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Here is one off the beaten path… have you heard of Lucca? If you are looking for a quick day trip from Florence, Pisa, or Forte Dei Marmi, look no further. Lucca, Italy is a rustic, medieval town in northern Tuscany and is known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, and cultural heritage. If you want to get away from the crazy summer crowds, this is your spot.
Other than the fact that I was thinking about the animated Disney movie “Luca” the whole time and mentally saying “Silenzio Bruno” in my head for days while in Italy…I had a great time wandering the town.
Why should you spend a day in Lucca?
Lucca is like an ancient little unknown oasis. It’s significantly smaller than major Italian cities like Rome, making it easy and enjoyable to explore without an agenda or feeling overwhelmed.
Wandering through its cobbled streets, encircled by well-preserved Renaissance walls, you feel transported back in time. The grandeur of Lucca Cathedral and the charm of Piazza dell’Anfiteatro offer glimpses into the city’s rich past, while the vibrant local markets and quaint cafes provide a taste of authentic Tuscan life.
Take some time and get lost in the streets. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking a serene yet enriching escape. As you leave, you carry with you the warmth of Lucca’s hospitality and the timeless allure of its storied streets, making it a destination you’ll cherish.
How many days in Lucca
I spent a full two days in the city of Lucca, which is more than enough time to cover the main things to see and do there. You can see it all in a day or two, but if you have a car and want to have more chill time, Lucca is a great home base.
Best time to visit Lucca
It’s HOT in the summer (July-August) and the mosquitoes are out to play, consider yourself warned. Arguably the best time to go is shoulder season – spring or early fall.
How to get to Lucca
You can either rent a car, take a train from Florence or Pisa to the Lucca train station or you can also fly into Florence or Pisa airports and take a taxi. The easiest way to get around this area is by car.
Honestly, I found it a little difficult to get around without one. I even attempted to take a bus one day (I know…who AM I?!), missed my stop, and ended up walking on some random country road to get home. Ubers are scarce here. Fair warning, driving in Italy is insane and scary.
Fear not! You can also take a guided tour or day trip to Lucca from Florence like these ones.
Top 5 Things to Do in Lucca:
Walk or bike the Lucca city walls
Lucca is famous for its Renaissance-era city walls that have remained intact. You can walk or bike around the entire city across the city walls which is a great way to see the city if you only have 1 day. It’s not quite the same experience as the city walls of Dubrovnik, but we’ll take it!
Climb the Torre Guinigi
This is one of the best things to do in Lucca -it’s basically the city’s most iconic landmark. There are a ton of viewpoints in Lucca, but this one was the most interesting to me because it had trees growing from the top of it.
I don’t usually expect much when I climb to the top of towers, but this one had the most stunning view IRL. I felt like I was transported to Renaissance times staring off into the distance – don’t skip this during your day in Lucca.
Palazzo Pfanner
I stumbled across this palazzo while walking the city walls and had to go in! The palazzo and gardens are grand and worth checking out.
The main hall has an exhibit of historical medical instruments that belonged to Pietro Pfanner (surgeon, philanthropist, and mayor of Lucca). I only mention this so it’s not completely shocking and random when you go inside.
Cathedral of San Martino
Lucca’s Cathedral is located in the middle of the town in a huge square so it’s super easy to find and add to your Lucca itinerary. Hot tip: most European cathedrals require you to have your shoulders/knees covered to enter.
Piazza Anfiteatro
This piazza is large and impressive. It used to be a Roman amphitheater, but now it’s a huge circle filled with restaurants. I think the restaurants are tourist traps, but might as well sit down for a spritz or Diet Coke (b/c they are better in Europe).
Bonus: Real talk, If you want to know what was one of my favorite things to do actually was… it was going to a large Italian supermarket. I low-key love going grocery shopping, so I was freaking out at the sheer volume and variety of tomatoes they had in stock. I got way too excited, and my cousin was deeply confused and concerned that a grocery store could put such a big smile on my face. It’s the little things….you know?
Where to Eat in Lucca
Food is always on my list of things to do in Italy and of course, eating all the things in Lucca was no exception!
Ciacco
Believe it or not, no pizza or pasta is served here, but it was one of my favorite meals in Italy. Ciacco has a variety of meats, salads, sandwiches, and bruschetta. I opted for a chicken salad and a bruschetta with gorgonzola, prosciutto, and fig.
My mouth is still watering from eating it. The portions are large, but the food was so good that I ate everything. If I could go back for every meal I would. Don’t skip it when you’re planning things to do in Lucca – food IS the attraction when you’re in Italy.
Osteria Cantine Bernardini
Tucked away in a hidden side street, you wouldn’t expect this experience. We ordered an eggplant appetizer, roast beef, meatballs, and lots of wine.
Trattoria da Giulio in Pelleria
Super cool outdoor setting because you are under the city walls. I didn’t die over the food, but it was cool. I did die over the lemon sorbet though…
Caffe Ristorante Pult
Great for food or your Aperol Spritz Apperitivo.
Caffe Casali
No trip to Italy is complete without gelato! I was on the pistachio and hazelnut train on this Europe trip. Both flavors were delicious.
If you’ve spent plenty of time in Florence or Pisa, a day trip to Lucca is a great option if you want to get out of the bigger cities and explore somewhere more unique and off the beaten path in Italy.
One day in Lucca is the perfect amount of time to see the main sights and sample some of the epic Italian food here… that’s the best part, right?!
Want to go to Lucca? Let me help you plan your trip!
