This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Lucca.
Lucca is a city in central Italy's famous Tuscany region. The city is surrounded by Renaissance walls which have been kept primarily intact. Lucca is a great day trip for anyone staying in Florence or the Chianti Hills. A trip to the city can be completed on the same day as a trip to Pisa. The buses and trains that serve the area offer convenient schedules for roaming the region. The city is also located less than an hour from beautiful beaches.
There are Lucca hostels and guest houses in the city but prices are between $30 and $60 per night. If that's outside of your budget, you can also stay in a more affordable hostel in Florence and visit Lucca as a day trip. Travelers can easily see all of Lucca's attractions in a few hours. These attractions include Lucca's Duomo (Cathedral di San Marco), Guinigi Tower, San Michele in Foro, Basilica di San Frediano, and Lucca Center Of Contemporary Art (L.U.C.C.A.).
Lucca is considered one of Italy's best kept secrets and is steeped in culture. A great time to visit is during one of the cities classical music festivals. Antique markets, like the sprawling Vintage Macaroon, bring a unique culture to the walled city, selling paintings, furniture, jewelry, and housewares.
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro in the center of the city displays some of the remnants of the ancient amphitheater which once stood there. The Piazza is now a beautiful place to shop, people watch, and of course eat. The restaurants around the Piazza serve classic authentic Italian fare from bruschetta to gelato. This central area is, however, the more expensive dining area. If you're looking for budget dining walk down the city's small streets and alleyways, good food is abundant in Lucca and you will not be hard pressed to find something great.
The walls surrounding the city are lined with a 4km long city park. Walking the walls is a great way to spend your day in Lucca. Before heading back to your hostel, be sure to check out the six gates that allow access to the walled city.
