What to do in Lucca

Lucca is a cute little town in Tuscany. As it is not far from both Pisa and Florence, it is perfect to visit for a day. Or as part of a road trip, as we did. It can be easily reached by both car and train, making it suitable for people who don’t have a car.

The rich history is visible all over the city: beautiful churches, medieval fortifications and magnificent squares.

What to do in Lucca for 1 day?

Of course, you must start your day with a coffee and a pastry. Like everywhere in Italy, you can find them everywhere. Take a seat on one of the squares and enjoy some people watching. Then you are ready to explore Lucca. Don’t forget to enjoy the cut little streets and do some wandering. 

Visit the Duomo

Lucca is called the ‘city of 100 churches’. And for a reason: there are a lot of churches in the city. The biggest is the Cathedral of Saint Martin or Duomo di San Martino. If you want, you can also enter the Cathedral, which we didn’t do. Inside you will find the Holy Face of Lucca (Volto Santo), a venerated wooden body of a crucifix.

Walking through the city, you find much more beautiful churches. And just wandering the streets lets you experience the relaxing atmosphere in Lucca. 

Tickets for the Duomo are 3 euro. Combination tickets for the Duomo + Campanile + Museum + Battistero are 9 euro.

The Roman Amphitheater

At the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, the buildings surround the square following an elliptical shape of the former Roman Amphitheater. You can enter the square through one of the 4 gateways at the 4 vertices of the ellipse. Enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes on this square. 

Climb the Guinigi Tower

This tower, dating back to the 1300s, is a typical example of local Romanesque-Gothic architecture. It is particularly known for the tall trees that grow on top of the tower. From the top of the tower, you have a magnificent view of Lucca. But watch your head, being stunned by the beauty of the city can make you bump into one of the low hanging branches.

Because only a few people are allowed on the tower at once, there can be a bit of a wait. And yes, you have to climb all the stairs, 230 in total (there is no elevator). Price is 4 euro per person.

Walk or bike along the 16th century walls

The old city walls of Lucca are completely accessible on foot or by bike. The 4km long walkway allows for seeing the city from different angles. We didn’t do these unfortunately because we were in Lucca for only half a day.

Parking

We parked at Parcheggio Mazzinia (Via dei Bacchettoni). It is 1 euro per hour, which is pretty cheap. And walking distance to the city centre. 

Hotels

There are numerous hotels in Lucca. But as said before, you can also stay in Florence or Pisa and go to Lucca for a day.

Lucca was perfect to enjoy the beauty of Tuscany: cosy squares and streets, a beautiful cathedral and not so crowded yet as Florence or Pisa.

Did you visit Lucca?

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