Lucca Italy Travel Guide: 15 BEST Things To Do In Lucca

Lucca Italy Travel Guide: 15 BEST Things To Do In Lucca

So you want to know what are the 
best things to do in Lucca, Italy? Great, you’re in the right place. In this video we’re gonna discuss 
the top things to do in Lucca. Number 15: Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is Lucca’s most distinctive square, built on the site of a 
Roman amphitheater from the 1st or 2nd century AD that once held around ten thousand people.
Its oval shape still mirrors the ancient arena, though today it’s surrounded by yellow buildings 
with green shutters and four arched entrances. You can walk along Via dell’Anfiteatro 
to spot parts of the original walls, especially near Piazza Scalpellini.
Designed by architect Lorenzo Nottolini in 1830, the square became a lively open space after 
centuries of use as a market and storage site. You can sit at a café, enjoy an Aperol spritz, 
and watch locals and visitors drift through. Number 14: Duomo di San Martino
Lucca’s Duomo, the Cattedrale di San Martino, is a Romanesque cathedral dating back to 
1070 and known for its ornate façade and unfinished bell tower with exposed brick.
Inside, you’ll find the Volto Santo, an eight-foot (3 m) wooden carving of Christ 
that inspires the city’s candlelit Luminaria di Santa Croce festival each September.
For a small fee, you can enter to admire detailed sculptures, painted 
chapels, and centuries-old artworks. The cathedral is dedicated to St Martin of 
Tours, patron saint of tailors and innkeepers. If you’re visiting in September, 
you can join locals as thousands of candles light the streets toward the 
Duomo in a moving nighttime procession. Number 13: Guinigi Tower
Built in the 1300s by Lucca’s wealthy Guinigi family, the Guinigi Tower is one 
of the few remaining medieval towers in the city. Families once competed to build the tallest 
towers as symbols of power, and this one still stands out for its unusual rooftop garden.
At the top, you’ll find Holm oaks planted to represent rebirth and renewal, along with views 
stretching across Lucca and the surrounding hills. The tower’s Romanesque-Gothic design features 
decorative stonework and family crests. You can climb its 230 steps to reach the leafy 
terrace, where legend says the tallest tree lost all its leaves the day Paolo Guinigi was executed.
Number 12: Puccini House Museum The Puccini House Museum in Lucca’s 
historic center is the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini, born here in 1858.
The rooms have been restored to look as they did during his youth, showing his piano, 
signed scores, and personal letters. You can see original drafts of operas like Tosca 
and La Fanciulla del West, along with sketches, family photos, and costumes, including the one 
used for the 1926 New York premiere of Turandot. The museum offers a quiet look into 
Puccini’s early life and creative process. If you enjoy music or opera, you’ll appreciate 
walking through the space that inspired one of Italy’s most famous composers.
Number 11: Via Fillungo Via Fillungo is Lucca’s main shopping 
street, winding through the historic center with cobblestones, arched 
windows, and elegant old buildings. It’s lined with boutiques, 
cafés, and bakeries where you can pick up local treats like Buccellato.
The street mixes small local shops with higher-end Italian brands, making it a pleasant 
place to browse or stop for lunch in a trattoria. As you walk, you’ll pass landmarks like the 
marble-fronted Church of San Cristoforo. Number 10: Walls of Lucca
Stretching for about 3 miles (4 km) around the historic center, the 
walls of Lucca are among the best-preserved Renaissance fortifications in Europe.
Built in the 1500s for defense, they’ve since become a peaceful green 
walkway lined with trees and shaded paths. You can walk, run, or cycle along the 
broad ramparts while taking in views of Lucca’s red rooftops and the Tuscan hills.
Locals come here for picnics and strolls, and there are cafés, benches, 
and playgrounds along the route. The walls also give you clear views of landmarks 
like the Duomo and Palazzo Pfanner, making it one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the city.
Number 9: Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca Tucked inside Lucca’s historic center, 
the Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca has been a green retreat since 1820.
Covering about 12 acres (5 ha), it’s home to plants from around the world 
as well as species native to Tuscany. You can follow winding paths through shaded 
trees, colorful flowerbeds, and sections devoted to medicinal and historic plants.
Information boards explain each plant’s story, making it both relaxing and educational.
The garden changes with the seasons, offering fresh colors and scents year-round.
Number 8: Piazza Napoleone This is Lucca’s main square, redesigned in 
the early 1800s by Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, Napoleon’s sister, who also planted the 
sycamores that still shade it today. The large open space is perfect for strolling 
or sitting at a café to watch local life. Look down for glass panels built into the 
pavement — they reveal parts of old foundations removed during the Napoleonic redesign.
In July, the piazza becomes the stage for the Lucca Summer Festival, where 
major international artists perform. If you visit then, expect lively crowds and higher 
hotel prices, but also a rare chance to experience live music in the city’s historic heart.
By the way, check the links in the description for the ultimate guide 
on saving money while traveling, plus recommended tour operators in Lucca
Number 7: Lucca’s Street Art Lucca has a vibrant street art scene that 
adds a modern touch to its historic streets. Hidden in narrow alleys, colorful murals and 
creative designs constantly change, giving the city a lively and ever-evolving artistic pulse.
Artists display a mix of styles, from whimsical characters to thought-provoking social 
commentary and abstract patterns. Some artworks last only a short time, but they 
leave a strong impression on those who see them. You can spot them while wandering 
the lanes, or follow local artists online for their latest creations.
Guided walking tours are also available to show the city’s most notable street art locations.
Number 6: Basilica di San Frediano The Basilica di San Frediano stands out 
for its striking 13th-century mosaic on the façade — a rare feature in Tuscany, shared 
only with Florence’s San Miniato al Monte. The mosaic shows Christ ascending to heaven, 
surrounded by angels in a Byzantine-style design. Inside, the church has three naves lined with 
elegant columns and chapels filled with art. You can see 16th-century frescoes by Amico 
Aspertini and sculptures by Jacopo della Quercia. The 12th-century baptismal font, 
carved with scenes from Moses’ life and the months of the year, is another highlight.
Walking through, you’ll feel how history, faith, and artistry meet in this quiet Lucca landmark.
Number 5: Torre delle Ore Also known as Clock Tower, the Torre delle Ore 
offers another climb worth your effort — this time for the best view of Lucca’s famous 
Guinigi Tower and its rooftop trees. The tower dates back to the Middle Ages and 
still has its original mechanical clock, which rings loudly every hour, so be 
prepared if you’re inside when it chimes. The narrow wooden staircase leads 
you up to sweeping views of Lucca’s terracotta rooftops and surrounding hills.
It’s a quieter alternative to the Guinigi Tower, and you’ll get a perfect spot for photos of the 
city skyline, especially if you enjoy capturing Lucca’s towers from a different angle.
Number 4: Fattoria Al Dotto Fattoria Al Dotto is a small family-run winery 
about 3 miles (5 km) from Lucca’s city walls. Since 2005, they’ve been handpicking their 
grapes to produce wines like Vermentino, Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah, and a local Chianti, 
along with their own extra virgin olive oil. You can book a tasting to sample their wines 
paired with local foods while learning about the winemaking process in a relaxed setting.
Tastings require a reservation, and the winery is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Number 3: Palazzo Pfanner Palazzo Pfanner is a 17th-century villa 
just inside Lucca’s walls, known for its elegant Baroque garden and film appearances.
The villa was later owned by Felix Pfanner, who opened one of Italy’s first 
breweries here in the 1800s. Today, you can explore its restored rooms 
displaying antique medical instruments that once belonged to surgeon Pietro Pfanner.
The main draw is the peaceful garden, designed with neat geometric paths, statues inspired 
by Greek mythology, and fragrant lemon trees. From the garden, you also get a lovely view of 
the nearby Basilica of San Frediano’s bell tower. Number 2: Tenuta Adamo
Just outside Lucca, Tenuta Adamo is a modern winery that continues 
the region’s long winemaking tradition. Established in 2020, it blends new 
ideas with old skills, producing wine and olive oil through sustainable methods.
You can take a guided tour to see how the wines are made, from vineyard to bottle, followed 
by a tasting of five wines and olive oil. The staff share insights in 
both English and Italian, making the visit engaging and easy to follow.
You can also relax on the patio overlooking the vineyards or even host a small event 
surrounded by the peaceful Tuscan hills. Number 1: Chiesa e Battistero 
di San Giovanni e Santa Reparata Located inside the Museum and Archaeological 
Complex of Saints Giovanni and Reparata, this former Catholic church provides a 
journey through the history of Lucca. Beneath the building, you will find metal 
walkways leading you across Roman mosaics, ancient walls, and early Christian ruins 
that reveal the city’s long history. Above ground, the church holds 
frescoes, sacred objects, and the ornate Chapel of Sant’Ignazio, designed 
in the 17th century by Domenico Martinelli. With one ticket, you can also visit 
Lucca Cathedral and climb its bell tower. Click here to watch this video.

This Lucca travel guide shares the best things to do in Lucca.

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Recommended Tours in Lucca:

Lucca: Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour: https://www.getyourguide.com/lucca-l1517/lucca-guided-e-bike-and-wine-tour-t183551/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Lucca

Lucca: Guided Food Walking Tour with Tastings: https://www.getyourguide.com/lucca-l1517/lucca-taste-tuscany-on-a-full-meal-food-tour-with-a-local-t435136/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Lucca

Lucca: Puccini Festival Opera Recitals and Concerts: https://www.getyourguide.com/lucca-l1517/lucca-puccini-festival-opera-recitals-and-concerts-t262952/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Lucca

Bagni di Lucca: Canyoning in the Cocciglia’s Gorge: https://www.getyourguide.com/fabbriche-di-casabasciana-l165757/bagni-di-lucca-canyoning-in-the-cocciglia-s-gorge-t395439/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Lucca
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Welcome to Lucca, Italy, a charming Tuscan city known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, historic churches, and peaceful atmosphere. Surrounded by rolling hills and close to both Pisa and Florence, Lucca, Italy is a perfect destination for those who want history, culture, and authentic Italian charm. In this video, we’ll show you the best things to do and where to stay in Lucca.

Start your visit by walking or cycling along the city walls, one of the most iconic features of Lucca, Italy. The walls date back to the 16th century and now serve as a tree-lined path offering great views of the city’s towers, rooftops, and surrounding countryside. Renting a bike is one of the best ways to explore them.

Inside the walls, Lucca, Italy is full of beautiful architecture and lively piazzas. The Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is a must-see — built on the site of a Roman amphitheater, it’s now surrounded by colorful buildings, cafes, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to stop for coffee or lunch while soaking in the atmosphere.

Another highlight of Lucca, Italy is the Guinigi Tower. You can climb to the top to see the famous rooftop garden with oak trees and panoramic views of the city. Nearby, the Torre delle Ore (Clock Tower) offers another great viewpoint.

The city’s churches are also worth visiting. The Cathedral of San Martino, with its detailed facade and beautiful interior, is one of the most important landmarks in Lucca, Italy. The Church of San Michele in Foro, located in one of the main squares, stands out for its impressive Romanesque design.

Music lovers will appreciate that Lucca, Italy is the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini. You can visit the Puccini Museum in his former home or attend one of the many concerts dedicated to his work held throughout the year.

For a local experience, stroll through the narrow streets lined with shops selling Tuscan wines, olive oil, and handmade goods. The local cuisine is delicious — try traditional dishes like farro soup, pasta with wild boar, and Lucca’s famous buccellato cake.

When choosing where to stay, Lucca, Italy offers charming boutique hotels and guesthouses inside the city walls, as well as countryside villas and agriturismos nearby for a more relaxing escape.

With its blend of history, art, and Tuscan beauty, Lucca, Italy is a city that captures the essence of old-world charm while offering a peaceful and authentic experience for every traveler.

Keep watching to see the top things to do in Lucca, top attractions in Lucca, places to visit in Lucca and Italy travel guides.

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