Things to do in Lucca

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Lucca which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Lucca featuring heritage architecture
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Lucca featuring a city
Lucca which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

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 {296 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.


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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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Piazza Napoleone showing heritage architecture, a city and road 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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Piazza dell\'Anfiteatro which includes heritage architecture, a house and a city

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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Guinigi Tower which includes forest scenes and heritage architecture

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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Basilica di San Frediano which includes heritage architecture

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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Palazzo Pfanner which includes interior views

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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Church of San Michele in Foro featuring outdoor eating

7. Piazza San Michele

Piazza San Michele in Lucca’s city center has been a hub of city life for almost 2,000 years. The square occupies the site of the old Roman forum, the venue for triumphant processions, public speeches and commercial and political affairs. Today, join visitors and residents alike to explore its restaurants, medieval buildings and market.
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Piazza San Michele featuring a square or plaza, night scenes and a church or cathedral

8. Church of San Michele in Foro

Marvel at the scale and intensity of the Church of San Michele in Foro, the massive Roman Catholic basilica built over an original Roman forum. Gaze at its impressive façade, ascending straight up into the blue Tuscan sky. Its columns and arches lead up to the peak, crowned by a huge sculpture of winged Archangel St. Michael slaying a dragon. The marble itself is adorned with hundreds of small images of creatures both real and fanciful, carved faces and different patterns.
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Church of San Michele in Foro showing heritage architecture

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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:


 

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Lucca showing a square or plaza, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Lucca Historical Center

5/5(167 area reviews)

Unique features of Lucca Historical Center include the historic sites and cafes. Make a stop by Piazza Napoleone or Teatro del Giglio while you're exploring the area.

Lucca Historical Center
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Pontetetto

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

Pontetetto

 

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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