5 things to do in Viareggio

Carnival is the most iconic soul of Viareggio - a tradition that began in 1873 and, over time, has become a celebration that embraces the whole city.
Every winter, the promenade is transformed into the great stage of papier-mâché floats: monumental works moved by surprising mechanisms and brought to life by hundreds of masked figures.
The magic continues at the Carnival Citadel, the place where everything takes shape. Masters of papier-mâché work in the workshops, modeling plaster, paper and clay, to create figures over twenty meters tall. Seeing how these giants are born, up close, amidst sketches, colors and impressive structures is a unique experience.
The visit continues at the Carnival Museum, which chronicles more than a century of creativity in Viareggio through models, historical posters and immersive installations.
A lively and surprising world that allows people to experience Carnival even outside of the festive days.

The promenade is the city's elegant showcase: Art Nouveau buildings, historic cafés, boutiques and the unmistakable outline of the Apuan Alps in the background.
Among the most fascinating architectural landmarks are Villa Argentina and Caffè Margherita, which still preserve the allure of the early 20th century and the atmosphere that Giacomo Puccini loved.
From the promenade, it is easy to get to the pine forests. The Pineta di Ponente, just a short walk from the sea, is a lively urban park with kiosks, ice cream shops, bike rentals and play areas, perfect for a break to cool down or for keeping the kids entertained. The Pineta di Levante is larger and wilder: six kilometers of paths, surrounded by greenery, that lead all the way to Torre del Lago, including shaded stretches, kiosks and the splendid Villa Borbone.
From this intertwining of the sea and nature, we finally reach the Darsena area and the beach of Lecciona, one of the most unspoiled stretches along the coast.

Viareggio also has a cultural soul that emerges in the historical villas and museums dedicated to the sea and the arts. 
In the heart of the city, you will find Villa Paolina, an elegant 19th-century mansion commissioned by Pauline Bonaparte and now home to the Civic Museums: archaeological collections, monumental rooms, artists’ studios and a valuable collection of musical instruments coexist here.
Nearby, there is also the Maritime Museum, which tells the story of Viareggio's long tradition of life on board and shipyards, with an itinerary showing you tools of work, historical artifacts and a captivating section dedicated to the Artiglio, a symbol of the ingenuity and courage of the local divers.
A key part in the discovery of the city's identity and its inseparable relationship with the sea.

For those who like to move around freely, Viareggio offers one of the most pleasant routes in Versilia: a bike ride from the city center leads you to Torre del Lago, following the contours of the sea and the shade of pine forests. From the waterfront, you enter the dense greenery of Lecciona, where shaded paths and unpaved stretches surrounded by nature accompany you to Viale dei Tigli. Here, the road opens up until you reach the village of Torre del Lago and the shores of Lake Massaciuccoli, with Villa Puccini looking out onto it. 
A relaxing and enchanting way to discover the area, perfect for those seeking an outdoor activity embraced by the scent of resin, the sea breeze and views that change at every turn.

The Viareggio Market is the culinary heart of the city: here, you can enjoy the scent of the sea and of the local cuisine. 
Spaghetti alla Trabaccolara (spaghetti with fish and tomato sauce), fried fish and “cacciucco” fish stew are the stars of a simple and generous cuisine, perfect after a morning of seaside, walking and shopping.