Planning a day trip to Lucca, Italy? Whether you’re visiting from Florence, exploring Tuscany, or in for a cruise day from the port of Livorno, a quick day in Lucca is better than none.
Italy is one of our favorite countries. Not only do we have ancestry roots here, we feel at home when we visit. One of the cities we love the most is the city of Firenze, which we have visited multiple times.
And Tuscany is one of those magical places with rolling hills, vineyards, and charming medieval villages dotting the landscape. You can spend a month exploring Tuscany and still not cover all the gems in this region.
Lucca is one city that seems to be overlooked, but it should not be missed. It’s an enchanting city located in the region of Tuscany. It is known for its renaissance-era architecture, cobblestone streets, and majestic walls that encircle the city.
We recommend a day trip from Florence to Lucca if you’re visiting Florence.
Or if you’re cruising the Western Mediterranean and Livorno is on your cruise itinerary, visit Lucca. That’s what we did during our 7-day cruise on the Norwegian Epic.
Lucca is also a great half-day trip from visiting the leaning tower of Pisa.
- Florence to Lucca is about 51 miles from each other
- Livorno to Lucca is about 32 miles from each other
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This article discusses how to get to Lucca from Florence and Livorno cruise port. And, we share things to do in Lucca in a day.
How to Get to Lucca, Italy?
Livorno to Lucca, Italy
Cruisers arriving at the Livorno cruise port have a few options.
Option 1: Rent a Car
If you enjoy having the freedom of driving wherever you want, making stops along the way, and the option of changing your itinerary on a whim, I recommend a car rental for an easy day trip to Lucca, Italy.
It’s also the best way to explore Tuscany if you feel comfortable driving. This is an option available from Livorno or even Florence for the day. We are fans of Avis.
Note: Plan to get your international driver’s license before traveling to Italy. You can get this at a AAA near you for a small cost.
Find a car on rentalcars.com.
Option 2: Take the Train
- Is there a direct train from Livorno to Lucca?
Yes. You can take the train from Livorno Centrale Railway Station, but it is not direct. There is a transfer from Pisa Centrale to Lucca. - You must take the shuttle provided at the cruise terminal to the town of Livorno from the port of Livorno. You will walk about 20-30 mins from the drop-off point to the Livorno Centrale Railway Station.
- If you choose this route, the train will also stop in Pisa, where you must transfer to another train. The train ride altogether is about 1 hr 05 min.
- Book your tickets in advance. Click here for train schedules and info; it will come up if a bus transfer option is available.
Option 3: Book a Private Driver or Guided Tour
Tour Ideas
- Round-Trip Transfer Service to Lucca and Pisa from Livorno [book here]
Florence to Lucca, Italy
- Is there a direct train from Florence to Lucca?
Yes. Take the train from Stazione di Santa MariaNovell a in Florence to Lucca. The train ride from Florence to Lucca is about 1hr 15min. - Book your tickets in advance. Click here for train times and info.
Option 2: Rent a Car
- The drive from Florence to Lucca is about 1hr 10mins. You can rent a car with a local car rental in Florence. Don’t forget to have an international driver’s license ready – this is only used if the police stop you.
Tour Ideas
- Pisa and Lucca Day Trip from Florence [book here]
- Private Half-Day Excursion to Lucca from Florence [book here]
Parking in Lucca, Italy It’s important to note that when you arrive in Lucca, you can not park inside the historic walls of the old city. There are free and paid parking lots outside the medieval city walls. Visit this site for more info.
Arriving in Lucca by Train The train from Lucca to Florence will leave right outside the walls of Lucca.
Day Trip to Lucca
Is Lucca worth a day trip?
Yes! Lucca is worth the day trip and maybe even a longer stay. It is filled with century-old buildings and charming cobblestone streets, and you can explore its Renaissance walls. The walls are unique with the underground tunnels, and the paths atop the walls have been converted into green paths that are part of locals’ everyday life.
How much time do you need in Lucca?
While this post is about a day in Lucca, you can easily spend more than 2-3 days considering what this wonderful historic city offers.
What to do in Lucca in half a day?
With half a day in Lucca, we’d recommend exploring the walls of Lucca and then sitting at a cafe in Piazza Anfiteatro for an espresso or an aperitivo.
No matter how well you plan a day trip, you can never get everything in. The magic of day trips is that you get to taste a destination. Perhaps focus on one or two sites or activities while you take in your surrounding as you walk around and explore.
Don’t think you have to do everything in Lucca in one day. We certainly didn’t. We planned a loose itinerary for our time here since we explored five cruise stops and another week in Barcelona and Girona, Spain.
So if you find yourself overwhelmed, don’t be. Just enjoy the journey and mark down the few spots we share in this post.
If you choose to drive into Lucca, the scenery is worth the trouble of driving. As you enter the countryside and spot some rolling hills and my favorite Cypress trees, you may want to stop to take it all in. This is a plus to driving to Lucca.
Remember, time is of the essence if you’re on a cruise schedule. We fought the temptation to forget Lucca and drive around Tuscany instead. You can plan a Tuscan road trip instead if that sounds like a good idea.
Read More: 3 Days in Tuscany Itinerary
Tour Ideas:
A Guided Tour of Lucca [book here]
Walking Tour and Exploration of Lucca [book here]
Lucca Highlights Private Walking Tour [book here]
Things to Do in Lucca, Italy
The historic city of Lucca is located in the Tuscany region of Italy, the Lucca Province. We were told repeatedly that if we loved Florence, we’d love Lucca. And they were right. There were a lot of similarities walking around Lucca, the architecture being one of them.
There are a lot of similarities walking around Lucca, the architecture being one of them. One of the best things about visiting Lucca is that it’s smaller than Florence. So if you thought Florence was easy to explore and walkable, Lucca is easier, cozier, and not as crowded.
You can easily spend a day in Lucca, but it doesn’t mean you’ll see everything. You’ll have a nice leisurely, and enjoyable day.
It’s also a fantastic day trip from Florence to Lucca to consider.
These are some things to do in Lucca and what to look out for during your day trip there if you wish to explore independently. We recount how we spent our day trip to Lucca.
You can also always have a walking tour of the city with a local guide booked in advance. So you can get more out of your day trip to Lucca.
Explore the Underground Tunnels
After we parked our car, we followed one of the paths that entered the old city of Lucca through one of its multiple entrances. This one was a tunnel that walked us under the old city walls.
One of the things to do in Lucca that can easily be missed is exploring the underground tunnels. We entered through one of the tunnel entrances and could have missed it completely had we entered via a different route.
When we first entered the tunnels, we had no idea where we were headed, but we knew we were in Lucca. We were in an Italian European city and loved the experience so far.
As you enter the underground tunnels of the old city walls of Lucca, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time. The tunnels were originally built as a public walkway around the city. The experience will give you a true feeling of what it was like.
It was cool, dark, and damp because you could feel the humidity. Granted, it was raining the day we were there.
It’s a short walk that takes about 5-10 minutes, but it’s well worth it.
As we entered the old city of Lucca, it instantly reminded me of the city of Florence. It’s probably why we felt immediately at home. I dare say it was less crowded. It may have been because it was off-season and raining on/off.
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Explore the Cobblestone Streets
As we entered the old city of Lucca, it instantly reminded me of the city of Florence. Both cities are in the region of Tuscany in Italy and are known for their Renaissance-era architecture.
It’s probably why we felt immediately at home.
Make a Stop for Pizza… and Espresso
After a long drive, you’ll either need a shot of caffeine or a snack… pizza, to be exact… or both.
Our first order of business was coffee. We needed an espresso… and a bathroom. Many of the shops were still closed. We happened to find a pizza place that had just opened.
Have you ever had the first slice of the day?
They were making their first pie of the day. By the time we finished savoring our espresso, the first pizza of the day had emerged from the oven.
As the pizza man was slicing the pie and the aroma of basil, cheese, and tomatoes taunted us, hubby and I looked at each other. Guess what we were thinking?
Of course, we thought of having the day’s first slice. Which is special… at least take it from two people that have spent lots of time working in our family’s pizzerias.
We shared the first slice, and then we ordered a second slice. It was the PERFECT mid-morning snack, breakfast, or whatever you want-to call it.
What am I suggesting? Instead of quickly trying to knock things off your list of things to see, stop and smell the pizza… and then eat a slice! It will be well worth it!
We had about 5 hours or so left to explore. We did so leisurely, sometimes having to run and find shelter from the rain that kept coming and going. This is how we found St. Martin’s Cathedral.
St. Martin’s Cathedral | Lucca Cathedral
There is always a church to visit; in Lucca, it is St. Martin’s Cathedral, also known as Lucca Cathedral.
The St. Martin’s Cathedral is in the center of the old city of Lucca and is in front of the Piazza St. Martin. The cathedral was built with a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. It is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours.
The interior of St. Martin Cathedral has a beautiful interior with its arched ceilings and two aisles divided by columns.
There is always a church to visit; in Lucca, Italy, it is St. Martin’s Cathedral, also known as Lucca Cathedral. It is in the center of the old city and front of Piazza St. Martin.
We sat at the center of the pews and took it all in.
St. Martin’s Cathedral | Piazza Antelminelli, 55100 Lucca | Google Map It
Climb Guinigi Tower
The Guinigi Tower is a tower located in the old city of Lucca. It is also known as Torre Guinigi. The tower was built in the late 1300s and is approximately 45 meters high.
The Guinigi family built the tower, and it is named after them.
It’s one of the tallest towers in Lucca and has Holm oak trees planted at the top, which is interesting. How many towers have you visited with oak trees at the top?
As you approach this tower, be forewarned that there is a good chance you will be very distracted by a wonderful smell that will instantly make you hungry, and that’s all you’re going to think about on your way up.
When you reach the top, you will be greeted with a 360º view of Lucca. You will finally see holm oak trees planted and growing strongly in the garden.
It is a tight fit up there. So please be conscious of that. It can be challenging to walk around, and you can easily block the small space. Be mindful of others.
The day we were there, it wasn’t busy, but a few people parked in their spots and rudely thought it was okay not to let others pass by. I’m not sure how they control the crowds during the busy season. But the view sure is pretty from up there.
Fun fact: Did you know that families used to compete to have the tallest tower? I feel this is why the Guinigi family added a garden of trees.
Entrance fee: There is a small fee.
Torre Guinigi | Via Sant’Andrea, 45, 55100 Lucca | Google Map It
Eat the Best Foccacia at Forno F. Casali
Remember the delicious smell that had us distracted while visiting Guinigi Tower?
After leaving the tower, the aroma pulled us in its direction. We found a fantastic bakery! I almost didn’t share, so I could keep it a secret, but that would have been selfish. But believe me, that smell of heavenly-baked goodness will pull you in.
According to a local getting their daily fix, this bakery makes the best focaccia. Now, because everything looked amazing and my mouth was watering, we believed her.
We decided to share a sandwich for lunch on their fresh-baked focaccia. And boy, it was one of the best focaccia bread ever had.
It was the perfect lunch.
Tour Idea:
Lucca Food Walking Tour 2Italia [book here]
San Giusto Church
We didn’t enter this charming 12th-century church as it was closed. The ornate baroque architecture is worth a visit. If it opens, we won’t miss taking a peek inside.
San Giusto Church | Corte del Biancone, 5, 55100 Lucca | Google Map It
Sit at a Cafe at Piazza Anfiteatro
The main square in the old city of Lucca is Piazza Anfiteatro. It is in the heart of Lucca and built on an ancient Roman amphitheater. Standing in the middle of the piazza, you can envision the grandeur of the area that used to be an amphitheater.
Here you’ll find lots of restaurants, cafes, and unique shops. It’s a great spot to sit, relax, and grab an espresso. We did this, and it was a nice break from exploring.
We were ready for another round of coffee and some sweets. We found a corner cafe without outdoor seating and ordered two cappuccinos and a few treats.
Piazza Anfiteatro | Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, 55100 Lucca | Google Map It
Tour Ideas:
Lucca Bikes & Bites with Food Tastings for Small Groups or Private [Book Here]
Keep a Lookout for the Canal of Lucca
We didn’t expect to come across a canal from all the things to do in Lucca. It was a nice little find as we were strolling this European city. It’s a charming mini canal in the middle of the historic city of Lucca.
It’s not the River Arno or the canals of Venice, but it was delightful to come across during our walk.
Explore the Old City Wall
One of the best things to do in Lucca is to explore its city walls. Once built to fortify and protect the old city, these historic walls are now lined with beautiful trees and foliage, walking and bike paths, and benches. There are beautiful views of the landscape of the city of Lucca.
We didn’t explore the wall until the end of the day on our way back to the car. We wish we had more time this October fall day in Italy to explore the city walls.
Add this to the top of your list and make more time to explore the walls.
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I Love Lucca, Italy
In the short time we were there, Lucca became a place we imagined living in one day. Hubby started talking to locals about real estate, the economy, their day-to-day lives, and their thoughts about the city they called home.
We laughed when quite a few said, “it’s funny because Americans want to live here, and yet we would love to be in America.”
That’s not to say they didn’t love their home country, just that they were as interested in how we live in the States as we are in Italy.
Of course, it still boggles my mind… who wouldn’t want to live in Italy? Politics aside, with beautiful European towns like Lucca, rich with amazing architecture and history and possibly one of the best cuisines in the world, it’s a match made in heaven for hubby and me.
We met a nice lady from Canada who owned property and migrated a few times a year. We loved the joy on her face as she told us all about how much she loved it there and that she ended up buying a property.
Talk about GOALS.
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You can plan a day trip to Lucca or spend a few days there and call it home base. We think it’s a great city to explore and spend time in if you want to get away from the big crowds. Also, you can plan some great day trips with a train station outside the city walls.
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Meet Kathy Ava – a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she’s become a pro at crafting unforgettable travel itineraries. She’s always looking for delicious, fun cruise itineraries and travel destinations and is slightly obsessed with Italy. Her passion and curiosity for travel started in childhood on her yearly and sometimes bi-yearly trips to PR. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it – so let’s explore the world and make some incredible memories.
Sue
Thursday 2nd of April 2020
Spent several days in Lucca spring 2019. Hubby and I were on a tour of France and Italy and Lucca was one of our favorite towns. We had pizza by the slice and had the best meal at a small osteria. Wandered around on the walls and saw the little canal. Watched a artist build a sand sculpture in the square and families out in the evening. Much slower pace than Florence-Just lovely
Kathy
Thursday 2nd of April 2020
Your time in Lucca sounds so incredible. It's exactly how I'd love to spend my time in Lucca the next time we are there for a longer length of time. We have done that in Florence, but it is definitely busier there than Lucca. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience. Now I'm missing Italy all over again. Can't wait to return.
DEE
Saturday 4th of May 2019
I am so so glad that you posted this. We are going back to Italy in November and we've never been to Tuscany and I want to go somewhere different. This place seems amazing. And the info is invaluable and the pics, amazeballs. I agree, that picture is super cute! Also, you had me at pizza that is my favorite food in the world and Italy is my favorite place. I can't wait to visit Lucca. This post could not have come ata better time as we are making our travel plans now. Xo
Kathy
Wednesday 15th of May 2019
Hi Dee! I'm so excited for your trip to Italy and I can't wait to read all about it. Italy is my favorite place in the world and I absolutely love hearing about it from other people's POV and learning of new places to explore and eat.
Lucca was so nice! I really love the vibe there. I didn't get to explore it as much as I wanted to with the limited time, but I hope you do.
Have fun on your trip and let me know when you post!
Keri
Saturday 20th of April 2019
I want to eat everything and see everything now! I can almost smell that Foccacia baking. I know that when I finally make it to Italy I will be coming to you for advice! Your trips always look amazing, and I like to eat my way around a new place like you do.
By the way, your new blog theme looks amazing!
Kathy
Saturday 20th of April 2019
You're so sweet! Hope you make it to Italy soon and don't hesitate to ask. If I don't know, I will gladly point you to the right blogs to check. Like Jella's (AsianaCircus), she has blogged about some amazing finds in Italy. I can't wait to get back and personally explore her tips.
Means so much to me that you stopped by and commented. Thanks for the blog theme love! I've been literally pulling my hair out with it and go back and forth between loving it and hating it. I guess the pipdig saga was a good thing in the end.
Lauren Elena
Saturday 20th of April 2019
Ahhhhhhh!!! I love your posts SO much!! I love feeling like I’m there while reading. Looks so beautiful! That tunnel looks so cool. What a great way to enter a town. And haha when you mentioned a wonderful smell I was like What was it!? Tell me! Don’t leave me hanging! Seriously, I almost (illogically)thought you might forget to say. Breeeaaaaaad!! It’s the best smell ever. I used to have a commute to work where I passed a bakery and was taunted by that smell. I want that focaccia! If you guys move to Lucca, I’m visiting!!! We’ll eat all the pizza, focaccia bread, drink all the espresso and did you say Nutella tart? God! Amazing!
Kathy
Saturday 20th of April 2019
Haha, you're so funny! I meant to leave you hanging so you would keep reading. Glad you did and found out what it was. Seriously, the aroma was so distracting. I even forgot to take pictures of the tower because I just wanted to follow the smell. It was soo good! We seriously load up on carbs when we're in Italy.
We have big dreams of spending lots of time in Italy in the future. Let's see how that pans out. And of course, you can tag along! The more, the merrier! Wine, focaccia and pizza for all!
Christine
Thursday 18th of April 2019
"Stop and smell the pizza." I am in stitches. Girl, that is my favorite picture EVER of you. I love it. That should be your new profile picture for everything. 200% YOU and what you are about. You might love your pizza more than Lauren. I hope she sees this and comments lol!
I'm actually so glad that you wrote this post. As you already know, we visited Lucca--but we didn't see most of this. You brought me back to Lucca. Thank you! And, you showed me even more.
For us: We happened to be on this awesome tour of Tuscany (wine tasting in Chianti as part of it, whoo hoooo!). Our guide had moved to Italy years ago and told us about Lucca. We decided to skip the lines of everything in Florence (like the Uffizi--David be damned) and head to Lucca to see these famous walls. Our guide had won us over at the sound of bike riding. We looked at train timetables and were outta there.
We ate some amazing salted fish in town, hit the local bike shop, and then we rented two bikes for half the day. We spent all of our time riding along the walls. One of my favorite travel memories of all time. As you know, the background is stunning. It's super romantic too.
I love that you went in the fall. I can only begin to imagine how beautiful it looked with the foliage. Loving that picture too.
We didn't go inside any of the cathedrals, so I am thrilled to see you did; I had no idea that most of that was there. I was such a sucker for lovers'-trysts-spying on those sexy walls.
We, too, stopped for espresso. It's a must. Plus, you have to people watch.
That little street art is SO cute and 100% correct. I'm also drooling over that sandwich!
P.S. I love the new blog theme. Blessing in disguise. Love the IG widget! Your shirt ad is perfection, and how the heck did you get these adorable dotted lines for your comment box? It's amazing. I know how hard you worked--and it paid off. LOVE IT!!!
Gotta run. Blogging bestie pinning time. And time to tweet it. HEHE.
I want more from you. What's next? The upcoming island trip? (Don't want to out you here lol).
XXOO
Kathy
Friday 19th of April 2019
Um, I may now need to change my profile because you said so. I love that picture too. Thank you, hubby!
I LOVE the spontaneity in your story. Instead of wondering what all the fuss was about Lucca, you took control and bought train tickets. Go you! Seriously, that's what travel is about. Sometimes you just gotta forget your plans and go. I love the sound of bike riding on the city wall, and you know me, I am not a bike rider but I'd totally bike here. Next time. Also love how casual your day in Lucca went, not in a hurry to see everything but simply enjoying a small part of it.
I saw your comment on Twitter about church fatigue and can totally relate because I feel like this half the time on these trips. I normally refuse to go in and then I'm forced in for some reason, like this time it was rain. Then I was pleasantly surprised at the interior. I do love architecture and that's what I like going to the cathedrals for. And, Hubby likes to light candles lol
Thank you for your blog comments. Still working on it and honestly going to slowly build another theme on the side because I can't figure out how to make edits to things like my shop. It's driving me crazy. BUT, I will tell you that I got these dots by investing in the Design Pro Palette for Genesis and was able to format things like these boxes lol. Was it worth the money? I don't think so. Was it worth my time? Sure.
Writing about Nice, France next! Don't think it will be a long post though lol
Btw: I will give the award of who loves pizza the most to Lauren. She wins! Hands down! My love for pizza in Italy will always be forever. Pizza + Italy = ❤