Which place is cheaper, Lucca or Venice?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Venice 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 Venice and Lucca can help you decide which place is right for you.
Venice
Venice is a historic, beautiful, and romantic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.
Lucca
Lucca is a popular, historic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Venice and Lucca: Pros and Cons
Venice
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Home to St. Mark's Basilica
- Less popular for nightlife
Lucca
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Venice or Lucca?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice than Lucca. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Venice is very popular for its museums, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Lucca attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Venice is more touristy than Lucca and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also well known for St. Mark's Basilica. Lucca is famous for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.
How is Venice different from Lucca?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lucca and Venice. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Venice or Lucca?
Venice
Lucca
Venice 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 Venice on the map. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
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 Venice or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Venice
Lucca
Lucca is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
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.
Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.
Is Venice or Lucca Better for Nightlife?
Venice
Lucca
Lucca is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.
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.
Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.
Is Venice or Lucca Better for its Old Town?
Venice
Lucca
Venice and Lucca are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.
The historic old town of Venice is revered around the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.
With a famous historical old-town, Lucca offers plenty to see. 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 Venice or Lucca?
Venice
Lucca
Venice is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Venice is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.
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 Venice or Lucca Better for Families?
Venice
Lucca
Venice is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Venice is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.
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 Venice or Lucca Better for Couples?
Venice
Lucca
Venice is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Venice is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.
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 Venice or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Venice
Lucca
Venice is well known for backpackers. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Venice is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.
Plenty of backpackers visit Lucca. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.
Is Venice or Lucca Better for Students?
Venice
Lucca
Venice is an unbeatable place for students. However, Lucca is not popular with students.
Venice is a very popular city for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.
Lucca is not popular with students.
Is Venice or Lucca Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Venice
Lucca
Venice is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Lucca is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.
Visitors in Venice can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.
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 Venice or Lucca a more walkable city?
Venice
Lucca
Venice 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 Venice on foot is easy. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.
Lucca is very walkable. Much of the city can be explored on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Venice Worth Visiting? and Is Lucca Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Lucca or Venice?
How long in Venice or Lucca?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Venice or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Venice than Lucca because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Venice, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lucca.
Families should spend more time in Venice than Lucca. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Venice, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Venice than Lucca. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Venice that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice 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 Venice.
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How many days in Venice or Lucca? Ideal Length of StayVenice 2-7Lucca 1-2
One day in Venice or Lucca?
In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lucca. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.
A weekend in Venice or Lucca?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. 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.
Lucca is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Venice or Lucca?
Venice is a fun place to experience. In Venice, many people enjoy the museums and food that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucca. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Venice or Lucca?
In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this romantic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Lucca. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVenice €229Lucca €106
The average daily cost (per person) in Venice is €229, 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 Venice and Lucca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVenice €120Lucca €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVenice €240Lucca €122
Compare Hotels in Venice and Lucca
Looking for a hotel in Venice 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.
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: Venice Hotel Prices and Lucca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Venice €27Lucca €4.29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Venice
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:
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Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass€16
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Vaporetto Ride€6.50
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1 Day Travel Card€18
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7 Day Transport Card (for Two)€101
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice
Also for Venice, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Marco Polo (VCE) to Chioggia - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
- Arrival Transfer: Marco Polo Airport VCE to Venice (Luxury Van): $195
- Bologna Airport:1-Way Private Transfer to Venice+water taxi: $828
- Burano + water taxi to Ravenna or Cruise Port -Departure Transfer: $164
- Burano + water taxi to Venice Airport (VCE) - Departure Transfer: $98
- Burano +water taxi to Trieste or port -Departure Private Transfer: $164
- Chioggia Port : One Way Transfer to Venice City + water taxi: $511
- Chioggia Port : One Way Transfer to Venice, Piazzale Roma: $426
- Departure Transfer: Venice to Marco Polo Airport VCE in Sedan Car: $191
- From Marco Polo Airport: Speedboat Transfer to Venice: $266
- From Milan: One-Way Transfer to/from Venice Cruise Port: $1,159
- From Venice (+water taxi) to Florence - Private Transfer: $182
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lucca:
- Private Transfer from Lucca to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $196
- Private Transfer from Forte dei Marmi to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $183
- Private Transfer from Lido di Camaiore to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $125
- Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Lucca: $86
Is it cheaper to fly into Venice or Lucca?
Prices for flights to both Lucca and Venice 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
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Food Meals for one dayVenice €65Lucca €41
Typical Food Prices in Venice
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:
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Panini Sandwich€4.00
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Gelato€6.00
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Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza€7.90
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Expresso€1.95
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Slice of Pizza€2.23
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)€79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Venice
For Venice, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings: $47
- Street Food Tour of Venice in 2.5 hours: $48
- Venice Street Food Tour with a Native & Top Rated Expert: $48
- Venice Street Food Tour with Local Guide with Local Food Market Visit: $48
- Guided City Highlights and Street Food Tour: $51
- Venetian Dinner: $62
- Twilight Food Tour with Cicchetti and Spritz Tasting: $63
- Venetian Dinner: $68
- 2-Course Dinner in a Typical Venetian Restaurant: $74
- Guided Small Group Kickstart Food Tour of Venice : $76
- Tiramisù cooking class and tasting in Treviso: $80
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: $75
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Gaiole in Chianti with Show Cooking: $92
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Capannori with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in San Miniato with Show Cooking: $93
- Lucca Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
- Traditional-Traditional Cooking Class cuisine course: $123
- Pasta Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $148
- Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Gaiole in Chianti: $157
- Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pistoia: $157
- Lucca Home Cooking Class: $191
- Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $201
- 5 Hours Private Activity - Truffle Hunting with Dinner in San Miniato: $206
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Venice €101Lucca €5.68
Typical Entertainment Prices in Venice
For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Venice Boat Ride€15
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Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee€8.00
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Gondola Ride (for Group)€80
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Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace€16
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The Jewish Museum Admission€3.00
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The Glass Museum in Murano€8.00
Tours and Activities in Venice
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Venice.
- Venezia: Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $2.13
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
- Venice self guided audio tour: $4.25
- Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in Jewish Ghetto: $4.58
- Self Guided Audio Tour to The Jewish Ghetto of Venice : $4.69
- From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.79
- Venezia Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $5.24
- From 1-Way Bus Ticket to Florence or Vice Versa: $5.30
- walking tour with audio guide in French: $5.33
- Digital Audio Guide Tour of The Jewish Ghetto: $5.33
- independent walking tour with an audio guide: $5.33
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Venice: $5.44
Tours and Activities in Lucca
Here are a few actual costs in Lucca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- E-BIKE TOUR, the walls and the Renaissance villas: $153
- 2 Hour Walking Tour at Lucca : $142
- 2-Hours Relax Walking Tour Through Lucca: $157
- Adventure with racing bike between sea and hills of Lucca: $153
- BOOK YOUR PRIVATE WINE OR BEER AMAZING EXPERIENCE IN LUCCA: $123
- Bike Self-Tour in the Lucca Countryside and Green Landscapes: $69
- Carrara Marble Tour by shuttle from Lucca, Pisa or La Spezia port: $163
- Carriage tour in the historic center of Lucca: $84
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Typical Dining at a Local's Home in Lucca: $206
- Chianti Wine and Vinci half day Small Group Tour from Lucca: $118
- Cinque Terre Tour Small Group Tour from Lucca: $178
- Complete tour of the city and walls: $209
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVenice €24Lucca €13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Venice
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:
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1/2 Liter Wine€5.20
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Beer€4.90
Sample the Local Flavors in Venice
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Venice:
- Guided Tour and wine tasting 5 wines to discover the Conegliano Valdobbiadene: $27
- Guided Visit and Wine Tasting at the Winery in Veneto: $27
- Wine Tasting in Venice: $37
- Wine Tasting in Venice: $39
- Wine tasting Asolo Prosecco at Tenuta Baron: $59
- Food and Wine Tasting Bar Tour & Evening Guided Tour: $71
- Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $74
- Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $82
- Eat, drink and repeat: Wine tasting tour in Venice: $98
- Authentic Neighborhood Cicchetti Food & Wine Tour: $116
- Evening in Venice with a local: food and wine tasting tour: $116
- Prosecco: Wine tour & tasting along the Unesco hills: $117
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: $16
- Guided Winery Tour with Wine Tasting: $21
- Honest Wines- Wine tasting at Cantina Biagiotti: $36
- Private wine tasting in Lucca - 5 wines and a taste of local products: $65
- Tuscany Wine Tours in a family winery Podere Pellicciano: $76
- Aperitivo Evening Food and Wine Tour: $80
- Private wine tasting in Versilia - 5 wines and a taste of local products: $82
- Chianti Half-Day Wine Tour in the Tuscan Hills Small Group from Lucca: $97
- Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour: $116
- Guided E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Lucca: $118
- Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Pisa: $133
- Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Lucca: $133
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Venice and Lucca, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Venice Expensive? and Is Lucca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Venice or Lucca?
Venice has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Venice 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.