Explore Lucca, Italy: Top Landmarks and Hidden Treasures

Lucca, Italy, is a beautiful city surrounded by impressive, intact walls. Yet it is a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists. It serves as the capital of its namesake province and is one of Tuscany’s ten provinces.

When planning a trip to this picturesque region, many travelers focus on Florence, Siena, and Pisa due to their renowned art and architectural wonders. However, they may not realize that Lucca and its surrounding towns and villages are equally immersed in history.

This province boasts historic churches, charming monuments, authentic Tuscan cuisine, stunning coastal beaches, and much more, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an enriching and memorable travel experience.

Best Times to Visit Lucca

Spring and fall, known as shoulder seasons, are ideal times to explore Lucca. Mild weather promises a pleasant outdoor experience. 

Additionally, prices for accommodations and attractions are typically lower compared to the high season. In contrast, summer, particularly in August, experiences a surge in tourism, making accommodations more costly.

Lucca: Must-See Attractions and Activities

Nestled in a valley and embraced by picturesque hills, Lucca, a mid-sized city with a population of approximately 90,000, offers a wealth of experiences. The broader Lucca province is home to around 384,000 people.

Immerse yourself in the charm of this hidden gem with these top attractions and activities:

Walk the Walls

Walking on the intact Lucca Renaissance city walls, which date back to the 15th century, is a not-to-be-missed experience. The impressive walls circle the city and are 2.6 miles in length, over 39 feet high, and 98 feet wide at their base. 

At this urban park that feels like a forebearer of the New York City High Line, you’ll see the historic gates, gracious trees and greenery, eateries, and lots of locals walking, jogging, riding bicycles, and wheeling baby carriages. Bike rentals are also available.

Be sure to stop in the small museum along the way that tells the history of the walls. Discover more about The Ancient High Line of Lucca.

Explore the Culinary Delights of Lucca

Immersed in the heart of Tuscany, Lucca welcomes visitors with a vibrant culinary scene. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply seeking authentic Italian flavors, this charming city offers a tantalizing array of eateries and regional specialties.

Some of our favorite restaurants are Buca di Sant’Antoniio, Sotto Sotto, and Trattoria da Giulio.

When in Lucca, be sure to savor local delicacies such as Tordelli ravioli, a delicious pasta dish filled with meat and herbs (similar to tortelli, it’s only called Tordelli in Lucca). Chianti Tuna, a delightful pork dish (without any tuna!) is another must-try. Zuppa di Farro, a hearty grain soup, and Buccellato, a ring-shaped sweet bread studded with raisins, are also local favorites.

Read more about the Foods of Lucca.

Explore Lucca’s Cobblestone Streets on Foot

Strolling through the enchanting streets and alleyways of Lucca is a must-do experience. Similar to other Italian cities, be cautious of Vespas navigating corners and bicycles with unique rules. However, Lucca’s cobblestone streets provide an ideal setting for exploration.

From charming buildings and shops to intriguing streets and alleys, there’s something to discover in every direction. Follow the locals as they gather in piazzas, enjoy a refreshing drink at an outdoor bar, or indulge in a leisurely passeggiata (evening stroll).

 Immerse Yourself in the Music of Lucca

Lucca, renowned as a musical haven, is known for nurturing esteemed musicians and composers throughout history. 

Among them stands the illustrious Italian opera composer Giacomo Puccini. His birthplace, now transformed into the Puccini Museum, offers visitors a glimpse into his childhood bedroom and piano. Outside the museum, a statue sculpted by Vito Tongiani pays homage to his legacy. The historic Church of San Giovanni hosts concerts honoring Puccini and other notable composers, filling the air with enchanting melodies throughout the year.

During June and July, Piazza Napoleone transforms into a stage for rock and pop bands and singers, who capture audiences with their energetic performances.

Concurrently, the acclaimed Lucca Summer Festival draws music enthusiasts from across the globe. This extraordinary event showcases top-tier national and international artists, offering an eclectic mix of genres and styles.

Lucca’s Via Fillungo, The Shopping Street

Via Fillungo is the main shopping street in Lucca, a city known for its preservation of history as well as its contemporary sensibilities. Modern boutiques, familiar brand chains, and artisan shops sell everything from clothes to foods, to oils and wines, to jewelry.

Most shops are open in the morning (from 9 AM to Noon) and again from 4 to 7 PM. Perhaps a sign of the economy, I didn’t find the shops as upscale as they were in the past, but they offer a great opportunity for window shoppers, too. 

For those seeking one-of-a-kind treasures, the antiques, flea, and food markets that pop up in various piazzas on Wednesdays and weekends are a must-visit. These vibrant markets showcase an eclectic mix of vintage pieces, handcrafted goods, and mouthwatering delicacies. They will appeal to shopaholics looking for rare finds or casual browsers enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Explore the City’s Architectural Wonders

Stroll through the city and marvel at the stunning Renaissance architecture that adorns its streets. Churches, towers, and palaces stand side by side; the piazzas, the city’s living rooms, invite you to linger and soak in the atmosphere.

One unique piazza is the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, an oval-shaped square built on the foundation of a Roman amphitheater. It is encircled by restaurants and cafes, perfect for people-watching. Consider booking a stay in one of the rental properties facing the piazza.

Among the city’s iconic towers, the 14th-century Guinigi Tower stands out, topped with a garden of oak trees. Climb the steps of the 13th-century Clock Tower (Torre delle Ore) for breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains from the top.

Explore the city’s Romanesque churches, such as San Michele in Foro, the Cathedral of San Martino, and the Basilica of San Frediano. The art within these sacred spaces is as remarkable as their architecture.

Explore the Beautiful Surrounding Areas

Versilia is the coastal area in the northwestern part of the province, just one-half hour from Lucca by car or taxi. It is best known for its sandy beaches and popular resort towns like Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio.

Forte dei Marmi exudes sophistication with its luxurious resorts, vibrant nightclubs, upscale restaurants, and designer boutiques. In contrast, Viareggio boasts a charming seaside promenade adorned with exquisite Liberty-style buildings. Each year, the town transforms into a magical realm during its renowned carnival, considered one of the finest in all of Italy.

Torre del Lago, on the shores of Lake Massaciuccoli, is a half-hour car or taxi ride from Lucca.  Soak in the views of the beautiful lake and visit Puccini’s villa, which has been transformed into a captivating small museum.

Venture north of Lucca to the Garfagnana Valley, where nature reigns supreme. Explore this enchanting region by car or bicycle, marveling at ancient castles and lush tree-covered mountains along the way. Among its hidden gems is the medieval hillside town of Barga, recognized by the Italian Touring Club as one of Italy’s most beautiful towns.

Traveling to Lucca from Florence, Pisa, and Livorno

Lucca’s historic city center is conveniently accessible from Florence via the A11 motorway, which is a one-hour drive away. From Pisa, the journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes along the A12 (towards Genoa) and then onto the A11 (towards Florence).

However, having a car in Lucca may prove to be more of a hindrance than a convenience. The historic center within the city walls is a pedestrian-friendly Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), and cars are generally prohibited. Exceptions are made for hotel guests with prior permission, as well as taxis and car services. Limited parking is available outside the city center.

Therefore, unless you plan to arrive by car service or taxi, one of the most practical and reliable transportation options is by train. Lucca’s train station is situated on the south side of the town, offering a 25-minute journey from Pisa’s Central Railway Station and approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes from Florence.

For cruise ship passengers arriving in Livorno, the taxi ride to Lucca takes just over half an hour.

Rick Steves’ Perspective on Lucca

While it’s possible to visit Lucca on a quick day trip, travel authority Rick Steves encourages travelers to consider a longer stay. He believes the city is best experienced at a slower pace.

“If you have time to simply relax on your vacation, this is a great place for it. Slow down, grab a gelato, and bask in Lucca’s genuine charm.” he writes.

We agree. Lucca is a place you can stay for several days or more and will want to return to again and again.

[This post has been reviewed and updated on 03/2026.] 

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