Lucca
Lucca is a historic city in Tuscany, known for having some of the best-preserved Renaissance fortifications in the world. The entire city center sits inside its massive walls, which now function as a pedestrian and cycling path around the town.
Quick Hits
Charming medieval town, less touristy than most destinations, great city to wander
Intact Renaissance walls, birthplace of Puccini, beautiful piazzas
Walk or bike along the city walls, see the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, climb the Guinigi Tower
Getting to Lucca
By Plane:
Lucca is a small town that does not have an airport.
By Train:
Trains arrive at Lucca railway station, located just outside the city walls. From there, it’s only a short walk into the historic center. The train ride from Pisa takes about 25 minutes, and from Florence it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
By Car:
Not recommended. Driving to Lucca takes about 30 minutes from Pisa and roughly an hour from Florence. Cars are not allowed inside most of the historic center, so visitors typically park outside the walls and walk in. If you cross into the restricted ZTL areas, you will receive a fine by mail about 3-36 months after the fact, so plan accordingly if you come by car.
Getting Around Lucca
Lucca is very easy to explore on foot because the historic center is small and mostly pedestrian. You could also rent bikes to ride along the top of the city walls, which circle the entire town.
Where to Stay in Lucca
Lucca is a small town, so you really can't go wrong staying anywhere within the walls!
Below is our personal list of places we've been and want to go in Lucca!
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