A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Lucca vs. Amalfi for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Lucca or Amalfi?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Lucca and Amalfi 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.

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.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a charming, picturesque, and stunning town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Lucca and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucca or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Lucca and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Lucca is known for its museums and historical sights. Amalfi is more touristy than Lucca and is known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline. Lucca is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.

How is Lucca different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lucca is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is the Food Better in Lucca or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Amalfi 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 Amalfi have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

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 Lucca or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

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

Amalfi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

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 Lucca or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is a town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lucca is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Lucca is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lucca or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Amalfi is a town with good options for the beach. However, Lucca is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Amalfi. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Lucca is not a beach destination.

Is Lucca or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Amalfi 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Is Lucca or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Lucca is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Lucca is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucca or Amalfi?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Amalfi and Lucca.

Many visitors go to Lucca to go 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Amalfi. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Lucca or Amalfi Better for Families?

Both Lucca and Amalfi are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lucca. 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.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Lucca or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Amalfi is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

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.

Is Lucca or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lucca is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lucca is a good city to visit for backpackers. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

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

Amalfi 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 Amalfi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

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 Lucca or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Amalfi on foot is easy. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy 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 Lucca Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Lucca?

How long in Lucca or Amalfi?

Both Lucca and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Lucca. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Lucca, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

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

One day in Lucca or Amalfi?

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.

In Amalfi, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this dramatic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This town 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.

A weekend in Lucca or Amalfi?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Lucca or Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi is a fun place to experience. In Amalfi, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

A week in Lucca or Amalfi?

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.

In Amalfi, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this stunning destination offers. 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. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Lucca or Amalfi?

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