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

Should you visit Antwerp or Lille?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Antwerp and Lille can help you decide which place is right for you.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a authentic, genuine, and cultural port 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 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.

Antwerp and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Lille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Antwerp than Lille. Antwerp is bigger than Lille, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Antwerp is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Lille is more popular for its food and impressive beauty. Lille is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. Antwerp is well known for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. Also, Antwerp is famous for Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Antwerp different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Antwerp 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 Antwerp can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of cathedrals, museums, and art galleries that are fun to explore. The history and culture of the town is best experienced by wandering the streets and soaking up the architecture.

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 Antwerp or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Lille has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Antwerp is becoming an appealing option for foodies. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolates and biscuits that make this city famous. You'll also find plenty of fries and casual dining options to choose from. Local favorites include mussels and fish and chips, and of course, you must try the beer!

Is Antwerp or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Antwerp and Lille.

Antwerp is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Many of the the clubs and bars are concentrated in the docklands, but you'll also find places to hang out everywhere around town.

Many people head to Lille for the nightlife scene. 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 Antwerp or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp and Lille are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antwerp. The old city has a long running history and many unique spots to explore. At the heart of the old town is Grote Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets. There are a diversity of restaurants including local cuisines, Italian restaurants, and a number of different ethnic food. You'll also find local chocolate shops, waffle vendors, and ice cream.

Many visitors go to Lille to see the historical old town. 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 Antwerp or Lille?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Lille and Antwerp.

The abundance of shops in Antwerp make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

Many people travel to Lille specifically to go shopping. 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.

Is Antwerp or Lille Better for Families?

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

Antwerp is a family-friendly place to visit. Favorite kid-friendly activities around town include taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, going to the local zoo, or exploring the indoor play area Plopsa Station. Kids will also enjoy exploring the underground canals or taking a boat ride. Chocolate lovers will have fun checking out the many chocolate shops around town.

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 Antwerp or Lille Better for Couples?

Both Antwerp and Lille are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Antwerp makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a wonderful café culture with great restaurants and beautiful neighborhoods to explore. There are many great restaurants as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.

Lille is a good port 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 Antwerp or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp and Lille are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Antwerp is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With a handful of hostels and a variety of free activities, this is an affordable place to visit. It's often overlooked by backpackers so those that visit will be rewarded. It has a vibe of authenticity which is great for backpacker's who are a bit jaded from the tourism scene.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Antwerp or Lille Better for Students?

Antwerp and Lille are excellent places to visit for students.

Antwerp is very popular with students. There's a good student culture and a lot of activities that give the city a fun and youthful vibe. It's a relatively big city with a lot of transportation connections, so it makes a great base for exploring other areas.

Lille is a great port 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.

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

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

Lille has some very good public transit options. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

While Antwerp offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are both tram and bus lines around town. The city also has a large and impressive train station with many connections, making it a good base for exploring other areas.

Is Antwerp or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Antwerp is a very walkable destination. The old town can be comfortably explored on foot, particularly the area around Grote Markt.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antwerp and Lille. In our opinion, Lille has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lille than Antwerp. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

In Antwerp, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this youthful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Lille, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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 Antwerp or Lille?

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

In Lille, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Lille has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Lille?

Antwerp is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Antwerp. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 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 Antwerp or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Antwerp. 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 shopping. 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 Lille. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Lille. 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 Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Antwerp and Lille, we can see that Antwerp 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 Antwerp Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Lille?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp 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 Antwerp 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 Antwerp or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Lille. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences.

Antwerp is around the same temperature as Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 17°C (63°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 Antwerp, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during summer. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antwerp or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Lille. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Antwerp is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antwerp in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

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

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

Should I visit Antwerp or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Antwerp in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lille can be very cold during winter. Antwerp can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Antwerp is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 3°C (38°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

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

In January, Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antwerp or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Antwerp during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Lille because of the natural beauty.

Antwerp is around the same temperature as Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

Antwerp usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lille. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Antwerp