Lucca is a historical solace amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany. Sliced in half by the peaceful Serchio River, the city has medieval roots but underwent a transformation during the Renaissance era — leaving a firmly artistic stamp on its cityscape. Somewhat an underdog compared to the neighboring meccas of Pisa and Florence, what Lucca lacks in footfall, it triples in character. Lucca is a stunning selection for a Tuscan vacation, shrouded in art and nature, from its nearby Apuan Alps to its 16th-century inner-city walls.
Planning a trip to Tuscany is always a momentous occasion. Yet, for lesser-known Lucca, the stakes feel that little bit higher. How can you guarantee an equally exciting escape when heading off the beaten track? This guide contains everything visitors need to know about the city’s best activities: these are the best things to do in Lucca, Italy.
1. Walk the Lucca Walls
Cost: Free
Rewind several centuries, and Lucca’s city walls were an important deterrent. As the Medici’s rule spurred a Florentian expansion, Lucca steeled itself defensively — investing in (what remains) Europe’s second-largest wall structure.
Now, Lucca’s fortifications have entered a grass-filled era of retirement. The city’s old town remains encircled by the 16th century-stone walls. However, they’ve found a new lease of life as foot and cycling paths. Walking the walls is amongst the top things to do in Lucca, Italy. Slightly over 4km in length and at a height of 12m, the walls are a beautiful vantage point from which to admire the city.
As an added bonus? It’s completely free; the area is a designated public park. There’s no route more scenic (or better value) for getting your steps in. Coincide with sunrise or sunset for “wow factor,” and ideally, plan the walls early in your trip. It’s a great activity to familiarize yourself with Lucca’s layout.
2. Duomo di San Martino and Museo della Cattedrale
Cost: €10 +
Dedication to Catholicism spreads far further than the Vatican. As a Catholic country, religion is taken extremely seriously in Italy — even in the northern city of Lucca, Tuscany. Museo della Cattedrale is a small yet sweet collection of religious artifacts from the Cathedral of San Martino, which is conveniently situated just opposite. Combine the two.
Duomo di San Martino dates back to the 11th century. While beautiful from the exterior, the magic really starts within, with dramatic columns, airy vaulted ceilings, and a carved medieval crucifix. Purchase the combined ticket for €10 and get access to the cathedral, bell tower, and museum. Talk about a whistle-stop tour.
3. Guinigi Tower
Cost: €6
Rooftop gardens are a growing phenomenon in modern metropolises. But a hanging garden atop of a medieval tower? That’s admittedly more striking. The Guinigi Tower is a 45m landmark within Lucca’s old town, and it dates back to the 14th century when the Guinigi family funded the project to create a symbol of rebirth. The huddle of Holm oak trees is neatly organized in three sections. Still, it marks a bizarrely beautiful contrast against the Romanesque-Gothic tower below. The family were evidently ahead of their time.
The climb itself is notable, as visitors tackle 230 steps in total; add comfortable trainers to your ultimate Tuscany packing list. Ask anyone; Guinigi Tower is an instantaneous recommendation when deciding what to do in Lucca, Italy.
4. Puccini Museum
Cost: €9
Classical music enthusiasts? The Puccini Museum is an unmissable experience in Lucca. The attraction is dedicated to the renowned Italian composer Giacomo Puccini. The Lucca-born star lived from 1858 to 1924, and during his life, he saw heightened career success with songs like Madama Butterfly and Tosca.
This museum is equally suitable for those intrigued more by the cultural and social history of Puccini’s story. The composer was a turbulent character and, interestingly, was born into a line of composers and organists who played in Lucca’s Cathedral San Martino. After five generations of Puccini’s holding this position, when Giacomo’s father died, the Cathedral actually reserved the spot for him — at the mere age of five years old! The community watched with bated breath as Puccini ironed out some teenage delinquency, but ultimately, the child found his calling, growing up to be an acclaimed talent.
The Puccini Museum is a shrine to his trials and tribulations, not just successes. Walk the corridors of the house where the composer was born, learning more about his complex character through a network of artifacts and letters. As of 2025, tours are reasonably priced at € 9.00.
5. Go Wine Tasting
Cost: €80+
No matter how long you decide to stay in Tuscany, wine tasting should make the itinerary. Lucca is set close to the coastline and is approximately 100km northwest of Chianti Classico, Tuscany’s renowned wine region. While it’s not recommended to navigate there yourself on a day trip (unless you’re completely teetotal), it’s possible to book a guided experience with a pick-up from Lucca. Sample slightly spiced reds and herbaceous whites; the wine is world-renowned.
After an enjoyable day of sipping amidst rolling vineyards, it’s an easy journey back to your hotel. Gaze at stunning Tuscan villas, with their cypress-lined driveways, as you settle back into your seat. It is a classic experience in Tuscany, and prices start at a reasonable €80 per person.
6. Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi
Cost: €3+
Florence might be coined as the cradle of the Renaissance, but Lucca underwent its own version. Unsurprisingly, given its proximity to Florence, Lucca was influenced by its neighboring city’s artistic ideals and innovations. So, for art enthusiasts wondering, “Is Lucca worth visiting,” the answer is a resounding yes. Notably, the Renaissance gave way to the elaborateness of the Baroque period — which visitors can admire today at the Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi.
Stepping inside the 16th-century palace is a sharp shock to the system. The Baroque period hinges on dramatic theatricality and ornateness. Despite the plain exterior, Palazzo Mansi is a whole other world inside. The Mansi family bought the property in 1616 and immediately started “modernizing” its interior. Pour over Brussels-made tapestries, ornate gold-gilded walls, and huge-scale artwork. People have compared it to a “museum inside a museum.” It’s a beautiful ode to the architectural and artistic period that followed the Renaissance. Yet it’s also a touching example of how intrinsically artwork was valued — even centuries ago.
As of 2025, tickets are bought in-person rather than online, and you’ll need cash. According to recent visitors, the rate sits at an incredibly low €3.
7. White Water Rafting
Cost: €35+
How steely are your nerves? Tuscany might be more widely associated with vineyards and tastings, but the region has an alter-ego. Few people know about the Tuscan affinity with white water rafting, yet those that do? They’re guaranteed an adrenaline rush, especially when embarking on experiences from Lucca.
The city is actually situated on one of Tuscany’s best rafting rivers, the Serchio River. Head north to the town of Bagni di Lucca, and you’ll quickly see how choppy the river gets upstream. Tour operators typically rotate seasonally between the Lima and Serchio Rivers (whose confluence occurs approximately 25km north of Lucca). Expect Class II or III rapids, with a dramatic section that whisks boats through a narrow gorge. And if that all sounds a little too intense? The Devil’s Bridge route offers a slightly lighter experience, with many tours throwing in the promise of an aperitif.
Lucca’s proximity to natural experiences is an important part of its individuality. Adrenaline-seekers travel from all over Tuscany to reach the rapids of Bagni di Lucca, so having this town under 30km away is extra special. White water rafting tours start at around €35 and stretch to around €80 per person (when booking in small groups).
8. Domus Romana Lucca
Cost: €5
Forget the saying “when in Rome.” In Italy, incorporating at least some Roman archaeology into your itinerary is a rite of passage. Fortunately for those visiting Lucca, there is a major archaeological site located within the accessible confines of the city center. Domus Romana is a museum that’s sometimes referred to as “Casa del Fanciullo Sul Delfino.” This site (sweetly nicknamed after a decorative dolphin frieze) was discovered in 2010 and is now an established museum.
Domus Romana Lucca is a haven of ancient Roman artifacts, some dating back to the 1st Century BCE. The result is incredible. Visitors enjoy a staggering 2,000 years of history within one space, and tickets cost a mere €5.
9. Brave a Via Ferrata
Cost: €240 +
With such proximity to mountains, tackling a Via Ferrata is the ultimate adventure when visiting Lucca. The Apuan Alps are a particular hotspot, with the famous Foce Siggioli Ferrata route, while other nearby routes tackle peaks like Mount Procinto. It’s advisable to take a guided tour, despite the dense collection of via ferrata trails in Lucca’s surrounding mountains.
Budget a little extra for these; as specialist experiences, it’s harder to find large group operators on mainstream sites like Viator. Instead, you’ll be investing in personalized experiences and one-to-one guidance — which understandably spikes prices.
Fancy something slightly cheaper? Test your nerves with canyoning. This activity is when you tackle small rivers, clambering up waterfalls using ropes and sliding down slippery sections of rocks. It’s a similar hands-on thrill, but just without the dangerous heights. Third-party sites like Viator and GetYourGuide advertise plenty of canyoning experiences for around €80, including this tour of the Rio Selvano. Slip and slide your way down river gorges instead.
10. Basilica of San Frediano
Cost: €4
The Basilica of San Frediano is nothing short of beautiful. Yet, in a historical solace like Lucca, the artwork is more than a question of aesthetics: it tells a story. This basilica’s golden mosaics and intricate frescoes entice visitors, but the history keeps you gripped.
The basilica actually dates back to 685 AD. However, its original location would have been slightly different; the Basilica of San Frediano was actually moved to accommodate Lucca’s ancient city walls. Casting your memory back to the importance of the walls, it’s poignant that civilians decided to relocate the church, as investing in protective measures was vital in light of the Florentian conflict. It is closely interlinked with the city’s story as a whole.
Inside, the Basilica of San Frediano has medieval artwork dating back to the 12th century, with additional frescoes ranging from the 14th to 19th centuries. And down in the crypts? The body of San Frediano, an Irish evangelist-turned-local-bishop, was placed. At just €4 for the basilica entrance and €8 for the basilica and bell tower, it’s a great addition to any Lucca itinerary.