Which place is cheaper, Lucca or Naples?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Naples or Lucca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Naples 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.
Naples
Naples is a historic, authentic, and gritty city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Naples travel costs.
Lucca
Lucca is a quaint, popular, and historic city. With stunning beauty, Lucca attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Lucca travel costs.
Naples and Lucca: Pros and Cons
Naples
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Lucca
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Known for its beauty
- 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 Naples or Lucca?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Naples than Lucca. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Naples is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Lucca attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Lucca is more touristy than Naples and is known for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also well known for Piazza del Plebiscito.
How is Naples different from Lucca?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lucca and Naples. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Naples or Lucca?
Naples
Lucca
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Naples or Lucca.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Naples can be an interesting and educational experience. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Naples or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Naples
Lucca
Naples 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 Naples have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.
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 Naples or Lucca Better for Nightlife?
Naples
Lucca
Naples is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.
Naples is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.
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.
Is Naples or Lucca Better for its Old Town?
Naples
Lucca
Lucca is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Naples 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.
Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.
Is the Shopping Better in Naples or Lucca?
Naples
Lucca
Naples 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 Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.
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 Naples or Lucca More Beautiful?
Naples
Lucca
Lucca is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Naples is not a destination known for its beauty.
With stunning beauty, Lucca attracts visitors from all around. It's a beautiful city that's surrounded by walls and filled with winding streets.
Naples is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Naples or Lucca Better for Families?
Naples
Lucca
Naples and Lucca are both nice destinations for the whole family.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Naples. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.
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 Naples or Lucca Better for Couples?
Naples
Lucca
Naples and Lucca are both high quality to visit as a couple.
Couples visit Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.
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 Naples or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Naples
Lucca
Naples is well known for backpackers. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Naples is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.
Plenty of backpackers visit Lucca. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.
Is Naples or Lucca Better for Students?
Naples
Lucca
Naples is a city with good options for students. However, Lucca is not popular with students.
Naples is popular with students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.
Lucca is not popular with students.
Is Naples or Lucca Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Naples
Lucca
Naples 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 Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.
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 Naples or Lucca a more walkable city?
Naples
Lucca
Naples and Lucca both are high quality when exploring on foot.
Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy 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 Naples Worth Visiting? and Is Lucca Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Lucca or Naples?
How long in Naples or Lucca?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Naples or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Naples 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 Naples, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lucca.
Couples should spend more time in Naples than Lucca. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Naples that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Naples 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 Naples.
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How many days in Naples or Lucca? Ideal Length of StayNaples 1-3Lucca 1-2
One day in Naples or Lucca?
Each neighborhood in Naples has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Naples or Lucca?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Naples. 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 Naples or Lucca?
Naples is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Naples. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Naples or Lucca?
You'll find food and shopping around the historic big city of Naples. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the popular 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.
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Naples Prices
Italy PricesLucca Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNaples €158Lucca €136
The average daily cost (per person) in Naples is €158, while the average daily cost in Lucca is €136. 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 Naples and Lucca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNaples €66Lucca €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNaples €132Lucca €122
Compare Hotels in Naples and Lucca
Looking for a hotel in Naples 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: Naples Hotel Prices and Lucca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Naples €21Lucca €4.29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Naples
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Naples:
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Subway Ticket€1.20
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Alibus From Airport€3.00
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Short Taxi Ride€7.34
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Train to Pompeii€3.20
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Taxi€15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Naples
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Naples:
- Transfer from Naples to Positano/Sorrento via Pompeii or vice versa: $210
- 24/7 Private Intercity Transfers from Naples Airport/Station/Port: $66
- Airport Transfer: $205
- Airport transfers to Naples by car: $88
- Aragonese Castle with Hydrofoil Transfer from Naples Ticket: $84
- Capri Island: All Inclusive private transfer from Naples : $289
- Deluxe private transfer NAPLES Train Station to SORRENTO or vv: $112
- Deluxe private transfer NAPLES Train Station to SORRENTO or vv: $120
- Deluxe private transfer from NAPLES TO POSITANO or vv : $186
- Ferry Transfers Between Naples and Capri: $36
- Free Tour to Procida by Hydrofoil Transfer and Typical Sweet and Coffee: $66
- From private and luxury transfer to POSITANO: $120
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lucca:
- Private Transfer from Lido di Camaiore to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $257
- Private Transfer from Lucca to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $263
- Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Lucca: $106
Is it cheaper to fly into Naples or Lucca?
Prices for flights to both Lucca and Naples 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 dayNaples €69Lucca €72
Typical Food Prices in Naples
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Naples:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€28
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)€49
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Napoli Pizza€7.24
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Dinner€25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Naples
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Naples.
- Naples Street Eats : Authentic Walking Food Tour Experience: $45
- Naples Street Food Tour and Guided Sightseeing with Local Expert: $46
- Authentic pizza making class with free pizza and limoncello : $48
- Street food tour in Napoli: $49
- Eating Naples Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $51
- Tasty Naples Street Food Tour of MustEat Gourmet Specialties and MustSee Sites: $51
- Naples Street Food Tour: Discover Local Flavors with Expert Guide: $51
- Authentic Naples Street Food Tour With Local Expert Guide : $51
- Sightseeing Tour and Pizza in Napoli: $52
- Naples Pizza Experience: Learn, Bake & Taste the Real Flavor: $55
- 2-Hour Authentic Italian Pizza Making Class in Naples: $59
- Exclusive Pizza Cooking Class in Naples: $59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lucca.
- Morning Food Tour with Snacks and Coffee: $82
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in San Miniato with Show Cooking: $101
- Lucca’s Ultimate Food Tour: Full Tuscan Meal by Do Eat Better: $108
- 2Italia Lucca Food Tour: $113
- Lucca Walking Tour & Traditional Cooking Class with Wine: $115
- Lucca Walking Tour & Traditional Cooking Class with Wine: $118
- Typical Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Lucca: $131
- Cooking Class Lucca: $152
- Traditional-Traditional Cooking Class cuisine course: $152
- Private Home-made Pasta Cooking Class: $152
- Every Day Cooking Class in Lucca Italy: $155
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class in Pistoia: $161
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Naples €30Lucca €5.68
Typical Entertainment Prices in Naples
Here are a few typical costs in Naples for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Museo Archeologico Nazionale Entrance€9.00
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Castelnuovo Museum Entrance€5.00
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Entrance to Pompeii€11
Tours and Activities in Naples
Here are a few actual costs in Naples for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Tours Naples With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.59
- Naples Interactive City Tour: $8.42
- Naples from Ancient Greece to today: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- A Self-Guided Tour Through the Historical Heart of Naples: $9.99
- Caserta Palace Official Entry Tickets with Gardens Option: $12
- Naples Underground Official Skip-the-line Ticket: $18
- Tour Journey into the historical Neapolitan glove factory: $18
- Naples Historic Center 3D Walking Tour: $22
- Tramvia Napoli: Easy Drop-On Drop-Off Tour to Explore Naples: $24
- Mount Vesuvius Skip-the-Line Ticket and Audio Guide: $24
- Spanish Quarters Tour: $25
- Mount Vesuvius Skip the Line Ticket + Multilingual Audio Guide: $26
Tours and Activities in Lucca
Here are a few actual costs in Lucca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- join a 'must see' walking tour! (English): $18
- 2-Hour City Center Walking Tour: $18
- Renaissance City Walls Walking Tour: $18
- Guided City by Night Walking Tour: $18
- Guided Walking Tour: $18
- Your Lucca Walking Tour English OR Italian: $18
- Discover Lucca’s Secrets on a Guided Walking Tour: $18
- Self-Guided Tour by Bike: $21
- Self-Guided Tour by Bike with MAP: $21
- Walking Tour: Mysterious Lucca through Stories and Legends: $23
- Lucca Red Light Tour: Discovering the City's Naughty History: $23
- From Lucca to Pisa: Self-Guided Bike Tour: $34
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNaples €21Lucca €13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Naples
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Naples:
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Beer€4.10
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Beer€4.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Naples
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Naples:
- Napoli Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $18
- Vesuvius wine tasting with company tour: $35
- Visit to the Cellar and Wine Tasting on Astroni Crater: $48
- Regional food and wine tasting: $59
- Ercolano Vineyards Guided Wine Tasting Experience with Brunch: $69
- Guided, FUN Wine Tasting with Trivia Games, Napoli: $78
- Guided Wine Tour in Old Town Napoli: $101
- Naples by Night Food and Wine Tasting with Sightseeing Guided Tour: $107
- Wine Tasting - Tour and Tasting in Vesuvius Winemaker: $108
- Scenic Wine Tasting & Lunch on the Slopes of Vesuvius from Naples: $108
- Pompeii & Wine Tasting - Full Day Tour: $144
- Vesuvius Wine Tasting Tour with Typical Lunch on the Slopes: $144
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: $24
- Guided Winery Tour with Wine Tasting: $29
- Wine tasting in Lucca: $48
- Honest Wines- Wine tasting at Cantina Biagiotti: $60
- Tuscany Wine Tours in a family winery Podere Pellicciano: $83
- Wine tasting in Versilia with sommelier - 5 wines and local products: $89
- Chianti Half-Day Wine Tour in the Tuscan Hills Small Group from Lucca: $94
- RomanticOpera concert in the artist's house on the hills and wine tasting: $104
- Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour: $127
- Guided E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Lucca: $130
- Bike Ride & WIne Tasting: $143
- Tuscan Wine Tour by van from Lucca: $174
When comparing the travel costs between Naples and Lucca, we can see that Naples 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 Naples Expensive? and Is Lucca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Naples or Lucca?
Naples has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Naples 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.