A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Lucca vs. Como for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Lucca or Como?

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

Como

Como is a fun, vibrant, and scenic lake area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Lucca and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucca or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Como. Although Lucca and Como are popular destinations, Como has more sights and attractions for tourists. Como is very popular for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Lucca attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Como is more touristy than Lucca and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also well known for the lakeside setting. Lucca is famous for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.

How is Lucca different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucca is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Lucca can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

Como 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 Como have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

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 Como Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lucca and Como.

Lucca has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Como has a few options to choose from. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Lucca or Como Better for Beaches?

Como is a lake area with good options for the beach. However, Lucca is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Como. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Lucca is not a beach destination.

Is Lucca or Como Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Lucca is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Lucca or Como Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Como. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Lucca is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucca or Como?

Como is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Como is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

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 Lucca or Como Better for Families?

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

Como is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

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 Como Better for Couples?

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

Como is a great lake area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

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 Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Como is a very popular lake area for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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

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

Como is a lake area 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 Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

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 Como a more walkable city?

Lucca and Como both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Lucca?

How long in Lucca or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Lucca or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Lucca, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

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

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

One day in Lucca or Como?

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 Como, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this fun destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This lake area 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 Como?

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 Como. 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 Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint 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.

Como is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Como. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lucca or Como?

The historic 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 nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 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 Como, we can see that Como 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como 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 Como Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lucca or Como?

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