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

Should you visit Bath 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 Bath and Lille can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bath

Bath is a historical, beautiful, and architectural spa town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille

Lille is a cultural, culinary, and friendly city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bath and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bath or Lille?

Both Lille and Bath have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Bath is very popular for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Lille attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Bath is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Bath different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bath is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Bath are among the most recognizable in the world. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

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 Bath or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bath. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

Is Bath or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Bath has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.

Is Bath or Lille Better for its Old Town?

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bath. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

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 Bath or Lille?

Lille is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Lille. 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.

Bath is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.

Is Bath or Lille Better for Families?

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

Bath is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.

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 Bath or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Bath has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

Lille is a good spa 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 Bath or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bath and Lille are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Bath is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

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 Bath or Lille Better for Students?

Both Bath and Lille are excellent destinations for students.

Bath is very popular with students. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

Lille is a great spa town 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 Bath or Lille Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lille is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Lille. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Bath, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.

Is Bath or Lille a more walkable city?

Bath and Lille are terrific when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Bath. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Bath?

How long in Bath or Lille?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lille than Bath 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 Bath or Lille?

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bath or Lille?

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

Lille is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bath or Lille?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Lille. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Bath or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Bath. 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 museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The cultural city of Lille offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Bath and Lille, we can see that Bath 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 Bath would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bath 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 Bath Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bath or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bath. When comparing the sizes of Bath 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.