Is A Day Trip To Lucca From Florence Worth It?

A day trip to Lucca from Florence offers the perfect escape from the city’s lively pace. Just over an hour away by train, Lucca is a charming destination with well-preserved medieval streets, historic city walls, great food and a peaceful atmosphere that invites exploration.

What sets Lucca apart is its blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture. The ancient walls encircling the city are more than just a historic feature—they’re an experience. You can walk or cycle along the top of these walls to get sweeping views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Once your inside the walls, you’ll find cobblestone streets leading to lively piazzas, magnificent churches, and delightful little shops and restaurants.

After a number of visits to Lucca, we’ve come to know it well. In our experience, a day gives you enough time to explore the main attractions and soak up the city’s charm without feeling rushed.

So, if you’re visiting Florence, we’d definitely recommend that you include a day trip to Lucca as part of your Tuscany itinerary. You won’t regret it!

• Train: Despite Florence to Lucca being one of the most popular train routes in Tuscany, tickets are easy to purchase, and trains run frequently. Regional trains depart from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Lucca Station every 45–60 minutes. Tickets cost around €6–€10, and the direct journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Once you arrive at Lucca train station, it’s just a simple 5-minute walk to the old town entrance at Porta San Pietro.

• Car: If you prefer driving, take the A11/E76 motorway. It’s around 95km from Florence to Lucca, which will take between 70 and 120 minutes, depending on traffic. Parking in Lucca can be challenging, as the city has limited spaces. Look for parking lots located outside the city walls and then take the short walk into the historic centre.

• Bus: Another alternative is to take a bus between Florence and Lucca operated by Autolinee Toscane. Buses depart from Firenze T2 Guidoni P2 every three hours, Monday to Saturday. Tickets cost around €3–€5, and the journey takes approximately 55 minutes.

OUR RECOMMENDATION: For a Florence to Lucca day trip, regional trains from Santa Maria Novella station are definitely the best choice. With trains departing every 45–60 minutes, and tickets costing €6–€10, the 80-minute train journey easily beats the hassle of driving and parking. From Lucca train station, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the entrance to the city.

Our One Day Guide To Lucca

If you’re anything like us, you love days with a touch of spontaneity—just following your nose and seeing where the journey takes you. Lucca is the perfect place for that kind of adventure.

To help you get started, we’ve included a handy map of Lucca, highlighting all the main attractions, our favourite eateries, transport hubs, and more.

Rather than a rigid schedule, we’ve put together a flexible guide that combines Lucca’s must-see sights, practical tips, our top eating spots, and a few unique experiences.

Use our suggestions as a starting point, and let the charm of Lucca unfold naturally as you explore.

Make An Early Start

To make the most of your day trip, we recommend starting reasonably early, whichever way you choose to travel to Lucca. If travelling by train from Florence, Lucca’s station is conveniently located just outside the city’s historic walls. From there, it’s an easy walk to the city gates, where your day of exploration begins.

But First… Coffee!

If you need a coffee and fresh pastry to start your day, there are a plenty of choices available to you down almost any street in Lucca. Our favourites are H&G Coffee Lounge on via San Giorgio, and Café Ninci on Plaza Napoleone. But to be really honest, we’ve never had a bad coffee in Lucca!

Le Mura di Lucca

Whether you arrive in Lucca by train, bus, or car, the first thing you’ll see is the outer wall, known as Le Mura di Lucca. Built between the 1500s and 1600s, the city’s walls are the largest surviving example of modern fortification in Europe. Today, they are also a green space that surrounds the historic centre, perfect for walking, running, or biking.

We recommend you take time to walk or cycle along the walls. This scenic, tree-lined path stretches for 4.2 km (2.6 miles) and offers stunning views of Lucca’s red-tiled rooftops and the surrounding Tuscan hills. With plenty of exits along the route, you can easily veer off if something catches your interest and then return to the path at another point.

Bike rentals are located throughout the city, whilst Rent Bike Lucca is located just outside the walls, near the railway station. We rented bikes from Biciclette Pollo, located near Porta Santa Maria. The cost was €5 per hour, which seems to be the standard rate for bike rental in Lucca. You’ll also find other options, such as e-bikes and 2- or 4-person ‘rickshaws’ if you are looking for a unique way to ride the wall.

We easily completed two loops of the wall during our one hour rental, stopping along the way to enjoy the views and take photos. It’s a wonderful way to get your bearings and experience Lucca’s charm at your own pace.

Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

Once you have your bearings, make your way to Lucca’s main square, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on the remains of a 1st- or 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre, it still keeps its circular shape. The original amphitheatre had 55 arches and could hold up to 10,000 people. In 1830, architect Lorenzo Nottolini cleared the centre and created Via dell’Anfiteatro.

Today the square is surrounded by colourful buildings, which house shops, cafés, and restaurants, and is a popular meeting place for both visitors and locals. Take some time to wander around and admire the unique architecture that gives you an insight into Lucca’s ancient past.

San Michele in Foro

Continue your exploration of Lucca, with a visit to San Michele in Foro, a striking Romanesque church located on the site of Lucca’s former Roman Forum. This ancient church dates back to the Roman era, with records of its existence as early as 795.

Its façade features detailed sculptures and a tall marble statue of the Archangel Michael. According to legend, a green sparkle can sometimes be seen gleaming from the statue on bright days. Some believe an emerald is hidden within, though it has never been found.

Inside, notable artworks include Luca della Robbia’s Madonna and Child, Filippino Lippi’s 1483 Pala Magrini, and an altorilievo or high-relief of the Virgin by Raffaello di Montelupo.

Torre Guinigi

Head to the iconic Guinigi Tower, one of Lucca’s most unique landmarks. The climb of 230 steps is definitely worth the effort as you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Lucca’s historic centre and surrounding Tuscan hills. What makes the tower truly special is the garden at the top—a walled area filled with soil where 7 holm oaks grow. This garden in the sky has made the tower one of the most distinctive symbols of Lucca.

Duomo di San Martino

The stunning San Martino Cathedral in Lucca is known for its intricate Gothic façade. The cathedral, dedicated to St. Martin, is said to have been founded by St. Frediano, a bishop of Lucca. Its façade was inspired by the Cathedral of Pisa.

Inside you will see the Volto Santo (the Holy Face), a wooden crucifix believed to have been carved by Nicodemus, a disciple of Jesus who assisted in his burial. The Last Supper of Christ painted by the famous Venetian painter Jacopo Robusti, known as Tintoretto, is also displayed inside the cathedral.

In the past, moneychangers set up stalls under the portico to help pilgrims travelling along the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrim route to Rome that passes through Lucca. An inscription under the portico even warns the moneychangers not to cheat their customers—wise advice that still holds true today!

Puccini’s Museum

Located in Lucca’s historic centre at Corte San Lorenzo 8, this house is where composer Giacomo Puccini was born. Now the centrepiece of the Puccini Museum, it has been restored to its original appearance, complete with historic furniture and personal belongings.

Puccini spent his early years here studying music in Lucca before moving to Milan. The museum offers a glimpse into the life and passion of the world-famous opera composer.

Palazzo Pfanner

A stunning Renaissance residence, Palazzo Pfanner sits near the city’s fortified walls. Built in the late 17th century, its beautiful garden features geometric paths, centuries-old plants, a lemon house, a bamboo grove, a fountain, and statues inspired by Greek mythology.

In the mid-19th century, Austrian brewer Felix Pfanner opened the first brewery in the Duchy of Lucca here, hosting tastings in the garden.

While the brewery closed in 1929, the Pfanner family still owns the residence, which has been featured in films like Il Marchese del Grillo and Portrait of a Lady.

Palazzo Pretorio

Originally constructed in the 15th century as a seat of government, the Palazzo Pretorio is located in Piazza San Michele, The palace is a mix of Renaissance and medieval architectural styles.

Today, it houses the courts of civil law, but it often hosts art exhibitions, cultural events, and temporary displays.

Palazzo della Prefettura

The Palazzo della Prefettura, also known as Palazzo Ducale, is situated in Piazza Napoleone, one of Lucca’s grandest squares. Originally built in the 14th century, it served as the residence of Paolo Guinigi, a prominent ruler of Lucca.

The palace was extensively remodelled and the square was redesigned during the era of Napoleonic rule. This elegant building is now the seat of the Prefecture of Lucca.

The palazzo and the piazza often host events, festivals, and open-air concerts.

Basilica of San Frediano

One of the oldest churches in Lucca, it was first mentioned in a document from 685.

Its most striking feature is the large mosaic on the façade, depicting Christ the Redeemer ascending to heaven, enclosed in a mandorla and supported by two angels.

Orto Botanico

The Botanical Garden of Lucca, located in the city centre, spans just over two hectares.

Founded in 1820, it is home to thousands of plants from around the world, including some that are hundreds of years old. One of its standout features is a towering Libano cedar tree, which rises 22 meters high and stretches six meters wide.

The garden also offers accessibility for visually impaired visitors, with a handrail and Braille signage along the pathways.

Via Fillungo

Take some time to explore Via Fillungo, the main shopping street in Lucca’s historic centre.

This winding medieval street is lined with charming boutiques, artisan shops, and cozy cafés. It’s an ideal spot to browse for unique souvenirs like local olive oil, handmade ceramics, or gourmet Tuscan treats.

As you wander, you’ll find plenty of places to stop and enjoy a bite to eat. Try Buccellato, a traditional sweet bread, or have a meal at one of the many trattorias.

Lucca Food Recommendations

Here are our personal food recommendations for Lucca. From hearty Tuscan dishes to cosy local cafes and wine bars, we’ve handpicked the best spots where you can enjoy authentic flavours and make your visit even more memorable.

• Coffee:
  • H&G Coffee Lounge – A lovely spot on a quiet street in Lucca, offering delicious baked goods, affordable coffee, and friendly service. With vegan options, a cosy interior, and books scattered around, it’s a perfect place to relax and unwind, especially for book lovers.
  • Café Ninci, a family-run café since 1925, serves the best coffee in Lucca. With no fancy coffee drinks, just great espresso, it’s a local favourite. Enjoy your coffee with a view of Plaza Napoleone, or return for an Aperol spritz after midday. Bellisimo!

• Panino:
  • Strabuono – Perfect for a quick, delicious bite. Freshly baked panino, filled with high-quality ingredients. Friendly staff and great prices.
  • Ciacco – Fantastic location, friendly staff, and top-notch food, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. The Panino Fico and Panino Ciacco are standout sandwiches. Great food and a lively atmosphere.

• Pizza:
  • Pizzeria De Felice – A family-run gem in the heart of Lucca for 100 years, offers delicious, affordable pizzas in a cosy, rustic setting. Order by the slice or whole pizza—don’t miss the prosciutto e funghi or spicy salami. It’s always busy, but worth the wait for a great meal at a great price.

• Aperitivo:
  • Vinarkia della Pavona – With excellent wines (ask for recommendations) and beautifully presented cocktails, it’s one of our favourites. Pair your drink with cheese and meat boards, anchovies—it’s enough to skip dinner! While it looks small from the outside, there’s a spacious garden in the back.
  • Ristorante Caffetteria San Colombano – Situated on the Lucca wall, it’s perfect for people-watching. Enjoy a cocktail or Spritz alongside their tapas-style menu—ideal for aperitivo. A relaxed and scenic spot to unwind!
  • Baccanale by di Vinae – A small, charming wine bar tucked away in a quiet piazza. Their wine and aperitivo menu is small, but definitely focused on quality. A perfect spot to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
  • Da Cervesia Taproom – Craft beer lovers should visit Da Cervesia Taproom, a great place to unwind and enjoy a wide selection of local and international bottled and tap beers, including options from Lucca’s Brùton brewery.

• Gelato:
  • Gelateria Paniko – Our favourite gelato stop. They offer a wide variety of flavours made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Popular flavours on offer include pistachio, chocolate, and hazelnut, as well as vegan options. Friendly staff and charming location make it an ideal stop.

• Lunch or Dinner:
  • Sotto Sotto – One of our favourite spots, located on the beautiful Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. Enjoy delicious dishes like truffle pasta, gnocchi, and lasagna. The staff are fabulous and friendly, and the cocktails are great! (Currently closed 04/11/2024 – 23/03/2025)
  • Trattoria da Giulio – A local favourite for traditional Tuscan food. Try their tordelli lucchese, pasta filled with a savoury meat mix, or zuppa alla lucchese, a simple vegetable and bread soup. Enjoy with a glass of red wine and end with castagnaccio, a chestnut cake.
  • Ristorante Antica Locanda dell’Angelo – A cosy spot serving authentic Tuscan dishes. Try their hearty farro soup or enjoy a perfectly cooked bistecca alla Fiorentina (Tuscan steak). Pair it with a glass of Chianti or another local wine for a memorable meal.

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Visiting Lucca during Daylight Saving Time (30 March – 26 October 2025) means longer daylight hours, giving you extra time to explore and enjoy Lucca before returning to the station to catch your train back to Florence.

Take the opportunity to explore a little more, perhaps stop for a drink at one of the cosy wine bars or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the city walls with gelato in hand, joining the locals on their evening walk.

As you make your way back to Florence, you’ll have many beautiful memories of your unforgettable day in Lucca.

Frequently Asked Questions

We answer some of the common questions about planning a day trip from Florence to Lucca.

These FAQs cover transport options, travel times, attractions, and more.