Has anyone been to Lucca (Tuscany)....if so, any recommendations?

[shadypines]

Hi, I am going there in Autumn, it looks like there is a lot to see/do but just wondered if anyone could give me any nuggets of info/recommendations re what to see, do and where to eat/drink. Thank you.

If you’re in Barga in the first half of August you should catch the fish and chip festival.

I've been there years ago.

It was a good base for Florence/Pisa/Viareggio.

We stayed 'within the walls'. Lots of very nice shops and restaurants but too long ago for me to recommend them.

We enjoyed it but did not feel a 'pull' to return to Lucca.

We did return to Viareggio for a holiday and stayed there.

Sorry for the slow reply @shadypines

There are buses…..so not ideal but….

The driving is less crazy than other places I’ve been in Italy. Much quieter roads and less traffic so you should be okay but maybe see how you feel when you get to Lucca. I’ve driven there once many years ago but it was my first time driving on the other side of the road and I didn’t have much UK experience at the time so I found it a bit nerve wracking. Pretty sure it’d be fine now. My friends with the property north of Lucca happily drive around there all the time - we all live in London and interestingly enough, I am the much more confident driver in London so can’t be too bad in Lucca surely?

I can report back when I come back from Italy later this month if it helps?

We have had several villa holidays just outside Lucca. It's lovely!
Lots of really good suggestions already - I think you will fill your week easily with time in Lucca and some daytrips.
Couple of recommendations - a restaurant called Da Leo, which you might have to book. And one just outside Lucca - Pizzeria del Pinzo, which might be my (now adult) kids' favourite place to eat ever!
Also - go to the supermarket! Italian supermarkets are amazing. There's an Essalunga just ouside the walls.
Driving was a bit hairy in places, and parking in Lucca itself is a nightmare, but doable. Trains are great though.

Not specifically Lucca, but we would ask for local recommendations for restaurants on chatgbt and we found some good excellent off the beaten track restaurants. Amazing food!

Appreciate everyone's input, I will check out the restaurants 3sthemagicnumber....Hundred,
that's kind of you, I would be interested to know. Like you say, better to get there and see how the land lies but can't see myself trusting DH on their roads. I saw a road accident on my 2nd trip to Italy, also nearly got mown down on my first trip, add to that nearly every car is scraped and dented to some degree.

Sorry, I’m late to this thread. We had a fab week in Lucca last July staying inside the walls at the Hotel Ilaria. It was the Lucca Summer Festival and we saw three amazing concerts. Couldn’t go back this year (had to cancel) as I had a knee replacement. We’ll be back next year. Go to Osteria da Pasqaule - you’ll need to book. We didn’t hire a car, but had a car transfer to and from Pisa airport. Shopping is very good in Lucca if that’s your thing - it is mine! Public transport is very good for days out.

@letshavetea that's the hotel I am going to and yes to shopping, thanks for all the info! Just googled that it's looks fantastic, thanks.

@shadypines The Hotel Ilaria is lovely. We stayed in a superior room in the annex. I asked for a mattress topper and soft pillows (don’t like hard pillows or
matresses!). The happy hour at the hotel is very nice to go to. I did a trip report on TA if your interested 14-21 July last year.