Things To Know Before Going to Pisa + Lucca

Before you visit Pisa and Lucca, here are some key things to know to make the most of your trip:

Pisa

Book Tickets in Advance: The Leaning Tower is the most iconic attraction in Pisa. Tickets to climb the tower should be booked in advance to avoid long lines, especially in the high season (spring through fall).
Climbing the Tower: Be prepared for a steep, narrow staircase inside the tower. The climb is short but can feel challenging, so wear comfortable shoes and plan to visit early to avoid the heat and crowds.
Photo Op: Don’t forget to take the classic "holding up the tower" photo, but also explore different angles for unique shots.
Time Limit: You can only stay on the tower for about 30 minutes, so make sure you have enough time to fully enjoy the view.

Main Attractions: The Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral, Baptistery, and Campo Santo are all located in Piazza dei Miracoli. You can buy a combined ticket to access these attractions.
Free Entry to the Cathedral: Entrance to the Cathedral is free, but there may be a line to get in, so it’s best to go early in the day.
Explore Beyond the Tower: The Baptistery and Campo Santo (a historic cemetery) are both worth visiting and offer quieter, less crowded experiences.

Getting to Pisa: If you're coming from Florence, Pisa is only about an hour away by train. The Pisa Centrale train station is connected to the city center by a shuttle bus, or you can walk about 20 minutes.
Walking Around: Pisa is small and walkable, but public transportation or taxis can be helpful if you’re in a rush or carrying luggage.

One to Two Hours: If you’re mainly visiting the Leaning Tower and Cathedral, plan for around 1.5-2 hours. If you plan to visit all the monuments in Piazza dei Miracoli, budget 3-4 hours.
Exploring the City: Pisa has more to offer than just the tower, such as the Arno River, Piazza dei Cavalieri, and the botanical gardens.

Avoid Peak Hours: Early morning or late afternoon visits are best for avoiding the crowds. Pisa is busiest in the summer, so try to visit in the spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.

Walk or Cycle on the Walls: One of Lucca’s most unique features is its well-preserved Renaissance city walls. You can walk or rent a bike to cycle around them. It’s a flat, scenic route that offers great views of the city and surrounding area.
Best Views: The walls are also lined with parks, gardens, and cafes where you can relax and enjoy the view.

Explore on Foot: Lucca’s historic center is compact and best explored on foot. It’s filled with charming squares, narrow streets, and beautiful piazzas.
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro: This circular piazza, built on the site of a Roman amphitheater, is one of the most distinctive in Lucca. It’s lined with cafes and shops and is a great place to relax.
Torre Guinigi: Climb the Guinigi Tower for fantastic panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The top of the tower is adorned with a garden of holm oak trees, making it a unique spot.

San Michele in Foro: A stunning Romanesque church located in the main square, Piazza San Michele.
Lucca Cathedral (Duomo di San Martino): A beautiful cathedral with impressive artwork inside, including the Volto Santo, a revered wooden crucifix.
Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi: A wonderful museum housed in a 16th-century palace that showcases art and furniture from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Bike Rentals: Lucca is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Italy, so consider renting a bike to explore the historic center and the surrounding countryside.
Lucca Bike Tour: Several companies offer guided bike tours, which can be a great way to learn about the history and architecture of the city.

Tuscany Cuisine: Lucca is a great place to sample traditional Tuscan dishes such as tordelli lucchesi (a local ravioli), bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), and focaccia.
Cafes and Gelato: Stop by one of the many charming cafes in Lucca’s piazzas for coffee or gelato.

Day Trip: Lucca is perfect for a day trip from Florence or Pisa, as it’s only about 30 minutes by train from either city. However, you could easily spend more time here to fully enjoy its slower pace and scenic beauty.
Stay Overnight: If you have the time, staying overnight in Lucca allows you to experience the city’s quiet charm after the day-trippers leave.

Avoid Summer Crowds: Like Pisa, Lucca can get crowded in the summer. Visiting in the spring or fall will offer more comfortable weather and fewer tourists.
Puccini Festival: Lucca is the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini, and if you’re a fan of opera, consider visiting in July and August for the annual Puccini Festival.

Train Connections: Pisa and Lucca are well-connected by trains, making it easy to travel between the two. A direct train from Pisa to Lucca takes about 30 minutes.
Pisa to Lucca: If you’re combining both cities in one day, it’s easy to start in Pisa for the morning and head to Lucca in the afternoon.

Enjoy your time in Pisa and Lucca, two wonderful gems of Tuscany!