We’ve arrived in Lucca, the small Italian city that’s home to one hundred and one churches and 16th-century walls designed by the great Leonardo Da Vinci. Whether you are here for a day or a weekend and dining or exploring, you’ll quickly fall in love with the city.

We couldn’t be more excited. Not just because the city itself is lovely, but we’ve had ‘Visit Tuscany’ on our list for a long time. Weeks of research and mapping out a plan quickly pay off here, and I’m here to share it with you. I’ve narrowed my perfect exploration based on our recent visit, and I hope it’s helpful for your visit!

Related Posts

Visiting Pisa Italy ⋆ Staying at Casa Buonocore in Positano ⋆ A Visit to Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, and Naples ⋆ The Naples Pizza Battle ⋆ The Path of the Gods ⋆ Gastronomic Trekking on the Amalfi Coast ⋆ Exploring the Cinque Terre with a Local ⋆ Portofino ⋆ The Italian Riviera ⋆ Parma ⋆ Modena ⋆ Bologna

How to Get Here

For us, this adventure is a road trip from Basel, Switzerland, but most people to visit here fly into Florence. If you do this, rent a car and map out the places you want to visit! It's just an hour to Lucca from the airport, and you'll have Pisa nearby to visit as well!

So this happened…

I ordered a new DJI drone just before driving to Tuscany and was very excited for its first flight. It seemed that Lucca would be the perfect place! There are several parks in and around the city, and I wanted to avoid attention at all cost, so I positioned behind a church and what I felt would be an ideal location.

In just 60-seconds into the flight where I went straight up, birds ascended from nests hidden atop the church and swarmed the drone, dive-bombing it and pooping on it’s top. Let’s say that was a quick flight and I was glad we had the prop guards for the first flight!

So, for my drone-loving followers, beware of the towers and churches with their hidden attack birds!

What To See and Do

St. Martin Cathedral

Piazza Antelminelli, 55100 Lucca

This beauty is a must-see with it’s original and nearly 1000-year old, front facade still intact. Other portions of it were rebuilt in Gothic style in the 14th century. The front arches are beautiful.

Chiesa di San Michele in Foro

Piazza San Michele, 55100 Lucca

This is another church that you should add to your checklist! The Roman Catholic basilica with stunning architecture. Its original date is unknown, but we know it was rebuilt in 1070 and features 13th-century facade. The level of detail is remarkable.

The Guinigi Tower

Via Sant'Andrea, 55100 Lucca

This particular tower is the most popular of the Lucca towers featuring a rooftop garden with gorgeous Holm Oak trees symbolizing rebirth. It was constructed in the 14th century in red brick with a Romanesque and Gothic design.

Walk the City Walls

This particular tower is the most popular of the Lucca towers featuring a rooftop garden with gorgeous Holm Oak trees symbolizing rebirth. It was constructed in the 14th century in red brick with a Romanesque and Gothic design.

Visit Pisa

Planning to spend a few days in and around Lucca? Definitely pay a visit to Pisa. It’s a travelers must and is absolutely beauiful. Check out more on Pisa here…

Pisa: A Tuscan Treasure

Where To Eat

Pan di Strada

Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi 34

For a quick and simple lunch, look no further than Pan di Strada. With over 80 sandwich options, you are guaranteed to find the perfect sandwich for you.

Da Giulio

Via delle Conce 45

The traditional Italian food scene still thrives in Tuscany and for a good reason. This family-run restaurant remains true to the classic dishes and at incredibly reasonable prices. My go-to is simple pesto pasta with a bottle of local white wine!

Buca di Santa Antonio

Via della Cervia 3

Classic Tuscan restaurant Buca di Santo Antonio is a Lucca favorite with it’s modern yet traditional regional fare. The dining room is decorated beautifully with pots and pans for a rustic yet beautiful feel. Options like house-made pasta, Florentine steak, and seasonal favorites are reliable favorites!

Villa Bongi

Via di Cocombola 640

Step through the doors into the classier of my favorites, Villa Bongi, where you’ll eat in a gorgeous dining room or al fresco on the terrace. The homemade pasta here is incredible and tends to feature changing seasonal toppings.

Where To Stay

Palazzo Dipinto

Piazza del Palazzo Dipinto 27, Lucca

I’m a sucker for contemporary and boutique lodging these days and Palazzo Dipinto is perfect if you are as well! It’s located in the core of the city and is extremely reasonable in pricing!

There are only 19 rooms so book in advance! The bar is open 24 hours and the breakfast buffet is delicious brioche, cheeses, meats, and coffees.