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

Should you visit Pamplona or Lucca?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Lucca? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a elegant, laid-back, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

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.

Pamplona and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Lucca?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pamplona than Lucca, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Pamplona is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Lucca is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Pamplona is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also home to The Running of the Bulls Festival. Lucca is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.

How is Pamplona different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lucca is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Pamplona and Lucca.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pamplona. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

Lucca has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Pamplona or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

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

Pamplona is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

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 Pamplona or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is terrific for its old town. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Lucca has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Is Pamplona or Lucca Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Lucca is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Pamplona. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Lucca is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Lucca?

Both Pamplona and Lucca are good shopping destinations.

Pamplona offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Lucca has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Pamplona or Lucca Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pamplona or Lucca.

Pamplona is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Lucca is a family-friendly city. 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 Pamplona or Lucca Better for Couples?

Lucca is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Pamplona is a good city for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Pamplona or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Pamplona is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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

Is Pamplona or Lucca Better for Students?

Pamplona is a city with good options for students. However, Lucca is not popular with students.

Pamplona is popular with students. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Lucca is not popular with students.

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

Pamplona 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 Pamplona, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

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 Pamplona or Lucca a more walkable city?

Pamplona and Lucca both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Pamplona is a very walkable city. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Lucca?

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

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

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

One day in Pamplona or Lucca?

In Pamplona, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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.

A weekend in Pamplona or Lucca?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pamplona. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 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.

Five days in Pamplona or Lucca?

Pamplona is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Pamplona. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

A week in Pamplona or Lucca?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Pamplona. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Lucca?

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