Lucca offers a unique way to explore the city: first, you can see the centre at street level, and then walk along its city walls. For a first visit, there’s no need for a packed museum itinerary. Allow some time to soak up the squares, admire the façades and take a breather before heading back to the coach.
Where to start your walk
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro retains its oval shape amidst the dense built-up area. Enter through one gateway and exit through another to feel its connection with the neighbouring streets. The Guinigi Tower, with trees at its summit, provides a vertical landmark; plan your ascent separately from your sightseeing tour.
How to continue your route
The Cathedral Quarter and the city walls make for a fitting end to the day. You don’t have to walk the entire perimeter: choose a section that’s easy to combine with your return journey. After a long bus ride, a stroll like this is pleasant, provided you don’t turn it into a race to see how many kilometres you can cover.
A local detail worth bearing in mind
Climbing the tower requires extra energy. If the stairs are a bit of a struggle, make the square, the cathedral and an accessible section of the city walls the focus of your day.
Plan after the bus journey
This itinerary is designed for exploring the city at your own pace, rather than a guided tour with a strict schedule. First, check the arrival address against your ticket and decide where to leave your luggage. Mark your accommodation, the first sightseeing spot and the pick-up point on an offline map. Count the time for your city walk from the moment your luggage has been left and you’re ready to set off.
On the day of arrival, plan just one main sightseeing stop. If your flight is delayed, cut back on the extra part of your itinerary, whilst still allowing time for a meal and your return journey. Before paying for admission, check the official opening hours, access conditions and any ongoing works. A view of the building from the outside does not mean that its interiors are accessible without restrictions.
What to keep before leaving
- the pick-up address and the transport provider’s contact details;
- an offline map showing the return route;
- confirmation of your chosen museum or guided tour session;
- contact details for your accommodation and instructions for collecting any luggage you’ve left behind.
You may find the following helpful: How to plan your first day after a long coach journey, How to find a hotel from the coach station, Offline maps for travelling in Europe: how to prepare your phone. Check available bus journey options on RedRay; this guide does not confirm the availability of direct services to every city.
Resources for preparation
General information about the city and attractions: Lucca, Lucca Cathedral, Guinigi Tower, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. The suggested walking route is the editorial team’s recommendation; please check with the relevant venues for current opening times.
Image details
- Lucca Piazza dell’Anfiteatro 2021.jpg — Kasa Fue; CC BY-SA 4.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
- Lucca - Cattedrale di San Martino 01-260.jpg — Mongolo1984, edited by MenkinAlRire; CC BY-SA 4.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
- Torre guinigi, view 11, piazza dell'anfiteatro.JPG — sailko; CC BY 2.5. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
Questions and answers
Can this route be used on the day of arrival?
Yes, by choosing the central section and one main viewpoint. After travelling through the night, it’s better to leave the steep climbs and longer journeys until the next day.
What is the most important thing to bear in mind for the walk?
Climbing the tower requires extra energy. If the stairs are difficult, make the square, the cathedral and the accessible section of the walls the focus of your day.
What should I do with my suitcase?
Before you set off, confirm that your luggage will be stored at your accommodation or in a reliable left-luggage facility, including the collection time. Keep your documents, ticket and a fully charged mobile phone with you.
Do you need to buy all your admission tickets in advance?
First, choose your main attraction and check its rules. Do not book several time slots close together until you have confirmed the route between them. Keep your city walk flexible.