the train to get to Cinque Terre and Pisa on day trips.
From the train station, it only takes 10 minutes to walk into the centre of Lucca.
Flights to Lucca
There are generally two airports you can fly to when visiting Lucca:
- Pisa International Airport (PSA), also known as Galileo Galilei, is located approximately 30 kilometres from Lucca. The trip to Lucca takes around 45 minutes by train and it only takes 30 minutes by car.
- Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), also known as Peretola, is located just outside Florence and approximately 70 kilometres from Lucca. From here, you can get to Lucca by public transport in around 2 hours or 45 minutes by car.
Search for flights to Lucca on Momondo here (adlink).
When to visit Lucca
The high season is in July and August when Italians, Europeans and much of the rest of the world enjoy their summer holidays.
July and August are also the hottest months, so if you have the flexibility to plan your trip to Lucca outside of this period, we strongly recommend doing so.
May, June, September and October are good shoulder months with great weather and fewer crowds, although it is always a little busy in Tuscany.
December, January and February are the coldest months (like many other places in Europe).
It rains the most in September, October, November and December.
Our weather experience in Lucca
We visited Lucca in September and enjoyed lovely weather during the five nights we stayed there. We had one cloudy day with a bit of rain.
There were, of course, still quite a few tourists but nowhere near how many there are in the middle of summer.
Our best tips for visiting Lucca
- Pre-order tickets online so you avoid spending time queuing for ticket sales at various museums and palaces.
- Arrive early or late in the day at the most popular attractions to avoid the long queues that typically occur in the middle of the day – especially at Torre Guinigi.
- Many restaurants close for siesta between lunch and dinner, so keep an eye on the opening hours if you want to eat at a particular restaurant or café during the day.
- Expect an additional charge on the restaurant bill. Most restaurants add a “coperto” per guest, which is a fee per person regardless of your order. It is typically between 1 and 3 euros, which you pay in addition to the price of the food. It’s common to receive a small bread basket with butter or olive oil and balsamic vinegar as a starter.
What to bring to Lucca
- Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
- A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
- Sunscreen. Especially if you visit Lucca in the summer. We recommend an organic, vegan sunscreen without oxybenzone and other harmful chemicals.
- Sneakers or other types of shoes you can walk in comfortably.
- A refillable water bottle.
Sustainable travel tips
To travel as sustainably as possible, we recommend the following:
- Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
- Avoid disposable plastics.
- Sort your waste correctly and do not throw it on the ground.
Grazie for reading along
Thank you for reading our travel guide to Lucca. We hope it has been helpful!
What do you think of the attractions and sights in Lucca?
Don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments below if you haven’t been to Lucca yet. We are happy to help.
And if you’ve already been to the charming city behind the old city wall, it would be great to hear your best tips and tricks.
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for cheap hotels.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller. All three compared here.
Our camera gear:
- Panasonic GH5. Used for all of our photos and videos.
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Best drone out there!
- Sirui Tripod. Lightweight and strong.
- See all of our camera gear here.
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