Anyone been to Lucca?

[PhoebeMcPeePee]

DH & I are planning a long-weekend away WITHOUT CHILDREN in early October & like to sound of Lucca. We've read that Florence is an easy train ride for a day out & Lucca town itself is lovely to stroll around but not sure if it's worthy of a 3 night stay. Has anyone been & if you'd recommend it can you suggest a decent (probably 3+/4*) hotel? Other places on the shortlist are Dubrovnik & Istanbul.

I have been for the day. We stayed in Pisa though, spent one day there and 1 in Lucca. It seemed like plenty of time.

yes, we went about 6 years ago pre children in december for 5 days for our anniversary. It was fantastic. Absolutely beautiful, nothing totally spectacular, just a lovely italian walled town which is closed to traffic inside the city walls. as it was december we felt like the only tourists. i can't recommend a hotel as we rented an apartment- can't remember the company but it was great, three floors up (stairs) in a 17th century (i think) building - as it as out of season we had three bedrooms 2 bathrooms and a marble kitchen. we also had a balcony next- as in literally abutting (sp?) a church spire. I loved being in an aparment- really characterful and lovely long breakfasts and lunches. dinner out....and loads of long walks around winding streets and alleys. would thorughly recommend it. Apologies for typos am rushing.

ps we went for 5 days i think- we had been going through a very stressful house sale/ purchase and just wanted to get away and totally relax. we did this and did not find 5 days too long- but we wanted relaxation. if you want more action or loads of sightseeing this would be too much.

We toured Italy last year and Lucca was easily my favourite place. I can't recommend a hotel but you will find restaurants aplenty all really good value. You should have good weather too

We found Lucca a little quiet.
We stayed in Sienna and Florence and would recommend both.

Lucca is lovely - off the standard tourist trail and very relaxing. If you stayed 3 nights I would suggestit would be with a plan of a day in Florence and a day in Pisa.

Lucca has good opera (birthplace ? of Puccini or at least where he wrote some of his big hits as you would discover in about 10 seconds of entering the place!).

I love Lucca and have a holiday home nearby so would always recommend BUT... early October can be a bit touch and go on the weather - usually lovely but a bit 'on the turn'.

Personally I would choose Istanbul - great restaurants, hamam baths and loads to do, lovely meandering. For 3 nights you would need to do much less travelling to see the sights. Would recommend Mama Shelter hotel.
But it's a bit further to eat into your 3 night stay.

Either will be lovely.

I have been to Lucca and it was lovely. I have to admit I prefer Istanbul though and it will be warmer there in October too.

Dubrovnik is really fab. We went as part of a family holiday but it would work well as an adult only mini break.
I haven't been to Lucca but have visited Sienna, Florence and Pisa and stayed in a hotel in a place called Poggibonsi and they were all lovely places.

Lucca is lovely. We stayed a few days there in August one year. Lots of nice restaurants and the walls were a lovely place for a stroll/ bike ride. Also as everyone above has said it is handy for day trips out to other places such as pisa/ florence.

I love Lucca, have spent a happy hour (or two!) looking at it on Google StreetView after seeing your thread earlier, and remembering how lovely it is.
There is lots to do, especially if you investigate its history before your trip. The restaurants are fab, one of the local specialites is hare sauce with pasta. Long lunches and slow afternoons without children, what more could you ask Oh and don't forget a grappa tasting session.

Though Florence and Pisa are each doable as a day trip, I'd go to Sienna, very compact, fab food, a charming city. I think you can get the feel of it in a day better than a larger place.

Also consider Viareggio for a day trip, especially if you have culture overload, it's very close to Lucca, wander along the seafront, find a restaurant for a sea food lunch. "Magnifico" as Antonio would say!!