A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Lucca vs. Imperia for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Lucca or Imperia?

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 Imperia 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Imperia

Imperia is a undiscovered, authentic, and charming town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lucca and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucca or Imperia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lucca. Although Lucca and Imperia are popular destinations, Lucca has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucca is more touristy than Imperia and is known for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. It is also well known for The Guinigi Tower. Imperia is famous for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Lucca different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lucca offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

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

Lucca is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Lucca or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Imperia has a few options to choose from. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Lucca or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Lucca can be explored in its historical center. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucca or Imperia?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Imperia 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 Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Lucca or Imperia Better for Families?

Both Lucca and Imperia are nice 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.

Imperia offers lots of family activities. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Lucca or Imperia Better for Couples?

Lucca is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Lucca is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Lucca or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lucca and Imperia are nice places to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Imperia. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

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

Imperia 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 Imperia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

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 Imperia a more walkable city?

Lucca is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Lucca?

How long in Lucca or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lucca or Imperia to fill your time. In our opinion, Lucca has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lucca than Imperia. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lucca than Imperia. 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 Lucca than Imperia 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 Lucca.

One day in Lucca or Imperia?

In Lucca, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Imperia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. This town 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 Imperia?

In Lucca, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lucca has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Imperia. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Imperia?

Lucca is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Imperia is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Imperia. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lucca or Imperia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucca. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lucca. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the undiscovered destination of Imperia. 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 comparing the travel costs between Lucca and Imperia, we can see that Imperia 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 Imperia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lucca or Imperia?

Lucca has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Lucca and Imperia, 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.