Which place is cheaper, Lucca or Naples?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Naples or Lucca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Naples 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.
Naples
Naples is a historic, authentic, and gritty city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Lucca
Lucca is a quaint, popular, and historic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Naples and Lucca: Pros and Cons
Naples
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
Lucca
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Naples or Lucca?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Naples than Lucca. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Naples is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Lucca attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Lucca is more touristy than Naples and is known for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also well known for Piazza del Plebiscito.
How is Naples different from Lucca?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lucca and Naples. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Naples or Lucca?
Naples
Lucca
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Naples or Lucca.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Naples can be an interesting and educational experience. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.
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.
Is the Food Better in Naples or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Naples
Lucca
Naples 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 Naples have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.
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 Naples or Lucca Better for Nightlife?
Naples
Lucca
Naples is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.
Naples is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.
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 Naples or Lucca Better for its Old Town?
Naples
Lucca
Lucca is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.
The historic old town of Lucca is revered around 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.
Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.
Is the Shopping Better in Naples or Lucca?
Naples
Lucca
Naples 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 Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.
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 Naples or Lucca Better for Families?
Naples
Lucca
Naples and Lucca are both nice destinations for the whole family.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Naples. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.
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 Naples or Lucca Better for Couples?
Naples
Lucca
Naples and Lucca are both high quality to visit as a couple.
Couples visit Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.
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 Naples or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Naples
Lucca
Naples is well known for backpackers. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Naples is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.
Plenty of backpackers visit Lucca. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.
Is Naples or Lucca Better for Students?
Naples
Lucca
Naples is a city with good options for students. However, Lucca is not popular with students.
Naples is popular with students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.
Lucca is not popular with students.
Is Naples or Lucca Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Naples
Lucca
Naples is well known for its public transit. However, Lucca is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.
Many visitors use the public transit system in Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding 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 Naples or Lucca a more walkable city?
Naples
Lucca
Naples and Lucca both are high quality when exploring on foot.
Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.
Lucca is very walkable. Much of the city can be explored on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Naples Worth Visiting? and Is Lucca Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Lucca or Naples?
How long in Naples or Lucca?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Naples or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Naples than Lucca because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lucca.
Couples should spend more time in Naples than Lucca. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Naples that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Naples 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 Naples.
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How many days in Naples or Lucca? Ideal Length of StayNaples 1-3Lucca 1-2
One day in Naples or Lucca?
Each neighborhood in Naples has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lucca. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.
A weekend in Naples or Lucca?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Naples or Lucca?
Naples is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Naples. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucca. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Naples or Lucca?
You'll find food and shopping around the colorful big city of Naples. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the popular destination of Lucca. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNaples €129Lucca €106
The average daily cost (per person) in Naples is €129, 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 Naples and Lucca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNaples €66Lucca €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNaples €132Lucca €122
Compare Hotels in Naples and Lucca
Looking for a hotel in Naples 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.
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: Naples Hotel Prices and Lucca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Naples €21Lucca €4.29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Naples
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Naples:
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Subway Ticket€1.20
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Alibus From Airport€3.00
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Short Taxi Ride€7.34
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Train to Pompeii€3.20
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Taxi€15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Naples
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Naples:
- Airport transfers to Naples by car: $80
- Amalfi Coast Private Transfer Service from/to Naples: $224
- Amalfi Coast: Transfer to/from Airport/Station/Porto: $267
- Aurora Car service transfer private from Positano to Naples or viceversa: $98
- Capri Island: All Inclusive private transfer from Naples : $262
- Car Private Transfer from Naples airport, train station to Sorrento (1-3 Pax): $207
- Deluxe private transfer NAPLES Train Station to SORRENTO or vv: $103
- Deluxe private transfer from NAPLES TO POSITANO or vv : $169
- From Naples Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Amalfi Coast: $138
- From Naples Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Naples: $74
- From Naples Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Positano: $159
- From Naples Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Salerno: $159
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lucca:
- Private Transfer from Lido di Camaiore to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $125
- Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Lucca: $86
Is it cheaper to fly into Naples or Lucca?
Prices for flights to both Lucca and Naples 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 dayNaples €40Lucca €41
Typical Food Prices in Naples
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Naples:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€28
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)€49
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Napoli Pizza€7.24
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Dinner€25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Naples
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Naples.
- Napoli: Traditional Tiramisu Cooking Class with Limoncello: $36
- Small Group Naples Pizza Making Class with Drink Included: $46
- Street Food Tour of Naples with Top-Rated Local Guide & Fun Facts: $46
- Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert: $46
- Authentic Italian Pizza-Making Workshop with Drinks: $46
- Authentic Pizza Class with Drinks Included in the Center of Naples: $47
- Authentic Italian Pizza Making Class with local pizzaiolo: $53
- Food Tour with Davide: $53
- Virtual Cooking Class: become a Pizza PRO!: $55
- Food Tour of Naples with Davide: $55
- Napoli Street Food Tour in Pignasecca: $58
- Make Neapolitan Pizza With A View Of Naples Like No Other: $59
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Naples €30Lucca €5.68
Typical Entertainment Prices in Naples
Here are a few typical costs in Naples for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Museo Archeologico Nazionale Entrance€9.00
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Castelnuovo Museum Entrance€5.00
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Entrance to Pompeii€11
Tours and Activities in Naples
Here are a few actual costs in Naples for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Monuments and Historic District Self-Guided Tour: $4.27
- Pompeii Self Guided Audio Tour: $4.27
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $5.35
- Napoli: Entrance Tickets to Sant'Anna dei Lombardi Complex: $6.42
- Naples from Ancient Greece to today: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- City Highlights Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
- Naples Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- San Lorenzo Maggiore and Neapolis Sotterrata Ticket: $9.62
- Città della Scienza Interactive Museum Entry Ticket: $11
- National Archaeological Museum Self-Guided 3D Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Castel Sant'Elmo Ticket and Pemcards: $11
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNaples €21Lucca €13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Naples
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Naples:
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Beer€4.10
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Beer€4.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Naples
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Naples:
- Guided Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $16
- Mount Vesuvius: Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch: $51
- Regional food and wine tasting: $53
- Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Napoli: $63
- Guided, FUN Wine Tasting in Naples City Center: $64
- Full-Day Bike Guided Tour in Napoli with Wine Tasting: $64
- Vesuvius Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch Included: $75
- Mount Vesuvius 4-Hour Volcano Tour with Wine Tasting: $79
- Naples Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $86
- Naples Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $90
- Vesuvius Half-Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $95
- From Wine Tasting Tour on Vesuvius Slopes with Lunch: $97
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 Naples and Lucca, we can see that Naples 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 Naples would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Naples 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 Naples Expensive? and Is Lucca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Naples or Lucca?
Naples has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Naples 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.
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.