Which place is cheaper, Lucca or Paris?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Paris 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.
Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.
Lucca is a popular, historic, and charming city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.
You'll generally find more things to do in Paris than Lucca. Paris is bigger than Lucca, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Paris is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lucca is more popular for its historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Lucca and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Lucca is well known for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lucca and Paris. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Paris 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 Paris on the map. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.
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.
Paris is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Lucca is not a theatre destination.
Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Paris that are not to be missed. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.
Lucca is not a theatre destination.
Paris 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 Paris have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.
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.
Paris is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.
The nightlife in Paris is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.
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.
Paris is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Lucca is not a live music destination.
In Paris you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.
Lucca is not a live music destination.
Lucca is terrific for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.
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.
Paris does not have a historic old town.
Paris is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.
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.
Paris is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Lucca does not offer Christmas activities.
During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.
Lucca does not offer Christmas activities.
Paris is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Paris is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.
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.
Paris is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Paris is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.
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.
Paris is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Paris is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.
Plenty of backpackers visit Lucca. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.
Paris is an unbeatable place for students. However, Lucca is not popular with students.
Paris is a very popular city for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.
Lucca is not popular with students.
Paris 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 Paris can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use 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.
Paris and Lucca are excellent when it comes to walkability.
Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.
Lucca is a very walkable city. Much of the city can be explored on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Lucca Worth Visiting?.
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paris or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paris than Lucca because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lucca.
Families should spend more time in Paris than Lucca. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Paris, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Paris than Lucca. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paris that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris 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 Paris.
Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.
In Lucca, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucca. 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.
Paris is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Lucca is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lucca. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Lucca. 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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Paris is €232, 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 Paris and Lucca in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Paris 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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:
Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lucca:
Prices for flights to both Lucca and Paris 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:
For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lucca.
For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.
Here are a few actual costs in Lucca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucca:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and Lucca, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive? and Is Lucca Expensive?.
Paris has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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.