Piazza Napoleone

Piazza Napoleone featuring road cycling, heritage architecture and street scenes
Piazza Napoleone featuring a city, heritage architecture and street scenes
Piazza Napoleone
Piazza Napoleone showing street scenes, a city and cycling

The largest square in Lucca is a favourite spot for socializing. Some of the biggest names in music entertain here.

With rock concerts, cafés, interesting architecture and a wide open space, the sprawling tree-lined Piazza Napoleone has a broad appeal that attracts thousands of visitors every day.

Lucca’s main public square is also called Piazza Grande. It was dedicated to Napoleon by his sister Elisa Bonaparte who ruled the city from 1805 to 1815.

Stroll around the piazza’s perimeter to survey the facades of the buildings. The focal point is the colossal Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducal), once home to Elisa and now the headquarters of Lucca’s provincial government. For more than 800 years the building has been the political and administrative center of the city.

Pay a visit to the Teatro del Giglio in the adjacent piazza. Built in the mid-17th century, it’s one of the oldest theaters in Italy. Watch an opera, listen to a symphonic music concert or enjoy the spring dance season.

Piazza Napoleone is a favorite picnic spot of the Lucchese. Buy fresh regional produce from nearby shops and enjoy your food under the shade of a tree just as the locals do.

Every summer the piazza rocks to the sounds of some of the biggest musical artists on the planet. If you will be in the city during July, reserve a ticket for one of the many evening concerts held here. The piazza is a venue for the Lucca Summer Festival, an annual musical celebration. A stage and giant television screens are erected with the Ducal Palace providing a dramatic backdrop for the performances. Among the international artists who have played to enthusiastic crowds in recent years are Elton John, Eric Clapton, James Brown and Pink. Purchase tickets from the Summer Festival’s official website.

During December, enjoy the square’s seasonal attractions, including a temporary ice rink and children’s carousel ride.

Situated in the center of Lucca, the piazza is about a 10-minute walk from the train station and a quarter mile (400 meters) from the bus terminus in Piazzale Verdi.

Plan a trip to see Piazza Napoleone

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Aurum Firenze

Aurum Firenze

4 out of 5
Historic Centre of Florence
Save 100% on your flight
per person
5 Oct - 7 Oct
found 11 hours ago
Return flight included
London (LGW) to Florence (FLR)
7.6/10 Good! (1,012 reviews)
Walking distance to all attractions and train station. Room little small but ok , loved the balcony for breakfast that was awesome. Very friendly staff.

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

The Moon Boutique Hotel & Spa

The Moon Boutique Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Historic Centre of Florence
Save 100% on your flight
per person
20 Oct - 25 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Birmingham (BHX) to Florence (FLR)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (462 reviews)
Hands down the best place we have stayed. They accommodated to go breakfasts for our tours, arranged taxis, made cappuccino when we were heading out the door. Wonderful experience

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2025

Hotel Palazzo Ognissanti

Hotel Palazzo Ognissanti

4 out of 5
Historic Centre of Florence
per person
9 Oct - 16 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
London (LON) to Florence (FLR)
7.8/10 Good! (479 reviews)
We loved the location close to the Arno River and the city center. Had a delicious pizza around the corner and there is also a small grocery store for last minute necessities and water! The staff was very kind, and the breakfast was delicious. They offer free luggage storage which was convenient. Within walking distance from the main train station. We loved our stay and will be back!

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Tours & day trips

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Discover Lucca’s Secrets on a Guided Walking Tour

Discover Lucca’s Secrets on a Guided Walking Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £13 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Light lunch and wine tasting on the hills of Lucca

Light lunch and wine tasting on the hills of Lucca

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is £131 per adult*
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Classes & workshops

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Private cooking class at a local's home in Lucca

Private cooking class at a local's home in Lucca

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is £127 per adult
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Wildlife & nature

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Carriage tour in the historic centre of Lucca

Carriage tour in the historic centre of Lucca

Activity duration is 35 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is £79 per traveller*
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See all 4,202 properties in Piazza Napoleone
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Piazza Napoleone

Piazza Napoleone in Lucca, Tuscany, offers a vibrant atmosphere with activities such as opera performances and leisurely walks. The square often hosts festivals, making it a lively hub for visitors. One notable event is the Lucca Festival, which showcases various musical talents and cultural experiences, enhancing the charm of this historic location. Enjoy the blend of art and relaxation in this picturesque setting.

Shopping

Piazza Napoleone offers a delightful shopping experience with local boutiques and charming shops. If you're up for a drive, visit the Passeggiata di Viareggio, 8.7km away, for a vibrant shopping area, or explore Norcineria Bonuccelli, also 8.7km from the piazza, for exquisite local products.

Recreation

Bagni di Pisa Spa offers rejuvenating body treatments just 3.7km from Piazza Napoleone, enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere. For adventure, Parco Avventura Sospeso nel Verde, located 5.0km away, combines wellness with outdoor fun amidst lush greenery, perfect for relaxation and exploration.

Adventure

Sunlight Park, located 11.8km from Piazza Napoleone, offers thrilling water slides and relaxing pools, perfect for family fun. For snow enthusiasts, the Cutigliano - Doganaccia Ski Lift, 13.7km away, provides an exhilarating skiing experience. Closer to home, enjoy scenic hikes along the Passeggiata della Mura, only 435m away.

Nightlife

Enjoy an enchanting evening at Teatro del Giglio, a mere 62m from Piazza Napoleone, where you can indulge in captivating performances. For further entertainment, head to Teatro Verdi or Cinema Teatro Lux, both offering a charming atmosphere filled with culture and romance.

Find the best attractions near Piazza Napoleone

Piazza Napoleone in Lucca offers a delightful mix of culture and history, making it a perfect destination for tourists. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the grand Piazza Grande, as well as charming churches and historic towers. Whether you seek a leisurely outdoor experience or a dive into the city's rich heritage, the area promises an engaging atmosphere for all types of travellers.

  • Leaning Tower: Located approximately 6.2km from Piazza Napoleone, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is an iconic symbol of Italy, renowned for its unintended tilt. This historic marvel offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval architecture and provides stunning views from the top, making it a must-visit for those interested in culture and history.
  • Piazza dell'Anfiteatro: Just 186m away, this elliptical piazza was built on the site of an ancient Roman amphitheatre. Its unique shape and vibrant atmosphere make it a lively hub filled with charming cafés and shops, perfect for soaking up the local culture.
  • Cathedral of St Martin: A mere 124m from Piazza Napoleone, this stunning cathedral boasts impressive Romanesque architecture and intricate artworks. It serves as a serene space for reflection and a deep dive into Lucca's rich cultural heritage.

Best time to go to Piazza Napoleone

The best time to visit Piazza Napoleone can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Piazza Napoleone falls in July and August. August has high visitor numbers and sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Piazza Napoleone falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
February43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
March48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.5°F (16.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.0°F (21.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July75.0°F (23.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighSlightly High
August75.0°F (23.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighSlightly High
September67.5°F (19.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
October59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Piazza Napoleone

To save money on your visit to Piazza Napoleone, consider travelling between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia, particularly on Saturdays for the best rates. Use Expedia's search tools to filter by price and eco-friendly options, ensuring you find the best deals. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to further savings. Exploring the area on foot is also an excellent way to enjoy the sights without spending much.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Piazza Napoleone are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Piazza Napoleone about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Piazza Napoleone is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Piazza Napoleone is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could save money by combining your hotel booking at Piazza Napoleone with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.