Things To Do
in Lucca
Lucca is a compact Renaissance city surrounded by well-preserved medieval walls. Its cobbled streets, commanding towers, and charming piazzas invite slow exploration. Inside the circular walls, you'll find a blend of churches, markets, and gardens that feel both intimate and timeless.
The city has a strong bike-friendly vibe and rewards leisurely strolls above all.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying a fresh pastry and a robust Italian coffee. Afterward, stroll along the ancient walls of Lucca, taking in views of the surrounding countryside and the charming rooftops of the city. Visit the iconic Guinigi Tower, where you can climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views.
For lunch, indulge in traditional Lucchese cuisine at a rustic trattoria, savoring dishes like tortelli lucchese. Post-lunch, explore the stunning Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, where the ancient Roman amphitheater once stood, now filled with shops and cafes. Spend some time visiting the Basilica di San Frediano, known for its beautiful mosaics and serene atmosphere.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk through the cobblestone streets, allowing the warm glow of street lamps to illuminate your path. Dine at a local ristorante, enjoying regional wines paired with seasonal dishes. Cap off your evening with a gelato from a nearby gelateria while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Lucca's nighttime ambience.
Begin your day with a visit to the Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi, where you can admire exquisite Baroque art and historic furnishings. Afterward, take a guided tour of the Church of San Michele in Foro, known for its stunning facade and intricate sculptures. Enjoy a quaint coffee break in one of the nearby piazzas, surrounded by local artists displaying their work.
After lunch, head to the Lucca Center of Contemporary Art to explore thought-provoking exhibitions by both Italian and international artists. Spend some time wandering through the charming artisan shops, where you can find unique handcrafted souvenirs. Consider visiting the Puccini Museum to learn about the famous composer who was born in Lucca.
Enjoy dinner at a cozy osteria, where you can delight in local specialties while listening to live music. After your meal, take a leisurely evening walk along the city walls, where you can reflect on the day’s artistic adventures. End your night with a glass of limoncello at a rooftop bar, overlooking the illuminated cityscape.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-5 |
| 🍝Meal for two mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🚌One-way public transport ticket | $2-3 |
| 🛏️Hotel room (mid-range) | $120-180 per night |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable historic center
- Rich Renaissance architecture and art
- Excellent biking culture and city walls
- Delicious Tuscan cuisine and friendly locals
- Limited late-night nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Busy in peak season with crowds
- Some sights require advance booking
- Parking can be tricky inside the walls
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Dov'è..." - Where is...?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
- "Posso avere il conto?" - May I have the check?
Places to Visit in Lucca
Visit one of these nice places.
A sunken elliptical plaza framed by pastel houses, ideal for people-watching and golden-hour shots.
Medieval tower with a canopy of trees on its roof garden and city views from the top.
Civic and religious architecture with Romanesque and Gothic details.
The tree-lined ramparts encircling Lucca provide panoramic city and countryside views.
Clock tower offering a skyline view over the roofs and bell towers.
Elegant square with fountains, statues, and a neoclassical palace as a backdrop.
Food in Lucca
Lucca Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pasta pockets filled with meat ragù, a Lucca specialty often served with a light sauce.
Must-Try!
Hearty farro soup with greens and herbs, a rustic Tuscan staple.
Savory chickpea pancake enjoyed as a snack or light meal.
Thick Tuscan steak grilled and served rare, a classic dish found in many local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and local snacks; ideal for an immersion into daily life.
Simple bites like schiacciata (flatbread) and pastries sold by family-run stalls linked to Lucca’s lanes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with 'buongiorno' or 'buonasera' and a polite 'per favore' or 'grazie'.
Dress modestly in churches; speak softly; no flash photography in sensitive spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Lucca
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, but 5-10% in restaurants for good service is appreciated; you can round up. Small extra fees charged by some services are usually included.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; small vendors may prefer cash. Cards with chip and PIN are common; contactless payments increasing.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and gentle crowds. Bring layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
Warm to hot days; afternoons can be humid. Stay hydrated, seek shade, and enjoy evening strolls on the walls.
Pleasant weather and harvest events; misty mornings and cool evenings. Great for photography and outdoor dining.
Mild but sometimes rainy; occasional fog in the hills. Interiors and museums offer warm escapes.
Lucca at Night
Hiking in Lucca
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate hikes with views over Lucca and the Arno valley; accessible from Lucca's western outskirts.
Scenic valley routes and more rugged hikes north of Lucca into the Ligurian-Emilian Apen nines.
A challenging day hike in the Garfagnana area with panoramic alpine scenery.
Airports
How to reach Lucca by plane.
Also known as PSA, about 20-25 km from Lucca; train or bus connections via Lucca or Pisa run to the city.
FLR, about 75-90 minutes by rail and road; requires train or bus transfer to Lucca.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, retirees, and professionals with a strong sense of tradition.
Pisa and Florence areas influence some students commuting to Lucca for study or work.
A steady stream of visitors year-round; a welcoming environment with English-friendly services in tourist zones.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Very popular in Tuscany; matches and local leagues are common.
A favorite activity in and around Lucca; flat city walls and rolling hills create excellent routes.
Popular along the walls and nearby trails around the hills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lucca.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most trattorie can adapt dishes; look for ribollita, pasta al pomodoro, or tortelli filled with ricotta and spinach. When in doubt, ask for no meat in sauces or request vegetable-based options.