A Wonderful Easy Day Trip to Lucca, Italy

Planning a day trip to Lucca, Italy? Whether coming from Florence, Livorno Cruise Port, or simply exploring Tuscany, visiting Lucca is well worth your time.

Italy is dear to us, not just because of our ancestral roots but because it feels like home. With its rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval villages, Tuscany offers endless exploration opportunities. However, Lucca stands out with its Renaissance-era architecture, cobblestone streets, and iconic walls encircling the city.

Lucca is perfectly positioned for a wonderful day trip, just 51 miles from Florence and 32 miles from Livorno. It’s also conveniently located for a combined half-day trip with Pisa, making it an ideal option for those cruising through the Mediterranean or exploring more of Tuscany in a single day.

While planning our day trip to Lucca, Italy, we chose to rent a car at Livorno Cruise Port and drive there. It was about a 45-minute drive from the port, and I would absolutely do it again.

This article will guide you on how to get to Lucca from Florence and Livorno and share our top tips for enjoying your day in this beautiful city.

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How to Spend a Day in Lucca, Italy

Located in the heart of Tuscany, the historic city of Lucca truly won us over, just as everyone said it would. If you’ve fallen for Florence, with its stunning architecture and inviting streets, you will feel the same about Lucca. They were right about the similarities—walking around Lucca feels like strolling through Florence, but even better.

Lucca is smaller than Florence, making navigating easier and less crowded. Lucca takes it further if you thought Florence was walkable, offering a cozy, more intimate exploration experience. Spending just a day here won’t allow you to see everything, but it ensures a relaxing, pleasant day soaking in the local charm.

Explore the Underground Tunnels

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After parking our car, we followed a path that led us into the heart of Lucca through one of its many entrances—a tunnel beneath the ancient city walls.

One fascinating but easy-to-miss feature of Lucca is its underground tunnels. We stumbled upon one of these entrances purely by chance; had we chosen a different route, we might have completely missed it. Venturing into these tunnels, we had no specific destination in mind, but the thrill of exploring was enough. It felt like stepping back in time, navigating the cool, dark, and slightly damp corridors that ring the city—an atmospheric contrast heightened by the rain outside.

The tunnels, originally constructed as public walkways around the city, offered us a vivid glimpse into Lucca’s historical layers. Although the walk through the tunnels only took about 5-10 minutes, it was a memorable highlight of our visit.

Explore the Cobblestone Streets

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Emerging into the old city, the ambiance instantly struck a familiar chord with Florence, making us feel right at home. Perhaps it was the off-season timing or the intermittent rain, but the streets were blissfully less crowded, adding to our sense of discovery.

Make a Stop for Pizza… and Espresso

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After a long drive to Lucca, the first thing on our agenda was a jolt of caffeine and maybe a snack—specifically, pizza.

We wandered into a pizzeria that had just opened its doors for the day, the perfect timing for our espresso fix and a much-needed bathroom break. With most shops still shuttered early in the morning, we felt like we’d stumbled upon a hidden gem.

Have you ever experienced the joy of the first slice of pizza from the day’s first pie? As we savored our espressos, the pizzeria began to buzz with the sounds and smells of the first pizza emerging from the oven. The aroma of fresh basil, melting cheese, and ripe tomatoes filled the air, practically irresistible. My husband and I exchanged a knowing look—clearly, we were thinking about indulging in that first slice.

There’s something truly special about the first slice of the day, especially for us, who have spent countless hours in our family’s pizzerias. We shared that first slice and quickly decided a second was in order. It was the perfect mid-morning treat—breakfast or brunch.

My advice? Don’t just rush through your sightseeing checklist. Take a moment to stop and savor—literally, in this case, stop and smell the pizza… and then eat a slice! It will be well worth it!

With about five hours left to explore Lucca, we continued our adventure at a leisurely pace, occasionally dashing for cover from the sporadic rain. This relaxed exploration led us to discover the beautiful St. Martin’s Cathedral.

St. Martin’s Cathedral | Lucca Cathedral

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A visit to St. Martin’s Cathedral, also known as Lucca Cathedral, is a must in Lucca. This architectural gem is nestled in the heart of the old city, facing the picturesque Piazza St. Martin. The cathedral showcases a harmonious blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles and is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours.

As you step inside St. Martin’s Cathedral, you’re greeted by its stunning interior, marked by arched ceilings and columns dividing the space into two airy aisles. The ambiance inside is serene and awe-inspiring, inviting visitors to pause and appreciate the quiet beauty.

We found ourselves drawn to the center of the pews, where we sat down to absorb it all. It’s a perfect spot to reflect and soak in the intricate details of this historic church.

Climb Guinigi Tower

The Guinigi Tower, or Torre Guinigi, is an iconic landmark in the old city of Lucca. Constructed in the late 1300s by the influential Guinigi family, this tower stands about 45 meters high, making it one of Lucca’s tallest structures.

What sets the Guinigi Tower apart from other towers is its rooftop garden, where Holm oak trees are planted. It’s quite a sight—how many towers have you seen that boast oak trees at their summit?

As you make your way to this remarkable tower, be prepared for a delightful distraction: the enticing aromas wafting through the air will make you hungry. This unique sensory experience might be all you can think about as you climb to the top.

When you reach the summit of the Guinigi Tower, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view of Lucca. You’ll also see the holm oak trees thriving in their unique rooftop garden setting.

Be aware that the space at the top is quite compact, making it a tight fit. It can be difficult to navigate, especially since unintentionally blocking the narrow paths is easy. Mindfulness of others is key in this confined area.

On the day of our visit, the tower wasn’t crowded, but we did encounter a few people who, rather inconsiderately, stayed in their spots and made it difficult for others to pass. I’m not sure how they manage visitors’ flow during peak tourist season. The stunning panoramic views from the top make any inconvenience worthwhile.

Eat the Best Foccacia at Forno F. Casali

Remember that irresistible smell that distracted us on our way to the Guinigi Tower? Once we descended, we followed our noses straight to its source—a fantastic local bakery that almost felt like a hidden treasure.

It was tough, but I’ve decided not to keep this gem all to myself, although the temptation was real! The heavenly aroma of freshly baked goods was too good not to explore. As we stepped inside, a local customer was there to pick up her daily goodies. She told us that this bakery served the best focaccia in town. Given the enticing display and our watering mouths, we didn’t hesitate to take her word.

We opted to share a sandwich made with their freshly baked focaccia for lunch, and it was divine—easily some of the best focaccia we’ve ever tasted. It was the perfect midday meal, rounding out our Lucca experience with delightful flavors.

Tour Idea:
Lucca Food Walking Tour 2Italia [book here]

Sit at a Cafe at Piazza Anfiteatro

The heart of Lucca’s old city is home to the Piazza Anfiteatro, a vibrant main square built on the remnants of an ancient Roman amphitheater. Standing in the center of the piazza, you can easily imagine the historical grandeur that once filled this space.

The Piazza Anfiteatro is lined with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and unique shops, making it ideal for a break and soaking in the local atmosphere. We took the opportunity to sit back and enjoy an espresso here, a perfect pause in our day of exploration.

Feeling ready for more indulgence, we stumbled upon a cozy corner cafe without outdoor seating. We settled in with two cappuccinos and a selection of sweets, enjoying the simple pleasure of a slow afternoon in this historic setting.

Tour Ideas:
Lucca Bikes and Bites with Food Tastings for Small Groups [Book Here]

Keep a Lookout for the Canal of Lucca

While wandering through Lucca, we stumbled upon an unexpected delight—a charming mini canal in the middle of the historic city. It was a delightful surprise, adding a unique touch to our exploration. While it may not be as grand as the River Arno or as famous as the canals of Venice, discovering this quaint canal was a special moment in our day. Its presence enhanced the picturesque quality of Lucca, making our stroll through this European city even more memorable.

Explore the Old City Wall

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Exploring the historic city walls is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Lucca. Originally constructed for defense, these walls have been beautifully transformed into a scenic park that encircles the old city. Now lined with lush trees, foliage, walking and biking paths, and benches, the walls offer stunning views over Lucca’s landscapes.

Unfortunately, we only made our way to the walls towards the end of our day, just as we were heading back to our car. The experience was so lovely that we instantly regretted not allocating more time for this adventure. The views and the serene paths were perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride, especially on a crisp October in Italy.

So, when you plan your visit, make sure to prioritize the city walls. Allow yourself ample time to appreciate this unique feature of Lucca fully. It’s a perfect spot to experience the city from a different perspective and enjoy some peaceful moments away from the city center.

How to Get to Lucca, Italy?

Getting to Lucca from Florence, Italy

Is Lucca worth a day trip?

Yes! Lucca is worth a day trip and perhaps even a longer stay. It’s filled with century-old buildings and charming cobblestone streets. You can also explore its Renaissance walls, which are unique with their underground tunnels. Moreover, the paths atop the walls have been converted into green paths that have become a part of the locals’ everyday life.

How much time do you need in Lucca?

While this post is about a day in Lucca, considering what this wonderful historic city offers, you can easily spend more than 2-3 days there.

What to do in Lucca in half a day?

With half a day in Lucca, we recommend exploring the city walls and then sitting at a cafe in Piazza Anfiteatro for an espresso or an aperitivo.

No matter how well you plan, seeing everything on a day trip is impossible. The beauty of day trips lies in sampling a destination—perhaps focusing on just a few sites while enjoying the overall atmosphere. If you find yourself overwhelmed, consider the few key spots we recommend in this post.

In Lucca, don’t feel pressured to do everything in one day. We kept our itinerary flexible during our travels, which included five cruise stops and a week in Barcelona and Girona, Spain.s.

Remember, time is limited on a cruise. While exploring the broader Tuscan region is tempting, focusing on Lucca can be equally rewarding. If a Tuscan road trip intrigues you, consider saving it for another visit.

Read More: How We Spent Three Days in Tuscany

Tour Ideas:
Discover Lucca’s Secrets on a Guided Walking Tour [book here]
Walking Tour and Exploration of Lucca [book here]
Lucca Highlights Private Walking Tour [book here]

I Love Lucca, Italy

During our brief visit, Lucca quickly captured our hearts, and we even started picturing ourselves living there one day. My husband soon chatted with locals about real estate, the economy, and their daily lives, curious about the city they call home.

We found it amusing when several locals told us, “It’s funny because Americans want to live here, and yet we would love to be in America.” They cherished their homeland, of course, but were just as fascinated by life in the States as we were with Italy.

And honestly, who wouldn’t want to live in Italy? Politics aside, with its stunning European towns like Lucca, which are rich in architecture and history and have some of the best cuisine in the world, it seems like a perfect fit for us.

We also met a delightful Canadian woman who owned property in Lucca and migrated several times a year. Her joy was evident as she shared how much she loved it there, enough to buy a property. Her story added to our enchantment with Lucca.

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BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO ITALY, CHECK OUT THESE RELATED READS:

• Florence in a Day with 3 Itinerary Options
• How to Spend a Couple of Days in Florence
• Day Trips You Can Take From Florence