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

Should you visit Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a colorful, friendly, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Lucca

Lucca is a quaint, popular, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bilbao and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Lucca?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bilbao than Lucca, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bilbao is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Lucca is known for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Lucca is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Bilbao different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Bilbao and Lucca.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bilbao. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

Lucca offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Bilbao or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lucca is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Bilbao or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Bilbao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

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 Bilbao or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Lucca offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

Bilbao has an old town worth visiting. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Lucca?

Bilbao is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

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 Bilbao or Lucca Better for Families?

Both Bilbao and Lucca are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bilbao. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

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 Bilbao or Lucca Better for Couples?

Lucca is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Lucca frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Bilbao is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Bilbao or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao and Lucca are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

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

Is Bilbao or Lucca Better for Students?

Bilbao is a city with good options for students. However, Lucca is not popular with students.

Bilbao is popular with students. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Lucca is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao 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 Bilbao. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

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 Bilbao or Lucca a more walkable city?

Lucca is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable city. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Lucca?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bilbao or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bilbao than Lucca because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lucca.

Families should spend more time in Lucca than Bilbao. 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 Bilbao. 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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao.

One day in Bilbao or Lucca?

In Bilbao, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this friendly destination offers. 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 Bilbao or Lucca?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. 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 Bilbao or Lucca?

Bilbao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Bilbao or Lucca?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the industrial destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Lucca?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao 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.