We made our second trip to Lucca in September, having first visited in 2015. While we stayed for two days on both visits, many visitors spend only 1 day, or even a half-day, visiting from Florence and other parts of Tuscany. I still recommend staying at least a night to get the full Lucca experience, but if you only have a few hours (or 1 day) to see Lucca, this is what you should see and do!

ARRIVAL IN LUCCA

Most people will arrive in Lucca via its only train station. The train station is small and located a short 5-minute walk from Lucca’s old town, which is the heart of the city and where you want to be!  Once you get off the train, follow signs for the exit and leave the train station (there is a ramp to the right side of the station if you need it). Walk to the left side of the train station (with your back to the station) and you can literally walk a straight line to Lucca’s town walls. If you make this straight walk, there is an entry into the old town here. I do not think most people need a taxi, as the walk is short and easy.

WALKING OR BIKING THE OLD TOWN WALLS

Once in the old town walls, walk straight to Biciclette Poli (Piazza Santa Maria, 42, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy). They open at 8:30 AM. If you can bicycle, rent a bicycle from Poli for 2 hours and bike around the town walls for stunning views of the Tuscan countryside and the city of Lucca. Biking the entire wall only takes about 30 minutes (without stops) so you probably do not need the full 2 hours (consider returning early depending on time). If you cannot bicycle, still walk to Poli and access the old town walls from this entry point and walk an entire loop, which will take close to an hour (there are exit points if you don’t want to go all the way around).

Once you have done the walls and returned your bike, walk 10 minutes through Lucca to Piazza San Michele to see and visit the Chiesa di San Michele in Foro. This is a beautiful church that always reminds me of neighboring Pisa. Go inside if its open! You don’t need a ton of time here – 30 minutes if you go inside is plenty.

Next, walk 1 block for traditional Lucchese pizza or cecina from either Pizzeria da Felice or L. Pelligrini. Traditional Lucchese pizza is a very thin crust cheese and tomato pizza, and its delicious. You buy by weight, but honestly you can just order a slice (they will know what you want). Alternatively, cecina is a dish similar to pizza made with chickpea flour (its gluten free). Both are cheap and great. These are on-the-go dishes, so you can eat in the street outside the shop or at one of the small tables or counters in the restaurants. Take note though – eat in one place and not while walking down the street.  That is very un-Italian!

Next walk to the Guinigi Tower, Lucca’s most famous tower with the trees on the top! You will see several of these towers all over Lucca; they were formerly owned by wealthy families and these tall towers allowed the families to display their wealth. These towers are largely just pretty now, but this one you can climb. Its 233 wood stairs to the top, and the cost is 6 euro per adult. Dan and I did this back in 2015; we did not repeat it in 2024. I do think its worthwhile if you can handle the stairs, especially on a nice day!

After the GuinigiTower, make your way next to Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, which is another short stroll. Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is a must-see in Lucca! This circular piazza outlines a former Roman amphitheatre. The piazza is now filled with restaurants and shops. If you don’t like pizza or are still hungry, have lunch here. Alternatively, have a cold beverage after your big morning! Grab some souvenirs too if you are into that.

End your day in Lucca by walking from the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro to the Basilica di San Frediano. The ornate golden mosaic facade is truly beautiful! This is a short stop, only taking about 10 minutes or so!

And there you have it – the highlights! You can do this itinerary in as quickly as 4 hours or spread it over an entire day.  Should you have longer (or stay the night!), consider attending a Puccini, Lucca’s most famous resident, concert at the Church of San Giovanni. Concerts are nighty at 8 PM and last 1 hour.

Alternatively, make a dinner reservation at the FANTASTIC Osteria Miranda in Lucca.  You won’t regret it. And yes, a reservation is a must.

There it is – your perfect day-tour to Lucca itinerary.  If you have more time, read my post for a two-day itinerary here!

STEAL OUR TRIP

Biciclette Poli: Piazza Santa Maria, 42, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy. Open daily 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM.

Guinigi Tower: Torre Guinigi, Via Guinigi 29. Cost is currently 6 euro per person.

Pizzeria da Felice: Via Buia, 12, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy. Open Monday – Saturday 12 – 2:30, 4:00 – 8:30. Closed Sunday. Credit card accepted.

Pizzeria Pellegrini: P.za San Michele, 25, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy. Open daily 10:30 – 12:00 AM. No website.

Concerto: Puccini e la sa Lucca: This is the Puccini concert we saw – I couldn’t find a better website. I understand this concert runs daily, lasting an hour each evening. We paid 25 euro per person and purchased tickets the day of from our hotel.

Osteria Miranda: Via dei Carrozzieri, 27, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy. Open 12:30 – 2:30, 7:30 – 10:30 Friday – Tuesday.  Closed Wednesday – Thursday.