A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Barcelona vs. Lucca for Nightlife, Old Town, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Barcelona or Lucca?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and Lucca can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a historic, cultural, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Lucca

Lucca is a historic, charming, and quaint city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Barcelona and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Barcelona or Lucca?

You'll generally find more things to do in Barcelona than Lucca. Barcelona is bigger than Lucca, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Barcelona is better known for its nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Lucca is more popular for its historical sights. Barcelona is more touristy than Lucca and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Lucca is well known for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.

How is Barcelona different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lucca and Barcelona. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Barcelona or Lucca?

Both Barcelona and Lucca have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Barcelona. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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 Barcelona or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Barcelona and Lucca.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Barcelona makes for a great culinary experience. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

Lucca has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Barcelona or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Barcelona is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

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 Barcelona or Lucca Better for Music?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Lucca is not a live music destination.

In Barcelona you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Lucca is not a live music destination.

Is Barcelona or Lucca Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a city with good options for the beach. However, Lucca is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Barcelona. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Lucca is not a beach destination.

Is Barcelona or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The old town of Lucca is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Is the Shopping Better in Barcelona or Lucca?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Barcelona is a world class destination for shoppers. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Lucca. 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 Barcelona or Lucca Better for Families?

Both Barcelona and Lucca are notable to visit with kids.

Barcelona is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Lucca is a family-friendly city. 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 Barcelona or Lucca Better for Couples?

Lucca is a well-known place for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Lucca is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Barcelona or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Barcelona is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lucca. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

Is Barcelona or Lucca Better for Students?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for students. However, Lucca is not popular with students.

Barcelona is a very popular city for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Lucca is not popular with students.

Is Barcelona or Lucca Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

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 Barcelona or Lucca a more walkable city?

Lucca is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Lucca is very walkable. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

For even more information, also check out Is Barcelona Worth Visiting? and Is Lucca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Barcelona?

How long in Barcelona or Lucca?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Barcelona or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Barcelona 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 Barcelona, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lucca.

Families should spend more time in Lucca than Barcelona. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lucca, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lucca than Barcelona. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lucca that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona 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 Barcelona.

One day in Barcelona or Lucca?

Each neighborhood in Barcelona 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Lucca. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lucca has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Barcelona or Lucca?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the popular destination of Lucca. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Barcelona or Lucca?

Barcelona is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Barcelona 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the popular city of Lucca. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Barcelona or Lucca?

Each neighborhood in Barcelona 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.

Lucca is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Barcelona and Lucca, we can see that Barcelona 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona 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 Barcelona Expensive? and Is Lucca Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Lucca?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona 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.