A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ephesus vs. Lucca for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Ephesus or Lucca?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus 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.

Ephesus

Ephesus is a fascinating, ancient, and world-renowned archeological site. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Ephesus travel costs.

Lucca

Lucca is a popular, historic, and charming city. The beauty of Lucca is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Lucca travel costs.

Ephesus and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ephesus or Lucca?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lucca than Ephesus, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lucca is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Ephesus is known for its museums and attractions. Ephesus is more touristy than Lucca and is popular for its well-preserved ruins and vast size Lucca is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. It is also home to The Guinigi Tower.

How is Ephesus different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ephesus 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 Ephesus on the map. Of course, the iconic site is the ruins of Ephesus. There are also several fascinating museums in the area that offer deeper insights into the region's rich history and culture. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk is popular. It has an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the ancient city, including statues, pottery, and inscriptions. Just outside the museum, the Temple of Artemis section displays remnants of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Selçuk Museum of Ephesus is another excellent spot to explore, with exhibits that highlight both the daily life of ancient Ephesians and their religious practices. A short drive from Ephesus is the House of the Virgin Mary museum, a revered site believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus, with a chapel and peaceful surroundings. Lastly, the İsa Bey Mosque and Museum in Selçuk adds to the area's historical depth, offering a glimpse into the Seljuk architecture and Islamic heritage of the region.

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 Ephesus or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lucca is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Lucca has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ephesus area. Most of the food options are found in the nearby town of Selçuk. Popular dishes include kebabs, mezes, and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). Many restaurants are casual and cater specifically to the tourist crowds.

Is Ephesus or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Lucca is a nice place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Ephesus is not known for its evening party scene.

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 Ephesus specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The there are a couple of bars and restaurants with live music in the town of Selçuk, but generally the nightlife is very low key.

Is Ephesus or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is renowned for its old town. However, Ephesus 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.

Ephesus does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ephesus or Lucca?

If you're looking to go shopping, Ephesus and Lucca both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ephesus. Selçuk has a variety of local shops and markets. Traditional handicrafts such as carpet and kilim weaving, ceramics, and leather goods are popular souvenirs. The Selçuk Market is held on Saturdays and offers fresh produce, spices, and other local products.

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 Ephesus or Lucca More Beautiful?

Lucca is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Ephesus is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Lucca is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's a beautiful city that's surrounded by walls and filled with winding streets.

Ephesus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ephesus or Lucca Better for Families?

Ephesus and Lucca are both good destinations for the whole family.

Ephesus offers lots of family activities. Kids who are into history or archeology will enjoy a visit to the famed ruins of Ephesus. There's also the Ephesus Archaeological Museum where everyone can learn about ancient Greek and Roman cultures in an interactive setting. The nearby House of the Virgin Mary offers a peaceful stop where kids can learn about its historical and religious significance in a tranquil environment. For an active experience, families can enjoy a short hike to Pamucak Beach, where children can swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.

Lucca is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Ephesus or Lucca Better for Couples?

Lucca is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for couples.

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.

Ephesus is a good archeological site for couples to visit. Many couples stop off at these ruins as part of a bigger tour of Turkey. The ruins are well preserved and impressive, but can get crowded if you visit during the peak times.

Is Ephesus or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Ephesus and Lucca are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ephesus. Many backpackers stay in the nearby town of Selçuk, which has several hostels. This is also where you'll find a number of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Lucca is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

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

Ephesus 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 Ephesus. The town of Selçuk is well-connected by dolmuşes (shared minivans) that run frequently and offer affordable rides to nearby destinations, including Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Pamucak Beach area.

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 Ephesus or Lucca a more walkable city?

Lucca is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its ease of walking around.

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

Ephesus is a somewhat walkable archeological site. The ruins are spread out over a large area, but most of the key sites, like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, are within walking distance of each other. From Selçuk, it's about a half hour walk to the entrance of the Ephesus ruins, but most visitors prefer to take a short taxi or dolmuş ride to the site. Within Selçuk, many of the sites can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Ephesus?

How long in Ephesus or Lucca?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ephesus 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 Ephesus. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Lucca than Ephesus. 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 Ephesus. 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 Lucca than Ephesus 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 Ephesus or Lucca?

In Ephesus, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this world-renowned destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This archeological site 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 Ephesus or Lucca?

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

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 Ephesus or Lucca?

Ephesus is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Ephesus. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Ephesus or Lucca?

You'll find food and shopping around the world-renowned destination of Ephesus. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Lucca, we can see that Lucca is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ephesus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ephesus 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 Lucca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucca than you might in Ephesus.

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

Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Lucca?

Lucca has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus 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.