Lucca
A perfectly preserved walled city where Renaissance walls have become a tree-lined promenade.
About Lucca
Lucca is Tuscany at its most liveable. This elegant city is completely enclosed by Renaissance walls—4 kilometres of them—that have been converted into a tree-lined promenade where locals walk, cycle, and jog above the rooftops. Inside the walls, a compact centro storico of medieval towers, Romanesque churches, and handsome piazzas retains a genteel atmosphere that contrasts with Florence's intensity. The oval Piazza dell'Anfiteatro preserves the shape of the Roman amphitheatre that once stood here. Lucca was home to composer Giacomo Puccini, and his birthplace museum is a pilgrimage for opera lovers. The food is pure Tuscan comfort: tordelli (meat-filled pasta), farro soup, and the famous buccellato sweet bread.
Best Time to Visit
April to October. The Lucca Summer Festival (July) brings major international music acts to the piazzas. September is perfect for cycling the walls and exploring without summer crowds.
Local Tips
- Cycle the walls.
Lucca's 4km tree-lined walls are the city's living room—perfect for a leisurely bike ride. A local will rent you a vintage bike and plan a route that includes the best viewpoints and a gelato stop.
- Climb the Torre Guinigi.
This medieval tower has a garden of oak trees growing on top. A local will tell you to climb it late afternoon for views over the terracotta rooftops to the Apuan Alps, painted gold by the setting sun.
- Visit Puccini's Lucca.
The composer's birthplace is now a museum, but Puccini's presence is felt throughout the city. A local can trace his footsteps to the church where he played organ, the café he frequented, and the annual festival in his honour.
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Michele
Florence, Siena +1
Hi. My name is Michele, I was born in Naples, the city of pizza, and I used to work as a bartender. After working in cocktail bars and 5-star hotels in Tuscany, I fell in love with Florence and decided to capitalize on my passion for history, art, languages, foreign cultures, and above all, my passion for creating human connections. I then became a professional tour guide. I now work primarily in Florence, Tuscany, and occasionally in Naples. I love creating personalized and unique experiences to share with my guests. What are you waiting for? If you're looking for a friend, a consultant, and an experienced guide to help you plan your trip to Italy... here I am! It will be a pleasure to plan together!
Amanda
Lucca, Pisa +1
Foreign Language Teacher and National Tourist Guide officially authorized by the Italian Ministry of Tourism. I combine my experience in language education with a deep passion for cultural heritage and historical interpretation. My main areas of interest include Florence, Pisa, and Lucca, as well as the theme of shifting boundaries in history, culture, and landscapes. I have been living in Tuscany for over 32 years, although I am originally from Southern Italy. This personal and professional background allows me to offer a broader perspective on Italian culture and to help travelers discover not only Tuscany but also Naples and the surrounding area. If you are planning a trip to Italy, feel free to contact me. It will be a pleasure to help you design a meaningful and memorable journey.
Renata
Florence, Siena +2
I am an expert local guide in Tuscany, half Italian half Brazilian with a great passion for Art! Throughout my life I have done numerous courses about art history, painters, theatre and music. I love going to museums, concerts, art galleries, theatres but also walking in the nature and relaxing on the beach. I love being around people from different cultures. I graduated in Art and Drama and I concluded a Master and a Doctorate Degree in these areas. Professionally, I've been working for 20 years as a touristic guide, a teacher and an actress. I've been living in Florence for 12 years. During this period I have taken people from all over the world to see the gorgeous landscapes in Tuscany and to visit the beautiful medieval cities such as Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Val D'orcia, Chianti, Pisa, Lucca, Volterra and many more. Visiting the historical buildings, the museums, squares and parks with so much history is a unique experience!
Edoardo
Amalfi, Sorrento +11
Born and raised in Italy's Marche region, I have explored the country from north to south during travels and study periods away from home. I have lived part of my life in amazing cities such as Venice and Bologna, and have visited Rome a lot since I have family and friends there. I am an experienced trip planner for destinations all over Italy, from the breezy Cinqueterre in Liguria down to the sun kissed Amalfi coast. If you want someone to help you with all-encompassing guidance and make the best out of your trip to Italy, I will be most happy to help you!