A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Varenna vs. Lucca for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Varenna or Lucca?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Varenna and Lucca. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Varenna

Varenna is a pristine, beautiful, and scenic village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Lucca

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

Varenna and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Varenna or Lucca?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lucca. Although Varenna and Lucca are both popular with visitors, Lucca has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lucca is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights, while Varenna is known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Varenna is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como. Lucca is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. It is also home to The Guinigi Tower.

How is Varenna different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lucca is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

Is the Food Better in Varenna or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Varenna is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Varenna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Lucca is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Varenna or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

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.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Varenna or Lucca Better for Hiking?

Varenna is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Lucca is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Varenna. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Lucca is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Varenna or Lucca?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Varenna and Lucca.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Varenna. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Many visitors go to Lucca to go shopping. 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 Varenna or Lucca Better for Families?

Both Varenna and Lucca are good family-friendly destinations.

Varenna is a family-friendly village. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lucca. 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 Varenna or Lucca Better for Couples?

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

Varenna is a great village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

Lucca is a great village 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 Varenna or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Varenna and Lucca are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

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

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

Varenna is a village 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 Varenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

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 Varenna or Lucca a more walkable city?

Varenna 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 Varenna on foot is easy. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Varenna Worth Visiting? and Is Lucca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or Lucca?

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

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

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

One day in Varenna or Lucca?

In Varenna, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the food. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Lucca, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Varenna or Lucca?

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

In Lucca, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lucca has to offer.

Five days in Varenna or Lucca?

Varenna is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Varenna. Lots of people come for the food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lucca is a great place to explore. 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Varenna or Lucca?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Varenna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucca. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting 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 Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Varenna or Lucca?

Lucca has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Varenna 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.