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

Should you visit Basel or Lille?

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

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

Basel

Basel is a museum-filled, easily accessible, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. 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.

Basel and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Lille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lille than Basel. Lille is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lille is better known for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Basel is more popular for its museums. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. Also, Lille is famous for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Basel different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Basel 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 Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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 Basel or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Lille Better for Nightlife?

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

Lille has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Basel or Lille Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

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 Basel or Lille?

Lille is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Is Basel or Lille Better for Families?

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

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel or Lille Better for Couples?

Basel and Lille are both notable to visit as a couple.

Basel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

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 Basel or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Lille are notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Basel. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

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 Basel or Lille Better for Students?

Basel and Lille are both superb destinations for students and younger travelers.

Basel is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Students come from all over to stay in Lille. 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 Basel or Lille Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Basel and Lille offer superb public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

The public transit in Lille can get you to most places easily. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Is Basel or Lille a more walkable city?

Basel and Lille both are amazing when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Basel on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lille. 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 Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Lille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lille or Basel?

How long in Basel or Lille?

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

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

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

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

In Lille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Basel or Lille?

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

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

Five days in Basel or Lille?

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

A week in Basel or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the easily accessible destination of Basel. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the fascinating destination of Lille. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Basel because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

Basel is a little warmer than Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Lille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. Basel usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Lille. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Basel during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Basel is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets more sunshine than Lille. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Lille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Lille. Many travelers come to Basel 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 Basel. In January, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Lille. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Lille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Basel as well as Lille. Many visitors come to Basel in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the natural beauty during these months.

Basel is a little warmer than Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Basel