Lucca with kids: Explore, Savor, and Capture Family Memories in Tuscany’s Hidden Gem
When it comes to exploring Tuscany, Lucca is a gem that often flies under the radar. This walled city is a haven for those who love history, charm, and a slower pace of travel. Recently, I spent a day with a wonderful family capturing their memories in Lucca- my favourite Tuscan town, and it gave me the perfect opportunity to soak in the city’s magic while uncovering some travel tips to share with you.
We started at the iconic Caffè Santa Zita, a charming biscotteria close to the Basilica di San Frediano. It’s the perfect spot for an Italian breakfast of cappuccinos and freshly baked pastries. While the family enjoyed their morning treats, I captured their smiles and laughter in the warm glow of the café’s cozy interior. Starting the day here set the tone for a relaxed and memorable experience. Before you leave, take a moment to admire the stunning mosaic facade of the Basilica di San Frediano—it’s truly impressive!
Caffè Santa Zita in Lucca is the perfect backdrop for food lovers in Lucca!
From breakfast, you can be at the city walls in just a few minutes. Renting bikes is a fantastic way to explore these tree-lined paths, especially if you’re traveling with kids. The four-seater rickshaws are a big hit with families! While this particular family opted not to include biking in their photoshoot, we instead meandered through the gorgeous streets of Lucca, soaking in its charm at a leisurely pace.
Lucca is wonderfully compact and walkable, making it easy to explore at your own rhythm. Piazza San Michele, one of the city’s most beautiful squares, is a must-see. Here, the family strolled hand in hand, pausing to admire the stunning San Michele in Foro church, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. The square buzzes with life and provides a fantastic backdrop for candid portraits.
Via Fillungo, the main shopping street, is another highlight. Lined with boutique stores, artisan shops, and gelato spots, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll. As the family wandered through these picturesque streets, I captured moments of joy against the backdrop of pastel-colored buildings and quaint corners—the kind of scenes that make Lucca so photogenic.
Lucca’s pastel walls are a subtle feature to include in your family portraits!
Another highlight is the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a uniquely oval square that was once a Roman arena. Today, it’s a lively space filled with cafés, restaurants, and shops. It’s a great spot to relax, soak in the atmosphere as kids play nearby!
If you’re traveling with kids, Lucca’s pedestrian-friendly streets and open spaces make it an ideal destination. The city walls provide plenty of room for little ones to run and play, and the abundance of gelaterias ensures they stay happy and fueled. This was one of the reasons the family I photographed chose Lucca—it’s a place where kids can have fun while parents soak in the beauty and culture.
Whether you’re here for a day or a week, Lucca’s charm will leave a lasting impression. From its historic streets to its delicious cuisine, this city invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and create memories that will stay with you long after you’ve left. And if you’re looking to capture your family’s special moments here in Tuscany or anywhere in Italy, I’d be honored to help preserve those memories in this timeless setting.
Hi, I’m Kirstie
Photographer and Australian expat living her best gelato life
Love of my husband (but mostly of cheese) brought me to Italy in 2020. He was desperate to be back with his Italian family. And honestly, what Aussie girl could pass up the chance to move to the land of pizza and gelato?! (Seeing a food theme here?)
My decade of photography experience was inspired by a trip of a lifetime. My grandparents took me on a trip to Europe when I was a teen, then gifted me an album so I’d never forget it. That album quickly became a staple of family visits and storytime.
When I moved to Italy, I was surprised how rare that type of printed keepsake is for the locals. It’s quite literally a foreign concept - tourists won’t find that type of session here.
It inspired me to recreate an experience for others as deeply meaningful to them as my grandparent’s infamous vacation album has been to me.
Read more about my grandparent’s legendary vacation album! →
So that’s my mission with Classico Portraits: to provide the same timeless centrepieces for families like yours visiting Italy.
Are you coming to Tuscany with your spouse or family? Let’s customise a photoshoot experience to suit you and your personality!
Vacations gift us the rare space to spend quality time together.
Hold onto these moments through quality photographs on your walls.
