Lucca is everything one would imagine a Tuscan town to be—charming, slow-paced, and full of character. Walking through its shady streets, it’s delightful how each one seems to open into a sun-drenched piazza. The city’s rich history is reflected in the walled city centre, surrounded by Renaissance villas, ancient churches, and lively squares.
Unlike larger cities, Lucca’s shops are refreshingly low-key, filled with handmade crafts that feel like treasures. Exploring on foot, Via Fillungo serves as a central point to orient yourself. Along this main street, Torre delle Ore offers breathtaking views from the top, while just down the road is the Guinigi Tower, famous for the oak tree growing from its summit — a sight uniquely Lucca.
The city walls are wide enough to walk or bike around, offering countryside views on one side and city life on the other. For around €5 an hour, renting a bike is an ideal way to experience Lucca’s peaceful pace. Along the way, it’s common to pass elderly locals playing dominoes or cyclists cruising by effortlessly.
Despite its compact size, Lucca offers plenty to see in a day — from Puccini’s house and Palazzo Pfanner to the vibrant Piazza Anfiteatro. For lunch, Antica Osteria serves a lasagna with truffles that is as decadent as it sounds. Later in the day, Antica Drogheria is perfect for an evening aperitif. Behind its sweet shop façade, a lively back room invites locals and visitors alike to relax with a glass of wine.
Before leaving, be sure to try the local buccellato cake, along with some focaccia and regional wine. A bike ride along the city walls is the perfect way to end a visit, taking in Lucca’s history and indulging in its simple yet rich pleasures.
