Lucca, in Tuscany, is famous for its intact city walls, medieval churches and towers with gardens. In one day, you can explore the city's main attractions on foot or by bike.
See the detailed itinerary with estimated costs and where to get information.
9am – Walk along the Renaissance walls
The 4th-century walls surround the entire historic center. Stretching over XNUMX km, they form an elevated park ideal for walking and cycling.
Duration: 1am to 1:30pm
Cost: Free
Bike rental: Average €5 per hour
Information: visittuscany.com
10:30 am – Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and Piazza Napoleone
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro preserves the layout of an ancient Roman amphitheatre. With cafés and shops, it is the perfect place to take a break.
Piazza Napoleone, home to the Doge's Palace, hosts the Lucca Summer Festival.
Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: Free
Tip: Espresso or gelato (€2 to €4)
Information: Available at the local InfoPoint (Piazzale Verdi)
11:30 am – San Martino Cathedral
With an asymmetrical facade and rich in works of art, the cathedral houses the “Volto Santo” and the sarcophagus of Ilaria del Carretto.
Duration: 1h
Entrance: € 5
Information: Local or diocese box office
Highlights: Tintoretto's Last Supper, medieval chapels
12:30 pm – Lunch in the historic center
Suggestion: Trattoria da Leo or Osteria Baralla, both with traditional Tuscan menus.
Average price: €15 to €20 per person
Tip: Book in advance in high season
14pm – Guinigi Tower
Symbol of the city, it houses oak trees at the top with panoramic views of the city.
Duration: 30 minutes
Entrance: € 5
Information: tourism.lucca.it
14:45 pm – Orto Botanico di Lucca
Created in 1820, it houses rare species, a small museum and a lake with water lilies.
Duration: 45 minutes
Entrance: € 4
Information: ortobotanicodilucca.it
15:30 pm – Basilica of San Frediano and San Michele in Foro
Two of the most beautiful churches in the historic center. The golden façade of San Frediano and the archangel of San Michele are highlights.
Duration: 1h
Cost: Free
Information: Available from churches or local guides
16:30 pm – Puccini’s Birthplace Museum
The composer Puccini was born in Lucca. The house displays personal objects, letters and his original piano.
Duration: 1h
Entrance: € 9
Last entry: 17:30
Information: puccinimuseum.org
17:45 p.m. – Palazzo Pfanner
Baroque palace with frescoes and sculptural gardens. It was once a noble residence and a film set.
Duration: 30 to 40 minutes
Entrance: € 6,50
Information: palazzopfanner.it
18:30 pm – Devil’s Bridge
The Maddalena Bridge, on the outskirts of Lucca, impresses with its asymmetrical shape and local legends.
Location: Borgo a Mozzano (30 minutes from the center)
Cost: Free
Shipping cost: Car or bus (line E10, €3,20 one way)
Tip: Ideal for sunset photos
Information: livelucca.it
How to get from Florence to Lucca
???? Train (recommended)
- Average duration: 1h20 to 1h40
- Match: Lucca Central Station
- Arrival: Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Florence city center)
- Frequency: every 30 to 60 minutes
- Train type: Regionale (regional train)
- Average price: €8,60 (flat fare for regional trains)
- Where to buy:
- www.trenitalia.com
- Trenitalia App
- Ticket machines at the station
- Important: validate the ticket in the green machines before boarding (or use a digital ticket).
🚌 Bus
- Average duration: 1:30 pm to 2:XNUMX pm
- Company: FlixBus or regional companies (such as Autolinee Toscane)
- Average price: starting from €6
- Starting point: Piazzale Verdi, in Lucca
- Arrival: Firenze Villa Costanza or Firenze Autostazione
- Where to buy:
- www.flixbus.it
- Company applications
- Directly with the driver (payment by card most of the time)
🚗 Private or rented car
Tip: Parking in Florence can be expensive and difficult in the center. Prefer parking outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone).
- Estimated time: 1h10 to 1h30
- Distance: about 80 km
- Main routes: A11 (Firenze-Mare motorway)
- Toll: average of €5,00
- Fuel: around €10 (one way)
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