A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Turin (Torino) vs. Lucca for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Turin (Torino) or Lucca?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turin (Torino) or Lucca, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a beautiful, authentic, and historic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lucca

Lucca is a historic, charming, and quaint city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Turin (Torino) and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Turin (Torino) or Lucca?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucca than Turin (Torino). While Turin (Torino) is larger than Lucca, Lucca has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucca is more touristy than Turin (Torino) and is known for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. It is also well known for The Guinigi Tower. Turin (Torino) is famous for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps.

How is Turin (Torino) different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Turin (Torino) or Lucca?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Turin (Torino) or Lucca.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Turin (Torino) can be an interesting and educational experience. The city boasts a number of museums including The Egyptian Museum, Museo Nazionale del Cinema, and Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile. Other landmarks include the Royal Armory, The Cathedral and the Holy Shroud, and Palazzo Madama.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Turin (Torino) or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Turin (Torino) and Lucca.

Dining out in Turin (Torino) is an experience not to be missed. The region has been credited with being the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement. The dishes often use locally made ingredients and there are very diverse flavors and recipes. Local favorites include antipasto misto, risotto ai funghi (mushroom risotto), and carne cruda (beef tartare).

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.

Is Turin (Torino) or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Turin (Torino) and Lucca.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Turin (Torino). There's a good nightlife scene that includes everything from bars to dance clubs. Via Po is one of the city's main bar hopping streets. For a more relaxed night out head to Via Garibaldi which has a number of restaurants and cocktail bars.

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 Turin (Torino) or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Turin (Torino) does not have a historic old town.

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.

Turin (Torino) does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Turin (Torino) or Lucca?

Both Turin (Torino) and Lucca are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Turin (Torino) to go shopping. The city has everything from high end shopping to local boutiques. For the best luxury shopping head to Via Roma. Via Garibaldi is another popular pedestrian street that has many shops and restaurants.

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 Turin (Torino) or Lucca Better for Families?

Turin (Torino) and Lucca are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Turin (Torino) is a family-friendly place to visit. If the kids need to stretch their legs, head to Valentino Park. For kid-friendly museums, check out The Cinema Museum The Egyptian Museum, or the Museum of Car. It's also fun to take a ride of the historic tram.

Lucca is a family-friendly city. 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 Turin (Torino) or Lucca Better for Couples?

Turin (Torino) and Lucca are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Turin (Torino) is a very popular place to visit for couples. With grand squares, beautiful architecture, and excellent cuisine, couples will enjoy every minute of their trip to Turin. The city is also near the Alps, so outdoor adventure isn't far away.

Lucca makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Turin (Torino) or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Turin (Torino) is well known for backpackers. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Turin (Torino) is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and easy access to outdoor activities. The city also has great food and a lively atmosphere.

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

Is Turin (Torino) or Lucca Better for Students?

Turin (Torino) is well known for students. However, Lucca is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Turin (Torino). It's relatively easy to find study abroad opportunities to the area. The city's atmosphere is diverse and fun with many activities that the student population can enjoy.

Lucca is not popular with students.

Is Turin (Torino) or Lucca Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Turin (Torino) is well known for its public transit. However, Lucca is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Turin (Torino). The public transit system is operated by Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (GTT) and includes one metro line, nine tram lines, and a number of bus 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 Turin (Torino) or Lucca a more walkable city?

Lucca is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Turin (Torino) is somewhat walkable. While the city is large, the city center is generally compact and walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Turin (Torino) Worth Visiting? and Is Lucca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Turin (Torino)?

How long in Turin (Torino) or Lucca?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Turin (Torino) or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Turin (Torino) than Lucca because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Turin (Torino), and 1-2 days is enough time in Lucca.

Families should spend more time in Lucca than Turin (Torino). 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 Lucca than Turin (Torino). 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 Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino).

One day in Turin (Torino) or Lucca?

In Turin (Torino), many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. 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, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Turin (Torino) or Lucca?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Turin (Torino). For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Turin (Torino) or Lucca?

Turin (Torino) is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Turin (Torino). 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Turin (Torino) or Lucca?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Turin (Torino). Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Lucca. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Turin (Torino) or Lucca?

Turin (Torino) has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Turin (Torino) 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.