Things to do in Lucca

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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.

Lucca Attractions

Are you wondering what to do in Lucca? Don't worry. We've come up with some top recommendations for you. Top-quality restaurants, a rich history and picturesque attractions — this happening city offers them all.

Discover the sights of Lucca with some popular tours & day trips, or check out our list of {379 fun activities in Lucca fun activities in Lucca}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and concentrate on planning the perfect vacation.

Things to do



Lucca must see attractions

1. Piazza Napoleone

With rock concerts, cafés, interesting architecture and a wide open space, the sprawling tree-lined Piazza Napoleone has a broad appeal that attracts thousands of visitors every day.
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A street lined with yellow buildings, a sign for Via Becceria, and people walking and cycling.

2. Piazza dell'Anfiteatro

Pull up a seat at a pavement café, sip a strong espresso and people-watch in one of Lucca’s most beautiful squares. Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is enclosed by brightly colored buildings of uneven heights. It was built on the ruins of a second-century Roman amphitheater where chariots raced. More maudlin, gladiators once fought to the death in front of crowds of up to 10,000 spectators within the piazza’s walls.
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A sculpture of a seated figure in a public square with buildings in the background.

3. Guinigi Tower

Rising 145 feet (44 meters) into the air and crowned by a roof garden of centuries-old holm oaks, Guinigi Tower is one of the most intriguing sights of the Lucchese skyline.
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A tree with a metal railing overlooking a cityscape with buildings and a tower.

4. Basilica of San Frediano

The first thing that attracts your attention is the gold Byzantine-style mosaic at the top of the wide facade. The decorative piece represents the Ascension of Christ, below which are depictions of the 12 apostles. Inside the Basilica di San Frediano the views are just as arresting, with several notable works of art and the 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

Immerse yourself in baroque splendor in one of Lucca’s most elegant sights, Palazzo Pfanner, a 17th-century palace famous for its frescoes, walled garden and classical music concerts. The palace was originally built for the wealthy Moriconi family in the 1660s. Since then it has changed hands several times, coming into the possession of the Pfanner family in 1856. They are still the owners of the property.
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A courtyard with two statues on pedestals, a gated entrance, and a building with arches and columns.

6. Lucca Roman Amphitheatre

Stroll through one of the many archways into Lucca’s Roman Amphitheatre and you’ll notice bright yellow buildings arranged in an elliptical shape, a significant focal point in a unique destination town. Try to imagine the armed gladiators fighting beasts to the death for the entertainment of a roaring crowd. Up to 10,000 spectators once sat in the stands here. Originally an arena for gladiatorial blood sports, the structure became a fortified military base, a warehouse, a prison and eventually, a bustling city square.
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A yellow building with green shutters, outdoor seating, and people walking in front.

7. Cathedral of St Martin

The Cathedral of St. Martin has been part of Lucca since the 11th century. The elaborate architectural designs come from renovation work from the 12th century onward as little remains of the original building. Housed within is an ancient venerated crucifix.
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A grand hall with ornate blue and gold ceiling patterns and white columns.

8. Torre delle Ore

Look down on Lucca’s Renaissance walls and narrow streets from the highest point in the city, the top of the Clock Tower.
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A historic cityscape with prominent architecture, including a large white building with arched windows and a bell tower.

What to do in Lucca

Free Things to Do in Lucca

Some say the best things in life are free. Discover the following around Lucca:

City Wall - Stop by this historic site and discover a few things about the cultural heritage of the region.

Piazza San Michele - Learn why tourists and locals alike are enchanted by the vibe of this place.

Lucca State Library - Flick through your guidebook and find out why this place is worth a spot on your travel itinerary.

Church of San Michele in Foro - Connect with your spiritual side or just lose yourself in the peaceful atmosphere at this holy place.

Bagno Gioia - Play catch with the young ones or simply kick back and enjoy the sun at this gorgeous coastal spot.

Passeggiata della Mura - Get set for vistas that'll blow you away at this natural marvel.

Things to Do in Lucca with Kids

Lucca is a terrific place for a family escape. Take the little ones along and enjoy these top family friendly experiences together:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Lucca? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Stay near popular Lucca attractions

Where to stay in Lucca

Find the best Lucca areas and neighborhoods 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 historic sites and cafes. Make a stop by Piazza Napoleone or Lucca City Hall while you're exploring the area.

Pontetetto

Though Pontetetto might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Porta San Pietro and Piazza Napoleone.


 

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.

 


 

Popular day trips from Lucca

Frequently asked questions

Is Lucca worth visiting?
Providing a mix of camping and walking trails, there are many things to do in Lucca. When you're here, head to Cathedral of St Martin, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Lucca?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Real Collegio and Palazzo Mansi National Museum. Then, check out different parts of Lucca for a bite to eat and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lucca?
Cathedral of St Martin is one of the top tourist attractions in Lucca and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
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 escape to Lucca. On average, most travelers plan three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a little longer and head to Pisa.
Is Lucca a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city center, Lucca is a great destination to tour on foot. Wander between Cathedral of St Martin and Teatro del Giglio. Then take a stroll through Lucca Historical Center, located 0.2 miles from the center, and Massa Pisana, which is about 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Lucca with kids?
What to do in Lucca for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or adventure seeker, there are lots 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?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Lucca is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Cathedral of St Martin is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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