A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Ventimiglia vs. Lucca for Old Town, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Ventimiglia or Lucca?

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

Should I visit Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a authentic, elegant, and scenic seaside town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches.

Lucca

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

Ventimiglia and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ventimiglia or Lucca?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lucca. Although Ventimiglia and Lucca are popular destinations, Lucca has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucca is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights, while Ventimiglia attracts visitors for its beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Lucca is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is known for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. It is also well known for The Guinigi Tower. Ventimiglia is famous for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Ventimiglia different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lucca is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

Lucca offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Ventimiglia and Lucca both to be excellent destinations.

Dining out in Ventimiglia is an experience not to be missed. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

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 Ventimiglia or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Lucca is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

Lucca has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Ventimiglia or Lucca Better for Beaches?

Ventimiglia is a seaside town with good options for the beach. However, Lucca is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Ventimiglia. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

Lucca is not a beach destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Ventimiglia or Lucca?

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

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 Ventimiglia or Lucca Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ventimiglia or Lucca.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ventimiglia. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.

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 Ventimiglia or Lucca Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ventimiglia and Lucca make for a excellent place to visit.

Couples visit Ventimiglia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

Lucca is a great seaside town 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 Ventimiglia or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lucca is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Ventimiglia is a seaside town 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 Ventimiglia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

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 Ventimiglia or Lucca a more walkable city?

Ventimiglia and Lucca both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Ventimiglia is a very walkable destination. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Ventimiglia?

How long in Ventimiglia or Lucca?

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

Families should spend more time in Lucca than Ventimiglia. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lucca than Ventimiglia 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 Lucca.

One day in Ventimiglia or Lucca?

Even though Ventimiglia is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Lucca. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Ventimiglia or Lucca?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Lucca. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Ventimiglia or Lucca?

Ventimiglia is a fun place to experience. Ventimiglia is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The charming city of Lucca offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Ventimiglia or Lucca?

Ventimiglia is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lucca. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Ventimiglia and Lucca, we can see that Ventimiglia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Ventimiglia or Lucca?

Lucca has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ventimiglia. When comparing the sizes of Ventimiglia 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.