A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Tropez vs. Lucca for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Lucca?

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

Should I visit Saint-Tropez 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.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a ritzy, celebrity-filled, and extravagant resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Lucca

Lucca is a quaint, popular, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint-Tropez and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Tropez or Lucca?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint-Tropez. Although Saint-Tropez and Lucca are both popular with visitors, Saint-Tropez has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint-Tropez is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Lucca is known for its museums, food, and historical sights. Saint-Tropez is popular for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy. It is also home to The Old Port. Lucca is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.

The Old Port

How is Saint-Tropez different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Tropez or Lucca?

Lucca is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Tropez or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lucca is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Saint-Tropez is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is all about the local flavors. You'll find plenty of local seafood as well as local organic meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and truffles. Cheese is a common ingredient as well. There are many different soups and stews, and bouillabaisse is a common fish soup found in the restaurants around town. Daube is another popular stew that is made with beef. Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole that has made a name for itself both inside and outside of France. And, of course, you have to try the local salads and pastries. Because it's such a touristy area, there are many restaurants geared specifically to the tourists, many of which are overpriced.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Saint-Tropez is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

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 Saint-Tropez or Lucca Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Lucca is not a resort destination.

Saint-Tropez is a world class resort vacation destination. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.

Lucca is not a resort destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lucca Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lucca is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Saint-Tropez is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

Lucca is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lucca Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is well known for the beach. However, Lucca is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Saint-Tropez attract visitors from all over. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

Lucca is not a beach destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Lucca offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Lucca?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Saint-Tropez is a world class destination for shoppers. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in 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 Saint-Tropez or Lucca Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint-Tropez is an extremely popular resort town to visit for families. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

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 Saint-Tropez or Lucca Better for Couples?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Saint-Tropez is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.

Lucca is a great resort town 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 Saint-Tropez or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint-Tropez and Lucca are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Saint-Tropez. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

Lucca is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

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

Saint-Tropez is a resort town 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 Saint-Tropez, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

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 Saint-Tropez or Lucca a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Saint-Tropez on foot is easy. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Tropez Worth Visiting? and Is Lucca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Saint-Tropez?

How long in Saint-Tropez or Lucca?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint-Tropez or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint-Tropez than Lucca because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint-Tropez, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lucca.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez.

One day in Saint-Tropez or Lucca?

In Saint-Tropez, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this luxurious destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort town 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 food and shopping that this charming city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Saint-Tropez or Lucca?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Tropez. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint-Tropez or Lucca?

Saint-Tropez is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Saint-Tropez. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Lucca. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint-Tropez or Lucca?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the opulent destination of Saint-Tropez. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint-Tropez or Lucca?

Lucca has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Tropez 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.