Lucca is a beautiful Tuscan town that preserves in its entirety within Renaissance walls and hides many centuries of history. While most tourists don’t stay long, I recommend planning at least 1 day in Lucca.
I visited this sweet little Tuscan town multiple times while living in Italy and I enjoyed it fully every single time. This one-day in Lucca itinerary is for you to make the most of it!
You’ll hit the best spots for photos, do some souvenir shopping, and eat some amazing food while you’re at it. Ready? Let’s jump in – can’t wait to share what I did in Lucca in a day trip!
1 Day in Lucca Itinerary – Overview
Before walking through the itinerary, let’s look at other important things on how to visit Lucca in just one day. Step-by-step information on how to start your trip, what to see in the city center, the best time to go, and other essential information.
How to Get to Lucca?
You can reach Lucca easily by car or public transport. From Pisa, Florence, or anywhere in Tuscany, you can easily reach Lucca by car and park around the city walls.
You can also just take a direct train from Pisa Centrale or Florence which drops you off right near the Lucca historic center, in Porta San Pietro, making your journey as smooth as possible. It’s the perfect day trip from Florence.
What to Do in Lucca in One Day?
One day in Lucca and what to do? You can walk along the ancient city walls to enjoy the views directly into the city to get started. After that, visit the noteworthy San Michele in Foro church and the incredible Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, an unusual circular square.
This small city dates back to Roman times and you can witness its historic charm by climbing up the Guinigi Tower, which stands out with oak trees on top of it.
Wrap up your day by taking a leisurely walk through Via Filungo, the place to be for shopping and tasting delicious gelato.
Is 1 Day in Lucca Enough?
Spend a day in Lucca and you’ll have plenty of time to hit the city’s big-ticket attractions and get a good feel of the place.
Anyone thinking of going to Lucca to visit should wander through the old walls, have a nice meal, visit some of the most important churches, and go up the medieval towers.
This is indeed only a little taste of what the city has to offer, just think of extending your visit to Lucca to at least an overnight if you have more time in Tuscany.
Is a Lucca Day Trip Worth it?
Yes, it’s definitely worth visiting. You’ll find that Lucca is charming and interesting to visit, and it’s also an excellent day trip out of Florence and Pisa.
While Lucca, the largely pedestrian city, is a great place to spend the day with a hundred churches, the vistas here show the entire city and extend throughout the surrounding countryside.
Best Time to Visit Lucca
The best time for visiting Lucca is during the shoulder season, either in spring or in autumn when the weather is nice and the city doesn’t get too overcrowded. Alternatively, the summers are a lovely time for people to set up concerts outdoors, like the Summer Festival.
Winters can be cooler, yet quieter, giving you an opportunity to explore around in a more intimate manner. Each season combines to offer a different view of Lucca, making it an all-year-round destination.
Ultimate Lucca 1-Day Itinerary
So now you know a little more about Lucca in general, let me give you an ideal itinerary to see all of the major sights and make the most of your time!
Start early, ideally getting breakfast in town so you can enjoy it before the crowds arrive. Plan ahead if you’re going to come on a Monday or your options around eateries will be limited as many of them close.
If you still come on a Monday, then you’ll still be able to enjoy the popular attractions in town – I’ll tell you more here below!
8:30 AM: Breakfast at Stella Polare
Start your day early heading straight for a delicious breakfast at Stella Polare, where you can enjoy freshly baked pastries and Italian coffee – It’s not far from the train station, which is a bonus.
It’s a local favorite and the perfect spot to fuel up for your day of exploration. Don’t skip breakfast, as you’ll walk a lot in Lucca!
This cafe offers a variety of breakfast options, from classic Italian coffee and pastries to more substantial dishes to fuel your day of exploration.
It’s a favorite among locals for its friendly service and delicious local food, and I went there a few times when coming to Lucca. Spend about 30 minutes here to enjoy your breakfast in a relaxed atmosphere before heading out to explore Lucca.
Unfortunately, Stella Polare is closed on Mondays, but you can go to Caffè del Teatro instead if that’s when you plan to come, as they offer delicious Neapolitan snacks and coffee!
Begin your day early with a delicious breakfast at Stella Polare where you can enjoy just-baked pastries and hot Italian coffee – It’s really pretty close to the train station which is great.
This cafe offered plenty of breakfast options, from Italian coffee and croissants to more substantial choices needed to power a day of discovery.
Spend 30 minutes enjoying a relaxed breakfast in this area before you begin exploring Lucca for the day! Note: Stella Polare is closed on Mondays, but you may go to Caffè del Teatro instead; they serve delicious Neapolitan bites and coffee!
9:30 AM: Walk or Bike Around the City Walls
I could have spent days walking around the Rome-era wall that Lucca turned into a tree-lined park. Seriously, strolling on the city wall is another essential Lucca thing, and you can even rent an electric bike for added fun.
Stretching over 4 kilometers, these walls are an ideal place for a pleasant morning bike ride or breezy afternoon walk. You can rent a bicycle at one of the many shops located close to the walls.
As you ride your bike along or walk beside the ancient ramparts, you will pass through numerous parks and playgrounds which will offer panoramic views that are ideal for photos. This not only displays the rich history of Lucca, but it also leads you into stunning views of the city.
I rented a rickshaw at this store (we were with a friend and the rickshaws can hold up to 3 people), near the northern gate of Porta Santa Maria, and paid only 10 euros per hour, and it was amazing! They open at 9:00 AM, and that is very convenient.
Plan for an hour before coming back to the historic center.
10:30 AM: Explore Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
The Piazza dell’Anfiteatro in Lucca started out in medieval times and was originally called “parlascio,” which was a way of saying “amphitheater” in Latin. People thought the name meant a place where citizens met up to chat because it sounded like the Italian word for “talk.”
Over time, buildings filled up the space, turning it into things like salt storage, a gunpowder store, and even a jail.
In the 1800s, a Lucca architect named Lorenzo Nottolini decided it was time to improve the ancient Roman amphitheater area. To do so, he moved the tiny buildings in the center of the old arena and opened Via Dell’Anfiteatro on its contour.
This new area became the city’s main market spot until the market moved in the early 1900s.
Today, the square is about 3 meters above the ancient Roman arena and encased by a lot of shops lining it – It’s a place to be during a day out, enjoy a cool drink or ice cream break, and come back to a meal or aperitivo in the evening!
As far as souvenir shops and places to eat or drink, there wasn’t much to do in the weekdays, but the street performers on weekends make a day in Lucca even better!
11:00 PM: Climb Torre Guinigi
💶 Entrance Fee: 5 euros per person
🕗 Opening Hours: Mon to Thu from 10AM to 6PM, Friday 10AM to 5PM, weekends from 10AM to 6PM
Torre Guinigi is also a popular stop and has a garden at the top so that’s another great way to get a viewpoint from within the walls.
The tower reaches a height of 45 meters, and just as the city wall symbolizes Lucca, so does the Torre Guinigi tower.
In the 14th century, the Guinigi family felt that it was high time to have a tower that could be seen across Lucca from wherever, and reasoned that planting trees would be a smart touch.
It still is today, which is why climbing to the top is one of the best things to do in Lucca in a day.
On your way to the top, you will have to take the view through 230 steps throughout 25 flights of stairs, yes! Imagine that – but it’s short-lived, and as soon as you’re up there you will be so happy you did it!
With panoramic views of the ancient city walls, you will have 360’ visibility across the entirety of Lucca, with plenty to see from the narrow passageway streets to the Torre Delle Ore, home to San Martino Cathedral and beyond.
12:30 AM: Visit San Michele in Foro Church
💶 Entrance Fee: Free
🕗 Opening Hours: Daily from 9AM to 6PM
San Michele in Foro is an unmissable church right in the heart of Lucca on Piazza San Michele, dating back to the 8th century – in the year 795 to be precise, and rebuilt in 1070 by order of Pope Alexander II.
Everything looks elegant with a mix of styles, standing out completely in the baroque façade. The facade was made in the 13th century, and it’s impressive to see it so well-maintained and just as beautiful as the old days.
Inside, you’ll find many types of architectural motifs, from the Stucco to the baroque wooden altarpieces, and the beautiful frescoes in the internal dome.
Right at the top, there’s a huge 4-meter-tall statue of St. Michael the Archangel, with other angels next to him. Also, on the bottom right of the front, there’s a statue from 1480 of the Madonna, made by Matteo Civitali, to celebrate the end of a bad plague in 1476.
The biggest art is the wooden crucifix of Volto Santo which is believed to be carved by Angels. Considering all of this, this is a place where you can afford to spend 30 minutes.
1:00 PM: Lunch at Osteria Baralla
📍 Address: Via dell’Anfiteatro, 9, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
🕗 Opening Hours: Mon to Sat from 12:30 PM to 2:20 PM and 7:15 PM to 10:30 PM
Hungry yet? Time to solve that at Osteria Baralla. This place boasts not only good food but also a piece of Lucca’s history. They are also well known for their traditional dishes at a good price.
Tuscan dishes are their signature. Wild boar with polenta, pappardelle with venison sauce, and aubergine baked in cheese are just some of the appetizers that will have you coming back again and again, they are that good.
Everything is delicious and what better way to capture the Lucca lifestyle in a few bites without breaking the bank? As with most places to eat in Lucca, Osteria Baralla is extremely popular, so I would suggest booking in advance to ensure you get a table.
2:00 PM: Visit Lucca Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Martino)
💶 Entrance Fee: 3 euros or 10 euros for the Cathedral, the Bell Tower, and the Museum
🕗 Opening Hours: Mon to Sat from 9:30 AM to 6 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Lucca Cathedral, also called Duomo San Martino, is a key spot in Lucca that people have been coming to for centuries, especially those traveling the Via Francigena.
They couldn’t build this church completely straight ahead because of some old bell tower, so the front of it is uneven. It’s quite something to behold from the inside, all gothic and dark on the one half and lighter with Roman touches around the other.
There are original art pieces, such as the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto and several others. It’s a great museum that will make your Lucca itinerary even more unique.
The biggest art piece, however, is the Volto Santo, an ancient wooden crucifix that’s said to have been made by angels. You can expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes inside, including the climb to the bell tower, which I highly recommend!
Related Guide!
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2:30 PM: Pass By San Frediano Church
Located in the city’s old quarter, San Frediano Church is said to have been established by Saint Fridianus, who was the bishop from 560 to 588.
685 was the first time the church was mentioned; as it goes to show, it is well-maintained and very nice to pass by.
The colossal mosaic on the front of the church is an impressive sight— it was created in the 13th century, a rarity in Romanesque Tuscany. The second church is San Miniato al Monte in Florence.
In the middle, Christ is going up to heaven, with an angel on each side helping him. There was a Virgin Mary in the middle with the Apostles; but in the sixteenth century, that was swapped out for this new window.
It’s a church that has been built piece by piece: inside, it looks like three churches in one, separated by massive columns that have an equally robust arch.
There are different chapels, but the ones that really stand out are the Sant’Agostino Chapel with 16th-century frescoes by Amico Aspertini, and the Tenta family’s chapel with works by Jacopo della Quercia.
3:00 PM: Relax at Botanical Garden
💶 Entrance Fee: 6 euros
🕗 Opening Hours: Mon to Fri from 10:30 to 6:30PM and Sunday from 10:30 to 7:30PM
Take some time to relax in the Botanical Garden of Lucca, founded in 1820 as a peaceful green space by Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, sister of Napoleon.
A few beautiful gardens designed in the 19th century have been preserved, as well as a large Arboretum with ancient trees and the Montagnola area dedicated to local mountain flora.
Garden – Walk around the pond, reflect on its peaceful surface, and take in the richness and diversity of the garden, containing ancient camellias and rhododendrons.
The northern part, on the other hand, hosts a botanical School with old greenhouses and the Museum “Cesare Bicchi”, which preserves local agricultural seeds that are in danger of extinction.
There are even two sensory gardens adapted for the blind, with specially designed mosaics, scents, and scents; guided tours with additional explanations are allowed.
Spend about one hour around here, allowing yourself to connect and regenerate from your day in Lucca before resuming the itinerary.
4:30 PM: Gelato at Gelateria Veneta
No day trip in Italy is complete without ice cream; Gelateria Veneta offers the city’s best gelato. Here you can indulge in some of the best ice cream in town and sit to enjoy it at the counter.
Different flavors from cherry to tiramisu to vanilla and chocolate are all really good, and prices are too. Great idea for a little, afternoon treat after walking all day, right?
Find a cone or cup for yourself and enjoy every bit of the Mediterranean summer. Time for a sweet break before carrying on with your day.
Note: There are several Gelateria Veneta within the city walls, and I recommend the one by Via Filungo, which has a seating area.
5:30 PM: Browse Local Shops in Via Filungo
Lucca’s main shopping street Via Fillungo, stretches from San Michele in Foro to Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. Via Fillungo is lined with an assortment of stores big and small, selling everything from clothing to handmade crafts and souvenirs.
It’s the heart of Lucca’s shopping district, continuously alive with locals and travelers enjoying their time. Coming down Via Filungo is a great way to feel out the city, do some window-shopping, or pick up some great finds to bring home as souvenirs!
Give yourself a little time to check out what the shops have to offer; it’s a fun way to wrap up your afternoon in Lucca.
7:00 PM: Dinner at Trattoria Da Giulio
Do yourself a favor and try Trattoria Da Giulio for a typical Tuscan dinner, after shopping in Via Filungo. This spot is simple and nice with a menu full of homemade pastas and meats, and a range of daily specials.
The wild boar pasta is to die for, pasta is a popular choice with many others. Then, there are so many options and I can say for sure you will like the food. The service at Trattoria San Giulio is fantastic as well and they have so many good reviews!
I always suggest booking restaurants off The Fork app for good discounts but Trattoria Da Giulio was not present on the app when I went but, it doesn’t matter.
In short, it is worth a visit. One more thing… Prices are pocket-friendly here!
Evening: Have a Drink at Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
Wrap up your day with a drink in the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. This circular piazza kicked off the nightlife in Lucca, and today overflows with cafes and bars in one of the remaining amphitheaters built by the Romans.
It’s the perfect melting pot for all kinds of people; tourists, locals, and each other. So grab a seat on an outdoor balcony, order some local produced wine — maybe from one of the vineyards you visited in Tuscany — and just sit back and soak it all up.
It’s just perfect to sit and watch the night roll in after a day of exploring Lucca!
Travel Tips for a Day in Lucca Italy
So now we have covered all of the things, first-timers in town (or in Italy itself) always question, so let’s check out more things about what to do in Lucca.
Is Lucca Expensive?
Obviously the cost of dining out is on the lower end compared to other places in Tuscany like Florence or Pisa. Eating out is largely affordable where a pasta dish will usually cost you around 12-15€, you can also have a good pizza for around 10 euros.
As to a sweet tooth, a small cup of Italian ice cream is normally around 4-5€.
On the other hand, for accommodation, a hotel stay per night ranges from 70 to 100 euros, making it a reasonable option when planning the budget for your trip to Italy.
Where to Park in Lucca?
Getting in in Lucca is very easy: stay close to the city wall. There are quite a few parking lots all around the city’s historic center which are very convenient; so you can park it and go explore.
I would recommend you park at this location near the city wall of Porta San Donato or at this location near Porta Elisa, which are both quite accessible.
Where to Eat in Lucca?
While I went through the best restaurants I ate at, here are some other places that I’m confident will get you a great meal.
- Trattoria San Giulio – Cozy eatery offering traditional Tuscan dishes with plenty of tables.
- Osteria Baralla – Historic trattoria known for classic regional fare and lively ambiance.
- Ciacco – Charming spot serving inventive Italian cuisine in a quaint setting.
- Ristorante Lucca in Tavola – Traditional dining with a focus on local, seasonal Tuscan specialties.
Where to Stay in Lucca?
Lucca has dozens of accommodation options to choose from, and these are the best you should consider when staying in town for the night:
Luxury: Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli
Mid-Range: Il Vicolo
Budget: La Gemma Di Elena
Conclusion: One Day in Lucca Itinerary
Thanks for reading until the end and I hope you have a better idea of what to do in Lucca in one day!
I visited Lucca many times while living and traveling around Tuscany, and I always have a great time – Lucca’s historic center is safe, relatively inexpensive, food is great, and it simply makes a great day trip from Pisa or Florence.
Whether you’re watching the sunset from the ancient walls or toasting the day with a glass of local wine, the memories you’ll make here will remain forever!
