---
title: Our exclusive guide to Lucca in Tuscany - top addresses and activities
description: Discover the best of Lucca with our guide to the finest restaurants, cultural activities, and local experiences in this historic Tuscan city.
---
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Villa Name
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# Lucca
# A Le Collectionist guide
Lucca is like a mosaic crafted over centuries, where each building has an ancient story to tell. Follow us through its Mediaeval streets, around its Renaissance edifices and over its rolling green valleys to discover the history and culture of this enchanting Italian city.
[Our top 5](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/le-collectionist-guide-to-lucca#top-5)
[Where to stay](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/le-collectionist-guide-to-lucca#ou-loger)
[Spots](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/le-collectionist-guide-to-lucca#que-visiter)
[Restaurants](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/le-collectionist-guide-to-lucca#meilleurs-bars-restaurants)
[Families](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/le-collectionist-guide-to-lucca#avec-des-enfants)
[Experiences](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/le-collectionist-guide-to-lucca#experiences)
[When to go](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/le-collectionist-guide-to-lucca#quand-partir)
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/search?destinationId=172)
**Lucca: where the past meets the present**
Transport yourself back in time in **Lucca**, a city brimming with **historical monuments** and **cultural hotspots**. In this Italian city, even **trattorias** promise to give you a **taste of the past** with their family recipes.
For an **unforgettable escape** in one of [our luxury rentals in Lucca](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-villas-rentals/lucca), allow us to guide you through this [Tuscan](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-villas-rentals/tuscany) city and tell you the **tales of time gone by**.
**Le Collectionist conciergerie's top 5**
### 1 - **Walk along Lucca’s historic walls**
Follow along the **Renaissance ramparts** that snake around the city, discovering the **bastions** and gates that each have their own unique story to tell. From this **unique vantage point**, discover the transformation of these military fortifications into a **tranquil escape** from city life. In one of the many **green spaces** that line your route, take a moment to admire the **lush canopy of towering trees** and quaint **cobblestone streets**.
**In a nutshell**
City walls/ Nature
### 2 - **Take a helicopter ride over the region’s wineries **
The **picturesque** **fields** and **vineyards** of Tuscany are best appreciated from above! Let us arrange for you to take to the skies in a **helicopter** and hover over the **Mediaeval towns** of Gimignano and Florence that sprawl out across this **sea of green**.
**In a nutshell**
Wine tasting/ Helicopter ride
### 3 - **Learn the secrets of Italian cuisine in a private cooking class**
In Lucca, an epicentre of **artistry**, food is no exception. Learn the **art of Italian cuisine**, where simplicity reigns and **local** **produce** shines. Master the local dishes such as **ribollita**, a hearty soup, or **bistecca alla fiorentina**, a specially prepared t-bone steak, in your **private cooking class** to amaze at your next dinner party!
**In a nutshell**
Cooking class/ Italian cuisine
### 4 - **Climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower for panoramic views of Lucca**
Surprise awaits at the top of this **14th-century tower**, where every step of the steep ascent takes you closer to the unexpected. At the summit of this **Romanesque-Gothic** tower, discover a **secret garden** flourishing against the backdrop of antiquity. In this **oasis** you can catch your breath only for it to be taken away again by the **spectacular views** of Lucca sprawling out in front of you.
**In a nutshell**
Mediaeval tower/ Secret garden
### 5 - **Travel through Tuscany on a Vespa **
Style, freedom, **La Dolce Vita**. Nothing embodies this **Italian** **dream** more than the image of sailing through the infinite stretches of green fields in Tuscany on a **Vespa**. Venture into the heart of the **lush** **countryside**, where **olive groves** and **rustic farmhouses** pepper the green landscape, as the gold and crimson sunset gilds the Tuscan skies.
**In a nutshell**
Vespa/ Landscape
[](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/our-list-of-the-best-places-to-visit-in-italy-in-summer)
[](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/our-list-of-the-best-places-to-visit-in-italy-in-summer)
[](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/our-list-of-the-best-places-to-visit-in-italy-in-summer)
# [Italy in summer: best Italian cities and places to visit](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/our-list-of-the-best-places-to-visit-in-italy-in-summer)
## Where to stay in Lucca
**Montecarlo Village**
Retreat to your **sanctuary** in **Montecarlo Village**, cocooned in Lucca’s idyllic **emerald hills**. The DOC Montecarlo **winemaking** **region** earns its stellar reputation and is the perfect pairing for the culinary delights served in the quaint trattorias scattered around the region.
**In a nutshell**
Rolling countryside/ Picturesque
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-minelia-province-of-lucca)
#### Villa Minelia
[Explore](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-minelia-province-of-lucca)
### Carrara
Carrara is an **epicentre of artistic heritage**, where every corner is a testament to the creatives who have drawn inspiration from its **natural splendour**. Nestled at the foot of **marble-rich mountains**, this city has been a **magnet for artists** and artisans for centuries. Explore the abundant marble reserves that have given birth to awe-inspiring masterpieces, ranging from **grandiose cathedrals** to **stately statues**.
**In a nutshell**
Marble-rich mountains/ Artistry
### Forte dei Marmi
Follow in the footsteps of **royalty** and discover the allure of Forte dei Marmi’s **golden shores**. In this spectacular region, let the timeless melody of the **waves** set the soundtrack to your Tuscan retreat. Once proudly defending the region against attacks, in the fortressyou can now chuckle at the jokes on display in the **Museum of Satire and Caricature**.
**In a nutshell**
Seaside town/ History
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-carlotta-province-of-lucca)
#### Villa Carlotta
[Explore](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-carlotta-province-of-lucca)
### Camaiore
Nestled at the foot of the **Apuan Alps**, step into a **time** **machine** during your stay in Camaiore. In this enchanting **Mediaeval town**, the city's **Roman origins** are evident in its architectural marvels, where **ancient** **basilicas** and **parish** **churches** stand as a testament to its deep-rooted history.
**In a nutshell**
Historic town/ Natural beauty
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-danilo-province-of-lucca)
#### Villa Danilo
[Explore](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-danilo-province-of-lucca)
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/search?destinationId=172)
**The best spots in Lucca **
**Surround yourself with history at the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro**
Standing in the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, you can feel the throbbing **pulse** of the city. Layers of history build on top of each other, from its **Roman origins** as an **amphitheatre** to its **6th-century** **fortifications** and its **19th-century modifications**. Its architecture narrates the tale of a trailblazing city at the forefront of culture and commerce. Feel the presence of history sipping your coffee at one of the many **cafés** dotting around this technicolour piazza.
**In a nutshell**
Town centre/ Historical
**Gaze in awe at the Cathedral of San Martino**
The **Cathedral of San Martino** is the culmination of centuries of devotion and craftsmanship. With construction believed to have started in 588 and concluded in 1637, marvel at these **era-spanning artistic** and **architectural movements** singing in harmony. A triumph of Romanesque architecture, its white, pink, and green **marble facade** is adorned with intricate **bas-reliefs** that echo tales from the past.
**In a nutshell**
Cathedral/ Breathtaking artistry
### **Step back in time in the National Museum of Palazzo Mansi**
As if frozen in amber, step into one of the most **grandiose aristocratic homes** in Lucca. Here, the stone and architecture tell you the story of Lucca’s **silk-producing past** and of the Mansi family, with its **weaving workshop** the ultimate immersion in this time capsule. Marvel at the ornate **frescoes** and **Flemish tapestries** peering down at you or the flickering candlelight dancing on the walls of the **chapel**.
**In a nutshell**
Historical house/ Artistry
### **Savour the infamous wines of Lucca**
The terroir of Lucca gives birth to **world-renowned wineries** such as Fattoria del Teso, Tenuta di Valgiano, and Podere Concori. On your **guided tour** and **tasting adventure**, snake through the **ancient** **barrels** and then head outside to savour their fruits surrounded by pine and cypress trees. Savour the notes of the whites and reds that speak of Lucca’s vicinity to the sea and delightfully **mild climate**.
**In a nutshell**
Wine tasting/ Breathtaking scenery
## **The best restaurants in Lucca **
### Pasticceria Taddeucci
After an action-packed day ticking off Lucca’s cultural hotspots, stop off at Pasticceria Taddeucci to **satisfy your sweet tooth**. We would recommend their signature bake, *buccellato*, although beware that after a single bite of this **secret recipe**, you will want to make your Lucca holidays an annual tradition!
[Pasticceria Taddeucci](https://www.buccellatotaddeucci.it/)
Piazza San Michele, 34, 55100 Lucca
### Buca di Sant’Antonio
**Buca DI Sant’Antonio** not only has the **Michelin guide’s** stamp of approval but also the endorsement of the diners who have frequented this restaurant for **centuries**. A pillar of the **Tuscan culinary** **scene** from at least **1782**, it honours traditions that have been flourishing from **time immemorial.** Take a seat under the **old copper pots** dangling from the ceiling and savour their handmade pasta and meat-based dishes.
[Buca di Sant’Antonio](https://www.bucadisantantonio.com/)
Via della Cervia, 3, 55100 Lucca
### Cantine Bernardini
Cantine Bernardini seeks to honour the region’s **rich terroir** while offering their own innovative and gourmet twist. The result? Their vision of ‘**artisanal cuisine**’ promises to take you on a **gustatory journey,** with dishes such as **paccheri pasta** and **white fish ragout** adorned with **olives**, **oregano** and **courgette**.
[Cantine Bernardini](https://www.cantinebernardini.com/)
Via del Suffragio, 7, 55100 Lucca
### Pizzeria da Felice
**Sepia photos** framed on the wall, a **chalkboard** proudly listing the day’s specials and a menu that boasts of simple **Tuscan dishes**. At Pizzeria da Felice, each generation has been taught by their **elders** the art of kneading the dough and commanding the wood-fire oven that glows in the corner of this **family-run pizzeria**.
[Pizzeria da Felice](https://en.pizzeriadafelice.it/)
Via Buia, 12, 55100 Lucca
### Gli Orti di Via Elisa
The menu at Gli Orti di Via Elisa **evolves with the seasons** yet their commitment to high quality and **local ingredients** is constant. Their exquisite dishes take inspiration from flavour combinations perfected over centuries such as the **cod** paired with **chickpeas** or their **signature pizza**, for which the dough is patiently left to prove for **30 hours**.
[Gli Orti di Via Elisa](https://www.ristorantegliorti.it/)
Via Elisa, 17, 55100 Lucca
## Lucca with family
### **Savour Italian gelato**
Whether your little ones are **traditionalists** or **adventurous foodies**, Lucca’s artisanal **gelaterias** offer cool oases under the golden Italian sun. Lining the streets of Lucca, inside a world of delight awaits, from the **nutty velvet of pistachio** to the **pure decadence of rich chocolate**.
**In a nutshell**
Gelato/ Traditional recipes
**Learn the art of pasta making in a private cooking class**
**Pici, pappardelle, tortelli**. Each pasta shape has its own distinct personality, from the elegant pici gleaming in its **coat of tomato and garlic sauce**, to the humble pappardelle that provides the canvas for the **wild boar ragu** to shine. Discover these generational secrets and the technique of *pasta fatta a mano,* making **pasta** **by** **hand**. It’s like having access to the **family recipe book**, where each successor has added their hand-scribbled notes in the margins.
**In a nutshell**
Pasta making/ Tuscan cuisine
**Family Picnic in Lucca's Botanical Gardens**
Lay out your **picnic blanket** surrounded by **mesmerising natural beauty** in Lucca’s **botanical garden**. Let the rustling leaves of **centuries-old plants** and chirping birds set the soundtrack to your lunch **feast**. With **local delicacies** forming a tableau of tantalising treats, make sure to save room for a gelato sweet treat afterwards!
**In a nutshell**
Picnic/ Botanical gardens
**Cycle along the Lucca Wall **
Mount your two-wheeled **chariots** and **pedal** along the **historic ramparts** of the Lucca Wall. With the breeze rustling through your helmet, marvel at the **flashes of green** that pass by, taking a moment to stop at one of the many parks *en route* before the last leg of your journey.
**In a nutshell**
Bike ride/ Lucca wall
[](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/luxury-agritourism-in-tuscany)
[](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/luxury-agritourism-in-tuscany)
[](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/luxury-agritourism-in-tuscany)
[](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/luxury-agritourism-in-tuscany)
[Luxury agritourism in Tuscany: top stays, activities, and areas](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/luxury-agritourism-in-tuscany)
## **Le Collectionist's exclusive experiences**
**Take to the roads in a vintage car **
Drive through the **sun-drenched landscape** in your cherry-red **vintage car** for an adventure where time stands still. With the **roof down**, embrace the wind in your hair and take the road less travelled. At each turn enjoy the rural charm of the **sprawling** **farms**, ancient dry stone walls and **olive** **groves**.
**In a nutshell**
Vintage car/ Countryside
### **Discover the secrets of Lucca on a guided tour**
Lucca is a city saturated in history, with **world-famous galleries**, **piazzas** and **churches** vying for your attention. Our **guides**, who could navigate through the winding alleys of Lucca blindfolded, are the perfect people to help you create your perfect **itinerary**. From a **crash course** in **art** **history** to **local intel on the best restaurants** without snaking queues, let us show you the **hidden** **treasures** of **Lucca**.
**In a nutshell**
Guided tour/ Local expertise
### **Find your inner peace with a yoga session at home**
Make the **serene Tuscan landscape** the backdrop for a **relaxing yoga session** from the comfort of your luxury villa. Whether on the **dew-kissed grass** or gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows, align your body, mind and spirit as the **idyllic views** of the Tuscan rolling hills stretch out before you. Let one of our **handpicked instructors** guide you through **warrior poses** and **sun salutations**, tailoring the session according to your needs.
**In a nutshell**
Yoga/ At home
**Soar in a hot-air balloon above Lucca**
**Defy** **gravity** as you transcend up into the clouds in a **hot-air balloon**, mesmerised by the tapestry before your eyes. Like a Renaissance masterpiece, the **undulating** **green** **hills** are painted in deep shades of green, while constellations of **Mediaeval** **villages** are dotted throughout the landscape.
**In a nutshell**
Hot air balloon/ Views
## **When to visit Lucca**
### Summer
Kissed by the **Mediterranean** **sun**, [Lucca](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-villas-rentals/lucca) is an [Italian dream](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-villas-rentals/italy) during summer. With temperatures varying from **32°C** to **16°C**, you can spend the days sightseeing and then retreat back to the **cool waters** of your swimming pool in one of our **luxury villas**.
[Things to do in Italy in June](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-visiting-italy-in-june?hsLang=en)[Things to do in Italy in July](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/our-guide-to-visiting-italy-in-july?hsLang=en)
[Things to do in Italy in August](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/our-favourite-places-to-visit-in-italy-in-august-for-local-events?hsLang=en)
### **Autumn**
**Autumn** in Lucca offers the perfect combination of **fewer** **crowds** and **delightfully mild weather**. **Wine lovers rejoice** for it’s the ideal time during **harvest** to explore the nearby **vineyards**, tasting their vintages.
[Things to do in Italy in September](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/our-best-cities-to-visit-in-italy-in-september?hsLang=en)[Things to do in Italy in October](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/exotic-locations-in-italy?hsLang=en)
[Things to do in Italy in November](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/where-to-go-in-italy-in-november?hsLang=en)
### Winter
Lucca is utterly **charming** all year round and the **colder** **months** are no exception. Although you might have to don an extra layer, the **ever-mild** **weather** means that **treks through the countryside** and days rambling through **museums** are still on the agenda.
[Things to do in Italy in December](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/le-collectionists-guide-to-visiting-italy-in-december?hsLang=en)[Things to do in Italy in January](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/our-favourite-cities-to-visit-in-italy-in-january?hsLang=en)[Things to do in Italy in February](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/where-to-visit-in-italy-in-february?hsLang=en)
### Spring
Emerge from your **winter hibernation** and look forward to **warmer days in Lucca,** where the **Mediterranean sun** basks the idyllic landscape in its warm glow. With average maximum temperatures peaking around **24°C**, avoid the summer hoards and the intense summer heat this spring in Lucca.
[Things to do in Italy in March](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/le-collectionists-guide-to-visiting-italy-in-march?hsLang=en)[Things to do in Italy in April](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/our-guide-to-visiting-italy-in-april?hsLang=en)
[Things to do in Italy in May](https://magazine.lecollectionist.com/our-guide-to-visiting-italy-in-may?hsLang=en)
## A sneak peak of our Lucca collection
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-garfa-province-of-lucca)
#### Villa Garfa
[Explore](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-garfa-province-of-lucca)
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-elefante-province-of-lucca)
#### Villa Elefante
[Explore](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-elefante-province-of-lucca)
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-serchio-province-of-lucca)
#### Villa Serchio
[Explore](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-serchio-province-of-lucca)
[](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-spectra-province-of-lucca)
#### Villa Spectra
[Explore](https://www.lecollectionist.com/en/luxury-rental/villa-spectra-province-of-lucca)
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