Explore Lucca
Benvenuti a Lucca
The charming town of Lucca is one of the most popular places to stay in Tuscany because it's known as one of the most beautiful parts of the whole region. It's a large town full of pretty white and yellow houses and is surrounded by fortified walls that were built in the 16th century and provide a five-kilometre circuit around the historic centre.
This is an ideal base for those looking to explore Tuscany and region's scenery. The town is also at the foot of the Apuan alps and only a short drive from the coast of Cinque Terre.
If you want to enjoy a large and lively Tuscan town that is close to both the mountains and the sea, it is an ideal location to enjoy a longer stay in the region.
Lucca Bikes & Bites
Do as the locals in Lucca do, and get around the city by bike.
This half-day Lucca bike tour not only showcases the sights of the old town, but also the city's food, too. During the ride, you'll stop to savour a glass of wine along with regional treats such as cured meat and cheese and learn about Tuscany from your guide. When you book, choose between a small-group tour or a private option just for your personal group.
Walking Tour of Lucca
Maximise time with a guided walking tour of this historic Tuscan city.
Meet a local guide and go for a stroll to see top landmarks in the medieval centre including Piazza Anfiteatro, Via San Paolino and the Cathedral of San Martino. Get an overview of the city's history and architecture during the tour, plus tips on where to eat, drink and shop in Lucca.
Pasta & Tiramisu Class with Mamma
Discover the secrets to turning out fresh pasta and classic tiramisu like a real italian 'mamma' with this home cooking class.
Join a local in her kitchen and learn how to make two different types of pasta from scratch, then try your hand as assembling a creamy tiramisu under her careful guidance. Top off your class with a family-style lunch or dinner featuring the dishes you've created together.
Day Trip to Cinque Terre
Visiting Cinque Terre from Florence involves multiple train journeys, keeping the Ligurian coast out of reach for travellers with limited time. On this full-day excursion, you’ll head to all five former fishing villages. Choose between transportation only or a guided tour, with an optional hike along the cliffs of the national park. From March to October, tours also include a boat ride along the Italian Riviera.
Wine Tasting Experience
Take a break from sightseeing and head to the hills surrounding Lucca to sample the area’s excellent wines. Connect with a winemaker at a boutique winery for a relaxed tour through the vineyards and cellar, with plenty of time to ask questions about the history and production of the local vintages. Then relax on the terrace overlooking the rolling countryside to sample the estate’s wines and olive oil while enjoying the view.
Flavours of Lucca
Wake up to the authentic flavours of Lucca on a delightful morning food tour. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich food culture, history, art, and traditions as you explore this enchanting Tuscan gem. This tour is the perfect introduction to Lucca, offering a unique perspective of our beautiful town through the eyes of a local. Along the way, we’ll chat with you about the Luccan way of life and introduce you to passionate artisan food vendors and friendly local shop owners.
Recommended Restaurants
Buca Di Sat'Antonio (€20+ pp / 4.6 ★)
Buca di Sant’Antonio is a historic tavern dating back over 200 years, known for its traditional Tuscan cuisine, such as farro soup and hearty meat and pasta dishes set in a warm, romantic atmosphere enriched by copper pots and pans hanging from the ceiling.
Da Ciacco (€15+ pp / 4.6 ★)
Ciacco is a casual, quirky bistro celebrated for its inventive gourmet sandwiches, such as the famous Porchetta CBT and mortadella with burrata and pistachio, which pair beautifully with fresh salads.
Ristorante Giglio (€60+ pp / 4.7 ★) Our Favourite!
Tucked into an elegant 18th-century palazzo overlooking Piazza del Giglio, Ristorante Giglio blends traditional Italian recipes with refined modern touches, offering dishes such as siphoned potato with bottarga and squid sauce, chanterelle mushrooms, and tagliatelle topped with shaved white truffles.
Da Umberio (€15+ pp / 4.4 ★)
Located in the heart of Piazza Napoleone, Da Umberto offers contemporary‑style Neapolitan pizza crafted with top-tier ingredients, in a warm, cosy setting.
L'Angolo Tondo (€40+ pp / 4.8 ★)
L’Angolo Tondo is a chic, modern trattoria celebrated for its creative twists on Tuscan classics like broad pappardelle with wild boar, stuffed ravioli and seafood risotto all served in a cozy, nostalgic ambiance filled with vintage nonna-style decor.
Ristorante Mecenate (€50+ pp / 3.9 ★)
Tucked into a converted 18th-century laundry along Lucca’s “fosso,” Ristorante Mecenate is a warm, convivial trattoria celebrated for its locally inspired specialties like Tordelli Lucchesi (meat‑filled ravioli), rabbit stewed with herbs, and bread pudding paired with a charming courtyard, rich wine list, and genuine Tuscan soul.
Enoteca Vanni (€20+ pp / 4.4 ★)
Situated in a 13th-century palazzo at Piazza del Salvatore, Enoteca Vanni is Lucca’s oldest and most storied wine shop. Home to an astonishing collection of around 60,000 bottles housed in ancient subterranean cellars dating back to Roman times, where wine tastings and aperitifs offer a truly immersive oenological journey.
Undici Undici (€10+ pp / 4.2 ★)
Located just steps from Lucca’s Cathedral in Piazza Antelminelli, Undici Undici is a lively bistro-bar known for its Italian comfort classics, like monkfish, ravioli, burgers and excellent house wine, negronis, and espresso with affordable prices.
Pizzicheria La Grotta (€100+ pp / 4.4 ★)
A charming Tuscan deli-style eatery known for its authentic focaccia (with Lardo di Colonnata and Finocchiona), friendly service, and scenic piazza views.
Antica Locanda di Sesto (€45+ pp / 4.6 ★) Our Favourite!
Nestled just outside Lucca, is a historic 14th-century trattoria celebrated for its rustic Tuscan cuisine, featuring dishes like cavolo nero soup and spaghetti with guanciale served in a pecorino shell. It is recognised with a Bib Gourmand for good value from Michelin.