2 hours in Lucca
 

We fly into Pisa this Thursday morning. Plan to have a quick look round there and maybe a brief lunch. We will not have another real chance to see Lucca and we are thinking of popping in before heading down past Siena.

Would 2 hours be enough to get a flavour of the town? We would probably be happy if we can just walk around and see the main sights from the outside. Is there an obvious place we should look to park the car?

You can park inside the walls (there are several entrance points). Just follow signs to the parking. The best entrance is Porta Santa Maria. Here's a map: http://tinyurl.com/28brua

Weather permitting, it would be fun to rent a bike and ride around the walls. The top of the walls is like a big park. Give you a sense of the town. Then you could take a stroll down the main ped. only street (Via Fillungo). The ampitheatre is interesting (now shops), a few nice churches, some fun towers to climb, etc. It's a cute town.

Have fun.

Hi R,

You could get a feel for Lucca in a couple of hours.

Take a look at the map at www.mappy.com.

The parking lot at the train station is a short walk outside the walls.

That's how we entered the town when we visited.

((I))

I agree with the bicycle suggestion, weather permitting. Bikes are rented by the hour. One hour was enough for us to ride around the wall twice and to ride to all the interesting "plazas" within the city. If you see something you would like to explore further, you can return to it on foot after returning the bike.

Enjoy!

I'd parkoutside the wall. Parking inside is limited and it depends on what entrance you come into.
There are lots (one free) right outside the walls.
The main gate is where there are bikes for rent and a map of the town is available.
Walk up Via Fillungo and hit what you can during your short stay.
You'll want to return.

In Lucca, I would just add a quick visit to Piazza Anfiteatro, a former amphitheater.

Two hours is obviously not a great deal of time. I would not bother with the cathedral (it's OK, but pales into insignifcance compared to Siena or Pisa), the cycle or walk (40 mins) around the walls is pretty much a must see.

The other suggestion I would have is to climb the Torre Guinigi - it is not a difficult climb, and the views from the top are great.

Great advice everyone
Much appreciated
Rick