We are spending several days in Florence in late March and then want to visit Pisa and Lucca. if we were to spend the night in one of these towns, which one would be provide more of an 'old world" charming experience? Any hotel recommendations as well? Thanks. Matt
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
I would vote for Lucca and IF you can stay inside the old city walls.
In my opinion there is not that much to see in Pisa other than the tower, miracle square, and the church.
I spent 2 1/2 day s in Lucca and LOVED it.
Climb as many of the towers as you can and be sure to rent a bicycle to ride around the top of the old city walls.
Posted by
OP
Kennett Square, Pa, Usa
7 posts
Thank you Frances, any hotel suggestions for Lucca inside the wall?
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10739 posts
I would choose Lucca over Pisa any day. If you are traveling by train and only have one night, I recommend Hotel Rex. It is next to the train station and just outside the walls. It only takes a couple of minutes to walk across the street and be inside the walls, but it's easier to not have to haul your bags very far. They also have bikes for their guests use.
Posted by
San Francisco
1009 posts
We haven;t gone yet, but we chose to spend 2 nights in Lucca and day trip to Pisa for tower. We are staying at Il Seminario B&B - got great trip advisor reviews. The owner was super nice and easy in the booking process.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2456 posts
Another vote for Hotel Rex, very convenient to both the train station and the old city, nice rooms, fine breakfast, good rates. Pisa is just 30 minutes away by train or bus, plentiful trains throughout the day. Just don't repeat my stupid mistake and get on the train in the wrong direction, arrival takes longer if you do that. Plenty to do in Lucca, including climbing bell towers; biking, walking, jogging and/or picnicking on top of the wall; Puccini concerts every evening: and lots of great strolling amongst shopping and residential streets, various churches, good food, Grom gelato, and more.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16238 posts
Lucca would be my choice between the two.
Posted by
Shawnee, OK, USA
396 posts
Lucca is worth 2-3 days...Pisa only a day trip IMHO. I always stay at a restored convent inside the walls of Lucca. It is basically up against the back wall and very close to a launderia, bike rental, great pizza place (right across the street) and steps away from via Fullingo (the main shopping street). It is austere and plain but very clean and reasonably priced. It has been recommended in RS guide books. Ostella San Frediano on vis della Cavallerizza. Make sure you have the pizza across the street at M'Brianna.....wonderful stuff.
Posted by
Chicago
32 posts
My vote is also for Lucca. We stayed at the Hotel Palazzo Alexander (http://www.hotelpalazzoalexander.it/) inside the walls and absolutely LOVED it.
Posted by
OP
Kennett Square, Pa, Usa
7 posts
Thank you all, Lucca it is! Matt