How to Spend a Morning in Lucca
Wandering the Baroque Walled City Efficiently
Lucca is one of our favored destinations in northern Tuscany. Its intact wall has kept shoddy industrial construction out of the medieval center--and you can walk and bike on top of it.
This video shows the things you can do on a sunny morning: Climbing an ancient tower to get the layout of medieval Lucca, then getting a special coffee drink from the evocative cafe, then having lunch at a great restaurant serving traditional food. And the restaurant is just down the street from Lucca's botanical gardens, if you fancy a stroll through some exotic plants.
If you want to follow this itinerary, there's a map of it available on our site.
Video: Lucca in a Morning
Another interesting time to visit Lucca is at the time of the Luminaria di Santa Croce di Lucca (Video), held on September 13th, when the entire city is lit by candelight at night.
Plan a Trip: Lucca Resources
Lucca Map (highlighting the attractions in this video and offering suggestions on lodging in Lucca)
Where to Stay in Lucca
Hotel Ilaria & Residenza dell'Alba, Lucca, Italy is a highly rated four star hotel with free wi-fi and air conditioned rooms.
If you're arriving in Lucca on the train, we like the Hotel Rex. Just outside the train station and a short walk across a lawn to enter through the Baroque walls of the city.
Budget travelers will appreciate the location (and price) of the Ostello San Frediano
Near Lucca
Lucca Historic Villas - which can and should be visited if you have a car.
Lucca is also pretty at night!
Other Italian Travel Videos
See James Martin Travel Videos.
Explore more Tuscany
There's a reason that Tuscany is a favorite with tourists, from the historic Val di Orcia to the joys of the rural Lunigiana, to the elegant spas of Montecatini Terme--you'll find something to like here. See our Tuscany maps and guide to find the hidden spots and the must-see sights.
