Lucca - Discovering Italy

Travelling to Lucca

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Lucca, a pretty good destination in Italy (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Lucca and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Lucca, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Italy, here's everything to know about Lucca for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Lucca

Lucca is a beautiful city located in Tuscany, Italy. It is renowned for its well-preserved Renaissance walls that encircle the historical center of the city. Lucca has a rich history, once being an important Roman city-state, and is characterized by its narrow, winding streets and medieval towers. The city is also home to a number of museums, churches, and other historical sites, including several impressive palazzos and the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, a picturesque oval square that was once a Roman amphitheater. Lucca is also known for its musical heritage, with annual festivals dedicated to classical and contemporary music. The city is a popular destination for tourists, and offers a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants, and shops.

What to visit in Lucca

Sure, here are some of the top tourist attractions in Lucca, Italy.
1. Piazza dell'Anfiteatro: This piazza was once a Roman amphitheater and is now a bustling gathering place for visitors and locals. Lined with charming cafes and shops, it’s a great spot to grab a coffee and people watch.
2. Guinigi Tower: This famous tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Lucca. The tower dates back to the medieval era and is known for its rooftop garden with oak trees.
3. Cathedral of St. Martin: Also known as the Duomo di Lucca, this impressive cathedral dates back to the 11th century. Its ornate Gothic facade and stunning interior make it a must-visit attraction in Lucca.
4. Puccini Museum: Lucca is the birthplace of renowned composer Giacomo Puccini, and this museum is a great place to learn more about his life and work. Visitors can see personal belongings, music manuscripts, and even a reproduction of his studio.
5. Basilica of San Frediano: This historic church is famous for its beautiful mosaic facade and stunning frescoes inside. It’s also home to a stunning golden mosaic of Christ that dates back to the 13th century.
6. Museum of Villa Guinigi: This museum is housed in a stunning 15th-century villa and gives visitors a glimpse into the daily life of wealthy Renaissance-era residents of Lucca.
7. San Michele in Foro: Another beautiful church in Lucca, San Michele in Foro dates back to the 11th century and features a stunning marble facade covered in intricate sculptures.
These are just a few of the many attractions that Lucca has to offer. Visitors are sure to fall in love with the city's rich history and charming atmosphere.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Italy, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Lucca.

When to go on holiday to Lucca

The best time to visit Lucca is from April to June or from September to October when the weather is mild and pleasant. The peak tourist season is during the summer months of July and August, when temperatures can be quite hot and the city can be crowded. Additionally, many locals go on vacation during August, causing some shops and restaurants to close. Visiting in the shoulder seasons offers a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, with fewer crowds and better availability of accommodation at reasonable prices.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Lucca

There are different ways to get to Lucca, but here are some common ones: 1. By Air: The closest international airport to Lucca is the Pisa Airport. From there, you can take a train or a bus to Lucca. The train ride will take you about 30 minutes, while the bus ride will take about an hour.
2. By Train: Lucca has its own train station and is connected to major Italian cities such as Florence, Pisa, and Rome. The journey from Florence to Lucca takes about 1 hour.
3. By Car: Lucca is located off the A11 Florence-Pisa highway, meaning that you can easily drive to Lucca from either city. The journey from Florence to Lucca takes about 1 hour, while the journey from Pisa to Lucca takes about 20-30 minutes.
I hope this information helps you plan your trip to Lucca!
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Lucca, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Lucca

Sure, I will be glad to help you with that.
Here are some typical foods of Lucca, Italy along with a brief description of each: 1. Buccellato: A slightly sweet bread made with anise and raisins, usually served as a dessert or breakfast pastry.
2. Tortelli Lucchese: Ravioli filled with meat and vegetables, topped with either meat or tomato sauce.
3. Polenta: A cornmeal-based dish often served as a side dish with meats or stews.
4. Spelt Soup: A hearty soup made with spelt grains, vegetables, and sometimes meat or sausage.
5. Panzanella: A Tuscan bread salad made with stale bread, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and basil, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
6. Cacciucco: A traditional fish stew made with various kinds of seafood, tomato sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
7. Castagnaccio: A sweet dessert made with chestnut flour, water, olive oil, and pine nuts.
8. Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A large T-bone steak grilled over wood fire, served rare or medium-rare.
9. Farro Salad: A salad made with farro, a type of grain, mixed with vegetables, cheese, and sometimes tuna or olives.
10. Fettunta: Grilled bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil, often served as an appetizer or snack.
I hope this helps you in planning your trip to Lucca!
You can find general info about typical foods in Italy here.

Is Lucca an expensive destination for tourists?

Lucca is certainly not a cheap destination, but it's not considered an extremely expensive one either, compared to other popular Italian destinations such as Rome or Venice. Prices for accommodations, food, and activities will vary depending on the season, type of accommodation, and location within the city. Generally, prices for accommodation and dining in the city center will be higher than in the outskirts. Shopping and tourist attractions are also worth factoring into your budget. Ultimately, the cost of your trip to Lucca will depend on your preferences and what you are willing to spend.

Where to find accomodation in Lucca

The best areas to find accommodations to visit Lucca, Italy would be within the walled city of Lucca itself. Additionally, Pisa, which is only a short train ride away, may also be a good option to consider. Any accommodations within the historic center of Lucca will provide easy access to all the main attractions, museums, and restaurants, and also add to the overall experience of visiting this charming city.
You can check hotel prices at Lucca here:
Booking.com

Is Lucca a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Lucca is a generally safe place for tourists. Lucca is a small city in Tuscany, and it has a low crime rate compared to larger cities in Italy. However, as with any destination, it is always recommended to take basic safety precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings, avoiding dark or isolated areas at night, and being aware of any potential scams or pickpocketing in tourist areas. Overall, Lucca is a charming and peaceful town to visit.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Italy here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Lucca.

What type of travelers will enjoy Lucca the most?

Lucca is a great destination for all types of travelers, including couples, young people looking for fun, and families. Couples will appreciate Lucca's romantic atmosphere, which includes beautiful architecture, charming narrow streets, and lovely cafes and restaurants. The city's walls make for a delightful stroll while enjoying the sunset.
Young people looking for fun will enjoy Lucca's nightlife scene with its incredible bars, nightclubs, and events held throughout the year, such as the Lucca Summer Festival. Moreover, its proximity to the popular seaside resort of Viareggio makes it possible to enjoy the beaches and water activities.
Families will love the city's family-friendly atmosphere, parks, playgrounds, and historic sites. The city's medieval walls offer fantastic opportunities for bike rides and picnics with your loved ones. Additionally, the Puccini Opera Festival is an exciting event for families to enjoy the world-class music and performances in the open-air theatre. In summary, Lucca is an ideal destination for all types of travelers who seek authentic Italian culture, food, music, and outdoor activities.

How to get around Lucca

In Lucca, you can move around by walking, cycling, or using public transport. Bikes are a very popular way to get around the city, and there are several places where you can rent them. The city's public transport system consists of buses, which run frequently and cover most areas of the city. However, as Lucca is relatively small, it's also easy to get around on foot.

What to see around Lucca

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Lucca: 1. Pisa: The famous leaning tower of Pisa is just a short distance away from Lucca. Along with the leaning tower, you can also visit the Piazza dei Miracoli, which is another UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. Florence: Florence is one of the most popular cities in Italy and is known for its beautiful architecture, art, and culture. You can visit the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery.
3. Siena: Another beautiful city in Tuscany, Siena is known for its medieval architecture and the Palio horse race. You can visit the Piazza del Campo, the Siena Cathedral, and the Palazzo Pubblico.
4. Cinque Terre: The Cinque Terre is a string of five small fishing villages, located along the rugged Italian coast. Each village is unique in its own way, and you can hike between the villages, take a boat ride, or relax on the beach.
5. Lago di Massaciuccoli: Located about 15 minutes from Lucca, Lago di Massaciuccoli is a serene lake surrounded by beautiful hills. You can take a boat ride on the lake, hike in the nearby hills, or visit the Roman ruins at the edge of the lake.
For every travel information about Italy you can click here.

Wild Trips is the Wikipedia of travel and this page was partly created with the help of AI: in the unfortunate case you find an error, please write to us to correct it... Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook if you like wild trips around the world and beautiful itineraries in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/wildtrips.