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

Should you visit Dijon or Lucca?

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

Should I visit Dijon or Lucca? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dijon

Dijon is a laid-back, culinary, and relaxing city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Dijon and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dijon or Lucca?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dijon than Lucca. Dijon is bigger than Lucca, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dijon is better known for its food and big city activities, while Lucca is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Dijon is well known for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. Also, Dijon is famous for The Ducal Palace. Lucca is well known for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.

How is Dijon different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Dijon and Lucca have excellent landmarks and museums for visitors.

Dijon offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

Many visitors head to Lucca specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Dijon or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dijon 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 Dijon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

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 Dijon or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Dijon and Lucca.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Lucca. 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 Dijon or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is terrific for its historic old town. However, Dijon does not have a historic old town.

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.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dijon or Lucca?

Both Dijon and Lucca are notable shopping destinations.

Dijon is a great destination for shopping. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Dijon or Lucca Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dijon or Lucca.

Dijon is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

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 Dijon or Lucca Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Dijon and Lucca make for a excellent place to visit.

Dijon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to 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 Dijon or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dijon and Lucca are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dijon. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Lucca is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

Is Dijon or Lucca Better for Students?

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

Dijon is popular with students. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Lucca is not popular with students.

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

Dijon is a city 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 Dijon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

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 Dijon or Lucca a more walkable city?

Lucca is notable for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Dijon?

How long in Dijon or Lucca?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dijon or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dijon than Lucca because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dijon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lucca.

Families should spend more time in Lucca than Dijon. 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.

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

One day in Dijon or Lucca?

In Dijon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid-back destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

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

A weekend in Dijon or Lucca?

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

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

Five days in Dijon or Lucca?

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

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

A week in Dijon or Lucca?

You'll find food and shopping around the culinary destination of Dijon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Dijon or Lucca?

Dijon has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Dijon 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.