Lucca Vacation Rentals
Tips on renting in Lucca
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Step into the charming city of Lucca, Italy, where cobblestone streets and ancient walls invite your family on a memorable adventure. Surrounded by the well-preserved Renaissance City Walls, you can stroll or rent bikes from Cicli Bizzarri for a fun ride along the leafy ramparts, taking in panoramic views of Lucca’s red-tiled rooftops. Families love climbing the Guinigi Tower, where kids are amazed by the oak trees growing on top and everyone enjoys sweeping vistas of the Tuscan countryside.
Lucca’s historic center is a delight for all ages, with its lively Piazza dell’Anfiteatro offering space for kids to run and parents to relax at a café. Don’t miss the Puccini Museum, a tribute to the famed composer born here, or the bustling Mercato del Carmine for a taste of local flavors. Guided tours like “Lucca by Night” reveal secret corners and legends, making history come alive for curious young minds. Over 90 churches dot the city, each with its own story and beautiful art to discover together.
For outdoor fun, the Serchio River Park is a local favorite where you can picnic, play, or paddle along the gentle river. Families visiting in spring or fall enjoy mild weather perfect for exploring the Botanical Garden of Lucca, a true hidden gem. Whether you’re tasting gelato at Gelateria Veneta or joining a family-friendly cooking class, Lucca welcomes you to slow down, explore, and create lasting memories in the heart of Tuscany.
Nearby cities
Capannori
Discover Capannori in Lucca and Pisa—picnic in olive groves, pedal scenic bike paths, and let your kids play under sunny Tuscan skies. Family fun awaits!
San Giuliano Terme
Discover San Giuliano Terme near Lucca and Pisa—where your family can hike green hills, splash in thermal pools, and picnic under Tuscan sunshine together.
Vecchiano
Discover Vecchiano in Lucca, Pisa—where your family can picnic by serene lakes, bike green hills, and play on sunlit beaches in Italy’s heartwarming countryside.
Gello
Discover Gello in Lucca, Pisa, and Tuscany: where your family can picnic by quiet lakes, bike green hills, and savor sunny days in a warm Italian village.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Lucca has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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A family weekend in Lucca, Italy, promises enchanting moments within its Renaissance-era city walls, where you can cycle together along the tree-lined ramparts for panoramic views of terracotta rooftops and verdant gardens. Explore the lively Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, savoring gelato while children play in the open square, then climb the Guinigi Tower, famous for its rooftop oak trees, for a unique perspective of the city. Don’t miss the Puccini Museum, which celebrates the town’s musical heritage, for an inspiring cultural touch.
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Getting around Lucca with kids is a breeze thanks to its compact historic center, which is encircled by well-preserved Renaissance walls. These walls are wide and flat, making them perfect for family bike rides or leisurely strolls with strollers. The city’s pedestrian-friendly streets lead you to charming spots like Piazza dell’Anfiteatro and Torre Guinigi. Public buses are available but often unnecessary, as most attractions, gelaterias, and playgrounds are within easy walking or biking distance.
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Lucca offers a delightful array of family-friendly properties, from charming agriturismos surrounded by olive groves to spacious apartments within the city’s Renaissance walls. Many families enjoy staying in restored Tuscan villas just outside the Porta Elisa gate, where children can play in private gardens and parents can relax by the pool. Inside the historic center, boutique hotels near Piazza dell’Anfiteatro provide easy access to the city’s famed tree-topped Guinigi Tower and the bustling Via Fillungo shopping street.
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A relaxing 5-day family vacation in Lucca unfolds with leisurely strolls atop the iconic Renaissance walls that encircle the city, offering panoramic views and shaded bike paths perfect for all ages. Families delight in exploring the charming Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, where gelato shops and outdoor cafés invite you to linger. Days are spent discovering the Torre Guinigi, famous for its rooftop oak trees, and enjoying peaceful picnics in the lush gardens of Palazzo Pfanner, all while savoring Tuscan cuisine at local trattorias.
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Around Lucca, one of the most popular swimming spots is Lago di Massaciuccoli, a tranquil lake just a short drive west of the city, famous for its scenic views and peaceful waters. For a unique experience, visit Bagni di Lucca, where you can enjoy natural thermal pools surrounded by lush forested hills. If you prefer sandy shores, the nearby Versilia coast offers vibrant beach towns like Viareggio, perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
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For beginners and families visiting Lucca, Abetone is the top choice for skiing, located about 90 minutes away in the Apennine Mountains. Abetone offers gentle slopes, dedicated learning areas, and ski schools with English-speaking instructors, making it ideal for first-timers and children. The resort features picturesque runs through snow-covered forests and a welcoming alpine village atmosphere, ensuring a memorable and accessible winter experience just a short drive from the historic walls of Lucca.
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In Lucca, travelers can expect a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. Boutique hotels inside the historic city walls, such as Hotel Ilaria, typically charge between 120 and 250 euros per night depending on the season, while charming bed and breakfasts or vacation rentals near Piazza dell’Anfiteatro often start around 80 euros per night. For a more luxurious experience, elegant villas or upscale hotels might reach 300 euros or more, especially during peak summer months.
