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

Should you visit Cordoba 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 Cordoba 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.

Cordoba

Cordoba is a colorful, flower-filled, and historical town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lucca

Lucca is a historic, charming, and quaint city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cordoba and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cordoba or Lucca?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cordoba than Lucca. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cordoba is more touristy than Lucca and is known for its mix of Roman, Islamic, and Spanish architecture, its whitewashed buildings and streets filled with flowers, and its handcrafted leatherwork. It is also well known for La Mezquita. Lucca is famous for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.

How is Cordoba different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cordoba 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 Cordoba on the map. The city is filled with monuments that reflect its past. The Great Mosque (La Mezquita) is one of the most iconic sights. You can also visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Palacio de Viana, and Puente Romano.

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 Cordoba or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cordoba and Lucca offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Dining out in Cordoba is an experience not to be missed. Like much of Spain, international travelers will have to adjust to the shifted meal schedule which means most meals are served are later than they are in other parts of Europe. The ingredients are fresh and popular dishes include Salmorejo (a tomato based soup), Rabo De Toro (stewed oxtail), and Flamenquín (deep-fried pork roll).

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 Cordoba or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

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

Cordoba is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are cocktail bars, Flamenco shows, tapas tours, and local pubs that make for a great night out. The city offers something for everyone, whatever your style.

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 Cordoba or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Both Cordoba and Lucca have world-class historic old towns worth visiting.

The rich history of Cordoba can be explored in its historical center. It's old town is one of the most enchanting in Andalusia. There are whitewashed houses that line flower-filled streets and its compact enough to take a leisurely stroll.

Lucca has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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 Cordoba or Lucca?

Both Cordoba and Lucca are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Cordoba to go shopping. You'll find souvenir shops selling local pottery, traditional jewelry, and handcrafted leatherwork, so this is a nice place to pick up something to remember your trip.

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 Cordoba or Lucca Better for Families?

Both Cordoba and Lucca are nice to visit with kids.

Cordoba is a family-friendly place to visit. Horse-drawn carriage rides and then a visit to the Royal Stables of Cordoba is a great option for horse-lovers. The city also has a zoo and an impressive park - Ciudad de Los Niños. If you're willing to head out of town, about 10 kilometers away you'll find Aquasierra Waterpark.

Lucca is a family-friendly town. 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 Cordoba or Lucca Better for Couples?

Both Cordoba and Lucca are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cordoba is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautifully lit up at night, this is a truly romantic city. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, nice parks, and an impressive botanical garden. There are also many great restaurants that couples can explore.

Lucca makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Cordoba or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cordoba is well known for backpackers. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cordoba is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. It's well-established on the backpacker circuit, so you'll find plenty of hostels around town and many opportunities to meet up with other travelers.

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

Is Cordoba or Lucca Better for Students?

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

Cordoba is a very popular town for students. It's a top study abroad destination for international students. The university is excellent and the city is easy to navigate. It's a cultural city with a great student-friendly atmosphere.

Lucca is not popular with students.

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

Cordoba is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Lucca is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cordoba, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 15 bus lines that are operated by Aucorsa.

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 Cordoba or Lucca a more walkable city?

Cordoba and Lucca both are great when exploring on foot.

Cordoba is a very walkable destination. It's small and compact enough to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Cordoba?

How long in Cordoba or Lucca?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cordoba or Lucca?

In Cordoba, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Lucca, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Cordoba or Lucca?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cordoba. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

In Lucca, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lucca has to offer.

Five days in Cordoba or Lucca?

Cordoba is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cordoba. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lucca is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cordoba or Lucca?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Cordoba. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucca. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lucca. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Cordoba or Lucca?

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