Lucca holidays

Food and drink in Lucca

Holidays to Lucca aren’t just about history and culture – the food and drink are an experience in themselves. With its rich flavours and simple, locally-sourced ingredients, Lucca’s cuisine offers a true taste of Tuscany.

Some typical dishes

• Tordelli Lucchese: A local speciality, these meat-filled pasta parcels are served with a rich tomato and meat sauce. They work especially well paired with a glass of local red wine.

• Zuppa di Farro: This hearty soup made from spelt, beans and vegetables is a classic Tuscan dish. Perfect for cooler days, you’ll often find it served as a starter in local trattorias.

• Pane Toscano: Lucca, like the rest of Tuscany, is famous for its unsalted bread, which pairs perfectly with the region’s rich meats and cheeses.

Meat dishes

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina: Though more closely associated with Florence, this huge T-bone steak is also popular in Lucca. Grilled to perfection and finished with a simple drizzle of olive oil, it’s usually shared between diners and accompanied by roasted vegetables.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Baccalà alla Lucchese: Salted cod is a Tuscan staple, and in Lucca it’s often served with tomatoes, garlic and olive oil for added flavour.

Sweets and desserts

• Buccellato: A sweet bread made with raisins and the distinctive taste of aniseed, buccellato is a speciality in Lucca. You’ll find this breakfast-friendly snack in bakeries all over the city.

• Castagnaccio: A dense cake made from chestnut flour and often flavoured with rosemary, pine nuts and raisins. This classic, not-too-sweet Tuscan treat is particularly popular in autumn.

Local drinks

• Montecarlo wines: Just a short distance from Lucca, the Montecarlo wine region produces excellent white and red wines. Be sure to sample some of the local varieties during your stay.

• Vin Santo: A traditional dessert wine often served with cantuccini (almond biscuits). It’s sweet, strong and the perfect end to a Tuscan meal.

Best things to do in Lucca

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Lucca is a small city brimming with history, culture and charm. Holidays to Lucca offer the chance to explore a place that has preserved its medieval character, while still feeling vibrant, lively and welcoming. While you’re considering Lucca, take a peek at our holidays to Tuscany for more inspiration.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Torre Guinigi (Guinigi Tower): This elegant medieval tower is one of Lucca’s most iconic landmarks. It stands around 45m tall and is famous for its rooftop oak trees. Climb the 230 steps to be rewarded with stunning views across the city and surrounding hills.

• Torre delle Ore (Clock Tower): Another of Lucca’s tall towers, the Torre delle Ore offers panoramic views after a 207-step climb. Pause for breath while you admire the red-tiled rooftops and rolling Tuscan countryside beyond.

The best districts

• Centro Storico (Historic Centre): The heart of Lucca is its historic centre, where you’ll find narrow, cobbled streets and beautiful squares. Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is one of the most picturesque spots. Built on the site of a Roman amphitheatre, it’s now a lively meeting point framed by cafés and shops.

• San Francesco: The quieter San Francesco district offers a more local feel, with quaint streets and small family-run trattorias. It’s also home to the church of San Francesco – a serene spot for enjoying some history and reflection.

Historical monuments

• City Walls: One of Lucca’s most unique features is its Renaissance-era city walls. These wide walls now serve as a pedestrian and cycling path, providing a peaceful, tree-lined 4km route around the city. Cycle along the walls on a rental bike, or simply take a leisurely stroll while enjoying the views.

• San Martino Cathedral: This impressive Romanesque cathedral is a must-see. The façade is intricately detailed, and inside you’ll find the famous Volto Santo (Holy Face), a wooden crucifix that’s an important symbol for the city.

• Palazzo Pfanner (Pfanner Palace): If you love gardens, Palazzo Pfanner is a real treat. The baroque palace has a beautiful garden, complete with statues, fountains and perfectly manicured greenery. The palace itself is now a museum of local art and artefacts.

Day trips in the area

• Pisa: Located just a 30-minute train ride away, Pisa offers much more than its famous Leaning Tower. Take in the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli, wander along the River Arno or enjoy a traditional meal in one of its buzzing piazzas. Enhance your Italian adventure by exploring our holidays to Pisa as well.

• Florence: A little further afield, Florence is a must-see for art and history lovers. Direct trains reach Florence in just over an hour, leaving you plenty of time to explore its world-famous museums, or simply enjoy walking around its picturesque streets and squares. Consider our holidays to Florence for your next getaway.

Activities for families in Lucca

Lucca is a family-friendly holiday destination with plenty to keep kids entertained. Whether they love soaking up history and culture or prefer getting out and having fun in nature, here are some options to help you make the most of your trip:

• Cycling on the City Walls: Undoubtedly one of the best activities for families in Lucca is renting bikes and cycling around its historic city walls. The flat, shaded path is perfect for children, and there are various opportunities to stop and refuel with ice cream.

• Parks and playgrounds: When the kids need to burn off some energy, head to the Parco della Rimembranza (Park of Remembrance), which has a large playground. You’ll also find plenty of green spaces around the city walls where you can relax while the children play.

• Puccini Museum: If you’ve got a budding musician in the family, the Puccini Museum is a great stop. Located in the house where Giacomo Puccini was born, it offers an engaging insight into the composer’s life and works. There are also interactive exhibits for younger visitors.

Free things to do in Lucca

While Lucca might be known for its history and culture, the city has plenty of free and low-cost activities that will let you fully experience its charm without spending a fortune.

• Walking the City Walls: Lucca’s city walls are free to explore, especially if you walk instead of hiring bikes.

• Piazza dell’Anfiteatro: This unusual circular piazza built on the remains of a Roman amphitheatre is one of Lucca’s most iconic spots. It costs nothing to wander through and soak up the atmosphere.

• Free guided tours: Several companies offer tip-based walking tours of Lucca that focus on the city’s history, architecture and famous musical links. These tours are free, but tipping the guide afterwards is a kind gesture.

• Churches: Many of the city’s churches, including the Basilica of San Frediano and San Michele in Foro, are free to enter.