Basking in the history of Lucca is a spectacular foundation for an experiential escape to Tuscany. Compared to Florence and Pisa, Lucca is admittedly an underdog on the Tuscan tourism scene. Yet what it lacks in crowds, it repays triple-fold in character. Renaissance walls encircle the medieval city, and its streets are lined with distinct architectural and cultural landmarks — including the rooftop trees of Torre Guinigi. But you already know why the city’s so special, right? Instead, the question is where to stay when visiting.
The city itself has shifted over the years. Did you know that the Basilica di San Frediano was relocated during the construction of Lucca’s city walls? During the ebbs and flows of Lucca’s cultural and societal development, it has curated a collection of distinct areas — each offering something slightly different. This guide contains all the insights that visitors should know about Lucca and its neighborhoods. Here’s where to stay in Lucca.
Best Areas to Stay in Lucca for First-Time Visitors
As a first-time visitor, the pressure is on. Sourcing reliable guidance over Lucca’s neighborhoods can be challenging online, as the city isn’t as widely publicized as the likes of Florence. With so much character on its streets, it’s important to catch Lucca in its best light, too. In summary, you want to get it perfect.
Fortunately, deciding where to stay in Lucca, Italy, for the first time is relatively straightforward. There are two main contenders: Centro Storico and San Martino.
1. Centro Storico
Atmosphere: Central and action-packed
Don’t fight the urge; get right to the thick of things. Centro Storico is in the heart of Lucca, with tree-lined streets and some of the city’s most spectacular architecture. Walk in the shadow of the 14th-century clock tower, Torre delle Ore, and zigzag the network of flagged streets near the Cenami Palace.
Centro Storico is a brilliant choice for first-time visitors who want to be as central as possible. It is ideal for accessible sightseeing and is surrounded by medieval architecture. It has a hefty proportion of the city’s museums and is where to stay for nightlife, with squares like Piazza San Michele lined with bars.
2. San Martino
Atmosphere: Central but residential
Glancing at a map of Lucca, San Martino could almost pass as part of the Centro Storico. Yet this quieter neighborhood is actually an area of its own.
Clinging to the serenity of the Duomo di San Martino, this neighborhood consists of a handful of churches and a more residential feel. You’re still within walking distance of Centro Storico’s highlights but without the intensity of that round-the-clock atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Lucca for Families
As a family? The rules of traveling don’t change entirely, but they definitely bend. Instead of round-the-clock tourism, balance becomes key. Traveling families are bound by bedtimes and ample refreshments — and ideally, a convenient distance from the main sights. It might sound impossible, but fortunately, a select few neighborhoods in Lucca strike the perfect chord.
1. San Martino
Atmosphere: Central but residential-feeling
San Martino gets a deserved second mention here. Centro Storico is superb for convenient sightseeing, yet falls short when it comes to peace and quiet (especially at night). That’s where San Martino enters as the ideal compromise.
Close enough for little legs, yet distant enough from the bars and rowdy midnight streets; think restful sleep at night and great proximity to family-friendly attractions.
2. East Lucca
Atmosphere: Community-driven with leafy streets and Lucca’s football stadium
East Lucca is a semi-rural option for those seeking peacefulness outside the city walls. Exit via the dramatic neoclassical arches of the Porta Elisa gate, and you’ll find yourself in this suburban neighborhood. Expect bumblings of everyday life, with cafe culture and the occasional polarity of rival football teams at the Stadio Porta Elisa. The best part? The tourist-heavy streets and cultural attractions of Centro Storico are just a 20-minute bus ride away.
3. Monte San Quirico
Atmosphere: A peaceful spot on the outskirts with plenty of nature
Complete solace comes at a slight cost for those craving more “rural” than semi-rural. If you’re happy to take a 25-minute bus into Lucca’s city center, though? Then, stay in the peaceful village of Monte San Quirico, just outside the city walls. This neighborhood is slightly sleepy and inherently residential, dotted only by beautiful homes, churches, and the surging waterfront of the Serchio River.
Romantic Places to Stay in Lucca
Hand-in-hand with your significant other, Lucca is a beautiful backdrop for a romance-fuelled escape. The medieval architecture and meaningful touches of nature create a peaceful cityscape — so make the most of it. These are the most romantic places to stay in Lucca. Because why shouldn’t you treat your partner to the very best?
1. Centro Storico
Atmosphere: Central and culture-filled
Centro Storico is culture-rich and overflowing with zest for life. As a couple, this amount of intellectual stimulation is perfect for reconnecting (forget surface-level conversations at dinner). Tour the Domus Romana Lucca and climb the Torre delle Ore before indulging in a romantic meal and drinks near Piazza Napoleone.
2. Guinigi
Atmosphere: Beautiful architecture and artisan stores
Like San Martino, to an unknowing eye, Guinigi is passable as an extension of Centro Storico — in fact, you won’t find it officially marked on maps. However, this colloquially-known area is an opportunity to step back into a bubble of artisan talent and medieval architecture. Aim for the quieter streets in the shadow of Torre Guinigi.
Step inside nearby stores like Tappezzeria Bruno Tani (a second-generation upholsterer) and UASHMAMA, which have sustainable bags made of paper. The district around Torre Guinigi is a dreamy compromise for travelers seeking a meaningful neighborhood. Bask in the quieter pace of life without compromising sightseeing accessibility.
3. Via Fosso
Atmosphere: A famous street with a 14th-century moat
For peaceful waterfront views with a twist? Via Fosso is the most scenic street in Lucca. Book a self-catered apartment and relax with the serenity of bubbling water outside your window.
While technically not a neighborhood, this lengthy stretch of road cuts through almost the entire midsection of the walled city. The moat was erected in 1376 as a protective measure for Lucca’s inhabitants. Staying on Via Fosso is an excellent opportunity to embrace nature within Lucca while also acknowledging the importance of the city’s history.
Where to Stay in Lucca Without a Car
Lucca is backed by dramatic mountainous scenery, but don’t be deceived by the green-topped peaks of the distant Apuan Alps. Nobody needs to rent a car when visiting this city.
While distinctly sleepier than neighboring Florence and Pisa, the tourism scene is established enough to have ample guided tours and experiences. Should you need a car for day trips? There is a guaranteed list of tours available, including transfers. For many trips, like wine tasting in Chianti, you couldn’t legally drive anyway. Additionally, parking is limited inside the city walls: many drivers opt for a park-and-ride-style service, catching buses and shuttles into Centro Storico.
With that reality in mind, staying in Lucca without a car isn’t the be-all and end-all. Aim to stay central in one of the following neighborhoods:
- Centro Storico
- San Martino
- Guigni
And if you’re happy to utilize public transport? Consider the following well-connected areas on Lucca’s outskirts:
- Monte San Quirico
- East Lucca
Booking Tips and Recommendations
That’s all our recommendations on where to stay in Lucca. That doesn’t mean we’ve imparted all the knowledge yet, though. Ultimately, it’s not just a question of where to stay. Discerning travelers know that securing the best accommodation and experiences is a fine art itself. Before you enjoy the frescoes and medieval architecture in Lucca, here are the booking tips and recommendations you need.
Select Accommodation According To Itineraries
The biggest questions are where and how long to stay in Tuscany, and that depends on your itinerary. Ideally, you’d dedicate at least a long weekend to Lucca alone. Select accommodation in a central neighborhood and hit the ground running.
Craving wine-tasting excursions to Chianti? Or sunny afternoons whiled away on Tuscany beaches (yes, they actually exist)? For those planning to utilize Lucca as a wider Tuscany launchpad, it’s wise to add at least a few days onto your trip. To really dig deeper into the region, its cuisine, history, and stunning landscapes, it’s better to stay a week or longer.
In these scenarios, decide whether you’d prefer to select accommodation in Lucca for the entire period. Alternatively, spend a few days in Lucca, then rent a car (or Vespa) to head off into the countryside or nearby cities. Val d’Orcia and Chianti are stunning additions to a standard Lucca itinerary, with plenty of Tuscany luxury villas for rent.
Book Ahead and Stick To Shoulder Seasons
Lucca might be quieter than Florence and Pisa, but it still sees crowds in peak seasons. Reserve accommodation in advance to avoid missing out, especially when aiming to stay in popular areas like Centro Storico or reserving sought-after accommodations like high-end villas.
Where possible, though, stick to shoulder seasons. These times aren’t just thinner on crowds. Tuscany undergoes its harvest season from September until October, and it’s also prime timing for foraging for truffles and other seasonal produce. You’ll get the tastiest dishes and might even catch renowned estates in peak-harvest action.