Which place is cheaper, Lucca or Verona?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Verona or Lucca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Verona 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.
Verona
Verona is a beautiful, stunning, and romantic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Lucca
Lucca is a popular, historic, and charming city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.
Verona and Lucca: Pros and Cons
Verona
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
- Less family-friendly
Lucca
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Verona or Lucca?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucca than Verona. While Verona is larger than Lucca, Lucca has more sights and attractions for tourists. Verona is popular for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. Lucca is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. It is also home to The Guinigi Tower.
How is Verona different from Lucca?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lucca and Verona. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Verona or Lucca?
Verona
Lucca
Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Verona and Lucca.
Verona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.
Many visitors head to Lucca specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Verona or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Verona
Lucca
Dining out at restaurants in both Verona and Lucca can be an enjoyable experience.
Verona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.
Dining out in Lucca is an experience not to be missed. 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 Verona or Lucca Better for Nightlife?
Verona
Lucca
If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Verona and Lucca.
If you're looking for night time activities Verona has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.
There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Verona or Lucca Better for its Old Town?
Verona
Lucca
Lucca is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.
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.
There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Verona. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.
Is the Shopping Better in Verona or Lucca?
Verona
Lucca
If you're looking to go shopping, Verona and Lucca both offer plenty of good spots.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Verona. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.
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 Verona or Lucca Better for Families?
Verona
Lucca
Lucca is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known for its family-friendly activities.
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.
Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.
Is Verona or Lucca Better for Couples?
Verona
Lucca
With fun activities for couples, both Verona and Lucca make for a excellent place to visit.
Verona is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.
Lucca is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Verona or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Verona
Lucca
For backpackers, both Verona and Lucca are good places to visit.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Verona. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.
Lucca is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.
Is Verona or Lucca Better for Students?
Verona
Lucca
Verona is a city with good options for students. However, Lucca is not popular with students.
Verona is popular with students. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.
Lucca is not popular with students.
Is Verona or Lucca Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Verona
Lucca
Verona 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 Verona, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. ATV operates buses through the city.
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 Verona or Lucca a more walkable city?
Verona
Lucca
Verona and Lucca are excellent when it comes to walkability.
Verona is a very walkable city. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.
Lucca is a very walkable destination. Much of the city can be explored on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Verona Worth Visiting? and Is Lucca Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Lucca or Verona?
How long in Verona or Lucca?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Verona or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Verona than Lucca because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Verona, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lucca.
Families should spend more time in Lucca than Verona. 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 Verona 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 Verona.
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How many days in Verona or Lucca? Ideal Length of StayVerona 1-3Lucca 1-2
One day in Verona or Lucca?
In Verona, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this stunning 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.
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 Verona or Lucca?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Verona. 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 Verona or Lucca?
Verona is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Verona. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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. 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 Verona or Lucca?
You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Verona. 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.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint 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 10-Day Tours in Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVerona €168Lucca €106
The average daily cost (per person) in Verona is €168, 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 Verona and Lucca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVerona €107Lucca €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVerona €214Lucca €122
Compare Hotels in Verona and Lucca
Looking for a hotel in Verona 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: Verona Hotel Prices and Lucca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Verona €6.88Lucca €4.29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Verona
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Verona:
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Bus From Airport€6.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Verona
Also for Verona, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Amarone Wine Tour with 2 Wineries Lunch and Private Transfer: $145
- Departure Private Transfer from Verona to Malpensa Milan Airport (MXP): $137
- Departure Private Transfer: Modena or Verona to Bologna Airport by Business Van: $162
- From 1-Way Private Transfer to Venice Airport: $499
- Private Luxury Transfer from Peschiera to Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport: $116
- Private Luxury Transfer from Verona to Bergamo Orio al Serio airport: $131
- Private Luxury Transfer from Verona to Bolzano (or vice versa): $218
- Private Luxury Transfer from Verona to Florence (or vice versa): $272
- Private Luxury Transfer from Verona to Madonna di Campiglio (or vice versa): $218
- Private Luxury Transfer from Verona to Ortisei (or vice versa): $262
- Private Luxury Transfer from Verona to Selva Val Gardena (or vice versa): $284
- Private Transfer Verona Center to Valerio Catullo Airport VRN: $64
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 Verona or Lucca?
Prices for flights to both Lucca and Verona 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 dayVerona €54Lucca €41
Typical Food Prices in Verona
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Verona:
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)€36
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€23
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Cappucino€1.75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Verona
For Verona, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Guided Food Tour with Wine Tasting: $63
- Tortellini Cooking Class and Lunch with Mamma Ivana: $64
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Castelnuovo del Garda with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Fumane with Show Cooking: $93
- Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Soave: $93
- Verona Food Tour with Guide: $95
- Food Tour with Amarone Wine Tasting: $95
- Wine and Food Tour with Dinner and Tastings: $96
- Small-group Street food tour in Soave: $97
- Valpolicella: Traditional cooking class with local products: $101
- Italian Cuisine Cooking Class: $101
- Verona Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $101
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.Verona €12Lucca €5.68
Typical Entertainment Prices in Verona
For Verona, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Juliet's House Entry€4.00
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Verona Card€10
Tours and Activities in Verona
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Verona.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
- Verona Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $6.71
- Solferino Ticket Valid for Visit to the Museum and the Rocca: $6.82
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.93
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $7.99
- Verona's History and Highlights: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Tour Escape Verona - The happy ending of Juliet: $9.59
- Self-Guided Walking Tour and 1-Day Itinerary: $10
- Verona and Lake Garda: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Non guided tour of the wine museum and amarone tasting: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
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 dayVerona €11Lucca €13
Sample the Local Flavors in Verona
Also in Verona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine tasting in Bardolino: $26
- Valpolicella Wine Tour and Tasting in Medieval Court: $33
- Amarone Wine Tour: $35
- Valdadige: Roeno Guided Tour and Wine tasting: $37
- Montresor Winery Visit with Wine Tasting and Snacks: $37
- Food and Wine Tasting in Valpolicella: $38
- Unique Wine tasting in Verona, with Amarone docg: $41
- Lazise: Historical Center Wine Tasting Tour: $43
- Lake Garda: Wine Tour & Tasting Experience in Bardolino area: $44
- Wine Tasting near Juliet's Balcony in Verona: $45
- Classic Valpolicella Wine Tasting Experience: $48
- Wine Tasting with Snacks and Panoramic City Views: $48
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 Verona and Lucca, we can see that Verona 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 Verona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Verona 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 Verona Expensive? and Is Lucca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Verona or Lucca?
Verona has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Verona 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.