Tuscany is a place that everyone loves! But why is it so special? It’s home to some of the world’s most renowned wines, like delicious chianti. Plus, the “Italian food” you’ve been exposed to is often from Tuscany. It’s absolutely stunning, with rolling countryside in every direction and a deep, rich history of art and culture. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, then Tuscany and Florence are probably at the top of your list. And if you’re planning to spend some time in Florence, you’re in for a treat!
Our Florence Travel Guide is your ultimate guide to making the most of your visit. But if you want to see more of Tuscany and stay outside of Florence, Lucca is the perfect place to locate yourself. It’s close to Florence and on the western side of Tuscany. Lucca is a treasure trove of wonders, from its historic city walls encircling the quaint but vibrant historic center to its claim to fame as the birthplace of the legendary opera composer Giacomo Puccini. And, of course, there’s the food — a culinary journey that simply should not be missed!
Historic Center of Lucca, Italy
Our first visit was love at first sight, and after just 4 days, we decided to move to Lucca. We’ve lived here for almost a year now, and we love it! Lucca is a vibrant community of 89,000 people. We’re always discovering new things to do and exciting new places to eat. After acquiring our Italian citizenship, we seized the opportunity to move here from a small town in the Veneto (Venitian) region. If you’re curious about our journey, don’t miss our blog section, where we explore our Italian life experience and if Italian citizenship is worth it.
Skip To A Section:
- Best time of year to visit
- Know before you go
- Getting to Lucca
- Where to stay
- How to spend your time in Lucca
- What to do beyond a day trip
- What to eat
- Dishes to try
- Our favorite restaurants
- Day trips from Lucca
Lucca Travel Guide: When should you visit Lucca?
Italy is an amazing place to visit, and the best time to go just depends on what you want to do! You have to think about more than just the weather, crowds, and activities you want to do. Italy has a few “seasons” of Ferrie, ‘holidays’ when many businesses (and restaurants) are closed. Now, let’s dive into the weather.
Weather
Lucca basks in beautiful spring, early summer, and fall weather, making it an ideal destination at any time of year. During the summer, especially July and August it is very hot and humid in most of Italy, including Lucca. The coldest part of the winter is January, although very cute with all the Christmas decor. Lucca sees a decent amount of rain throughout the year covering the beautiful Colline Luccesse (the Luccan hills) in luscious greenery. For optimal weather, visit March-May or September – November—the shoulder months when the city is at its most charming. During these months, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and more personal experiences.
Holidays-business closures
Now, about those Ferrie days… We would absolutely encourage you to visit, even though you might find some businesses closed. During these times, you’ll find fewer locals out and about, probably because they’re enjoying other adventures. From mid-to-late August, early to mid-November, most of January, and again during part of February, you’ll spot “Closed for Ferrie” signs. These holidays coincide with some of the holidays you know, and others surrounding specific Saints Days.
Events
Lucca hosts some special events every year that bring in visitors from all over. Plan ahead to secure your accommodations, as these events tend to be very popular and room demand is high.
The Lucca Summer Festival brings a thrilling lineup of concerts to the stage every week from June to July. Last summer, we had the incredible opportunity to see John Fogerty, and it was an unforgettable experience. In past years, they’ve had well-known acts like Kiss, Eric Clapton, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, Lenny Kravitz, and Smashing Pumpkins.
The 2nd largest comics conference in the world, Lucca Comics is held at the end of October, lasting five whole days! This incredible event brings tons of people to Lucca, and the price of accommodations reflects its popularity. The conference is fascinating, with people dressed in cosplay (it also overlaps with Halloween). The spectacle of costumed travelers walking through this middle-aged city and on the Renaissance wall is truly spectacular. If you love movies and comics, this is the perfect event for you!
Rolling Stones float pieces in Piazza Napoleon (Feb 2024)
Carnivale is in full swing in February, and it’s an absolute blast! This exciting celebration kicks off the first week of February and continues through March, filling the city with joy and excitement. Mostly locals come to the festivities and this means that the event doesn’t impact the price of accommodations. There are different events and parades a couple of times a week for the kids and the adults. If you come during Carnivale make sure to stop into Meucci Pasticceria to get the best fritelle in town. Fritelle is a traditional Carnivale treat, and each region has its own take on these tasty fried pastries, get one with cream filling (fritelle alla crema).
Lucca Travel Guide: Know Before You Go
Getting Around Lucca
If you’re staying in the enchanting historic center or close enough to walk into it, a car is only necessary for day trips. The whole city center is within easy walking distance, just 15 minutes or less from any point within the center! If you prefer to cut down on walking, you can rent a bike or take a bus. There are many bike rental shops throughout Lucca (our favorite is Amici Bici). The bus system is also an excellent option, offering a tap-to-pay system that’s super easy to use. You’ll need one card per person to use this system. If you are booking train travel in Italy check out our Tips for Train Travel in Italy.
Do you need reservations and pre-purchased tickets?
You don’t need to pre-book anything you want to do in Lucca! You should be able to purchase tickets at the time of entry for everything. If you’re planning to visit during the high tourism season, it might be a good idea to pre-book bike rentals. Don’t forget to book your restaurant reservations in advance—the piazzas are alluring, and the restaurants are packed with good reason.
What to wear?
Italians appreciate style and love to dress up whenever they go out. While it’s always nice to dress up, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that casual is perfectly fine in most places. When visiting churches, be sure to cover your knees, shoulders, and midsection, and remember to take off your hat.
Lucca Travel Guide: Getting to Lucca
When you come to Lucca, you’ve got options: you can either rent a car, take a regional train, or take a bus. The nearest airport is Pisa, but if you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll probably fly into Florence, Rome, or Milan. Lucca doesn’t have direct “speed trains,” you can hop on a regional train from Florence or Pisa, and you’ll be cruising in no time. Pisa is just a 25-45 minute train ride from Lucca. Florence is just an hour and a half to 1 hour and 45 minutes from Lucca. A bus from Florence will take about 1.5-2 hours depending on the combination of buses. A bus from Pisa will take around 30 minutes but there is only one option in the morning and one in the evening.
Getting To Your Accommodations
Once you arrive, you can walk, take a bus, or get a taxi to get to your accommodations, or ride your bike as some of our family have done. If you are staying in the center and don’t have a lot of luggage it can be nice to walk (as long as it’s not the other side of the center). You can see the wall from the train station, and it’s a quick walk to the porta (city gate/door), and then you are inside the historic center.
If you are staying on the other side of the center or outside the walls, you might opt to take a bus if it’s convenient. When you exit the station, go to the left to find the closest bus stop. You can check Google Maps for routes and times, but you will want to confirm with the schedules posted at the bus stop. Insider tip: make sure the bus is going in the direction you need to go, aside from just checking the number. You can say vai a ‘insert name of stop’? To the bus driver (this means are you going to ‘name of stop’).
If you would like to take a taxi, then you’ll want to exit the station and cross the street (which looks more like a parking lot). You’ll see an orange Taxi sign, and there should be taxis parked there, they will tell you which taxi is next. If there are no taxis, try calling 058301745 to ask for a taxi ( they usually speak some English). This phone number tends to have far more available taxis than the other options in town.
Lucca Travel Guide: Where to Put Your Feet Up in Lucca
The best area to stay in Lucca is inside the walls in the historic center (anywhere inside the walls is a good location). However, there are several surrounding neighborhoods that you may find less expensive. The first one we recommend is Sant’Anna (west of the walls). Within a short walk to the walls are a few vacation rentals, boutique hotels, and B&Bs. We loved Lucca In Villa – Villa San Donato B&B, we stayed here several times while we were getting our apartment ready. Luca (the manager) was very helpful, tell him we sent you. The second neighborhood we would recommend is San Concordio. The neighborhood is south of the train station and also a short walk into the historic center.
Lucca Neighborhoods: Sant’Anna (red), San Concordio (Orange), Historic Center (Blue), Train Station (Red arrow)
Lucca Travel Guide: How to Spend Your Time Soaking Up Lucca
Many bloggers and travelers will tell you that you can see Lucca in a day (even a day trip), and you probably could. Trust us when we say it’s a great city to enjoy at your own pace, not just the main tourist attractions. Lucca is the perfect base for day trips to other areas, ensuring you have a tranquil retreat to return to after exploring the wonders of the region.
The wall (Il Muro) is, hands down, the top attraction of Lucca. This incredible fortress has stood guard over Lucca for centuries, a testament to its enduring strength and significance. Remarkably, it stands as a rare survivor, being the only Renaissance wall used as a park, in Italy. The wall has been rebuilt several times. Evolving from a thin medieval-style wall into a formidable fortress that has kept many armies at bay.
Outside the wall that surrounds Lucca’s historic center
The park on top of Lucca’s Renaissance wall
Today, the wall has been transformed into an active park, inviting visitors to experience its rich history and beauty. It’s not just any park — it’s wide enough for a road with a dirt path and trees on the sides. Only pedestrians, bicycles, and pets are allowed on the wall, making it an animated part of everyday life in Lucca. You’ll find locals walking on the wall throughout the day (especially when the weather is nice). Many take their after-dinner stroll (passeggiare) on the wall. The whole loop takes 45 minutes to an hour on foot, so you’ve got plenty of time to take in the views. Riding a bike on the wall takes about 25 minutes. No matter how you choose to experience it, walking or biking, the wall is sure to amaze you. Lucca is bursting with bike rental shops; some cater to large groups, with a fleet of bicycles and rischi (rikshaw-type multi-rider contraptions). Our favorite place to take visitors to rent a bike is Amici Bici, where you’ll find the friendliest staff around. They have great customer service and reasonable prices
Climb a tower or three. Lucca is known as the city of 100 churches, and most churches have a bell tower. However, Lucca’s most famous tower has no bell and isn’t in a church. The Guinigi Tower (Torre Guinigi) is the symbol of Lucca, a tall tower with trees on top. Built by the affluent Guinigi family, it is a symbol of their wealth. It’s €8 to enter. Climb the 230 steps to the top for a panoramic view of Lucca and the surrounding Colline Lucchese (hills). For more city views, climb the Torre delle Ore (Clock Tower with 200 steps) and the Tower of the Duomo di San Martino. The best view of the Duomo is from Torre Guinigi and the best view of Torre Guinigi is from the tower of the Duomo. See if you can spot Piazza di Anfiteatro and Chiesa di San Frediano from Guinigi Tower.
Torre Guinigi
Piazza Anfiteatro is a beautiful, oval-shaped piazza built on top of the remains of an ancient amphitheater. The original amphitheater that hosted gladiator fights was built in the second half of the first century, and the piazza we know today was constructed in the early 1800s. Fun fact: In the 6th century, it became a fortress to protect itself because, at the time it was outside of the city walls, making it vulnerable.
In the current day the piazza is lined with a high-spirited array of restaurants, gelaterias, and shops. Grab a meal and a glass of wine or spritz, and you just might get to see a talented street performer. This vibrant piazza is a hive of activity, hosting a variety of markets, festivals, and entertainment events throughout the year. One of our favorite events is the flower festival (usually the first weekend in April), all the colorful flowers and plants are just so pretty.
Duomo di San Martino in Lucca, Italy
The city of 100 churches; you’ve absolutely got to go into a church when you’re in Italy, and why not go to one in Lucca? The Duomo di San Martino is home to the Volto Santo. The awe-inspiring wooden carving of Jesus has a miraculous story (you’ll have to learn about that when you’re in Lucca). And the best part? You can get a combined ticket to the cathedral, bell tower, museum, baptistery, and Church of Saints Giovanni and Reparata—that’s an archaeological area and bell tower! And the other best part? It’s only €10 per person!
Chiesa di San Michele in Foro, in the original main square of Lucca, where they held the city market centuries ago. Today, the square comes alive with an energetic array of events, making it a lively hub for the community. The church is right there, standing proudly, and the restaurants along the square offer stunning views of it. And be sure to keep your eyes peeled for an interesting surprise inside the church! While entry is complimentary, they graciously appreciate donations to help maintain and enhance this beautiful place.
Chiesa di San Michele in Foro in Lucca, Italy
Basilica di San Frediano facade, in Lucca, Italy
Basilica di San Frediano is a 12th-century basilica filled with art and a beautiful gold mosaic on its facade. Across the piazza in front of San Frediano are a few restaurants, cafés, and Tambellini Rinomata Salumeria. Tambellini is one of our favorite places to get sun-dried tomatoes, cured meats, and cheeses, you can also ask them to make a panino for you.
Tired of endless online searches and overwhelming travel planning?
Let us handle the details. With our Custom Travel Planning Services, we’ll save you precious time and energy, curating a seamless and unforgettable adventure.
Read all about our Custom Travel Planning here.
OR
Let’s Plan Your Dream Trip Today
The Things Most Day-Trippers Miss
Palazzo Pfanner is an awe-inspiring 17th-century palace with one of the most stunning Baroque gardens we’ve ever seen. The palazzo was built for the Pfanner family, who moved to Italy to brew beer. Over the years, the Pfanner family has expanded, with some of their members pursuing careers in the medical field. Today, some of their descendants still live in the palazzo. The Palazzo stands as a testament to history, a museum and garden that you can visit, and an events center. They even have a room or two listed on a famous vacation rental site (you know the one). The museum portion of the Palazzo has original furnishings and cases with instruments from the medical field and the brewing industry. The palazzo has been closed for about a year for restorations to the gardens, but it re-opened in March. We can’t wait to go see it!
Garden at Palazzo Pfanner Lucca, Italy
Villa Mansi Lucca, Italy
Villa Mansi is a 16th-century baroque-style palace which is now a national museum. The palace itself is very beautiful, filled with original tapestries and furnishings. This museum is part of the Italian Domenica al Museo (Sunday at the Museum) initiative across Italy, meaning that entry is free on the first Sunday of the month. They also have free entrance on select holidays, such as Liberation Day on April 25th.
Puccini Museum – Lucca is very proud of the famous opera composer, Giacomo Puccini, who was born in Lucca. The home he was born in is now a museum filled with costumes from the operas for which he wrote music. You may have heard of La Boheme or Madame Butterfly, or maybe the song Nessun Dorma (sung by Luciano Pavarotti). Adding to the charm of Lucca, businesses surrounding the museum are named after the operas and songs that made him famous. The museum is closed on Tuesdays October-March, and Christmas day.
Giacomo Puccini Statue in Piazza Cittadella Lucca, Italy
The Orto Botanical (botanical garden) is a quiet place to escape the city. The turtles in the pond are super cute too. It’s €6 to enter, and you can buy combined tickets for this, Torre Guinigi, and Torre Delle Oro.
You’ve simply got to go wine or olive oil tasting here. Lucca has some of the best olive oil in all of Italy! You’ll find it in the historic center and in restaurants everywhere. Italy, and specifically Tuscany, is famous for its incredible Chianti wine. The wine is produced in a specific area known as the Chianti. Lucca is not in the Chianti area, it has its own geographic designation for wine produced in the Colline Lucchesi. It is just as delicious and has a slightly lower cost than Chianti.
The Colline Lucchesi reds, crafted from a blend that is dominant in Sangiovese or Merlot, are mouth-watering. And let’s not forget the Colline Lucchesi white wines, which are made from a blend dominated by the ever-delicious sauvignon blanc or the rare and complex Vermentino. Lucca and the surrounding hills have a terroir that is simply perfect for growing wine. You can book exciting excursions that will take you wine tasting. Another option is an e-bike self-guided tour to nearby wineries (many also have olive oil).
Shopping! Head down Via Fillungo if you want to do some shopping. This is where all the boutique shops, unique gift shops, and a few souvenir shops are. We’re not big shopping girlies, but this is where we go to shop or buy gifts.
Mangiamo! Let’s Eat
One of the top reasons we wanted to move to Lucca was for the food. There are lots of options and a bit more variety than the small town we used to live in. When dining in Italy, it’s important to know that each region is different. Each region has its own culture and food, as well as local ingredients that inspire their dishes. While you will find carbonara in Tuscany (including Lucca) it isn’t the same as the carbonara from Rome.
Lucchesi Foods To Savor While In Lucca
Buccellato from Buccellato Taddeucci
Bucchellatto– A soft bread with raisins inside, it’s a sweet treat for the morning or after dinner (but not too sweet). Sometimes, it is in a loaf, but the traditional style is in a large ring. Oftentimes, this is enjoyed alongside a glass of Vin Santo with pine nuts dropped into the glass. It is said that you didn’t visit Lucca if you didn’t try buccellato. You’ll find some restaurants doing interesting takes on this local bread, in both desert and antipasto menus. One of the best places to get buccellato is Taddeucci in Piazza di San Michele.
Valdostana- Usually found in cafés, is a savory pastry for breakfast or a snack later in the day. Layered between two thin, flaky, pie-crust-like sheets is tomato sauce, prosciutto cotto (similar to ham), provolone, and topped with sesame seeds. It’s a perfect blend of buttery, flaky, salty, and savory. You will not find this anywhere else- it’s a Lucca thing.
Cecina– Looks like a pizza crust but is made with chickpeas (a common ingredient in Tuscan recipes). Many eat this just like a slice of pizza or have it put inside of focaccia. A popular place for this is Pizzeria Da Felice, they also have great pizza and focaccia panini. More on focaccia in the panini section below. They have a couple of tables, but most likely, you’ll be taking a slice to go.
Cecina from Pizzeria Da Felice
Vin Santo and Cantucci, a typical Tuscan dessert.
Vin Santo e Cantucci- A popular dessert in all of Tuscany is Vin Santo (a sweet wine made in Tuscany) served with cantucci. You probably know cantucci as biscotti. The Italian translation for biscotti is cookies. Cantucci is more specific to the type of ‘cookie’ which you know as biscotti. Generally, the cantucci are dipped in the vin santo to soften it and soak up the sweet wine. You will find this on almost every menu. If you find a high-quality vin santo try it without cantucci, it’s delicious.
Panini- Tuscany is one of the best regions to get panini in. Panini, plural for Panino, means sandwiches. With a plethora of good cured meats and cheese, you can’t go wrong in Tuscany. The local salumi is salami Toscana and finocciona, and the local cheeses are a variety of pecorino. In Tuscany, a common way to have focaccia is to have it stuffed (like a sandwich). The focaccia is round like a pizza and cut through the center (creating a top and bottom). It is then filled with meat, cheese, and other accouterments. For a vegetarian version, you can have cecina in place of your protein.
Tordelli- also known as Tortelli. This is a traditional Lucca dish, almost every restaurant has this on their menu, however, they are not all created equal. Tordelli is a large stuffed pasta (it looks kind of like a half-moon ravioli). Tordelli is filled with a mixture of pork, beef, soaked stale bread, and delicious spices like nutmeg, black pepper, and thyme. It is then topped with a magnificent ragu sauce. This is top-level comfort food. So far our favorite is Stella Polare’s, it’s a masterpiece I tell you.
Tordelli at Stella Polare
Pappardelle al ragù di cinghiale (cheen-ghee-all-ay) is a typical Tuscan dish, which you will find on many menus in Tuscany. The pappardelle is a wide, flat, ribbon-like noodle, and the ragù is made with wild boar (cinghiale). Another comfort food go-to for us- we’re telling you it is delicious!
Zuppa di Farro- A traditional Lucchessi soup. Made with farro and a variety of beans, as well as ‘black cabbage’ aka kale, and some radicchio. The radicchio gives it a purple hue.
Where should you delight your taste buds in Lucca?
Oh man, I hope you have time for this. We are big foodies, and there are so many places to love in Lucca. We will update this list regularly as we continue to explore our new city.
Cafe’s
Pasticceria Stella – Our favorite, it is not in the center, it’s close to where we live. If you aren’t staying in that neighborhood, you might want something closer, but this isn’t a far walk either. We go for colazzione (breakfast) and aperitivo. They have great pastries, food, cappuccinos, and drinks. The staff are friendly, and it’s a very popular spot for locals.
Spritz at Caffé Manon Lescaut
Bar Moka– is a great place for lunch or afternoon coffee if you are out shopping on Via Filunga.
Caffé Manon Lescaut has great espresso, pastries, and spritz. It’s in the piazza adjacent to the Puccini Museum, so grab an espresso or spritz to relax after you visit the museum.
Caffetteria Turandot is situated on the northwest corner of Piazza San Michele and catches the perfect amount of sunlight in the afternoon. Head here for an afternoon drink and snack or even for an espresso in the morning. They even have some pizza, pasta, and antipasti on the menu if you are looking for a casual place on a piazza.
Gelaterie
We prefer the gelaterie that keep lids on the gelato instead of displaying mounds of puffy piles of creamy frozen goodness. There are fewer preservatives and less air pumped into the gelato that is covered, the piled-high ones are good too, but this is what we prefer. Our favorite flavors include pistachio, coconut, dark chocolate, peach, and hazelnut.
Cremeria Opera di Lucca and Bontà Yogurt e Gelato are outside the wall and in the neighborhood we live in. Both are really great, and open late.
Ele Gelati e Granite, Cioccolateria Caniparoli, and Gelateria la Crema Matta all have great gelato and usually a unique flavor or two. One of our favorites is the coconut-lime and white chocolate at Cioccolateria Caniparoli. It is so refreshing in the summer (Cioccolateria Caniparoli only has gelato in the summer and early fall).
Pizza
We love all kinds of pizza, from Napoletana to pizza in taglio. And this is Italy, so of course you will find good pizza in Lucca.
For Pizza Napoletana style, head to Da Umberto it’s fantastic pizza, and it’s affordable. It’s on the main square, Piazza Napoleon (aka Piazza Grande). They also have a walk-up window for the focaccia-style panini I previously mentioned.
For Pizza In Taglio (pizza cut from a rectangle and paid for by the weight) go to Alice. They are quick and always have fresh options, it’s also very inexpensive. They are best for lunch or an early dinner (they close around 6/7 pm)
For a larger pizza OR a slice to go we like to go to Dante & Gentucca. It’s small, so you are lucky if you get a table! Grab a slice and eat it outside or while you walk.
Marinara Pizza at Da Umerto
Panini
Il fici Panino at Da Ciacco
Da Ciacco– Also located in Piazza Napoleon, this restaurant is busy all the time, and they don’t take reservations. Go a little early and plan to wait 20/30 minutes for a table. They produce ridiculously good panini, crostone, salads, mixed meat and cheese boards, and more. Our favorite is the Fici, with salami Toscana, a slightly spicy fig jam, arugula, and some cheese. All of their panini are served on their wonderful corn flour and turmeric baguettes. Pretty sure our cousin is still dreaming about this panini since her visit last year…
Strabuono is another favorite spot for a panino, offering a plethora of options with just under 50 panini on the menu! They are quick, affordable, and conveniently located adjacent to a quiet piazza. They are close to Pizzeria da Felice, so if your group wants different things you can split up and get panini and pizza.
Burgers
I know- you’re probably thinking that a burger wouldn’t be top of mind in the land of pizza and pasta. Because Tuscany is so serious about their beef we have found some amazing hamburgers in this region. So if you want a break from pizza and pasta these are the two places we get our burger fix in Lucca.
Go.Do. has outstanding (large) burgers cooked to perfection. They have some other menu items too, so not everyone has to get a burger. They are only open for dinner, they can get busy, so make a reservation if your heart is set on this. The food is gourmet in a casual setting, all designed to be just as good in the restaurant or for takeaway.
Frisco Burger & Smash has great smash-style burgers. Close to Piazza Anfiteatro, it’s easy to stop in for a bite. They are open for lunch, but seating is limited so you may have to take it to go if you can’t get a spot. They don’t just serve burgers, they serve a high level of ethics; sustainably sourced ingredients, and no use of plastic. It’s a feel-good place to eat and be.
Mouthwatering Burger at Go.Do.
Restaurants (reservations recommended for all)
Buccellato antipasto at Stella Polare
Buca di Sant’Antonio – Since 1782 this restaurant has been turning out handmade, regional dishes. It has old Italian charm, great food, and great service. This place is popular with both locals and tourists.
Stella Polare – This is a newer restaurant (opened in the summer of 2023) but has become one of our favorite places. They have a creative, modern take on traditional dishes. Their tordelli is still our favorite in town, and what they do with buccellato for an appetizer is truly creative. Trust their sommelier with advice on wine to drink with your meal, he knows their wine, he knows his stuff.
Ristorante Tomei – Recently moved from outside the walls to a location in the historic center. Run by the sweetest couple (he’s the chef, and she runs the front of the house). This restaurant brings a modern twist to classic Italian ingredients. We love the vibe in this classy Italian spot.
Osteria Del Manzo – You will find lots of great steak dishes around Lucca (including Bistecca Fiorentina). This is one of our go-to spots for a special night (like a birthday) or if we want a steak. This was recommended by a local before we moved here. They offer a really great seasonal menu and a fabulous wine selection.
Antica Osteria – This restaurant is attached to a hotel but easily accessible from the street. We find they have a wide variety on the menu and we have enjoyed their pastas and wine. During tourism season we see lots of travelers there with their kids too. You can make a reservation, but they do take walk-ups when they have space. The hours differ depending on the season, but typically, you can get lunch here fairly late and dinner pretty early (as opposed to traditional Italian hours). Fun fact: We had our first celebrity sighting in Italy at this restaurant, last year, we saw Dustin Hoffman here while he was in Lucca filming a movie.
Shrimp Linguine at Antica Osteria
Nearby Cities Worth Seeing
If you decide to stay in Lucca for a while, you’ll be in an ideal spot to explore the area! Day trips are the perfect way to experience new places, and then you can return to charming Lucca in the evening.
Florence is such an amazing place that you’ll want to spend several days there. If you’ve already been, you’ll probably want to go back. You loved it, and who can resist a chance to return to a place they adore? (We go about every other month.) You probably didn’t see everything the first time, and there’s always something new to discover. If you’re planning a day trip, be sure to check out our Florence Travel Guide for ideas on what to do if you’ve already been there. To get to Florence from Lucca, you can hop on a regional train. These trains are super convenient and take just an hour and 25 minutes to an hour and 45 minutes. Time will depend on the route and if you make any train changes in Pisa or go direct.
Pisa is only 25 minutes by direct train from Lucca. You can take two trains, which will take about twice as long, changing at Viareggio, as well. Take the train to Pisa Centrale or Pisa San Rossore. Pisa San Rossore is a short walk from the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles), where the famous Tower of Pisa is located (you know this as the Leaning Tower). We recommend that you arrive at Pisa Centrale and walk to the tower so that you can see some of Pisa along the way, and then after your visit to the tower, you take the train from Pisa San Rossore station since it’s close to the tower. Or do the reverse: come into Pisa San Rossore and go to the tower first, followed by a walk to Pisa Centrale.
Torre di Pisa (aka Leaning Tower of Pisa)
A visit to the Campo dei Miracoli is the top attraction in Pisa. You can buy tickets that include climbing the tower, entrance to the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Camposanto (an indoor graveyard), and the Museum. You can get a ticket that doesn’t include climbing the tower if you don’t want to climb 273-leaning steps. If you want to climb the tower, you should book your time slot in advance. There is a ticket office inside the Field of Miracles where you can buy tickets if you don’t get them online. It’s €27 for everything and €11 without climbing the tower.
Pisa has so much to offer! On your walk between the tower and the train station be sure to visit the Piazza dei Cavalieri, a stunning Renaissance square that boasts a magnificent statue of Cosimo Medici. Surrounded by beautiful building facades, it’s a true work of art. In this square is the Palazzo della Carovana, a palace and university filled with art. Don’t miss the Palazzo dell’Orologio – Torre della Muda o della Fame. This clock tower has a fascinating history as a place that held and starved prisoners.
Torre della Muda o della Fame in Piazza dei Cavalieri
Chiesa della Santa Maria della Spina in Pisa
Across the river, you’ll find the Palazzo Blu, an incredible art museum in a beautifully restored medieval building. Just down the road is the Chiesa della Santa Maria della Spina, a must-see landmark that’s sure to leave you in awe. The church is incredibly captivating, with an intricately decorated Gothic facade, and it’s right along the river. It’s an absolute must-see while in Pisa!
If you’re spending a day in Pisa, you’re bound to find yourself craving something delicious when you’re hungry. But don’t worry, we’ve got some incredible suggestions for you! If you find yourself near the Leaning Tower, you’ve got to grab a pizza at Quarto d’Ora Italiano. La Grotta Pisa is another fantastic option, serving mouthwatering Pici (thick noodle pasta with a rich ragù sauce) and a delightful spritz. If you can snag a reservation, their cave-like dining room adds to the unique experience. And be sure to stop by Gelateria De’ Coltelli when crossing the river for a delicious cono or coppa di gelato. If you need a little pick-me-up, treat yourself to a macchiato or café (espresso) and a delicious treat from Pasticceria Dolce Pisa. They have gluten-free and vegan options too.
For those of you who enjoy a well-crafted margarita while on vacation, we’ve got you covered! Though tequila might not exactly be Italy’s claim to fame, we know you’ll find the perfect margarita at Casa Nahuatl. This Mexican restaurant is owned and operated by a Mexican! This is our spot to go when we need tacos and margaritas—two things that are not surprisingly uncommon in Italy. In fact – you’ll find us here any Cinco de Mayo that we are in Italy.
Viareggio is the place to be if you want to experience the true Dolce Vita! A quick 20-minute train ride from Lucca puts you a mere 10-minute walk from the beach. You can rent beds and have lunch at most of the bagni along the beach (bed rentals typically start in late May and are shuddered by the end of September).
While bagno is the Italian word for bathroom, it is also used for the place you go to swim (at the beach). Bagni is plural. A pool is called a piscina. And don’t forget to install the Spiagge app to secure your spot and make the most of your day. Most of the bagni have a place where you can order drinks and snacks throughout the day. Some will even come to you to take your order, so you can just relax. Or as the Italians say, stai tranquila (literally, be calm). For the kids, some bagni even have playgrounds, so everyone can enjoy the fun! There is more to Viareggio than the beach.
While in Viareggio you can take a stroll along the promenade, visit some art galleries (Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art of Viareggio or Museo Carnivale di Viareggio), see some Villas (Villa Argentina, Villa Paolina (home to Napoleon’s sister), take a walk in the Levante Pine Forrest, or catch a spectacular Carnivale parade in February!
We hope this guide has you excited about visiting beautiful Lucca! If you do decide to come to Lucca, send us an email; we’d love to answer any questions you have.
-XO, The Twins
How can we help? We would love to hear your questions!
Contact us by email at [email protected]
Need help planning your trip Lucca?
Custom Travel Planning Services – Learn more about the services that we offer. Leverage our expertise and let us craft the perfect itinerary, tailored to your unique desires.
10 steps to turn travel dreams into a reality – Planning a dream trip takes time and money. Focus on spreading out the spending so you don’t pay for the whole trip at once.
Travel Resources Page – Websites, apps, and products we frequently use to plan and enjoy a trip.
Essential Guide to Flight Booking Like a Pro – Your Essential Guide for tips on how to tackle the monumental task of booking a flight.
Ciao Bella! Navigating Italy by Train: Tips for Train Travel in Italy – A complete guide to planning, booking, and traveling by train in Italy. This also includes tips for navigating Italian train stations.
Best Travel Luggage – A review and recommendation of our favorite luggage.
Itineraries and City Travel Guides – Not sure where to go or what to do? These will help get the most out of your trip.
Travel Inspiration – Proceed with caution, pictures are likely to make you want to book a flight now!
Leave a Reply