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

Should you visit Aegina or Lille?

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

Should I visit Aegina 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.

Aegina

Aegina is a relaxing, vibrant, and fun island. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lille

Lille is a fascinating, cultural, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Aegina and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aegina or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lille. Although Aegina and Lille are both popular with visitors, Lille has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lille is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Aegina is known for its museums, beaches, and small town charm. Aegina is more touristy than Lille and is known for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also home to Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Aegina different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Aegina 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 Aegina can be an interesting and educational experience. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

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 Aegina or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aegina. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Is Aegina or Lille Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Aegina or Lille has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Aegina know how to have a good time. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

The nightlife in Lille has something for everybody. 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.

Is Aegina or Lille Better for Beaches?

Aegina is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

Aegina has a beach worth visiting. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Aegina or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Lille?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Lille is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Aegina. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Is Aegina or Lille Better for Families?

Aegina is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Aegina is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

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 Aegina or Lille Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Aegina and Lille make for a good place to visit.

Aegina is a good island for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Lille is a nice destination for couples. 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 Aegina or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina and Lille are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aegina. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Lille is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Aegina or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is a great destination for students. However, Aegina is not popular with students.

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.

Aegina is not popular with students.

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

Lille is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Lille offers a very effecient public transportation network. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

While Aegina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

Is Aegina or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Lille on foot is easy. 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.

Aegina is somewhat walkable. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aegina and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lille than in Aegina. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Aegina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lille than Aegina. 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 Aegina 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 Aegina or Lille?

In Aegina, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fun destination offers. This island 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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Aegina or Lille?

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

Lille 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 Aegina or Lille?

Aegina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Aegina. 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 Lille. 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 Aegina or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the active destination of Aegina. 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 food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Lille. 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 Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, 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 Aegina and Lille, we can see that Lille is more expensive. And not only is Aegina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aegina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aegina 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 Lille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lille than you might in Aegina.

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

Which is Bigger, Aegina or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina 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 Aegina 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 Aegina or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Lille. Many travelers come to Aegina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aegina is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 27°C (81°F), and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aegina usually receives less rain than Lille. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aegina or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Lille. Many visitors come to Aegina in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Aegina is much warmer than Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the autumn, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Lille. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aegina or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Aegina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. In the winter, Aegina is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aegina in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aegina usually receives less rain than Lille. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aegina or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Aegina during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Aegina because of the beaches and the small town charm. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In April, Aegina is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 16°C (60°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the spring, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Lille. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in April than Lille. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Aegina