A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Lucca vs. Bari for Food, Old Town, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Lucca or Bari?

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 Bari 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 popular, historic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Lucca and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucca or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari than Lucca. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bari is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Lucca attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Lucca is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also well known for San Nicola.

How is Lucca different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bari 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 Bari?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Lucca or Bari.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bari. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Bari 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 Bari have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bari Better for Nightlife?

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

Bari is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

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 Bari Better for Beaches?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Bari. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Lucca is not a beach destination.

Is Lucca or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucca or Bari?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bari 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 Bari. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Lucca or Bari Better for Families?

Bari is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bari is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Lucca or Bari Better for Couples?

Lucca is a great city for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Lucca or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bari is a very popular port city for backpackers and budget travelers. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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

Is Lucca or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is well known for students. However, Lucca is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Bari. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Lucca is not popular with students.

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

Bari is a port 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 Bari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

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 Bari a more walkable city?

Lucca and Bari both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Lucca?

How long in Lucca or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lucca and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bari than in Lucca. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Lucca, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

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

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

One day in Lucca or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lucca. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bari, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port 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 Lucca or Bari?

Lucca is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the popular destination of Lucca. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bari is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bari. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Lucca or Bari?

The charming city of Lucca offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Bari. 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 plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 comparing the travel costs between Lucca and Bari, we can see that Bari is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lucca Expensive? and Is Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lucca or Bari?

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