Lucca

Corte San Lorenzo, 9

This was Puccini's birthplace and is now a museum about the composer.

Piazza di San Martino· Cheap

Romanesque cathedral dating to 14th century. Contains the must-see Volto Santo and Ilaria del Carretto's Sarcophagus by Jacopo della Quercia (as of May 2014 you have to pay an additionalto see this).

· Cheap

Ancient clock tower with original clock still working. It is possible to go upstairs in this tower for a beautiful view of the city and a good perspective of Fillungo street. Great views of Torre Guinigi's trees. No lift.

off the Via Fillungo, main entrance by Piazza Scarpellini

A former Roman amphitheatre, but the remains of the amphitheatre are gone. The houses there are of medieval origin, built where the spectator stands were.

Via degli Asili· Cheap

Preserved rooms formerly inhabited by the Pfanner family, as well as a pleasant garden. Also on display, some 19th-century medical equipment.

· Cheap

This is a tower with trees atop it, a very dramatic sight, with good views of the city. No lift, many stairs.

A series of concerts by major international rock stars, held annually end of June into July. It's not like a "greenfield" rock festival with concentrated venue, time-span and mud. Most events are in Piazza Napoleone in the old town centre.

Piazza San Romano· Moderate

The largest comic book and gaming festival in Europe, held in the long week-end around November 1, a national holiday in Italy. It includes many events, guests and open-air market stands around the city centre, and the city is full with…

An opera festival dedicated to Puccini, staging all his best-loved works. It is held July to August in Torre del Lago on the coast near Lucca.

27km away from Lucca and 48km from Versilia

Bagni di Lucca lies between the Appenine Mountains giving a semblance of a climatic mountain resort despite its 152 meters above sea level, perfectly integrated by the River Lima and Serchio, from which the Valley takes its name, can be…

You can walk or cycle on top of the ancient city walls. The entire perimeter is approximately 4 km. This gives a good introduction to the city layout. Expect crowds in the summer months.

Via Pisana 2136

If you happen to have a car, do check out this pizzeria, just ten minutes drive outside of town, it's worth. The owners come from Calabria, so you are likely to find all kinds of spicy salami, olives, mushrooms on top of your pizza.

Via Santa Lucia 18/20

Strolling along the Torre Guinigi (the one with trees on top), you'll probably sniff some irresistible oily and flory smell. It's called focaccia, the Lucchese idea of a snack.

Via Tegrimi 1

Fairly typical Tuscan cuisine with some Luccan touches (e.g. pine nuts). The menu is only in Italian. Vegetarian friendly. Reservations are a good idea or arrive around 19:00.

It is practically hidden on via San Giorgio and one of the best restaurants. With a constantly changing menu and an extensive wine list.

in the Piazza Giglio

Offering wonderful Lucchesi cuisine, attentive staff and a delightful terrace overlooking the square.

just off the Piazza San Michele

Enjoys a high reputation for local dishes prepared in the traditional Lucchesi style.

Next to Gelateria de Coltelli, Piazza San Michele· Expensive

B&B in a historic building. First floor has a lounge and a double room with a patio. The second floor houses a brightly lit and spacious breakfast room with computer and internet access, terrace is on the third floor.

Via degli Angeli 23· Expensive

Small family-run hotel within the walled town, a few steps from Piazza Anfiteatro and the main shopping street. Each room is decorated with a fresco on a floral theme, which continues into the bathroom.

10 km east of Lucca off via Pesciatini· Expensive

In rolling countryside east of Lucca, hotel has two suites, five rooms and three apartments all stylishly and originally furnished. The restaurant has a main kitchen with a wood oven and barbeque and two spacious dining areas.

just south of railway station· Expensive

Large house with a garden, dating back to 1700. Four guest rooms, each with a private bathroom, 300 m from entrance to old town.

Via Fillungo 142· Expensive

3-star with only 5 rooms, and on the second floor with no lift, this place is charming nonetheless. In old town centre.

5 km east of Lucca· Expensive

Four-star hotel set in the 18th-century Villa Banchieri in the countryside east of the city.