Which place is cheaper, Lucca or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Lucca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Lucca. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Athens
Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Lucca
Lucca is a popular, historic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Athens and Lucca: Pros and Cons
Athens
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Home to the Acropolis
Lucca
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular with backpackers
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Athens or Lucca?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens than Lucca. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Athens is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Lucca attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Lucca is famous for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.
The Acropolis
How is Athens different from Lucca?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lucca and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Lucca?
Athens
Lucca
Athens is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Athens on the map. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucca. There are many interesting historic sights and buildings around this charming town. You can climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower or visit the Roman Amphitheater. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking around the city walls as well. Also make sure you visit the cathedral.
Is the Food Better in Athens or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Athens
Lucca
Athens is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
Many restaurants in Athens have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.
The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lucca. There are many great Tuscan restaurants inside the city walls. Perhaps the most popular local dish is tordelli Lucchesi. Its a meat filled pasta that has a beef ragu sauce. There are also other Tuscan recipes that include steak, boar, or rabbit.
Is Athens or Lucca Better for Nightlife?
Athens
Lucca
Athens is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.
The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.
If you're looking for night time activities Lucca has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is most lively during the spring and summer months when tourists crowd into the city. For the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and lounges, head to Piazza Amfiteatro, Piazza San Michele and Via Fillungo.
Is Athens or Lucca Better for its Old Town?
Athens
Lucca
Visitors enjoy the fantastic old town areas in both Athens and Lucca.
With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.
The rich history of Lucca can be explored in its historical center. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.
Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Lucca?
Athens
Lucca
If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Lucca both offer plenty of nice spots.
Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.
Lucca is a great destination for shopping. The city is filled with a mix of tourist shops and more authentic local vendors. If you look hard, you can still find some interesting local items that make for a more unique and personal shopping experience.
Is Athens or Lucca Better for Families?
Athens
Lucca
Athens is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Athens is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.
Lucca offers lots of family activities. You can pass through town in a day or two, or stay longer and use it as a base for exploring Tuscany. There are playgrounds for the kids as well as some fun activities like cycling the city walls and climbing towers.
Is Athens or Lucca Better for Couples?
Athens
Lucca
Lucca is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
Lucca is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's a beautiful city with good restaurants and access to nice countryside. Couples who want to explore Tuscany can use this town as a base to take in much of the region.
Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.
Is Athens or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Athens
Lucca
Athens is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Athens is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.
Plenty of backpackers visit Lucca. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.
Is Athens or Lucca Better for Students?
Athens
Lucca
Athens is well known for students. However, Lucca is not popular with students.
Students come from all over to stay in Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.
Lucca is not popular with students.
Is Athens or Lucca Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Athens
Lucca
Athens is well known for its public transit. However, Lucca is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.
Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.
Public transit is quite limited in Lucca. There's no public transit within the city so if you can't walk somewhere, you'll want to take a taxi. In general, walking is the best option though.
Is Athens or Lucca a more walkable city?
Athens
Lucca
Athens and Lucca are very good when it comes to walkability.
Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.
Lucca is very walkable. Much of the city can be explored on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Lucca Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Lucca or Athens?
How long in Athens or Lucca?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Lucca because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lucca.
Families should spend more time in Athens than Lucca. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Athens, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Lucca if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Athens.
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How many days in Athens or Lucca? Ideal Length of StayAthens 3-7Lucca 1-2
One day in Athens or Lucca?
Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lucca. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.
A weekend in Athens or Lucca?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Lucca is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Athens or Lucca?
Athens is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucca. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Athens or Lucca?
Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the popular destination of Lucca. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Lucca €106
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Lucca is €106. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Lucca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Lucca €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Lucca €122
Compare Hotels in Athens and Lucca
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Lucca? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Athens Hotel Prices and Lucca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Lucca €4.29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Athens to Piraeus (Athens) Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Private Athens International Airport to Piraeus Port Transfer: $80
- "Luxurious Transfer": $47
- AIRPORT TRANSFER in Athens : $28
- Airport Private Transfers: $79
- Airport Transfer: $109
- Airport Transfer/ Athens Greece: $28
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $80
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Car: $126
- Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Luxury Van: $113
- Airport transfer: $131
- Arrival Private Transfer from Athens Airport ATH to Athens City by Minibus: $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lucca:
- Private Transfer from Lido di Camaiore to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $125
- Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Lucca: $86
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Lucca?
Prices for flights to both Lucca and Athens change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAthens €37Lucca €41
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $51
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
- Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
- Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lucca.
- Flavors of Lucca Food Tour with Local Guide: $75
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Capannori with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Gaiole in Chianti with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in San Miniato with Show Cooking: $93
- Lucca Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
- Traditional-Traditional Cooking Class cuisine course: $123
- Pasta Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $149
- Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Gaiole in Chianti: $158
- Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pistoia: $158
- Lucca Home Cooking Class: $191
- Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $202
- 5 Hours Private Activity - Truffle Hunting with Dinner in San Miniato: $207
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Lucca €5.68
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Meouzo Online City Tour: $3.20
- Self-guided First Discovery Walk and Reading Tour: $3.21
- Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour into Byzantine Gems: $4.60
- A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
- 360 Virtual tour of Ancient Athens: $6.00
- Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $6.42
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Athens: $6.53
- Ancient Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
- Ancient Agora of Athens Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- The Best of Piraeus: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
- Greece: Tourist eSIM Data Plan: $7.18
- Ancient Agora: Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.48
Tours and Activities in Lucca
Here are a few actual costs in Lucca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Wine and olive oil tasting & farm tour: $39
- 2 Hour Walking Tour at Lucca : $142
- 2-Hours Relax Walking Tour Through Lucca: $158
- BOOK YOUR PRIVATE WINE OR BEER AMAZING EXPERIENCE IN LUCCA: $123
- Bike Self-Tour in the Lucca Countryside and Green Landscapes: $70
- Carrara Marble Tour by shuttle from Lucca, Pisa or La Spezia port: $163
- Carriage tour in the historic center of Lucca: $84
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Typical Dining at a Local's Home in Lucca: $206
- Chianti Wine and Vinci half day Small Group Tour from Lucca: $119
- Cinque Terre Tour Small Group Tour from Lucca: $179
- Complete tour of the city and walls: $210
- Discover Lucca’s Secrets on a Guided Walking Tour: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Lucca €13
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- Premium Wine Tastings: $35
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- Athens Wine Tasting: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
- Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
- Greek food and wine tasting: $53
- Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60
Sample the Local Flavors in Lucca
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucca:
- Wine tasting in the historical Cantalici winery: $12
- Wine Tasting Experience - Tenuta Adamo Winery: $16
- Guided Winery Tour with Wine Tasting: $21
- Aperitivo Evening Food and Wine Tour: $80
- Private wine tasting in Versilia - 5 wines and a taste of local products: $82
- Chianti Half-Day Wine Tour in the Tuscan Hills Small Group from Lucca: $97
- Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour: $117
- Guided E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Lucca: $119
- Bike Ride & WIne Tasting: $131
- Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Pisa: $149
- Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Lucca: $149
- Tuscan Wine Tour in Lucca by shuttle: $152
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Lucca, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Lucca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lucca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lucca and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Lucca.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Lucca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Lucca?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Lucca, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.