Shopping, Parking & Getting Around

Shopping, like dining out, feels effortlessly civilised in Lucca. It’s a delightful mix of ancient and modern, with designer glasses presented in an antique bevelled-glass-and-mahogany display case. The old shop fronts have been wonderfully preserved, complete with swirling gold lettering and mahogany panelling. Revel in window-shopping and admiring the locals, dressed in the softest cashmere and leather. Browse delightfully old-fashioned yet upmarket shops and call into a belle epoque café for an ice cream or traditional pastry. The buccellato bread, made with raisins and aniseed, goes with a coffee or Vin Santo dessert wine.

There is no escaping Lucca’s main shopping street, an invitingly sinuous street framed by tall houses. Begin in café-lined Piazza Anfiteatro and follow the curve of the amphitheatre to Via Fillungo, a pedestrianised paradise lined by quirky, one-off shops and traditional stores with Art Deco shopfronts. From historic cafes to hip boutiques, Lucca makes shopping a pleasure. After browsing, call into the loungey La Cantina dei Sapori for a drink or wine-tasting over cold cuts and cheese boards, even during a passeggiata (evening stroll).

Address: La Cantina dei Sapori - Via Fillungo 154

This temple of Tuscan potions sells natural and organic body, face and beauty products made in the region. The pepe nero (black pepper) products are particularly tempting.  In addition, the shop sells Tuscan crafts, from silk scarves to embroidery.

Address: Via Santa Lucia 7, Lucca
Web: www.erbariotoscano.it

If you’re looking for sweet souvenirs or just something to munch while walking Lucca’s wall, call into one of the best chocolate shops in town. Try the silky gianduia or the spicy peperoncino versions.

Address: Via San Paolino 96, Lucca
Web: www.caniparolicioccolateria.it

If you’re brave, try some China, an alcoholic elixir of aromatic herbs and spices the locals swear by for general health: it’s been produced since 1855 as a medicinal pick-me-up.

Address: Piazza San Michele 36, Lucca
Web: https://www.anticafarmaciamassagli.it/

Parking in Lucca is slightly easier than in most Tuscan towns. Some parking is available both outside and inside the city walls, with most of it paid parking. However, outside the city walls you might find some free spots, and from there it’s a pleasant 15-minute walk into the city centre. It is simplest to park outside the city walls as, within the walls, most parking is for residents only, indicated by yellow lines. Blue lines indicate where anyone, including tourists, can park.

Outside the city walls, one recommended secure car park is Parcheggio Carducci, just outside Porta Sant'Anna (St Anna Gate), to the south-west of town. Parcheggio Palatucci, situated to the north, is another cheap option, with similar rates, and even a bike rental service on offer. Within the city walls, on the west side, you can find Parcheggio Cittadella. 

If travelling by car, bear in mind that the A11 runs eastwards to Florence but westwards to Pisa and Viareggio. The rugged Garfagnana area is reached via the SS12 and then on the SS445.

If arriving by train, note that the train station is south of the city walls. You need to follow the path across the moat and walk through the (rather dank) tunnel under Baluardo San Colombano.

If arriving by train and you want to leave luggage or hire a bike, go to Tourist Center Lucca. From the station, turn left to find this handy bike-rental outlet, which has plenty of children’s bikes too.

Address: Tourist Center Lucca - Piazzale Ricasoli 203
Web: www.touristcenterlucca.com