Hop-on-hop-off-bus tours aren’t Lucca’s style—large swaths of the city are car-free—but there are other ways to discover its major landmarks. For a traditional Lucchese experience, zip between palaces and piazze on a bike tour. Alternatively, walkable Lucca can be easily explored on foot.

After pausing for a focaccia or other light bite, spend the afternoon exploring Lucca’s green spaces. The city’s defensive walls are its defining feature and offer a pretty place to walk, while the Palazzo Pfanner’s lavish gardens reward wanderers. You can also summit the lofty Torre Guinigi, a tower that offers panoramic views—and has trees growing on its top.

Following a busy day of sightseeing, a tranquil evening of classical music provides the perfect way to unwind. Composer Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca, and you can still watch singers and symphonies bring his operatic arias to life.

Lucca is a city with a serious culinary pedigree—and there’s no better introduction to its gastronomic offerings than a local-led cooking class. Head to a bustling market in the morning to shop for ingredients before making a multicourse feast with the guidance of a chef.

After your home-cooked meal, experience another side of Lucca’s gastronomic plenty with an afternoon wine tour. Follow your guide between authentic local bars at aperitivo hour, or even venture beyond city limits for several hours to drop by a local winery.

Once evening descends, toast your stay with a late dinner. Lucca’s walkable center is brimming with family-owned trattorias and other charming restaurants. If the weather is fine, grab a table on the terrace and enjoy the unhurried hospitality.