Lucca Travel Forum

Hi everyone, my wife and I are trying to decide whether to stay in Pisa or Lucca for two nights. I would like to stay in one and visit the other on Saturday. Since we observe the Sabbath on Saturday (so will not use money or transport from sundown Friday night to sundown Saturday night), I wondered if its a good idea to walk or bicycle from one city to the other. Is this crazy? I heard it can take 5 hours to walk from Pisa to Lucca, which is doable if we pack a lunch, then return to Pisa by bus after sundown. I'd prefer to stay overnight in Lucca (walk to Pisa will be downhill I think) for the atmosphere and breeze by the touristy attractions in Pisa (which we won't be able to pay to enter anyhow). But maybe its better to stay in Pisa and walk to Lucca, where a money-free afternoon is nicer. Another consideration: after two nights in Pisa or Lucca we are heading to Cinque Terre on Sunday morning, so train or bus connections may be more convenient from one place over another. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thank you!

Hi. We did just that trip earlier this year (well sort of, we didn't do the walking bit). I'd suggest staying in Lucca which is a less busy than Pisa and as you say it is all downhill from Lucca to Pisa. The exterior of the attractions in Pisa are more than satisfying; we didn't go inside as we didn't want to spend our time queuing. The bus service back to Lucca is frequent and drops you right inside the city walls within walking distance of anywhere in town. We hired bikes in Lucca,an easy city to cycle round. You can get to Cinque Terre from either Lucca, a train every hour. Depending on the train you take you may need to change at Viareggio and La Spezia then on to any of the 5 villages in Cinque Terre, each village has a station. From Pisa much the same as the line converge at Viareggio. There are some trains direct between Pisa and Cinque Terre stations. You could join that train by a connection from Lucca to Viareggio. Direct travel time is about one and a half to two hours. You can check timings here: http://www.trenitalia.com/en/orari_biglietti/index.html
If you have any questions fell free to ask me. Geo.

Hi there we went to both cities last year and we found Pisa to be a little disappointing in comparison to Lucca. Other than the obvious spectacles Pisa was quite shabby. Lucca however was positively charming and I think considering your situation you should go there and experience the relaxing and truly tuscan feel of the place. The square( not that it is a square) in the centre is lovely. Enjoy!

I fully agree with furrbuger, Lucca is a gem; relaxing and charming. Pisa on the other hand is big and bustling. It has one interesting area which, by it's very nature, is busy and teaming with tourist tat. Having said that the LT etc. are a must-see if you are in that area.

Spent a week in an apartment in Lucca this past June and I fell in love with Lucca. So my vote is for Lucca! It is extremely charming and I can assure you two days will not be enough to enjoy Lucca. Be sure to walk or ride a bike around the intact walls - you get great views. Also the train ride is very inexpensive and short between Lucca and Pisa.

It is too far to walk or Bike I believe to Pisa from Lucca. May I suggest possibly giving your credit card information to several restaurants before the Sabbath, so you don't have to pay later. There are some truly wonderful restaurants in Lucca, I am sure that they would be more than pleased to assist. May I suggest staying at Hotel Alexandra ( I believe that is the name. It is inside Lucca's walls and you can walk any where from there. I would recommend Buca Di Sant' Antionio, phone 058355881, Osteria Baralla Via dell' Anfidteatro , These are not Kosher but do serve fish. I hope that this helps you.