Location: Lucca
Top Things to do in Lucca
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Lucca, Tuscany
Lucca's array of wonderfully intact historical sites makes it a must-see stop on any Tuscan itinerary. The medieval city walls still stand—you can hike or bike on top of them. Also visit the Duomo di San Martino and the Roman amphitheater.
Restaurants in Lucca
1. Centro storico
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain
Centro storico is literally the old town of this Renaissance city: Lucca, in Tuscany Region, in Italy. This old town is surrounded completely by a wall and inside it you can see wonderful buildings like Duomo (Cathedral), the square and the bell tower, from where you can see charming views of the town. Also, you can walk around all old town, see the churches, important buildings or only go to a bar/restaurant and enjoy with food and views. For me, the best place in this wonderdul city is Piazza Anfiteatro, a close square surrounded by buildings and with the form of an amphitheatrt. Inside here, you can eat or drink something (we went to Bollicina Bar, which was very good) and children can play in a place without cars, so it is very good for all people. (See also Le Mura di Lucca, Lucca's Duomo, Piazza Anfiteatro, Piazza Napoleone, Porta Sanpietro and Bollicina)
2. Torre Guinigi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,864 reviews
This tower is easily recognizable: it has a leaning tree growing out of its top.
Reviewed By ArmyRangeratMIT - Wayne, United States
There are so many lovely things to do in Lucca, and climbing the Guinigi Tower to get a panoramic view of the lovely city you’re in is a great idea, especially early in the day when you are working up your appetite for a delicious Pranzo lunch! Don’t miss it!
3. Piazza Anfiteatro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,168 reviews
This city square is built on an ancient Roman amphitheater situated in the heart of Lucca's historical center.
Reviewed By 53wanderer - Gold Coast, Australia
The current anfiteatro is based on the former Roman amphitheatre dating back to the 1st or 2nd centuries. The ring of buildings surrounding the space follows the shape of the ancient amphitheatre. Most of these buildings now contain restaurants or shops that sell souvenirs of Lucca. The central area is lined with restaurants that are well patronised and serve drinks and meals aimed at the tourist market. We went there one afternoon for an aperitivo and ended up staying for pizza which we all enjoyed. These restaurants tend to be open till late in the evening. There are usually markets there on Wednesdays and special occasions. We visited there after midnight on a festival evening and the markets were still buzzing. You will find tourist groups meandering through the anfiteatro throughout the day. A piece of artwork in the centre appears to be a popular place for group photos and selfies. There are 4 large gateway allowing entry to the anfiteatro. It is just off Via Fillungo, the main shopping street and very easy to locate.
4. Puccini Museum - Casa Natale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 637 reviews
The museum is located in a flat on the second floor of an ancient building in the heart of Lucca, where Giacomo Puccini was born on December 22, 1858. In this house the composer spent the years of his childhood and first youth. The birth home was transformed into a museum in 1979 and carefully restored in 2011: today it looks like when young Giacomo lived there. The museum preserves Puccini’s Steinway & Sons piano on which he composed Turandot, autograph scores of youthful compositions, letters, photographs, precious drafts, such as the “libretti” of Tosca, La fanciulla del West and an extraordinary musical sketch of La bohème. Noteworthy the costume of Turandot worn by Maria Jeritza at the Metropolitan Opera House of New York in 1926. The birth home is a central element of Puccini Museum, the articulate museum complex that, following a journey along the footprints left by the great composer, rediscovers his personality, his passions, his genius.
Reviewed By mcr1018 - Phoenix, United States
I can take opera or leave it (although some of the music is well known outside the opera house), but when in Lucca, this museum is fascinating, We bought our tickets at the office & bookshop on the plaza (Piazza Cittadella; where the Puccini statue is), and the museum is well-marked on a street off of it. We walked up a long flight of stairs to the museum (there is a lift, but we read later that it has to be booked to use "at least 2 days before the visit" at the ticket office. We were welcomed by a very knowledgeable staff person who would occasionally stop in a room to tell us about something special (it wasn't crowded). We wandered around the rooms, following the map. Many items of the era and Puccini's life and creative works were displayed. Of particular pride was the Steinway piano and autographed scores and markings of modifications or interpretations. The 1926 costume of Turandot from the NY Metropolitan Opera amazing even to a opera neutral such as me. We saw the upper room (garret?) where he composed and could just see the "angel" statue over the rooftops from the Cathedrale San Michele--an inspiration. I've been to many homes of significant authors and composers, sometimes disappointed and sometimes inspired myself; this one was worth the time and entrance fee. [The map/program says no pictures or video recording, but the staff person said it was okay.]
5. Basilica of San Frediano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 978 reviews
Reviewed By Ylandre - Cape Town Central, South Africa
As with a few other Lucca attractions this Basilica calls for a visit. Artwork, carvings, displays are worth every minute of the visit. The monumental golden mosaic on the facade is breathtaking. The 12th century baptismal font is a must see. This is also the resting place for Santa Zita (1212-1272) and she is on display inside the Basilica. Please be respectful when visiting the Basilica and dress appropriately.
6. Chiesa Di Santa Maria Del Giudice
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
7. San Michele in Foro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,399 reviews
Reviewed By luciana222016 - Bucharest, Romania
San Michele in Foro is a Roman Catholic basilica church in Lucca, Tuscany, central Italy, built over the ancient Roman forum. It is dedicated to Archangel Michael. admission is free. it is noticed by the facade which is very beautiful and which ends at the top with the Saint Michael station. The interior is intensely decorated with monolithic marble columns and among the works of art are Madonna with the Child of Andrea della Robbia and the four saints of Lippi.
8. Lucca's Duomo (Cattedrale di San Martino)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,516 reviews
Reviewed By LePatioDordogne - France, null
We paid €9 each for the ticket which allowed you to climb to the top of the bell tower (you need a good head for heights), into the spectacular cathedral and into the museum. We thought it was great value for money, the views were amazing, the stained glass windows and paintings were beautiful and the museum was great. We highly recommend this.
9. International Academy of Italian Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
International academy of Italian cuisine is recognized for its professionalism, years of experience and cross cultural learning environment. Cooking classes are hands-on and specialize on Italian and Tuscan cooking. What's more, the location among the most beautiful hills of Tuscany provides a perfect atmosphere where to combine study, relax and fun.
10. Le mura di Lucca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,271 reviews
Reviewed By Amethyst627 - York, United Kingdom
Whether you walk or cycle around the walls you will get a real feel for the scale and attractions of Lucca. Some of the underground areas are also worth dropping down for a view.
