When the The New York Times releases its annual list of must-see destinations, travelers tend to take note. In 2025, the spotlight falls on Lucca, a small Tuscan city that embodies the elegance, history and easy rhythm of Italian life. Away from the crowds of Florence and Rome, Lucca stands out for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and exceptional food.

A City Wrapped in Renaissance Walls

Lucca is encircled by its famous Renaissance walls, a four-kilometre ring that once protected the city and now functions as a peaceful pedestrian and cycling path. From this tree-lined promenade, visitors can admire the red roofs, medieval towers, and surrounding hills of Tuscany. The historic center, enclosed and compact, offers a sense of calm that is rare in Italy’s more heavily touristed destinations.

A Living Open-Air Museum

Inside the walls, Lucca reveals itself slowly. The Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, once a Roman arena, is now an elliptical square filled with cafes and small shops. Torre Guinigi, topped with oak trees, provides panoramic views of the city’s rooftops. The Cattedrale di San Martino and the Chiesa di San Michele in Foro are masterful examples of Romanesque architecture. Every corner, from narrow cobblestone lanes to sunlit piazzas, reflects centuries of trade, culture, and artistry.

A Taste of Authentic Tuscany

Lucca’s culinary scene is one of its most persuasive charms. Here, food is not a performance but a way of life. Traditional trattorias serve dishes that reflect the land: earthy, generous and deeply tied to the seasons. This is not a city for fast dining or modern trends. It’s a place where you sit, taste, and linger.

Best Places to Eat in Lucca

For an elegant, old-world atmosphere, Buca di Sant’Antonio has long been a local institution, offering Lucchese classics in a warm, wood-paneled setting. Da Giulio in Pelleria is beloved for its simplicity and authenticity, serving hearty pasta dishes in a no-frills space. Giglio combines Tuscan ingredients with a refined touch, while Gatta Ci Cova offers a contemporary take on regional flavors. Celide, located near the city walls, is known for its fish and seafood, and L’Imbuto provides an entirely different experience: creative, modern, and Michelin-starred.

Best Local Foods to Try

Lucca’s traditional dishes are simple, robust and rooted in the countryside. Tordelli Lucchese, a handmade pasta stuffed with meat and herbs, is typically served with a rich ragù. Zuppa di Farro, a spelt soup with beans and vegetables, speaks of rustic home cooking. Buccellato, a sweet bread with anise and raisins, is a local specialty often eaten with coffee or Vin Santo. Baccalà alla Lucchese reflects the city’s mercantile past, with salt cod slow-cooked with tomatoes, olives and capers. Soppressata Lucchese is a traditional cold cut made from pork, usually enjoyed with unsalted Tuscan bread and a glass of red wine. In autumn, castagnaccio, a chestnut flour cake with pine nuts and raisins, is a local dessert.

The Best Day Trips from Lucca

Lucca is ideally located for exploring Tuscany and beyond. Pisa is just a short train ride away, with its world-famous leaning tower and monumental square. Florence, reachable in about an hour, offers Renaissance art and architecture on an unmatched scale. To the north, the Garfagnana (and Lunigiana) valley provides forests, mountain trails and quiet hill villages. Montecarlo, a small wine-producing town on a nearby hill, is perfect for tastings and long lunches. Viareggio, on the coast, offers Liberty-style architecture and beaches, while the Cinque Terre can be reached in under two hours by train for a dramatic coastal excursion.

A City Alive with Culture

Lucca is more than a postcard-perfect destination; it has a living cultural identity. It hosts major annual events such as Lucca Comics & Games, one of Europe’s most important pop culture festivals, and Lucca Summer Festival, which attracts international artists each year. The city is also the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, and music still fills its churches and squares.

Accessible, Relaxed, and Central

Lucca’s location makes it both accessible and pleasantly detached. Just 30 minutes from Pisa and one hour from Florence, it is well connected by train but feels removed from the pace of Italy’s larger cities. This is a place made for slow travel: cycling along the walls in the morning, sipping espresso in the shade at midday, wandering quiet streets at night.

Final Thoughts

Lucca may lack the global fame of Florence or the grandiosity of Rome, but that is precisely its appeal. With its Renaissance walls, elegant architecture, living cultural traditions and exceptional food, it represents the best of Tuscany in a more intimate setting. When the New York Times names it the best destination in Italy, it’s more than a headline. It’s a recognition of a place that has quietly perfected the art of dolce vita.