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

Should you visit Amsterdam or Lille?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Lille, 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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a canal-lined, party-oriented, and laid-back city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Lille

Lille is a culinary, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Amsterdam and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Lille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Amsterdam than Lille. Amsterdam is bigger than Lille, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lille is more popular for its food and shopping. Amsterdam is more touristy than Lille and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Amsterdam different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a 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 Amsterdam or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Amsterdam or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Amsterdam is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

Lille has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Amsterdam or Lille Better for Music?

Amsterdam is very popular for its live music scene. However, Lille is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Amsterdam The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Lille is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam and Lille both have superb historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Amsterdam to see the historical old town. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Lille is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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 Amsterdam or Lille?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Lille make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Is Amsterdam or Lille Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Amsterdam or Lille as a family destination.

Amsterdam doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

For families, Lille is not always the best place to visit. 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 Amsterdam or Lille Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Amsterdam is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Lille is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Amsterdam or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is very popular for backpackers. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

Lille is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Amsterdam or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is well known for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Lille is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Amsterdam is very popular for its public transit. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Amsterdam has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

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

Is Amsterdam or Lille a more walkable city?

Amsterdam and Lille both are amazing when exploring on foot.

Getting around Amsterdam on foot is easy. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

Lille is a very easy city to get around 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Amsterdam and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Lille. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

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

One day in Amsterdam or Lille?

Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lille has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Amsterdam or Lille?

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

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Lille?

Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Lille. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Amsterdam or Lille?

Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Lille is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam and Lille, we can see that Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Lille?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Lille. The summer months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

Amsterdam is around the same temperature as Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during summer. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Lille. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Lille. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Amsterdam is cooler than Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Amsterdam in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Amsterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lille can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Amsterdam. In January, Amsterdam is generally much colder than Lille. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during winter. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Lille. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Amsterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lille for the natural beauty during these months.

Amsterdam is cooler than Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Amsterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Amsterdam