Welcome to Lucca, a delightfully walkable city that offers a captivating mix of centuries-old towers, hidden alleyways, botanical gardens, and farm-fresh Tuscan dining. Enclosed within well-preserved Renaissance walls, Lucca Centro Storico spans roughly 180 acres, making it the perfect size for leisurely exploration. Its laid-back atmosphere and less touristy vibe provide a refreshing alternative, especially during the busy summer months. This lively and cultured city is not only rich in museums, sights, and outdoor activities but also ideal for relaxed bike rides and walks. Here’s your guide to navigating this enchanting city and discovering all it has to offer.
There's A LOT Going on in Lucca Year-Round!
Lucca hosts major annual events that attract visitors from all over the world. The Lucca Summer Festival and Lucca Comics & Games are two standout events that draw international crowds. The Summer Festival brings some of the biggest names in music to this quaint Tuscan town, while Comics & Games is one of the largest comic book and gaming conventions in Europe. Lucca also hosts a monthly Antiques Market.
Even locals may sometimes have a hard time knowing all the things going on in-town! Here’s a breakdown of some of the best online resources for exploring Lucca and getting the most out of your time in this enchanting Tuscan city:
Lucca.com - For a comprehensive overview of Lucca, this site is your go-to guide. It provides detailed information about the city's history, key attractions, and practical advice for visitors. Whether you’re looking to dive into Lucca's rich past or plan a stroll through its ancient streets, this site offers insights into the must-see landmarks, such as the iconic city walls, stunning churches, and charming piazzas. It also covers accommodation and dining options, making it a one-stop shop for planning your trip.
Turismo Lucca - Officially run by the city, Turismo Lucca is a fantastic resource for both tourists and locals. The site is regularly updated with information on current events, guided tours, and cultural happenings, ensuring you don't miss out on any of Lucca’s vibrant festivals or exhibitions. With tips for visiting key attractions like the Guinigi Tower and San Martino Cathedral, the website also provides practical travel information, including maps, itineraries, and transportation details. It's ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in local culture.
Lucca Grapevine Magazine - For English speakers who want to get an insider’s perspective on Lucca, Lucca Grapevine is a monthly publication filled with stories, tips, and advice from people who live in and love the area. The magazine covers a wide range of topics, from real estate and local events to arts, culture, and personal anecdotes. If you’re interested in learning more about life in Lucca beyond the tourist spots, this resource is a treasure trove of information and is particularly useful for expats and long-term visitors.
Lucca What's On - Stay in the loop with Lucca What's On, a dynamic website listing all of the city's latest events, concerts, and exhibitions. Whether you’re searching for live music performances, art shows, or family-friendly activities, this site is perfect for finding out what’s happening during your visit. It’s constantly updated, making it a reliable resource for those who want to experience Lucca’s local entertainment and nightlife.
Embrace the City's Layout
Despite its manageable size, Lucca’s historic center can be a bit confusing to navigate. The key to enjoying Lucca without getting lost is to embrace its maze-like streets. The city’s charm lies in its narrow, winding alleys and hidden corners that lead you to picturesque spots and local treasures.
When in doubt, take to the walls for a bird’s-eye view of the city. Lucca’s tree-lined Renaissance walls stretch for 4.2 km, forming a perfect ring around the town and offering a unique vantage point to help orient yourself. These walls, accessible day and night, provide a safe and scenic way to get your bearings and appreciate the city’s layout from above.
Resources for Navigating Lucca
To enhance your exploration, several resources can help you navigate Lucca with ease:
Lucca Tourism Office: Located near Casa Campolattaro at Vecchia Porta S. Donato, Piazzale Giuseppe Verdi, this office offers a variety of materials, including maps and local information, to help you plan your adventures.
GPS My City: This app provides three expert-designed self-guided walking tours of Lucca. You can explore at your own pace, with detailed maps, photos, and background information on attractions. The app works offline, so you won’t need a data plan while traveling abroad.
Lucca Map: Download this app for several walking guides that help you choose the best routes and highlights for your visit.
Rome2Rio: Use Rome2Rio to calculate distances and find the best methods of transportation to various destinations within and around Lucca.
Trippy: For planning road trips and calculating travel distances, Trippy offers a user-friendly interface to streamline your planning process.
Napp Lucca: This interactive tool provides insights into sites linked to Napoleon and his sister, Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, adding a historical layer to your exploration.
A Foodie’s Paradise
Lucca boasts an exceptional food scene that deserves its own spotlight. For restaurant recommendations, check out our blog article, Where We Would Eat & Drink if We Only Had One Week in Lucca. TheFork app makes booking a table easy, helping you discover some of the best dining spots in town.
If you're a fan of the slow food movement, check out Slow Food Italia to find eateries focused on sustainability and tradition. For those looking to bring Tuscan flavors back home, why not take a cooking class? Learn how to make pasta from scratch or whip up a traditional Lucchese meal under the guidance of a local chef.
Travels in Tuscany
While Lucca is a gem in itself, it also serves as a perfect base for exploring the wider region of Tuscany. Take a day trip to Pisa to see the famous leaning tower, visit Florence for a dose of Renaissance art, or enjoy the scenic beauty of the Tuscan countryside. Websites like Tuscany Now & More offer excellent information on guided tours and excursions to nearby attractions, ensuring you don’t miss out on all that this beautiful region has to offer. Check out this blog article where we share tons of daytrips that are easily-reached in under 2 hours from Lucca Centro Storico. Or, this one where we delve into wineries nearby and how to get there, even if you don't have a car.
Bikes are Best
Lucca is a biking haven, and navigating the historic center by bike is one of the best ways to explore the city. One of Lucca’s highlights is its 3-mile greenway loop atop the historic city walls. The wide, flat bike path is shaded by trees and features picnic spots, making it perfect for year-round cycling. Enjoy panoramic views of Lucca’s rooftops and the surrounding hills while riding, or venture outside of the walls. Here are some great rental shops:
Amici Bici: Located just around the corner at Via Cittadella, 28. Rates start at €5 per hour or €20 for a full day, with special rates for multiple days. They also offer road bikes for exploring beyond the city walls.
Nolo Cicli: Rent bikes, rickshaws or book tours. On Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 13
Chrono Bikes: Situated at Corso Garibaldi, 93.
Cicli Rai: Found at Via San Nicolao, 66.
Bike Sharing: The town offers bike sharing through the Ridemovi app, with bikes usually available near the Tourism office.
** Please remember to avoid riding your bike on Via Fillungo or other heavily-trafficked pedestrian areas during peak tourist hours. Always lock your bikes securely, especially when not in use, and avoid leaving them at the train station for extended periods. Although Lucca is very safe, bike theft can occur.
Traveling to Lucca Centro Storico & Beyond
For traveling to and within Lucca Centro Storico, there are several train and bus services available.
Trains
The Lucca train station, or *Stazione di Lucca*, is conveniently located just outside the historic city walls on Piazzale Ricasoli, a short 5-10 minute walk from Porta San Pietro. This station, with five platforms, is the terminus for the Pisa-Lucca and Lucca-Aulla lines and a stop on the Viareggio-Florence line. Although it only serves regional trains, Lucca remains a popular day-trip destination, especially for visitors from Florence and Pisa.
When planning your trip, be sure to check for any train strikes or disruptions, as they can affect service unexpectedly. For instance, this summer, direct trains to Florence were unavailable due to track maintenance, requiring travelers to find alternative routes. Stay informed about potential delays or cancellations before you travel.
Trenitalia - The main provider of train services in Italy, including routes to and from Lucca.
Italo Treno - Offers high-speed train services across Italy, though Lucca is primarily served by regional Trainline - A third-party app that allows you to book both Trenitalia and Italo Treno tickets in one place, with clear schedules and real-time updates.
This Tuscany rail map is also a helpful resources.
** Before boarding a train in Italy, make sure to validate your ticket at the designated machines in the station. These validation machines, typically green or yellow and located near the platform entrances, stamp your ticket with the date and time, making it valid for travel. Failing to validate your ticket can result in fines or complications during your journey. If you've purchased your train ticket online, you still need to validate it before boarding. Simply show the digital ticket on your mobile device or printout to the conductor when asked. However, if your ticket is issued with a QR code or barcode, validation is generally not required; you can board directly with the digital ticket. Always check the specific instructions provided with your ticket, as procedures can vary.
Buses
The bus station is adjacent to the train station, making it easy to transition between bus and train travel. Additionally, Piazza Verde, serves as a key bus hub for the city. It is home to a variety of local and regional bus lines operated by CTT Nord, providing easy access to different parts of Lucca and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. From Piazzale Verdi, you can catch buses to nearby towns like Viareggio, Montecatini, and Pisa, as well as to more distant destinations across Tuscany. These buses run frequently and are a convenient option for both locals and tourists seeking to explore beyond Lucca's historic center.
CTT Nord - The main bus operator for Lucca and the surrounding areas, offering urban and regional routes.
FlixBus - A budget-friendly option for long-distance travel to major cities and nearby regions.
Moovit - A comprehensive app for public transit, covering buses and trains in Lucca, with real-time schedules, route planning, and service alerts.
MyCicero - An app for buying tickets for buses, trains, and parking in Italy, including CTT Nord buses in Lucca.
Expert Guidance
If you're looking for a more curated experience, consider booking a local guided tour. Companies like Viator and GetYourGuide offer specialized tours in and around Lucca. Whether you want to delve into the city's rich history, embark on a food tour, or explore on a bike, these guides provide a personalized touch to your visit. It's a great way to experience Lucca through the eyes of locals who know its hidden corners and fascinating stories.
Managing Mobility Matters
Navigating Lucca with mobility issues can be made easier with a bit of planning. For those who need assistance, booking a charming carriage ride provides a comfortable way to explore the city’s historic center. Additionally, renting a rickshaw is another great option for getting around with ease. The city is quite manageable if you plan your visits strategically; many of Lucca’s attractions are clustered together, so with a bit of advance planning, you can minimize walking distances and enjoy the city’s highlights without excessive exertion.
Drivers & Taxis
Private Drivers & Transfers:
You might consider hiring a private driver during your stay in Lucca for convenient wine tours through Tuscany’s vineyards, hassle-free airport transfers, or to explore nearby cities and attractions with ease and comfort. Here are some options:
Bella Touring Tuscany - email: bellatouringtuscany@gmail.com
For convenient taxi services in Lucca, you have several options. Radiotaxi Lucca offers 24-hour service and can be reached via the appTaxi app or by calling +39 0583 1745. ItTaxi is another reliable choice; you can book through their app or visit their website. Additionally, the Consorzio Tassisti Lucchesi provides radio taxi services and can be reached at +39 0583 333434. These services ensure that you can easily find a taxi whenever you need one in Lucca.
Explore with Confidence
By using these resources, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. Whether you're wandering through the narrow streets, cycling along the walls, or exploring hidden corners, Lucca offers a rich and immersive experience that is sure to captivate you. Enjoy your time in our charming Tuscan city!
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