A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Pisa vs. Lucca for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Pisa or Lucca?

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

Should I visit Pisa 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.

Pisa

Pisa is a iconic, world-famous, and classic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Lucca

Lucca is a popular, historic, and charming city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pisa and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
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 Pisa or Lucca?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pisa. Although Pisa and Lucca are roughly the same size, Pisa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pisa is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Lucca is known for its historical sights. Pisa is popular for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. It is also home to The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Lucca is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Pisa different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pisa
Lucca

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Pisa and Lucca.

Pisa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

Many visitors head to Lucca specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Pisa or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pisa
Lucca

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

Pisa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

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.

Is Pisa or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Pisa
Lucca

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

Pisa is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa or Lucca Better for Beaches?

Pisa
Lucca

Pisa is a city with good options for the beach. However, Lucca is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Pisa. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Lucca is not a beach destination.


Is Pisa or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Pisa
Lucca

Lucca is terrific for its old town. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Pisa or Lucca?

Pisa
Lucca

Pisa 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 Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa or Lucca Better for Families?

Pisa
Lucca

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pisa or Lucca.

Pisa offers lots of family activities. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Lucca is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Pisa or Lucca Better for Couples?

Pisa
Lucca

Lucca is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Pisa or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa
Lucca

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

Pisa is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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

Is Pisa or Lucca Better for Students?

Pisa
Lucca

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

Pisa is a very popular city for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Lucca is not popular with students.


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

Pisa
Lucca

Pisa 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 Pisa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

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 Pisa or Lucca a more walkable city?

Pisa
Lucca

Pisa and Lucca are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Pisa is a very walkable city. The city is a great place 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 Pisa Worth Visiting? and Is Lucca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Pisa?

How long in Pisa or Lucca?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pisa or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Pisa 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 Pisa, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lucca.

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


  • How many days in Pisa or Lucca? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pisa 1-3 
    Lucca 1-2

One day in Pisa or Lucca?

In Pisa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this world-famous 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.

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 Pisa or Lucca?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pisa. 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 Pisa or Lucca?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic 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 Pisa or Lucca?

You'll find food and shopping around the classic destination of Pisa. 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 quaint 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lucca or Pisa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pisa is €120, 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 Pisa and Lucca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pisa 60
    Lucca 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pisa 120
    Lucca 122
Compare Hotels in Pisa and Lucca

Looking for a hotel in Pisa 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 Pisa


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: Pisa Hotel Prices and Lucca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pisa 11
    Lucca 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pisa

Also for Pisa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Florence: Private Transfer from Pisa Airport (PSA): $402
  • From Florence: Round-trip Transfer to Pisa & Cinque Terre: $1,249
  • PRIVATE TRANSFER: from Pisa to Florence with private chauffeur: $121
  • Pisa Airport (PSA) to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $150
  • Pisa Airport (PSA) to La Spezia Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93
  • Pisa Airport: Transfer to/from Pisa Central Railway Station: $7.06
  • Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) to Saturnia - Arrival Transfer: $110
  • Pisa Private Transfer from Pisa Airport to City centre: $88
  • Pisa Private Transfer from Pisa city centre to Pisa Airport: $88
  • Train Transfer from Pisa Airport to San Giusto/Aurelia: $5.43
  • Private Sightseeing Transfer from Pisa to Florence: $249
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Pisa or Airport to Florence with stop Lucca or Pisa: $184

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucca

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lucca:

  • Private Transfer from Forte dei Marmi to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $185
  • Private Transfer from Lido di Camaiore to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $127
  • Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Lucca: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Pisa or Lucca?

Prices for flights to both Lucca and Pisa 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
    Pisa 50
    Lucca 41
Typical Food Prices in Pisa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Pisa:


  • Dinner
    75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pisa

For Pisa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Chianni: wine and oil tasting with lunch or dinner: $43
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Pisa with cooking demo: $94
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Pontedera with cooking demo: $94
  • Pisa Food Tour: $97
  • Pisa Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $103
  • Pisa Traditional Food Tour: $131
  • Hands-On Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $157
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pisa: $160
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Pisa: $160

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: $76
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in San Miniato with Show Cooking: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Gaiole in Chianti with Show Cooking: $94
  • Lucca Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $100
  • Cesarine: Typical Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Lucca: $121
  • Traditional-Traditional Cooking Class cuisine course: $125
  • Cesarine: Street Food Tour in Lucca: $131
  • Cooking Class in Lucca's Historic Center: $149
  • Pasta Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $151
  • Lucca Private Home Cooking Class: $157
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Gaiole in Chianti: $160
  • Cesarine: Pizza & Tiramisu Class at local's home in Lucca: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pisa 20
    Lucca 5.68

Tours and Activities in Pisa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pisa.

  • FreeTour Pisa: $3.30
  • Tower of Pisa & Square of Miracles self guided audio tour: $4.33
  • From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.89
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Pisa: $8.82
  • Pisa Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.91
  • The Best of Pisa Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Pisa Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.16
  • Pisa Cathedral Guided Tour and Optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $16
  • Square of Miracles guided tour with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $17
  • Camposanto and Cathedral Entry Tickets and Audio Guide: $19
  • Baptistery and Cathedral Ticket with Audio Guide: $19
  • Guided Walking Tour with Optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $20

Tours and Activities in Lucca

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

  • Wine and olive oil tasting & farm tour: $40
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour at Lucca : $143
  • 2-Hours Relax Walking Tour Through Lucca: $160
  • Amazing walking tour of Pistoia: $160
  • BOOK YOUR PRIVATE WINE OR BEER AMAZING EXPERIENCE IN LUCCA: $125
  • Bike Self-Tour in the Lucca Countryside and Green Landscapes: $71
  • Carrara Marble Tour by shuttle from Lucca, Pisa or La Spezia port: $164
  • Carriage tour in the historic center of Lucca: $85
  • Cinque Terre Tour Small Group Tour from Lucca: $175
  • Complete tour of the city and walls: $212
  • Daily Garfagnana Gourmet tour from Lucca and surroundings: $254
  • Discover Lucca’s Secrets on a Guided Walking Tour: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pisa -
    Lucca 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Pisa

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

  • Cathedral Guided Tour & Wine Tasting & Optional Tower: $49
  • Pisa guided tour and Wine tasting with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $51
  • Winery Tour and Wine Tasting with Local Food Pairing: $76
  • From Pisa or Lucca: Half-Day Tuscany Chianti Wine Tasting: $91
  • Chianti Half-day Wine Tour in the Tuscan's Hills from Pisa: $98
  • Bocelli Chianti Hills e-bike Guided Tour with Wine tasting: $160
  • Pisa & Lucca with wine Tasting and Lunch from Livorno: $673

Sample the Local Flavors in Lucca

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

  • Wine Tasting Experience - Tenuta Adamo Winery: $17
  • Guided Winery Tour with Wine Tasting: $22
  • Honest Wines- Wine tasting at Cantina Biagiotti: $33
  • Aperitivo Evening Food and Wine Tour: $81
  • Private wine tasting in Versilia - 5 wines and a taste of local products: $83
  • Chianti Half-Day Wine Tour in the Tuscan Hills Small Group from Lucca: $98
  • Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour: $118
  • Guided E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Lucca: $120
  • Bike Ride & WIne Tasting: $132
  • Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Lucca or Pisa: $151
  • Tuscan Wine Tour in Lucca by shuttle: $153
  • Siena, San Gimignano, and Wine Tasting Full-Day Tour: $156


When comparing the travel costs between Pisa and Lucca, we can see that Pisa 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 Pisa Expensive? and Is Lucca Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pisa or Lucca?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Pisa 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.