When I told my Italian host family that I was planning to visit Florence, they gave me some suggestions for a day trip — and to my surprise, they strongly advised against Pisa with distaste. “Non mi piace, non è bella. Go to Lucca instead!” they said with conviction. Of course, seeing the Leaning Tower still felt like a must, so I went — and honestly, I agree with what most Italians say about it. Afterward, I hopped on a quick train to Lucca, and that’s when I realized: you can absolutely fit both Pisa and Lucca into one day, but I truly wish I had more time in Lucca.

Lucca quietly outshines Pisa in more ways than one. In this post, I’ll break down exactly why Lucca deserves the top spot on your Tuscany itinerary — offering a much more enjoyable and authentic experience. Without the tourist traps or the rush. From its stunning Renaissance walls to its inviting piazzas and relaxed, local vibe, Lucca quietly outshines Pisa in more ways than one.

In this post, I’ll break down exactly why Lucca deserves the top spot on your Tuscany itinerary.

Here are the reasons:

Why Lucca is Better than Pisa for a Day Trip

Lucca: Peaceful, pedestrian-friendly, beautiful medieval streets. Even the train to Lucca was far nicer, newer, and peaceful compared to the one to Pisa.

Pisa: Overrun with tourists, especially around the Leaning Tower. The walk from the train station to the tower is creepy, and not the most pleasant walk.

More Authentic Tuscan Experience

1. Local Life, Not Just Tourism: Lucca offers a much more authentic Italian, or Tuscan experience than Pisa, where mostly tourists can be seen. For starters, Lucca is a city where people actually live. While Pisa seems to revolve entirely around the Leaning Tower and the tourists that flock to see it, Lucca felt calm, lived-in, and relaxed. Locals were riding bikes along the city walls, shopping at outdoor markets, and chatting over coffee in quiet piazzas. It wasn’t about rushing from sight to sight — it was about slowing down and experiencing the town’s rhythm.

2. Preserved Medieval Charm: The city’s medieval charm is beautifully preserved. Walking through Lucca’s narrow, cobbled streets or along its Renaissance walls, you get the sense that not much has changed in centuries. The walls themselves are a highlight, offering a peaceful, panoramic stroll above the city — something Pisa simply doesn’t have.

3. Local Cuisine: Another thing I noticed was the food. In Lucca, it was all about cozy, family-run trattorias and small wine bars where locals gather for long, leisurely meals. I tried “tordelli lucchese,” a delicious meat-filled pasta, and a slice of “buccellato,” a sweet bread with raisins — both local specialties.

What can I do here in a day?

If you’re planning a day in Lucca, here are three things I did that made the experience unforgettable:

Explore the Piazza’s:

Lucca has several beautiful squares, or piazze (piazza in singular form) that are rich in history and charm. First I came upon Piazza San Michele. See the beautiful church of San Michele in Foro, which offers a lovely glimpse into Lucca’s medieval past. Next I walked around, and into Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater, which is a circular square lined with cozy cafés and perfect for people-watching. However when I went, it was filled with some flower market so I couldn’t see the whole piazza. Lastly I stumbled upon Piazza San Frediano, which amazed me when I saw the stunning mosaic facade of the Basilica di San Frediano.

Walk up the Torre dell’Ore:

Climbing this medieval clock tower was a highlight of my day. The panoramic views of the terracotta rooftops and rolling Tuscan hills from the top were absolutely breathtaking — well worth the climb. I believe it costed me 5-10 euros to enter, which was fine considering the view. Also, the ticket worker there complimented my Italian, which I still remember to this day. He said that my Italian is good, and even knowing that I was a foreigner because of my accent, he was not sure where I was from because my American accent did not stand out, and he said that impressed him! This gave me good vibes climbing up the tower .

Click here to learn about the details of the clock tower: https://www.visittuscany.com/it/attrazioni/torre-delle-ore

Iconic City Walls

Stroll atop the old city walls: This peaceful walking and biking path offers a unique perspective of Lucca and is the perfect way to soak in its charm. The walls are wide and shaded, making them ideal for a leisurely walk, with scenic views of both the city and the surrounding countryside. Walk or bike the 4km path atop the walls and enjoy the views.

Pisa lacks this kind of scenic experience.

The views from the walkable city walls

Lucca vs. Pisa: Which is the Better Choice?

By now you can see how Lucca is a more laid back, authentic experience instead of a touristy Pisa, which only contains the Leaning tower, and no charming piazza’s. However, of course it is a must to still see the Unesco site of Pisa, which you can do in the morning first, then after take the scenic train to Lucca. From there you can take a relaxing beautiful train ride back to Florence.

Planning a Trip to Lucca?

Have you visited both Lucca and Pisa? Which city won your heart? Let me know in the comments!

Check out our Ultimate Italy Travel Guide, and other destinations!

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