Lucca is one of those places that doesn’t try too hard to impress — and that’s exactly why it stays with you.
Elegant rather than dramatic, relaxed rather than busy, it offers a different side of Tuscany. Planning a day trip to Lucca, if you’re based in Florence, it’s also one of the easiest and most enjoyable day trips you can plan, especially by train.
Here’s how to organize your day properly, so everything feels smooth from the moment you leave Florence to the moment you return.
Getting from Florence to Lucca by train
The most practical way to reach Lucca is by train, departing from Firenze Santa Maria Novella, the main station in Florence.
The journey usually takes between one hour and twenty minutes to one hour and forty minutes, depending on the connection. In most cases, you will need to change trains once, often in Pisa. The process is straightforward and well organized, even for first-time visitors to Italy.
To check schedules and purchase tickets, you can use the main Italian train company Trenitalia.
You may know also Italo but operates high-speed routes.
Local tip:
Choosing a train between 8:30 and 9:30 in the morning allows you to enjoy a full day in Lucca without feeling rushed, while also avoiding peak commuter times.
From Lucca train station to the historic center
You will arrive at Lucca railway station, which is located just outside the Renaissance walls.
From the station, the historic center is only a short walk away. Simply head toward the walls and enter through one of the nearby gates. The walk takes approximately five to ten minutes and does not require any additional transportation.
This easy access is one of the reasons Lucca works so well as a day trip from Florence.
What to See and Do in Lucca
One of the defining features of Lucca is its perfectly preserved Renaissance walls. Unlike many historic fortifications, these are wide, tree-lined, and fully accessible.
Walking along the walls gives you an immediate sense of the city’s layout and atmosphere. You can complete the entire loop on foot or rent a bicycle if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
Starting your visit here allows you to transition naturally from the rhythm of travel to the slower pace that defines Lucca.
The historic center is compact, making it ideal for exploring without a strict itinerary. Rather than trying to see everything, it is better to focus on a few key areas and leave space for wandering.
Among the most interesting places to visit are:
- Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a unique square built over the remains of a Roman amphitheater, recognizable by its elliptical shape
- Via Fillungo, the city’s main street, where you will find a mix of local shops and cafés.
- Guinigi Tower, one of the most distinctive landmarks in Tuscany, offering a panoramic view from the top.
Beyond these highlights, Lucca reveals itself through smaller details — quiet squares, historic churches, and everyday life unfolding at a slower pace.
Where to have lunch in Lucca
Lunch in Lucca is best approached with simplicity.
Restaurants located directly on the main squares tend to be more oriented toward visitors, while those just a few streets away often offer a more authentic experience.
Look for places with:
- short, seasonal menus
- a focus on local ingredients
- a relaxed atmosphere
Typical dishes include tordelli lucchesi (stuffed pasta), cured meats, and traditional Tuscan sides.
Allow yourself time to enjoy the meal. In Lucca, lunch is not something to rush.
Walking tour of Lucca? Always a good idea.
Lucca is easy to explore independently, but its history and character are not always immediately visible.
A walking tour can help you understand the city’s past as an independent republic, its architectural choices, and the small details that most visitors overlook.
If you would like to experience Lucca in a more meaningful way without losing its relaxed atmosphere, you can include a walking tour of Lucca as part of your day. This allows you to move at a comfortable pace while gaining deeper insight into the places you visit.
You can easily book one of ours directly using this link BOOK HERE or using our Whatsapp number.
When to Return to Florence
For the return journey, it is best to choose a train between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
This timing allows you to enjoy the day fully while avoiding unnecessary rushing. It also gives you flexibility in case you decide to extend your afternoon walk or stop for a final drink before leaving.
As always, checking schedules in advance on Trenitalia is recommended.
Is Lucca worth a day trip from Florence?
Lucca is an excellent choice for travelers who are looking for a more relaxed and refined experience.
It offers:
- easy access from Florence
- a walkable historic center
- a balance between culture and leisure
- a quieter atmosphere compared to busier destinations
While it may not have the dramatic impact of some Tuscan hill towns, it leaves a lasting impression through its elegance and calm.
A day trip to Lucca works best when it is approached without pressure.
Rather than trying to see everything, focus on enjoying the rhythm of the city — walking, observing, and allowing time for small, unplanned moments.
If you choose to explore it with guidance, a well-designed walking experience can add context without taking away that sense of ease.