What to do in Lucca

Activities, attractions and tours

A densely packed town with red-tiled roofs, historic buildings, and a prominent church tower.
A historic square with outdoor cafes, yellow buildings, and a prominent tower.
A historic square with cobblestone pavement, traditional buildings, and outdoor seating areas.
A historic square with colorful buildings, cobblestone pavement, and outdoor seating areas.
An aerial view of a coastal city with a beach, a pier, and mountains in the background.

Places to Visit in Lucca

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Lucca, Tuscany while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Lucca attractions from NZ$2, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Lucca tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 380 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Lucca. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities


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Top places to visit

1. Piazza Napoleone

The expansive, tree-lined Piazza Napoleone attracts large crowds with its cafés, fascinating architecture and rock concerts.
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A street lined with yellow buildings, a sign for Via Becceria, and people walking and cycling.

2. Piazza dell'Anfiteatro

Sit at one of the many cafés with open-air seating and take in Lucca’s beautiful Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro while you sip on an espresso. Colourful buildings of varied height enclose the piazza on all sides. The piazza was built on the ruins of a second-century Roman amphitheatre, where crowds of up to 10,000 spectators would gather within the piazza’s walls to watch chariots race and gladiators fight to the death.
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A sculpture of a seated figure in a public square with buildings in the background.

3. Guinigi Tower

Standing 44 metres (145 feet) tall and topped by a centuries-old holm oak roof garden, Guinigi Tower is an intriguing sight to behold.
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A tree with a metal railing overlooking a cityscape with buildings and a tower.

4. Basilica of San Frediano

The exterior of the Basilica di San Frediano is adorned with an impressive Byzantine-style mosaic. This golden ornamental piece, which sits atop the wide façade, is a representation of the Ascension of Christ. Immediately below the work is a depiction of the Twelve Apostles. The inside of Basilica di San Frediano is just as beautiful as its lavish exterior, and the basilica houses extraordinary works of art as well as a mummified body of a saint.
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A historic square with a prominent church featuring a colorful mosaic, surrounded by traditional buildings with green shutters.

5. Palazzo Pfanner

Experience the baroque grandeur of Palazzo Pfanner, one of Lucca’s premier sights. This 17th-century palace is renowned for its walled garden, excellent frescoes and classical music recitals. Originally built by the prosperous Moriconi family in the 1660s, the palace has changed hands several times over the years. The Pfanner family, who are the current owners, came into possession of the palace in 1865.
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A courtyard with two statues on pedestals, a gated entrance, and a building with arches and columns.

6. Piazza San Michele

Piazza San Michele is located in the heart of Lucca and has been a centre for city life for almost two millennia. The piazza is located on the site of the ancient Roman forum, which was where public speeches, victorious processions and commercial and political affairs took place. Nowadays, visitors can explore and enjoy the piazza’s market, medieval buildings and restaurants.
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A historic building with two towers and a large open plaza.

7. Cathedral of St Martin

The Cathedral of St. Martin was originally constructed in the 11th century. Little remains of the original structure; the building’s elaborate architecture is the result of numerous renovations over the centuries. Stored within the church is an ancient and acclaimed crucifix.
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A grand hall with ornate blue and gold ceiling patterns and white columns.

What to do in Lucca


Stay near popular Lucca attractions

Our guide on where to stay in Lucca

Find the best Lucca areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Lucca
Learn more about Lucca

Lucca Historical Center

Unique features of Lucca Historical Center include the historical sites and cafes. Make a stop by Piazza Napoleone or Piazza San Michele while you're exploring the area.

Pontetetto

Pontetetto might not have many top sights, but Porta San Pietro and Piazza Napoleone are two attractions nearby that you can check out.


 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Lucca

Frequently asked questions

Is Lucca worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Lucca is visit Cathedral of St Martin. Tick this major attraction off your itinerary, then discover more of the area's camping and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Lucca?
After you've visited key attractions like Palazzo Mansi National Museum and Real Collegio, spend some time discovering the food and retail options in Lucca.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lucca?
Don't leave without checking out Cathedral of St Martin, ranked the top tourist attraction in Lucca.
Is three days enough to stay in Lucca?
You can easily enjoy leading sights like Cathedral of St Martin, Teatro del Giglio and Museum of Torture with a three-day break in Lucca. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Pisa.
Is Lucca a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in Lucca. Several sights, including Cathedral of St Martin and Teatro del Giglio, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Lucca's best neighbourhoods, Lucca Historical Centre is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Massa Pisana is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Lucca with kids?
What to do in Lucca for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there's no shortage of things to do in Lucca for adults including Tenuta del Buonamico and Fattoria Sardigiustiniani s.s.a.
Are there free things to do in Lucca?
In Lucca, Cathedral of St Martin is a must-see spot for anyone looking to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a great way to discover the best free things to do in Lucca.

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