Things to do in Lucca

Activities, attractions and tours

Lucca which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Lucca featuring heritage architecture
Lucca showing a statue or sculpture
Lucca showing a city
Lucca showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
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Top places to visit

1. Piazza Napoleone

With rock concerts, cafés, interesting architecture and a wide open space, the sprawling tree-lined Piazza Napoleone has a broad appeal that attracts thousands of visitors every day.
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Piazza Napoleone showing heritage architecture, road cycling and street scenes

2. Piazza dell'Anfiteatro

Pull up a seat at a pavement café, sip a strong espresso and people-watch in one of Lucca’s most beautiful squares. Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is enclosed by brightly colored buildings of uneven heights. It was built on the ruins of a second-century Roman amphitheater where chariots raced. More maudlin, gladiators once fought to the death in front of crowds of up to 10,000 spectators within the piazza’s walls.
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Piazza dell\'Anfiteatro which includes outdoor art, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

3. Basilica of San Frediano

The first thing that attracts your attention is the gold Byzantine-style mosaic at the top of the wide facade. The decorative piece represents the Ascension of Christ, below which are depictions of the 12 apostles. Inside the Basilica di San Frediano the views are just as arresting, with several notable works of art and the mummified body of a saint.
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Basilica di San Frediano featuring a church or cathedral, interior views and heritage architecture

4. Palazzo Pfanner

Immerse yourself in baroque splendor in one of Lucca’s most elegant sights, Palazzo Pfanner, a 17th-century palace famous for its frescoes, walled garden and classical music concerts. The palace was originally built for the wealthy Moriconi family in the 1660s. Since then it has changed hands several times, coming into the possession of the Pfanner family in 1856. They are still the owners of the property.
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Palazzo Pfanner which includes interior views

5. Lucca Roman Amphitheatre

Stroll through one of the many archways into Lucca’s Roman Amphitheatre and you’ll notice bright yellow buildings arranged in an elliptical shape, a significant focal point in a unique destination town. Try to imagine the armed gladiators fighting beasts to the death for the entertainment of a roaring crowd. Up to 10,000 spectators once sat in the stands here. Originally an arena for gladiatorial blood sports, the structure became a fortified military base, a warehouse, a prison and eventually, a bustling city square.
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Church of San Michele in Foro which includes outdoor eating

6. Guinigi Tower

Rising 145 feet (44 meters) into the air and crowned by a roof garden of centuries-old holm oaks, Guinigi Tower is one of the most intriguing sights of the Lucchese skyline.
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Guinigi Tower showing heritage architecture and a city

7. Piazza San Michele

Piazza San Michele in Lucca’s city center has been a hub of city life for almost 2,000 years. The square occupies the site of the old Roman forum, the venue for triumphant processions, public speeches and commercial and political affairs. Today, join visitors and residents alike to explore its restaurants, medieval buildings and market.
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Piazza San Michele featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

What to do in Lucca

Popular places to visit

Piazza Napoleone showing heritage architecture, road cycling and street scenes

Piazza Napoleone

The largest square in Lucca is a favorite spot for socializing. Some of the biggest names in music entertain here.

Piazza Napoleone
Piazza dell\'Anfiteatro showing a house, heritage architecture and a city

Piazza dell'Anfiteatro

Unwind in the attractive square where Roman gladiators once fought. For one day of the year it is now completely filled with flowers.

Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
Basilica di San Frediano showing heritage architecture

Basilica of San Frediano

A Romanesque-style church filled with many notable works of art and the well-preserved body of an 800-year-old saint.

Basilica of San Frediano
Palazzo Pfanner which includes interior views

Palazzo Pfanner

A privately owned 17th-century palace that attracts the crowds for the beauty of its artwork and walled Italian garden.

Palazzo Pfanner
Church of San Michele in Foro which includes outdoor eating

Lucca Roman Amphitheatre

Emerge from Lucca’s narrow alleys into a unique piazza, built on the remains of an ancient gladiatorial arena.

Lucca Roman Amphitheatre
Guinigi Tower showing heritage architecture and forest scenes

Guinigi Tower

Gaze out over Lucca from one of the city’s most famous landmarks, a medieval tower topped by a collection of oak trees.

Guinigi Tower
Piazza San Michele featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Piazza San Michele

Once the site of the Roman forum during ancient times, now this piazza is a delightful square of bars, cafés and an unfinished 12th-century church.

Piazza San Michele
Cathedral of St Martin showing interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

Cathedral of St Martin

Visit one of Lucca’s most sacred religious icons, an impressive building that is almost a millennium old.

Cathedral of St Martin
Church of San Michele in Foro featuring heritage architecture

Church of San Michele in Foro

Showcasing the history of a remarkable town, this magnificent basilica was built on the ancient center of Lucca’s civic life.

Church of San Michele in Foro

Areas of Lucca

Lucca showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Lucca Historical Center

4.5/5(136 area reviews)

Unique features of Lucca Historical Center include the historical sites and cafes. Make a stop by Piazza Napoleone or Piazza San Michele while you're exploring the area.

Lucca Historical Center
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Pontetetto

Pontetetto might not have many top sights, but Piazza Napoleone and Piazza San Michele are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Pontetetto

Frequently asked questions

Is Lucca worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Lucca is visit Cathedral of St Martin. Tick this major attraction off your itinerary, then discover more of the area's camping and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Lucca?
After you've visited key attractions like Palazzo Mansi National Museum and Real Collegio, spend some time discovering the food and retail options in Lucca.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lucca?
Don't leave without checking out Cathedral of St Martin, ranked the top tourist attraction in Lucca.
Is three days enough to stay in Lucca?
You can easily enjoy leading sights like Cathedral of St Martin, Teatro del Giglio and Museum of Torture with a three-day break in Lucca. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to Pisa.
Is Lucca a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in Lucca. Several sights, including Cathedral of St Martin and Teatro del Giglio, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Lucca's best neighbourhoods, Lucca Historical Centre is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Massa Pisana is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Lucca with kids?
If you're searching for sights and tours for all ages, take a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Lucca with kids.

What to do in Lucca for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there's no shortage of things to do in Lucca for adults including Tenuta del Buonamico and Fattoria Sardigiustiniani s.s.a.
Are there free things to do in Lucca?
In Lucca, Cathedral of St Martin is a must-see spot for anyone looking to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a great way to discover the best free things to do in Lucca.