A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Siena vs. Lucca for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Siena or Lucca?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Siena and Lucca can help you decide which place is right for you.

Siena

Siena is a medieval, history, and beautiful city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lucca

Lucca is a historic, charming, and quaint city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
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 Siena or Lucca?

Both Lucca and Siena have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Siena is well known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Lucca is well known for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.

How is Siena different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Siena
Lucca

Both Siena and Lucca have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

Many visitors head to Siena specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. At the heart of the city is Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Piazza del Campo. Other world famous sights include Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, Torre del Mangia, and Pinacoteca Nazionale.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Lucca can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Siena or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Siena
Lucca

Both Siena and Lucca offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Siena makes for a great culinary experience. The town is all about local flavors and many restaurants use local ingredients in their dishes. Pecorino of Pienza is the local cheese, and you'll also find many cured meats. Local pasta dishes include wild boar ragu and a local spaghetti. You'll also find local meats such as lamb, rabbit, chicken and pork.

Lucca has a huge number of terrific 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 Siena or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Siena
Lucca

Evening events are notable in both Siena and Lucca.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Siena. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. Most visitors enjoy socializing in the evening and meeting friends at Piazza del Campo. There are often live performances which you can enjoy as well as many cafes and wine bars around town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Lucca. 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 Siena or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Siena
Lucca

Siena and Lucca are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

Siena has a world-famous historical area. The beautiful old town is filled with medieval brick buildings. At the heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, which is a lively square with many neighborhoods spreading out from there.

The historic old town of Lucca is revered around 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 the Shopping Better in Siena or Lucca?

Siena
Lucca

Both Siena and Lucca are notable shopping destinations.

Siena is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping street in town is Via Banchi di Sopra, which has many boutiques that sell clothing, bags, and other items. The town also has many leather goods, ceramics, and other local items available.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Siena or Lucca Better for Families?

Siena
Lucca

Lucca is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Siena is not always a place people visit with their families. The beauty and history may be lost to the little ones but there is a great atmosphere that even the young ones will appreciate. Kids will enjoy climbing to the top of Torre del Mangia or visiting one of the many playgrounds around town.

Is Siena or Lucca Better for Couples?

Siena
Lucca

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

Siena is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its impressive beauty and long running history, this is a truly romantic city. The atmosphere is relaxed and there are plazas and neighborhoods that are great for exploring. There are also many great restaurants, superb wine, and world class sights that are not to be missed.

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.


Is Siena or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Siena
Lucca

Both Siena and Lucca are notable destinations for backpackers.

Siena is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers visit Siena as a daytrip from nearby Florence. While there are some affordable places to stay here, the atmosphere isn't as backpacker friendly as nearby Florence.

It's common for backpackers to visit Lucca. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

Is Siena or Lucca Better for Students?

Siena
Lucca

Siena is well known for students. However, Lucca is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Siena. It's home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, and it's a wonderful study abroad destination for any student who wants to spend some time in Italy.

Lucca is not popular with students.

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

Siena
Lucca

Siena 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 Siena, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

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 Siena or Lucca a more walkable city?

Siena
Lucca

Siena and Lucca both are superb when exploring on foot.

Siena is very walkable. The compact town center is best 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 Siena Worth Visiting? and Is Lucca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Siena?

How long in Siena or Lucca?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Siena or Lucca to fill your time. In our opinion, Siena has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Siena 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 Siena. 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 Siena than Lucca. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Siena that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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


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

One day in Siena or Lucca?

In Siena, 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.

In Lucca, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this popular 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.

A weekend in Siena or Lucca?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Siena. 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.

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.


Five days in Siena or Lucca?

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

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.

A week in Siena or Lucca?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Siena. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the popular 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lucca or Siena?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Siena is €133, 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 Siena and Lucca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Siena 69
    Lucca 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Siena 138
    Lucca 122
Compare Hotels in Siena and Lucca

Looking for a hotel in Siena 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 Siena


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: Siena Hotel Prices and Lucca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Siena 20
    Lucca 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Siena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siena:

  • Arrival transfer Siena Airport SAY to Siena City by van or car: $150
  • Luxury Private Transfer Between Siena and Genoa: $1,135
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport: Shared Transfer to/from Siena by Bus: $11
  • Siena - Rome Transfer Tour with Orvieto & Montepulciano: $1,075
  • Siena to Milan Linate Airport 1-Way Private Transfer: $1,325
  • Siena to Milan Malpensa airport private transfer: $1,455
  • Transfer Siena-Florence with visit to Chianti and wine tasting: $221
  • Transfer Siena-Pisa with stop in San Gimignano & Lunch: $249

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucca

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lucca:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Siena or Lucca?

Prices for flights to both Lucca and Siena 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
    Siena 51
    Lucca 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Siena

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Siena.

  • Siena food tour and Chianti wine: $61
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $97
  • Tuscan Dinner in a Villa in an Ancient Siena Olive Grove: $99
  • Siena Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $101
  • From Siena/Chianti: Dinner & Drinks in the Chianti Vineyards: $103
  • Siena countryside: cooking class in a real Tuscan farmhouse: $125
  • Cooking Class in a historical villa in Siena Provence: $131
  • Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena: $133
  • 4 Hour Private Cooking Class Unique Tuscan Experience in Siena: $133
  • Small Group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $140
  • Family Cooking Class: Pizza and Tiramisù from Siena: $140
  • Learn how to make pizza and Tiramisù Cooking Class in Siena : $142

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.
    Siena 3.75
    Lucca 5.68

Tours and Activities in Siena

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Siena are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Palazzo Pubblico Entry Ticket: $6.52
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Escape Game and Tour: $7.06
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $7.06
  • Siena Cathedral and Piccolomini Library Entry Ticket: $8.69
  • Complesso Museale Santa Maria della Scala Entrance Ticket in Siena: $18
  • Italian Opera in Siena Experience: $28
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $33
  • Chianti: Wine and Olive Oil Tasting with Cellar Tour: $37
  • Wine Experience in an Organic Chianti Winery: $37
  • Monte Chiaro and Supertuscan Experience: $38

Tours and Activities in Lucca

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

  • Walking tour of Lucca and its walls: $11
  • 2-Hour City Center Walking Tour: $16
  • Guided City by Night Walking Tour: $16
  • Renaissance City Walls Walking Tour: $16
  • Walking Ramparts Tour in Lucca: $17
  • Discover Lucca’s Secrets on a Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Self-Guided Tour by Bike: $17
  • Your Lucca Walking Tour: $20
  • Musical Walking Tour with Puccini Museum Visit: $22
  • walking tour on the stories & legends of the city!: $24
  • Tour of the cellar and tasting of 6 wines: $28
  • Self-Guided Bike Tour to Villa Reale: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Siena 2.19
    Lucca 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Siena

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Siena:

  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting Experience: $36
  • Total Immersion Wine Tour in Chianti: $43
  • Lapi&Tour Guided tour of the cellars with wine tasting: $53
  • From Florence: San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti Wine Tour: $55
  • Tuscany Hiking Tour from Siena Including Wine Tasting: $61
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $61
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting & Lunch in a Tuscan Castle: $65
  • Tuscan Classics Wine Tasting Class with Aperitivo: $65
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $65
  • San Gimignano, Siena, Monteriggioni: Fully Escorted Tour, Lunch & Wine Tasting: $74
  • Wine and Food Pairing Class with Tuscan Wine Tastings: $76
  • From Chianti and Castles Tour with Wine Tastings: $80

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


Which is Bigger, Siena or Lucca?

Lucca has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Siena 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.