• Europe,  Italy,  Lucca

    What Is Lucca, Italy Known For? 10 Reasons to Visit Tuscany’s Hidden Gem

    Wondering what Lucca, Italy is known for? This charming Tuscan city might not get the same buzz as Florence or Pisa, but that’s exactly why travelers fall in love with it. Nestled along the Serchio River, Lucca is a small, walkable city you can see in a day—but you’ll want to stay longer to soak up its quiet beauty and local life. From its perfectly preserved Renaissance walls to its oval-shaped piazza and tree-topped towers, Lucca is one of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets. At a Glance: What Lucca, Italy Is Known For Lucca, Italy Is Known for Its Historic City Walls Lucca’s most famous feature is its perfectly preserved Renaissance walls,…

  • Europe,  Italy,  Lucca

    Where to Stay in Lucca: Best Hotels Inside Lucca’s City Walls

    If you’re planning a trip to Tuscany and wondering where to stay in Lucca, one of the first decisions to make is whether to book a hotel inside or outside the city walls. Staying within the walls puts you right in the heart of Lucca’s medieval charm—surrounded by cobblestone streets, Renaissance architecture, and lively piazzas. The good news is there are plenty of hotels inside Lucca’s city walls that fit every type of traveler, from boutique guesthouses with just a handful of rooms to larger, full-service hotels. Below, I’ve rounded up some of the best places to stay in Lucca so you can find the right fit for your style…

  • exterior of lucca italian school building
    Europe,  Italy,  Learning Italian,  Lucca

    Spend the Week with Me at Lucca Italian School

    Have you ever wanted to learn a foreign language? I’m firmly of the mindset that there’s no better way to do so by immersing yourself in that country, which is why I recently spent a week studying Italian at Lucca Italian School, and I’m taking you along with me! Iniziamo! Why I’m Studying Italian About a year ago, I started researching my family history on my mom’s side and tracked down information about my great-great-grandparents who immigrated from Italy in the early 1900s. During that time, I began studying Italian through online classes, which was good, but I knew that to take it to the next level, I wanted to…

  • Europe,  Italy,  Lucca

    8 Amazing Things to Do in Lucca, Italy: A Hidden Gem in Tuscany

    Why You Need to Visit Lucca, Italy Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Lucca is a quintessential Tuscan city known for its charming medieval walls, which are among the best-preserved in Italy. Unlike its more touristy neighbors, Florence and Pisa, Lucca offers a more relaxed, authentic Italian experience. This medieval city is famous for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, cobblestone streets, beautiful churches, and delicious food. A Brief History of Lucca Founded by the Etruscans and later a Roman colony, Lucca flourished as a medieval city-state, known for its silk trade and strong fortifications. It remained an independent republic for centuries, preserving its unique character and historic charm. Today, its rich…

  • Europe,  Featured,  Food,  Italy,  Lucca

    Where to Eat in Lucca

    Lucca might be best known for its Renaissance walls and charming cobblestone streets, but its food scene is just as impressive as its history. This Tuscan gem is packed with family-run trattorias, historic bakeries, and cozy wine bars where you can indulge in everything from hearty tordelli lucchese (meat-stuffed pasta) to the city’s signature buccellato (a sweet, anise-flavored bread). Whether you’re craving a rustic meal in a centuries-old osteria or a quick bite from a beloved local bakery, Lucca delivers unforgettable flavors at every turn. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best spots to eat in the city—where to go, what to order, and why each place deserves…