Which place is cheaper, Florence or Lucca?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lucca or Florence?
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 Florence 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.
Florence
Florence is a artistic, iconic, and alluring city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Lucca and Florence: Pros and Cons
Lucca
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular with backpackers
- Public transit not as usable
Florence
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Is there more to do in Lucca or Florence?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence than Lucca, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Florence is more touristy than Lucca and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Lucca is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.
How is Lucca different from Florence?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Florence 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 Florence?
Lucca
Florence
Florence 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 Florence on the map. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.
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 Lucca or Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Lucca
Florence
Florence 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 Florence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.
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 Florence Better for Nightlife?
Lucca
Florence
Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lucca and Florence.
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 Florence has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.
Is Lucca or Florence Better for its Old Town?
Lucca
Florence
Both Lucca and Florence have first-rate historic old towns worth visiting.
With a famous historical old-town, Lucca offers plenty to see. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.
The rich history of Florence can be explored in its historical center. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.
Is the Shopping Better in Lucca or Florence?
Lucca
Florence
Florence is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.
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 Florence Better for Families?
Lucca
Florence
Both Lucca and Florence 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.
Florence offers lots of family activities. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.
Is Lucca or Florence Better for Couples?
Lucca
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Florence is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.
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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Lucca
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Florence is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.
Plenty of backpackers visit Lucca. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.
Is Lucca or Florence Better for Students?
Lucca
Florence
Florence is an unbeatable place for students. However, Lucca is not popular with students.
Florence is a very popular city for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.
Lucca is not popular with students.
Is Lucca or Florence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Lucca
Florence
Florence 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 Florence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system.
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 Florence a more walkable city?
Lucca
Florence
Florence 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 Florence on foot is easy. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Florence or Lucca?
How long in Lucca or Florence?
Both Lucca and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Lucca. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Lucca, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.
Families should spend more time in Florence than Lucca. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Florence, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Florence than Lucca. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Florence that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence 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 Florence.
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How many days in Lucca or Florence? Ideal Length of StayLucca 1-2Florence 2-7
One day in Lucca or Florence?
The beautiful city of Lucca offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
In Florence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this iconic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.
A weekend in Lucca or Florence?
Lucca is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lucca, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. 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 Florence?
Lucca is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Florence is a fun place to experience. In Florence, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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 Florence?
Lucca is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
In Florence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this iconic 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. 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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLucca €106Florence €154
The average daily cost (per person) in Lucca is €106, while the average daily cost in Florence is €154. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lucca and Florence in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLucca €61Florence €87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLucca €122Florence €174
Compare Hotels in Lucca and Florence
Looking for a hotel in Lucca or Florence? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Lucca Hotel Prices and Florence Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lucca €4.29Florence €22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lucca:
- Private Transfer from Lucca to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $196
- Private Transfer from Lido di Camaiore to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $125
- Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Lucca: $86
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
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Taxi Ride Within City€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€25
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In City Parking (Full Day)€30
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Bus Pass (Full Day)€5.00
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Bus From Airport€5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One-way Airport Transfer (Florence Airport To/From Florence Hotels): $65
- Arrival Private Transfer Florence Station SMN to Florence City by Sedan or Van: $60
- Bologna Airport Private Transfer from your Hotel in Florence: $218
- Chianti Wine Tastings and Visit to 3 Cellars with Lunch&Transfer: $234
- Departure Private Transfer Florence City to Florence Station SMN by Sedan or Van: $60
- Florence Airport (FLR) to Florence hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Florence Airport (FLR) to Florence hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81
- Florence Airport (FLR) to Montecatini Terme - RoundTrip Transfer: $183
- Florence Airport (FLR) to Siena or Sovicille - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $209
- Florence Airport Private Departure Transfer: $48
- Florence Airport Transfers : Florence City to Airport FLR in Business Car: $176
- Florence Airport to Chianciano Arrival Private Transfer: $146
Is it cheaper to fly into Lucca or Florence?
Prices for flights to both Florence and Lucca change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayLucca €41Florence €36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lucca.
- Flavors of Lucca Food Tour with Local Guide: $75
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Gaiole in Chianti with Show Cooking: $92
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in San Miniato with Show Cooking: $92
- Lucca Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
- Traditional-Traditional Cooking Class cuisine course: $123
- Pasta Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $148
- Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Gaiole in Chianti: $157
- Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pistoia: $157
- Lucca Home Cooking Class: $191
- Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $201
- 5 Hours Private Activity - Truffle Hunting with Dinner in San Miniato: $206
- Lucca Market Tour and Home Cooking Class: $212
Typical Food Prices in Florence
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
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Panini Sandwich€6.50
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $23
- Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $25
- Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
- Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
- Virtual Italian Meatballs Cooking Class, Live from Tuscany: $37
- Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $40
- Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
- Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $41
- Florence Street Food Tour and sightseeing with Central Market: $46
- Food Tour in Santo Spirito: $47
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $61
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lucca €5.68Florence €30
Tours and Activities in Lucca
Here are a few actual costs in Lucca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hour Walking Tour at Lucca : $141
- 2-Hours Relax Walking Tour Through Lucca: $157
- BOOK YOUR PRIVATE WINE OR BEER AMAZING EXPERIENCE IN LUCCA: $123
- Bike Self-Tour in the Lucca Countryside and Green Landscapes: $69
- Carrara Marble Tour by shuttle from Lucca, Pisa or La Spezia port: $162
- Carriage tour in the historic center of Lucca: $84
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Typical Dining at a Local's Home in Lucca: $205
- Chianti Wine and Vinci half day Small Group Tour from Lucca: $118
- Cinque Terre Tour Small Group Tour from Lucca: $178
- Complete tour of the city and walls: $209
- Discover Lucca’s Secrets on a Guided Walking Tour: $16
- E-Bike Adventure with Pinocchio in Collodi: $152
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Admission to Uffizi€11
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Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi€4.00
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Firenze Card (for Two)€100
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Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)€20
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Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee€6.00
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Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee€7.00
Tours and Activities in Florence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
- The Best tour in Renaissance and Medici Tales: $0.02
- The Best tour in Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER: $0.02
- Renaissance and Medici Tales Guided Walking Tour: $2.66
- Dark Mysteries and Legends Guided Walking Tour: $2.66
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
- Florence Walking Tour: $3.25
- Private Tour to the Laboratory of Artistic Ceramics in Tuscany: $3.26
- Sunset Walking Tour: $3.26
- Smartphone self guided Tour: $4.25
- Florence Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.50
- The Towers of Florence Self-Guided Tour: $4.58
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Florence: $5.43
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLucca €13Florence €18
Sample the Local Flavors in Lucca
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucca:
- Wine Tasting Experience - Tenuta Adamo Winery: $16
- Guided Winery Tour with Wine Tasting: $21
- Honest Wines- Wine tasting at Cantina Biagiotti: $33
- Tuscany Wine Tours in a family winery Podere Pellicciano: $76
- Aperitivo Evening Food and Wine Tour: $80
- Private wine tasting in Versilia - 5 wines and a taste of local products: $81
- Chianti Half-Day Wine Tour in the Tuscan Hills Small Group from Lucca: $97
- Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour: $116
- Guided E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Lucca: $118
- Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Pisa: $133
- Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Lucca: $133
- Tuscan Wine Tour in Lucca by shuttle: $151
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
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Glass of Chianti€4.20
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Bottle of Wine€7.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Florence
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
- Winery tour and wine tasting of organic Chianti wines and extra virgin oil: $22
- Wine Tasting Activity at Chianti Rufina: $23
- 3 Types Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $29
- From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
- Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
- Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
- Italy Private Wine Tasting Experience : $33
- Three Types of Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $37
- Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
- Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
- Chianti Wine Tour: Tuscan Reds : $42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lucca and Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence 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 Florence Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lucca or Florence?
Florence has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Lucca and Florence, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.