Lucca is brilliantly located as a base, with local trains darting Florence and Pisa every hour. Generally, I recommend staying in the historical center or the surrounding countryside. Although Lucca stretches past its medieval walls, the modern city does not hold the same charm as the old.

Staying in Lucca is highly recommended for travelers who prefer a refined, local atmosphere over the high-energy crowds of Florence. As of 2026, it remains a "breath of fresh air" in Tuscany, famous for its intact Renaissance walls that have been converted into a lush, 4-kilometer elevated park where you can bike or stroll with panoramic views. Unlike many other Tuscan towns that sit atop steep hills, Lucca is flat and easy to navigate on foot, making it accessible and relaxing. Staying inside the walls allows you to experience the city's unique nightly rhythm, including the iconic Puccini opera performances held in historic churches. While it may lack the dramatic cliffside views of Orvieto or San Gimignano, its charm lies in its "lived-in" feel, world-class dining, and the ability to serve as a quiet, central base for day trips to Pisa, the Garfagnana mountains, or the Versilia coast.