Around 1 million people visit Pisa every year, but not many people know that just 20km away lies a hidden gem - a city wrapped in 500 years old, magnificent Renaissance era walls. Lucca is a very unique place that absolutely deserves a spot on every Tuscan itinerary.

Less than a 30 minute train ride from Pisa or just an hour ride from Florence, so if you are in the area you can be one of the lucky ones to experience this magical town. Located in northern Tuscany, Lucca is perfect for both a day trip or a longer stay. And here are 8 things you shouldn’t miss while you’re there!

1 & 2. Guinigi Tower & Torre delle Ore

If you do not fear 200+ steps, these towers are absolute musts when visiting Lucca. Every time I visit a new city, I look for the best viewpoints - there is just something magical about seeing the places you’ve been to or are about to visit and the lives unfolding below from up high.

Torre delle Ore is a clock-tower and it’s the tallest one in Lucca. Local legend says it’s haunted by Lucida Mansi, a noble woman who supposedly sold the soul for eternal youth 1200300300and beauty. As the story goes, she tried to stop the time to cheat death but was taken by the Devil to whom she sold her soul to at midnight when the clock struck…

Guinigi Tower, on the other hand, is famous for the oak trees growing right on its rooftop, yes actual trees! Legend has it that when Paolo Guinigi was sentenced to death, all the leaves on the rooftop tree suddenly fell, symbolizing the fall of his reign.

The prices of entrance fees to the towers vary but shouldn’t exceed 10 euros.

Torre delle Ore Google Maps Location | Website: Addmission Fees & Opening Times
Guinigi Tower Google Maps Location | Website: Addmission Fees & Opening Times

PRO TIP: You can buy a combined ticket that gives you access to both towers and the botanic garden at a discount. Ask about it at the first location you visit or at the information point. At the moment you are not able to buy the combined ticket online, but if it changes I will let you know.

3. Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca

There’s something about small botanic gardens that I just love. They feel cozy, like a secret garden tucked away from the world. Lucca’s Orto Botanico may not be the most polished but it still has a peaceful charm and is definitely worth a stroll if you enjoy nature. I think at the moment gardens are 6 euros to get in.

Google Maps Location | Website: Admission Fees & Opening Times

4. Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

The Amphitheater Square may not have the ancient arena anymore, but the oval shape of this piazza still echoed its Roman past. It’s like a mini version of Siena’s Piazza del Campo and has such a unique vibe. It’s surrounded by restaurants and cafes so it’s a perfect place to sit down, order something delicious, and soak in the Tuscan sun.

Google Maps Location

5. Palazzo Pfanner

Palazzo Pfanner feels like something out of the movie. It’s a mix of elegance and quiet charm, with beautifully kept gardens and an old-world atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find historical artefacts, frescoed ceilings, and even medical instruments from centuries past. Whether you’re wandering through the gardens or exploring the rooms, it feels like stepping back in time. You can choose to visit just the gardens or the museum for 8 euro, or both for the price of 10 euros.

Google Maps Location | Website: Admission Fees & Opening Times

6. Duomo di San Martino

The mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture of the cathedral is enough to make this list. Duomo di San Martino holds incredible artwork including the Volto Santo, a wooden crucifix said to have been carved by Nicodemus, a contemporary of Jesus. It’s considered one of the most sacred relics in Italy. Even if you’re not big on churches, this one is worth passing by.

Google Maps Location | Website: Admission Fees & Opening Times

7. The Original Gates: Porta San Pietro, Porta Elisa and Porta Santa Maria

Lucca’s historic center is surrounded by 4.2 km of walls and now accessed by six main gates. Originally, there were three main entrances: Porta San Pietro, Porta Elisa and Porta Santa Maria and each one of them has its own charm. My personal favourite is Porta Eliss. It was the first gate that welcomed me into Lucca, and honestly the place stole my heart right away.

Porta Elisa Google Maps Location | Porta San Pietro Google Maps Location | Porta Santa Maria Google Maps Location

8. Walk Around the City Walls

Taking a walk on Lucca’s city walls is the perfect way to either start or end your visit. These 12 meter high walls offer a peaceful walking path with tree-lined views, benches to relax on, and plenty of great photo spots. Even if you are not up for the full 4+ km loop, it’s worth walking at least a section of it.

All there is to say is: enjoy Lucca!
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