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

Should you visit Arachova or Lille?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova 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.

Arachova

Arachova is a outdoorsy, bustling, and beautiful town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

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.

Arachova and Lille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Arachova or Lille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arachova. Although Arachova and Lille are popular destinations, Arachova has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arachova is very popular for its skiing, museums, hiking, and small town charm, while Lille attracts visitors for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Arachova is more touristy than Lille and is known for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing. It is also well known for Mount Parnassus Ski Resort. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Arachova different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arachova or Lille Better for Skiing?

Arachova
Lille

Arachova is a nice place to visit for snow skiing. However, Lille is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Arachova is a great destination to visit. The Parnassos Ski Resort is located just 24 kilometers from town and offers skiing that is beautiful and fun. There are spectacular views and the area has gained popularity in recent years. There are lessons for kids and many other fun winter activities nearby.

Lille is not a skiing destination.


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

Arachova
Lille

Arachova is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Arachova offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

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 Arachova or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arachova
Lille

Lille is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Arachova has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with old tavernas that serve up traditional local cuisine. You'll find a lot of the local cheese, formaela, as well as a local noodle dish called hilopites. Pork ribs and delicate desserts are also popular.

Is Arachova or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Arachova
Lille

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

Arachova is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are many charming bars around town that stay open late into the night. During the popular winter months, you'll find the streets filled with people that come for the unique winter atmosphere.

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 Arachova or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Arachova
Lille

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

Many visitors go to Arachova to see the historical old town. The charming old town is at its best during the Christmas season when there are decorations around the town square and the streets are filled with people.

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 Arachova or Lille Better for Hiking?

Arachova
Lille

Arachova is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Lille is not a hiking destination.

Arachova is a popular spot for hiking. For the best outdoor activities, head to nearby Mount Parnassos, where there's skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and beautiful hikes through the mountainous terrain during the summer months.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arachova or Lille?

Arachova
Lille

Lille is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Arachova. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.


Is Arachova or Lille Better for Families?

Arachova
Lille

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

Arachova is a very kid-friendly town. The charming town has long served as a winter escape for those living in Athens. There's plenty for kids to do including and ice skating rink, a horse ranch, and even nearby skiing.

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 Arachova or Lille Better for Couples?

Arachova
Lille

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

Arachova is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

Lille is a good town 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 Arachova or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arachova
Lille

Lille is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Arachova is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Arachova is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't think to visit this area on their trip to Greece. There are some guesthouses, but not a lot of hostels, so you might find a limited number of social activities.


Is Arachova or Lille Better for Students?

Arachova
Lille

Lille is well known for students. However, Arachova 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.

Arachova is not popular with students.

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

Arachova
Lille

Lille is well known for its public transit. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Arachova offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are some public buses in the area.

Is Arachova or Lille a more walkable city?

Arachova
Lille

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

Arachova is a somewhat walkable place. The town has many walkable streets that are fun to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Arachova?

How long in Arachova or Lille?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Arachova or Lille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Arachova 2-3 
    Lille 1-3

One day in Arachova or Lille?

In Arachova, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this outdoorsy destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town 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 Arachova or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arachova. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Arachova or Lille?

Arachova is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Arachova. 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 Arachova or Lille?

You'll find museums and skiing around the beautiful destination of Arachova. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Lille or Arachova?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Arachova is €112, while the average daily cost in Lille is €115. 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 Arachova and Lille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arachova 50
    Lille 55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arachova 100
    Lille 110
Compare Hotels in Arachova and Lille

Looking for a hotel in Arachova or Lille? 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.

Hotels in Arachova


Hotels in Lille


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: Lille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arachova 51
    Lille 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lille

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lille:

  • Lille Private Transfer from Lille Airport (LIL) to City centre: $57
  • Lille Private Transfer from Lille city centre to Lille Airport (LIL): $57
  • Private Transfer to or from Lille Airport: $53
  • Private Transfer to or from Paris CDG: $535
  • Private Transfer to or from Paris Orly Airport: $642
  • Private One way transfer Lille Airport (LIL) : $77
  • Private Round trip transfer to Lille Airport (LIL) : $155
  • Toulouse Airport private transfer to Toulouse City center: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Arachova or Lille?

Prices for flights to both Lille and Arachova 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Arachova 29
    Lille 42

Typical Food Prices in Lille

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lille are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    37

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arachova 28
    Lille 16

Tours and Activities in Lille

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lille are as follows:

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $4.28
  • Lille Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.45
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Lille City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.63
  • Lille Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $10
  • Vieux Lille 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Lille City Tour: $18
  • Tournai Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game: $22
  • Discover Tournai while escaping the zombies! Escape game: $22
  • Discover Tournai while playing! Escape game - The alchemist: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arachova 6.43
    Lille 17


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


Which is Bigger, Arachova or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Arachova. When comparing the sizes of Arachova 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 Arachova 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 Arachova or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arachova and Lille. The summer months attract visitors to Arachova because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In the summer, Arachova is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arachova in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Lille averages at about 17°C (63°F).

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

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arachova 27°C (81°F) 
    Lille 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arachova as well as Lille. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Arachova this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Arachova is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 19°C (67°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

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

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arachova 19°C (67°F) 
    Lille 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Arachova are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Arachova for the skiing, 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. Arachova is much warmer than Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

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

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arachova 10°C (51°F) 
    Lille 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Arachova during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Arachova in the spring for the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lille for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Arachova is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arachova in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

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

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arachova 16°C (60°F) 
    Lille 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Lille and Arachova

Arachova Lille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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