Lucca, a city located in Tuscany, Italy, has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. It’s a popular destination for those looking to take a day trip from Florence and explore the unique charm of Tuscany. One of its standout features is the main square, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, which is oval in shape and surrounded by historic buildings and restaurants. Visitors to Lucca can also enjoy its well-preserved medieval city walls and numerous churches and palaces. The colourful streets and well preserved architecture make it one of the most picturesque towns in Tuscany. With so much to see and do, Lucca is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Tuscany.
We visited in June 2022 during our Europe adventures and found Lucca to be a pleasant surprise, particularly as we didn’t know what to expect. Despite being one of the largest cities in Tuscany, it still had a quaint and charming small town feel. We were in awe when we stumbled upon the magnificent cathedral, with its ornate façade. The city is also home to 9 ancient towers, the most famous being the Guinigi Tower, which boasts a small garden of oak trees on its rooftop.
Our time in Lucca was around 4 hours, but you could easily spend a full day there. Additionally, Lucca could be used as a base to explore other close-by Tuscany towns if you stayed a few nights. Some of our favourite memories were sipping coffee in the city’s main square, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, which has an unusual oval shape based on a former amphitheatre, and taking a stroll along the city’s tree-lined walls. Lucca is a must-visit for anyone traveling in Tuscany and is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Top Picks for your visit to Lucca:
- Wander the charming labyrinth of streets in Lucca’s picturesque old town.
- Sit on the main square and enjoy a coffee, drink, or something to eat. While you will pay a premium to sit on the main square, we feel like it’s worth it for the view and experience.
- Walk the walls the surround Lucca. These a free (something we love!), and surround the city. The treelined walls offer beautiful views of the city and are one of the top things to do!
- Explore the artisan shops that line the main square and surrounding streets.
- Check out the towers and cathedrals!
Planning a Tuscany road trip?
Take a look at some of the other picturesque towns we visited in Tuscany in the blog below! We particularly enjoyed San Gimignano and Monteriggioni, along with out visit to the stunning villa Castello Vicchiomaggio where we stayed a night.
Considering staying the night in the historic Lucca?
While we didn’t stay in Lucca (we stayed in a villa in Tuscany), it would be a good spot to stay a night or 2. Take a look at a few accommodation picks below, including the villa where we spent a delightful stay!
- This 4 star hotel in the heart of Lucca is a great accommodation option
- Villa Romantica is a great option situated just outside the walled city
- A cute hotel in the heart of the city
- Castello Vicchiomaggio – A stunning Tuscan villa where we stayed in 2022.
Book a tour to Lucca or Tuscany!
Getting around Tuscany can be a challenge, particularly if you don’t hire a car. Take a look at some tour options below which may make your trip simpler, easier and more fun!
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