Lucca
Transportation and Accommodations
Getting There
Lucca is a quaint Tuscan town not far from Florence and Pisa. For those traveling directly to Lucca, Pisa is the closest airport, located just a 30 minute train from the Pisa centrale station. From the Pisa airport, follow signs for the Pisamover. You can purchase a ticket for this tram directly before boarding. Take the Pisamover to the Pisa train station where you can then take the next train to Lucca. Purchase tickets at a kiosk at the station and then find your platform. As the journey is short, it's quite an easy trip.
Florence is also within easy train distance and offers another airport option if Pisa does not provide flight options.
For those traveling around Italy, Lucca is most easily reached by train or by car.
Getting Around
The town of Lucca is small and easily covered on foot. You will find that you can see a lot of the town in a few hours. That being said, you do see a lot of cyclists around Lucca. Some you will see are just the casual local biker who bike to get around, especially outside the town walls. You will also see you can rent bikes to ride the city walls and enjoy the 4.5km perimeter on two wheels rather than two feet, and you may even encounter some cyclists who are just stopping in Lucca on a longer bike ride.
Accommodations
Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Marriott
Definitely one of the nicer hotels in the city center, the Grand Lucca Marriott is located on the Piazza Napoleone. It is just about a 15 minute walk from the station to the hotel, making it easy to arrive by train with bags and get checked in. The hotel is very pretty, and the staff are all very helpful. The location is perfect at the city center, providing a good home base to visit the Tuscan town.
For those interested, the hotel has bikes you can borrow for free an hour. Consider taking them out to cycle around the city walls.
Things to do and see
City walls
A nice, wide path is in place along the top of the city walls. When visiting Lucca, walking the 4.5km around the city walls or taking a bike around is a must. The views are nice both into and outside the city from the walls. There are multiple entrance points onto the walls from the base so you can enter and exit at different places
Torre del Ore
The clock tower is found at the centre of town, with just over 200 stairs to reach the top for an outdoor viewpoint over the city. It costs approx. 8 euros to climb.
Guinigi Tower
The other tower you can climb, also just over 200 stairs to the top, this tower is unique as there are trees on the top of the tower. Note the views from the top are similar, so it is not a must to climb both.
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
This is a square within an amphitheater. Definitely a bit touristy in the square itself, but nice to just walkthrough
Duomo di San Martino
Large cathedral within the walls that is worth stepping inside to see the Volto Santo, the large crucifix in the church. The labyrinth sign can also be found underneath the portico on the exterior of the cathedral.
Aqueduct of Nottolini
Just about 10-15 minutes away from the Lucca walls, you can walk alongside the Aqueduct that used to bring water into the city.
Chiesa di San Michele in Foro
Basilica in the city with a nice square
Food and Drinks
Paninis
Strabuono
Little panini shop in the city centre, offering about 50 different standard panini options. Take your pick and order a panini to have for a quick afternoon bite. This was my favorite panini in Lucca!
Pan di Strada
Another panini shop near the city walls with lots of options. The paninis are served on a ciabatta bread
Dinner Restaurants
Buca di Sant'Antonio Italian
A michelin recommended restaurant in Lucca, this is a favorite for many visitors. The restaurant is quite spacious, but make sure to make a reservation in advance to enjoy a meal in this local restaurant.
Osteria da Pasqualino Gubitosa
A favorite meal for us, this restaurant had absolutely delicious food with very friendly hosts and waiters.
Gelato
Gelateria Paniko
Located near the city walls on the side closest to the train station, stop in here for an afternoon gelato. I loved the salted caramel peanut flavor here.
Momo Gelati
Hidden out of the main city centre, not too far from Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, this little spot had some delicious flavors including Cremino.
Wine Bars
Enoteca Vanni
Notably recognized as the best wine bar in Lucca, the spot is in a quieter square with nice outdoor seating available for an afternoon drink. Enjoy some appertifs and a glass of wine before heading to your dinner plans
Vinarkia della Pavona - Vineria
Cute wine bar with some great platters for an afternoon snack or pre-dinner bite
Vinaiolo
Another wine bar worth a stop for a glass of wine, but little to no seating so you may be standing while you sip on your glass of wine
Ciclo Divino
Wine bar that is a bit more bustling, very close to the above two noted
Marsili Costantino
Nice spot along Piazza San Michele for a glass of wine and taralli
La Tana del Boia
Found along Piazza San Michele, great spot to enjoy an afternoon drink and people watch
Other Notes
Duration
Lucca is perfect for a quick weekend trip, or just a day trip from Florence. For those looking to enjoy Tuscany and the towns throughout, Lucca should be included on your itinerary. It's a small quaint town, but has more going on than some of the many smaller towns, while also not being overcrowded with tourists. If you just want a taste of it, or have less time, consider it as a day trip from Florence.
Time of Year
Shoulder season is a nice time to visit Lucca as the temperatures can be warm, yet not too hot, and you'll find the town is busy enough without being too crowded. The summer can be nice, but it can also get quite hot in Italy in the summer which may make it less enjoyable
Navigation
Transportation and Accommodations
Things to do and see
Food and Drinks