
After a day exploring Pisa and its world-famous leaning tower, I didn’t have high expectations for Lucca. It’s often described as a quaint, walled city—pretty but not extraordinary. How wrong I was! By the end of the day, Lucca had completely won us all over with its magical charm, festive spirit, and undeniable beauty.
We stayed overnight inside the city walls, which made exploring so easy. Although the Airbnb wasn’t anything special, being right in the heart of the action more than made up for it. Lucca is the kind of place best discovered on foot, with its narrow streets and hidden corners inviting you to wander and get pleasantly lost.
Our day started with a truly indulgent breakfast: thick, velvety hot chocolates that were more like molten fondant than a drink, paired with buttery, flaky pastries. Sitting outside a small café as the morning light crept over the city’s historic rooftops really felt like stepping into another time.
One of the day’s highlights was climbing the Torre Guinigi (Guinigi Tower). Though we didn’t manage to walk the city walls, the view from this iconic tower gave us a similar perspective. The trees growing atop the tower added to the strangeness of it all, the views of Lucca’s terracotta rooftops and the surrounding Tuscan hills were unforgettable, watch the video below to see what I mean!
Anyhow, lunch came in the form of pizza—of course. There’s nothing quite like Italian pizza, with its paper-thin crust and fresh, simple toppings. We sat inside and we enjoyed one of the best pizzas we’ve ever had.
As the afternoon faded into evening, Lucca began to glow with Christmas magic. The twinkling lights strung across the streets added a festive warmth to the city, and an accordion player filled the air with music, making every moment feel cinematic. There weren’t any Christmas markets just yet, but the shops were open late, and we wandered in and out of boutiques and artisan stores. From handmade gifts to local delicacies, every shop had its own charm.
The city’s maze of narrow streets and picturesque squares felt even more enchanting at night. Every corner seemed to reveal another historic church, cozy café, or festively decorated window. It’s hard to put into words how beautiful Lucca is—especially when it’s lit up for the holidays.
Our last stop of the evening was a perfect end to the day. We returned to a little café famous for serving hot chocolate fit for royalty—literally. It’s said to be a favorite spot of King Charles, and it’s easy to see why. We indulged in another impossibly thick hot chocolate and tried Lucca’s famous buccellato cake, a traditional sweet bread flavored with raisins and anise. It was the perfect combination of comforting and festive, and an experience we will always remember.
Honestly, Lucca is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. Its quiet charm, rich history, and holiday joy completely caught us off guard. That said, I can imagine it’s a very different place in the summer, likely packed with tourists, which might take away some of its charm.
So a visit in late November was absolutely perfect. The streets were lively but not crowded, and the festive atmosphere felt authentic and warm.
I would say if you’re ever near Pisa, don’t miss the chance to explore Lucca. It’s a city that quietly works its way into your heart—and leaves you dreaming of your next visit.
Have you ever been to Lucca, I am honestly interested to know if it left you with the same feeling as us!? Let me know in the comments if you have!
Catch you later in the week!