Where To Stay in Lucca? 8 Best Hotels in All Price Ranges
Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Lucca, Italy | 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. |
A night in Lucca
Lucca is in many ways the perfect Tuscan city.
Within the historic centre behind the city wall, there are almost no motorised vehicles, and every street leads to a charming square or a beautiful church.
We stayed in Lucca for five nights, using the city as a base for day trips to Pisa and Cinque Terre.
In this guide on where to stay in Lucca, we explore the best hotels across different price ranges and answer common questions such as how long to stay and whether to stay within or outside the city walls.
P.S. We don’t think a single night in Lucca is enough. But more on that later!
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
You can, of course, visit Lucca on a day trip from cities like Florence, Pisa or Siena. However, we believe it would be a shame to rush through and miss the chance to truly enjoy Lucca’s charming streets.
In Florence, Pisa and partly Siena, the focus is usually on seeing specific landmarks; in Lucca, the priority is to soak up the atmosphere.
Therefore, we recommend staying at least two nights in Lucca to fully experience the city’s renowned charm.
With three nights, you can explore every corner of the city at a leisurely pace and probably also have time for a day trip.
With four or five nights, you have plenty of time to discover some of the nearby towns as well.
We stayed in Lucca for five nights and used the city as our base for excursions to Pisa and Cinque Terre.
We loved returning to the cosy atmosphere of Lucca each evening after a day of exploring. The city quickly felt like home, so we highly recommend extending your stay!
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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Should you stay within or outside Lucca’s city walls?
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!
Where to stay in Lucca
It’s no secret that Tuscany isn’t the world’s cheapest destination…
That’s why we were pleasantly surprised to find that quality accommodation isn’t too expensive in Lucca.
Whether you’re seeking budget hotels, mid-range hotels or luxury hotels, you’ll find good value for money here.
You can save a bit by staying outside the city walls, but there are also budget-friendly options within the walls.
Here are the best hotels in Lucca.
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.
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The best luxury hotels in Lucca
Luxury hotels are not abundant in Lucca, but we have found two top-tier accommodations that perfectly blend Lucca’s charm with exceptional service and quality.
- 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.
Grand Universe Lucca
We do not doubt that Grand Universe Lucca (part of the Autograph Collection) is the most beautiful and best hotel in Lucca.
Attention to detail is evident throughout. We particularly admire the whitewashed walls and the minimalistic colour palette which beautifully complement the wooden beams.
See prices and availability at Grand Universe Lucca here (adlink).
Palazzo Dipinto
You might miss Piazza del Palazzo Dipinto if you’re not staying there. It’s a shame because it’s quite cosy (and somewhat secluded) and just around 100 metres from the beautiful Chiesa di San Michele in Foro.
The hotel is housed in a charming 13th-century building, meticulously renovated to preserve its original character while ensuring modern functionality.
In their winter garden, you can enjoy breakfast under Lucca’s morning sun. The reception is open 24 hours a day and there’s even a private car garage if needed.
See prices and availability at Palazzo Dipinto here (adlink).
The best value for money hotels in Lucca
If you’re looking for accommodation that doesn’t set you back several hundred euros per night but still offers good quality, we can fortunately tell you that there are excellent mid-range 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.
Hotel San Marco
Just a short walk from Lucca’s city walls, Hotel San Marco offers a delightful 3-star experience with a pool at a reasonable price.
Given Lucca’s warm temperatures, a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing is quite appealing. The hotel’s garden provides ample space for sunbathing as well.
According to the reviews, the staff at San Marco are exceptionally friendly and guests enjoy a wonderful atmosphere during breakfast.
See prices and availability at Hotel San Marco here (adlink).
Alla Corte degli Angeli
Alla Corte degli Angeli is a 4-star hotel in the middle of Lucca’s historic city centre.
Guests generally seem very satisfied with the attentive service, spacious rooms and bathrooms as well as the breakfast options.
Overall, it’s an excellent mid-range hotel offering great value for money.
See prices and availability at Alla Corte degli Angeli here (adlink).
Palazzo Alexander Hotel
In a quiet, yet central part of the city centre, you will find Palazzo Alexander Hotel.
The hotel exudes an authentic Italian family atmosphere with its slightly old-fashioned but charming decor that perfectly complements Lucca’s historic centre.
See prices and availability at Palazzo Alexander Hotel here (adlink).
The best budget hotels in Lucca
Lucca excels in small, family-owned bed and breakfasts. You will find options at a variety of prices and service levels.
Here are three of the most budget-friendly options – all providing great value while keeping you close to (or within) the city centre.
- 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.
La Gemma di Elena
Good reviews, low accommodation rates and a location within the walls of Lucca. La Gemma di Elena defies expectations by offering all three.
The rooms vary in size (and price) with a limited number available. Breakfast is included and parking is conveniently located right behind the hotel.
See prices and availability at La Gemma di Elena here (adlink).
Villa Catelli B&B
Villa Catelli B&B offers a homely and cosy atmosphere at an affordable price – and there’s even a small garden.
Although the hotel is just outside Lucca’s city walls, it takes only a five-minute walk to reach the historic centre.
See prices and availability at Villa Catelli B&B here (adlink).
Bella addormentata e il principe Calaf
The rooms at Bella addormentata e il principe Calaf may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but guests seem very satisfied with them – especially considering the price.
The location, just north of Lucca’s city wall, is convenient.
The rooms are relatively spacious and include air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. Parking and breakfast are also included.
See prices and availability at Bella addormentata e il principe Calaf here (adlink).
The best things to do and see in Lucca
We have written an extensive travel guide to Lucca with all the best things to do and see.
Read the full travel guide to Lucca here or click directly on an attraction or experience below.
- 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
Map of the best things to do and see in Lucca
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.
Thank you for reading along
Thanks for reading our travel guide on where to stay in Lucca.
We loved our days in the city and hope you will have a fantastic time as well!
Have you been to Lucca? Or are you planning a trip to Tuscany? Let us know in the comments below.
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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