A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. Lille for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Aberdeen or Lille?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Lille? 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.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a historic, cultural, and architectural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille

Lille is a historic, under-rated, and fascinating city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Aberdeen and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Lille?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Aberdeen than Lille. While Lille is larger than Aberdeen, Aberdeen has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Aberdeen is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Lille attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Aberdeen is famous for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also well known for St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Aberdeen different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aberdeen or Lille?

Aberdeen is notable for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Aberdeen can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

While most people don't head to Lille specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The city offers an amazing atmosphere, with many of the most beautiful buildings near Place du Général de Gaulle (the main square). Top rated attractions in town include Palais des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Louvre-Lens, and Eglise Saint-Maurice.

Is the Food Better in Aberdeen or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Lille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Aberdeen or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Lille offers plenty to do in the evening. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Is Aberdeen or Lille Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Aberdeen and Lille.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Lille. The old town (Le Vieux Lille) is charming to explore. Many of the buildings are from the 16th or 17th centuries and feature very ornate architecture. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. This is an area where locals and tourists alike live and play.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Lille?

Lille is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Lille is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Is Aberdeen or Lille Better for Families?

Aberdeen is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Aberdeen is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Lille is not always a place people visit with their families. There are a handful of kid-focused activities like a small zoo, a small amusement park, several museums and even a puppet theater. Many of the restaurants also have kid's menus that are reasonably priced.

Is Aberdeen or Lille Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Aberdeen and Lille make for a nice place to visit.

Aberdeen is a nice destination for couples. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Lille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy shopping, dining out, and exploring beautiful cities will enjoy a visit. There are many great restaurants worth experiencing, as well as beautiful architecture and fun shops.

Is Aberdeen or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lille. This small city flies under the radar for most backpackers, but there are a handful of hostels and a great experience for those who venture here. It feels more off the beaten path than some French cities, but you'll find great food and a nice atmosphere.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is a well-known place for students. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Lille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is home to a number of students, both local and international. It has a lower cost of living than many places in France as well as a youthful vibe with fun activities and plenty of shopping.

Plenty of students visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Is Aberdeen or Lille Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lille is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Lille is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Aberdeen has some public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Is Aberdeen or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Lille on foot. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily explored on foot.

Aberdeen is a very walkable city. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

For even more information, also check out Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is Lille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lille or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aberdeen and Lille. In our opinion, Lille has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lille than Aberdeen. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aberdeen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

Families should spend more time in Aberdeen than Lille. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aberdeen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lille than Aberdeen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lille that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lille than Aberdeen 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 Lille.

One day in Aberdeen or Lille?

In Aberdeen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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.

The beautiful city of Lille offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Lille?

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

Lille is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lille, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Lille?

Aberdeen is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Aberdeen. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lille is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Aberdeen. 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.

Lille is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Aberdeen. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Lille, 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.

When is the best time to visit Aberdeen or Lille?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Aberdeen is cooler than Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aberdeen in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Lille averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Lille. Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Lille during summer. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aberdeen usually receives less rain than Lille. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Aberdeen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Lille. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 9°C (49°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Lille. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lille. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Lille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Lille. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Lille because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lille can be very cold. Aberdeen can be very cold during winter. Aberdeen is around the same temperature as Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Aberdeen usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Lille. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Lille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Lille. The spring months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In the spring, Aberdeen is cooler than Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aberdeen in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Lille. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Aberdeen