Why Lucca Is the Perfect Base for Exploring Tuscany, Italy
- Points and Places
- May 1
- 5 min read
When planning a trip to Tuscany, choosing where to base yourself can shape the entire experience. Florence and Siena are the obvious front-runners. They’re beautiful, packed with history, and full of things to see and do, but they’re also crowded, fast-paced, and come with higher price tags. If you’re looking for something more relaxed, authentic, and still well connected to everything you want to see, Lucca might just be the perfect choice.
We spent six days in Lucca and quickly realized it was one of the smarter travel decisions we made in Italy. It was charming, easy to navigate, and allowed us to explore all corners of Tuscany without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Here's why we think Lucca makes a fantastic base for a Tuscan vacation.
1. Lucca, Tuscany Centrally Located, Yet Peaceful
Lucca sits in a prime spot in northern Tuscany. From here, you can reach Pisa in under 30 minutes, Florence in about an hour, and the beach towns of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi in under 40 minutes. It’s also close to some of Tuscany’s most iconic inland towns, like San Gimignano, Volterra, Montecarlo, and Montecatini Terme.
But what really sets Lucca apart is the atmosphere. Florence is undeniably beautiful, but it can feel chaotic, especially in peak season. Lucca, by contrast, is calm, compact, and easy to navigate. You’re not constantly weaving through crowds or waiting in long lines.
Mornings in Lucca can start with a quiet espresso in a sun-drenched piazza, and evenings can wrap up with a slow dinner and a glass of wine, without the frenzy. Don’t get me wrong, there were tourists around during the day, but it never felt overwhelming. And in the early mornings and late evenings, the city felt almost local.
2. A Historic Center That's a Joy to Explore
Lucca’s historic center is a gem. It’s completely enclosed by thick, Renaissance-era walls that have protected the city’s medieval character for centuries. Inside the walls, you’ll find cobbled streets, hidden courtyards, elegant churches, and piazzas that buzz with life, but not too much of it.
One of Lucca’s most iconic features is its massive 16th-century walls.. They’ve been turned into a wide, elevated promenade that circles the entire city, lined with trees, benches, and locals out for their daily walk or bike ride.
You can rent bikes and doing the full loop (about 4 km or 2.5 miles). It’s flat, safe, and gives you a unique view of both the old town inside the walls and the rolling hills and neighborhoods beyond. If biking’s not your thing, the path is also perfect for a morning walk or sunset stroll.
We were surprised at just how many churches are packed into the old town. It felt like there was a new one around every corner, each with its own style and story. From the grand San Michele in Foro to the intricate façade of Lucca Cathedral (Duomo di San Martino), there’s a lot to discover and no need to rush through it.
3. Ideal Launchpad for Day Trips
One of the best things about staying in Lucca is how easy it is to explore the rest of Tuscany — without the hassle of constantly changing hotels. Thanks to its central location and excellent train and highway connections, Lucca is the perfect home base for day trips in every direction.
Here are a few day trips we took (or seriously considered), all totally doable from Lucca:
Pisa (30 min) – We went for the iconic Leaning Tower and nearby Battistero di San Giovanni. To be honest, Pisa was packed with tourists — so much so that it took away from the overall experience. That said, the acoustics demonstration inside the Battistero was a standout moment and well worth the stop.
Leaning Tower of Pisa Florence (1 hour) – Packed with museums, shops, and Renaissance art, Florence is a must. We spent one day there, just enough to hit the highlights. As impressive as it was, I was happy to return to Lucca that evening and escape the crowds. Florence is amazing, but it demands energy, Lucca gives it back.
Beaches: Viareggio & Forte dei Marmi – If you’re craving the coast, both towns are within easy reach. Viareggio is known for its family-friendly beaches and long promenade, while Forte dei Marmi leans more upscale with its exclusive beach clubs. We did a day trip to Forte dei Marmi and booked a beach club — a relaxing way to enjoy the sea without the stress.
Beach at Forte dei Marmi Cinque Terre (90 min) – This one’s a bit of a longer journey, but still very manageable. We drove to La Spezia Centrale station and took the train into the villages. Whether you’re hiking between the towns or just enjoying the views, it’s a stunning day out — just be sure to get an early start.
And a few more destinations that were on our radar but we didn’t make it to:
Montecatini Terme (40 min) – A classic spa town known for its thermal baths and Art Nouveau architecture.
San Gimignano (90 min) – Famed for its medieval towers and Vernaccia wine.
Volterra – Less touristy than San Gimignano, with Etruscan ruins and a beautifully preserved historic center.
Whether you're chasing culture, countryside, or coastline, Lucca makes getting there easy and coming back even better.
4. Charming Places to Stay (Without the Florence Price Tag)
Because Lucca flies under the radar for a lot of travelers, accommodations tend to be more affordable. You’ll find boutique hotels, cozy B&Bs, and even villas in the hills just outside the walls — all at prices that often beat Florence or Siena.
We stayed at the Grand Universe Autograph Collection, right in the city center. It was modern, stylish, and had everything we needed, plus some of the best cappuccinos we had in Italy (more on that below). Even better, we used Marriott Bonvoy points and only paid 25,000 points per night, which felt like a steal.
If you're traveling with points, Lucca can be a great value play. If not, it still offers more space and charm for your euro compared to the big-name cities.
5. A Food Scene That’s Delicious and Unpretentious
Tuscany is a food-lover’s dream, and Lucca is no exception. What stood out here was the local feel. Most places didn't feel like their primary focus was catering to tourists.
Attached to our hotel was Ristorante Giglio, a Michelin-recognized spot offering seasonal dishes with a modern twist. But just as memorable were the family-run trattorias tucked into side streets, the wood-fired pizzerias, and the wine bars with simple menus and big personalities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a place to base yourself in Tuscany that balances beauty, convenience, and authenticity, Lucca checks every box. It’s big enough to have everything you need: restaurants, shops, train connections, but small enough to feel personal. The kind of place where you can settle in, even if it’s just for a few days.
From Lucca, you can experience the best of Tuscany without the stress, and return each evening to quiet streets, great food, and a relaxed pace that’s hard to find in the region’s bigger cities.
We left Lucca already planning when we’d come back. And honestly, that might be the best sign of all.