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

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Lucca?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a inspirational, iconic, and historic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

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.

Santiago de Compostela and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santiago de Compostela or Lucca?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela. Although Santiago de Compostela and Lucca are about the same size, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santiago de Compostela is more popular for its museums, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Lucca is known for its impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Lucca and is known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. It is also home to the Cathedral of Santiago. Lucca is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santiago de Compostela or Lucca?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela on the map. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

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.

Is the Food Better in Santiago de Compostela or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Santiago de Compostela and Lucca.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santiago de Compostela. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

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

Santiago de Compostela is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the terrific old towns in both Santiago de Compostela and Lucca.

Santiago de Compostela has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

The old town of Lucca is one of the most recognized in 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.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Lucca Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Lucca is not a hiking destination.

Around Santiago de Compostela visitors will find world-class hiking trails. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Lucca is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Lucca?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to 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 Santiago de Compostela or Lucca Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Santiago de Compostela or Lucca.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Santiago de Compostela. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun 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 Santiago de Compostela or Lucca Better for Couples?

Lucca is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Lucca frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

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

Is Santiago de Compostela or Lucca Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a city with good options for students. However, Lucca is not popular with students.

Santiago de Compostela is popular with students. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Lucca is not popular with students.

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

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Lucca a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela and Lucca both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable city. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting? and Is Lucca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Santiago de Compostela?

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Lucca?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Santiago de Compostela or Lucca?

In Santiago de Compostela, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this inspirational 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.

The city of Lucca offers museums and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or Lucca?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. 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.

The quaint destination of Lucca offers nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santiago de Compostela or Lucca?

Santiago de Compostela is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. 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. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Santiago de Compostela or Lucca?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Santiago de Compostela. 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.

Lucca is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Lucca. 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.

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 Santiago de Compostela and Lucca, we can see that Lucca is more expensive. And not only is Santiago de Compostela much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santiago de Compostela would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago de Compostela 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 Lucca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucca than you might in Santiago de Compostela.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santiago de Compostela Expensive? and Is Lucca Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Lucca?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela 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.