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

Should you visit Lyon or Lucca?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Lucca, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lyon

Lyon is a historic, beautiful, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Lyon and Lucca: Pros and Cons

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
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Lyon or Lucca?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lyon than Lucca, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lyon is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. It is also home to The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Lucca is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.

How is Lyon different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lucca and Lyon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lyon or Lucca?

Lyon
Lucca

Lyon 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 Lyon on the map. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

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 Lyon or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lyon
Lucca

Lyon 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 Lyon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.

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 Lyon or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Lyon
Lucca

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

Lyon is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has enough diverse neighborhoods that you'll find a scene that is great for everyone. There are dance clubs, cocktail bars, and wine bars that meet every personality and style.

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 Lyon or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Lyon
Lucca

Lyon and Lucca both have first-rate historical old towns that attract visitors.

Lyon offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.

Lucca has a world-famous historical 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Lucca?

Lyon
Lucca

Lyon 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 Lyon. The city has many trendy markets, pedestrian shopping areas, and character-filled boutiques. From the charming shops in old town to the chic shopping streets, there are plenty of places to splurge around town.

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 Lyon or Lucca Better for Families?

Lyon
Lucca

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

Lyon is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many kid-friendly museums including Musée des Confluences and the Cinema and Miniature Museum. There are also playgrounds, patisseries, and river cruises that you can enjoy as a family. Puppet shows are also fun, but do note that they're usually in French. While the restaurants are amazing for adults, it can be tricky to find a kid-friendly option with early opening hours that are convenient for little ones.

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 Lyon or Lucca Better for Couples?

Lyon
Lucca

Lyon and Lucca are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Lyon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

Lucca makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Lyon or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon
Lucca

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

Lyon is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

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

Is Lyon or Lucca Better for Students?

Lyon
Lucca

Lyon is an unbeatable place for students. However, Lucca is not popular with students.

Lyon is a very popular city for students. It is a very livable city with many fun cultural activities for students. There are many different entertainment options during the day, and during the evening there are plenty of places to hang out.

Lucca is not popular with students.

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

Lyon
Lucca

Lyon is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Lucca is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Lyon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

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 Lyon or Lucca a more walkable city?

Lyon
Lucca

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

Lyon is a very walkable city. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Lucca?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lyon or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lyon than Lucca because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lucca.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Lyon or Lucca? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lyon 2-5 
    Lucca 1-2

One day in Lyon or Lucca?

Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

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.

A weekend in Lyon or Lucca?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lyon. 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.

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.


Five days in Lyon or Lucca?

Lyon is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Lyon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming 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.

A week in Lyon or Lucca?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural big city of Lyon. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lucca or Lyon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lyon is €125, while the average daily cost in Lucca is €106. 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 Lyon and Lucca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lyon 53
    Lucca 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lyon 106
    Lucca 122
Compare Hotels in Lyon and Lucca

Looking for a hotel in Lyon or Lucca? 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.

Hotels in Lyon


Hotels in Lucca


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: Lyon Hotel Prices and Lucca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lyon 17
    Lucca 4.29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lyon

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lyon:


  • Funiculaire
    5.20
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus
    19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City by Business Car: $78
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City by Luxury Van: $92
  • Arrival Transfer: Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City in Business Car: $86
  • Departure Private Transfer Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS by Business Car: $79
  • Departure Private Transfer Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS by Luxury Van: $93
  • Departure Transfer: Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS in Business Car: $86
  • Departure Transfer: Lyon City to Lyon Airport LYS in Luxury Van: $94
  • Excellecar Private Driver - Stations & Airports Transfers: $82
  • Group transfer from Lyon airport to City Center: $118
  • Lyon Airport (LYS) to Val d'Isere/Espace Killy: Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Lyon City Card with Airport Transfer: $52
  • Lyon Exupery Airport to Les Deux La Clusaz Round Trip Transfer: $142

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucca

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lucca:

  • Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Lucca: $86
  • Private Transfer from Lido di Camaiore to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Lyon or Lucca?

Prices for flights to both Lucca and Lyon 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lyon 41
    Lucca 41
Typical Food Prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:


  • Pastry
    1.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lyon.

  • Street Food Tour: $64
  • Croix-Rousse District Vegan Food Tour with Tastings: $64
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $66
  • Afternoon Old Town Food tour: $76
  • Lyon 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise: $80
  • Cultural Walking Food Tour in the Vieux Lyon District: $86
  • Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $93
  • Old Town Food Tour: $96
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings and Wine: $102
  • Guided Evening Food Tour: $102
  • Lyon Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Food Tour in Lyon - Do Eat Better Experience: $104

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 Capannori with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Gaiole in Chianti with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in San Miniato with Show Cooking: $93
  • Lucca Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
  • Traditional-Traditional Cooking Class cuisine course: $123
  • Pasta Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $149
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Gaiole in Chianti: $158
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pistoia: $158
  • Lucca Home Cooking Class: $191
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $202
  • 5 Hours Private Activity - Truffle Hunting with Dinner in San Miniato: $207

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lyon 20
    Lucca 5.68
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    45

Tours and Activities in Lyon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lyon are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Hop-On Hop-Off City Cruise: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Lyon Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Lyon Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Private Self-Guided Tour of the Curse Quest of Old Lyon: $8.72
  • Access to a Self-Guided Tour of the archaeological site of Lyon: $8.72
  • Access to a Self-Guided Tour to Traboules de Croix-Rousse: $8.72
  • Lyon Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • French Resistance Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $9.61
  • Old Lyon Walking In App Audio Tour: $9.77

Tours and Activities in Lucca

Here are a few actual costs in Lucca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Walking tour of Lucca and its walls: $11
  • join a walking tour small group!: $15
  • 2-Hour City Center Walking Tour: $16
  • Renaissance City Walls Walking Tour: $16
  • Guided City by Night Walking Tour: $16
  • Discover Lucca’s Secrets on a Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Self-Guided Tour by Bike: $16
  • Your Lucca Walking Tour: $20
  • Self-Guided Tour by Bike with MAP: $20
  • walking tour on the stories & legends of the city!: $24
  • Musical Walking Tour with Puccini Museum Visit: $27
  • From Lucca to Pisa: Self-Guided Bike Tour: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lyon 24
    Lucca 13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lyon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:


  • Drinks for 2
    6.80
  • Bottle of Wine
    15

Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon

Also in Lyon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Lyon : Music & Wine tasting tour: $96
  • Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour including a Bouchon Lyonnais : $98
  • Guided tour of Beaujolais by electric bike and wine tasting: $98
  • Lyon Music & Wine tasting: $104
  • Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Trip from Lyon: $106
  • Beaujolais: Half-Day Wine Tour: $106
  • From Wine tasting and visits of the Beaujolais: $106
  • Half-Day Côte-Rotie Wine Tasting Tour: $106
  • From Beaujolais Region Wine Tour with Tastings: $106
  • Beaujolais Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $108
  • Beaujolais 100% wine tour Small-Group Tour with Tasting from Lyon: $108
  • Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley: $108

Sample the Local Flavors in Lucca

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucca:

  • Wine tasting in the historical Cantalici winery: $12
  • Wine Tasting Experience - Tenuta Adamo Winery: $16
  • Guided Winery Tour with Wine Tasting: $21
  • Aperitivo Evening Food and Wine Tour: $80
  • Private wine tasting in Versilia - 5 wines and a taste of local products: $82
  • Chianti Half-Day Wine Tour in the Tuscan Hills Small Group from Lucca: $97
  • Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour: $117
  • Guided E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Lucca: $119
  • Bike Ride & WIne Tasting: $131
  • Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Pisa: $149
  • Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Lucca: $149
  • Tuscan Wine Tour in Lucca by shuttle: $152


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lyon and Lucca, we can see that Lyon 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 Lyon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lyon 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 Lyon Expensive? and Is Lucca Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lyon or Lucca?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Lyon and Lucca, 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.