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

Should you visit Lucca or Hvar?

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 Hvar 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 historic, charming, and quaint city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hvar

Hvar is a vibrant, energetic, and party-oriented island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Lucca and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucca or Hvar?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hvar. Although Lucca and Hvar are both popular with visitors, Hvar has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hvar is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Lucca is known for its museums and historical sights. Hvar is more touristy than Lucca and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also home to Hvar Fort. Lucca is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.

How is Lucca different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lucca is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

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 Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Lucca and Hvar can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Lucca is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hvar. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Lucca or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Hvar is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a island 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 Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Lucca is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lucca or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is well known for the beach. However, Lucca is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Hvar attract visitors from all over. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Lucca is not a beach destination.

Is Lucca or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is renowned for its old town. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Lucca or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a island with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Lucca is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Hvar. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Lucca is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucca or Hvar?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hvar 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 Hvar. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Lucca or Hvar Better for Families?

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

Hvar is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

Both Lucca and Hvar are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Lucca frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Hvar is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Lucca or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Hvar is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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

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

Hvar is a island 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 Hvar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

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 Hvar a more walkable city?

Lucca is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Lucca?

How long in Lucca or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Lucca or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar 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 Hvar.

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

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

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

One day in Lucca or Hvar?

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 Hvar, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this party-oriented destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This island 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic 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.

Hvar is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hvar. Lots of people come for the nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lucca or Hvar?

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 museums and nightlife around the party-oriented destination of Hvar. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Lucca and Hvar, we can see that Lucca 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 Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lucca or Hvar?

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