Here at Italian Life, we consider ourselves your expert guides of Lucca, Italy! Riccardo was born and raised there. Andrew’s grandfather was from there and Andrew now lives there part time. Montana has spent a lot of time wandering around and finding great places to see.
With that being said… (drumroll please) Here is everything we think you need to know about Lucca.
Arriving in Lucca
We recommend always traveling by train when getting around Italy. The train station in Lucca is small and very easy to manage. It also drops you right outside the city wall so it’s very conveniently located.
Here are two resources where you can buy a train ticket:
Here is a link to the ItaliaRail Lucca train station guide.
Food (Cibo) for your visit to Lucca
Let’s start with breakfast time (Colazione). Italians aren’t notorious for their breakfast foods, but they do know how to make a wicked croissant and cappuccino!
- Caffè del Teatro– A shockingly amazing croissant and breakfast panino shop. It is owned by a family from Napoli so if you’re looking for your new local breakfast stop we recommend you stop here. We especially recommend the Pistachio Croissant and the Panino Napoletano.
- Pasticceria Dianda– If you are in search of more delicate, sweet pastries this place is wonderful. Try their Cornetto con Crema. It’s delicious!
For Lunch time (Pranzo) we’ll focus mainly on sandwiches (panini)!
- Pan di strada– A wonderful walk-up panino shop. A great place to grab lunch if you are in the mood for something a little fast. They have a menu with sandwiches they recommend or you can ask them to build your own.
- Rusticanella 2 da Luca– Our FAVORITE here at Italian Life. Pizzas, Florentine steaks & Tuscan cuisine at a cozy, traditional trattoria with a sidewalk terrace. It is owned by a man named Luca and his son works there as a waiter. Montana especially recommends their zuppa di farlo and the tordelli lucchese.
- In Pasta – Cibo e Convivio– This is a spot that is probably the best for our vegetarians. They have every kind of pasta you could want. It’s on a street right next to the wall so you can grab a bite to eat and then go for a nice, long walk.
Dinner Time (Cena) is our favorite meal to eat here at Italian Life. We love to get together as a crew and go out. Here are some of our best recommendations.
- Baccanale Wine Bar & Bistrot– Andrew loves this place. Great food on a quiet street off the main strip.
- Buca di Sant’Antonio– A little bit of a nicer restaurant if you are looking for something more upscale. Handmade pasta & regional dishes in a long-standing, cozy trattoria with brassware displays.
- Antica Osteria– If you are looking for a nice date night, you’ll love this romantic atmosphere. They have a little courtyard covered in pretty lights. So try and grab a reservation after sunset to really enjoy it.
- Sottosotto– A wonderful place to eat inside the Anfiteatro. More delicious pasta and wine!
Ice Cream/ Gelato. Italian Gelato is so creamy and light. They really nailed ice cream. This list contains some popular spots as well as some really local places. Can be enjoyed at all times of day!
- Gelatiamo– Montana’s favorite ice cream shop in all of Tuscany! It’s so creamy and they have some very creative flavors along with the classics we all love. They recently renovated and added a little toppings bar as well.
- Gelateria Veneta– Down the street from Gelatiamo, this spot is always crowded. It also happens to be Riccardo’s favorite in Lucca.
- Momo Gelati– This one is one of Andrew’s favorites. You all will have to go try all three and let us know whose side you’re on!
Sightseeing (Giro Turistico) and Museums (Musei)
The wall of Lucca.
Take a walk on top of the historic wall and when you reach these coordinates, pop down and take a look inside: 43.845685, 10.497769. In the corner of one of the walls is an entrance where you can wander in and truly experience what it might’ve been like to explore the inside of the wall.
- Puccini Museum– Giacomo Puccini museum displaying furniture, letters & other artifacts in the composer’s birthplace. If you are a fan, we love this museum. You can go inside his home and see some of his works.
- Museum of Villa Mansi– An underrated museum inside a historic mansion. 16th-century baroque-style palace displaying its original frescoes, furnishings & tapestries.
- Palazzo Pfanner– Probably the most popular museum in Lucca. Grand 17th-century palazzo hotel with a refined room & apartments, plus a baroque garden. Nicole Kidman even starred in a movie that was filmed here.
We hope this guide helps you plan your next visit to Lucca. Listen to our podcast here for more Lucca tips. Follow us on Instagram for more @Italianlife.co