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

Should you visit Berlin or Lille?

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

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

Berlin

Berlin is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Lille

Lille is a under-rated, fascinating, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Berlin and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berlin or Lille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Berlin than Lille. Berlin is bigger than Lille, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Berlin is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Lille is more popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Berlin is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Also, Berlin is famous for the Brandenburg Gate. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Berlin different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Berlin 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 Berlin are among the most recognizable in the world. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

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 Berlin or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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.

Dining out in Berlin is an experience not to be missed. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

Is Berlin or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Berlin 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.

Berlin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

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 Berlin or Lille Better for Music?

Berlin 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 Berlin From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Lille is not a live music destination.

Is Berlin or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a great city for its old town. However, Berlin does not have a historic old town.

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.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Lille?

If you're looking to go shopping, Berlin and Lille both offer plenty of amazing spots.

Known for shopping, Berlin draws large crowds to its stores. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

Lille is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Berlin or Lille Better for Families?

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

Berlin is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

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 Berlin or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Berlin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

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 Berlin or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin 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 Berlin. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

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 Berlin or Lille Better for Students?

Berlin is very popular for students. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Berlin is a great destination for students. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

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

Berlin 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.

Berlin has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

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

Is Berlin or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Lille?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berlin 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 Berlin.

One day in Berlin or Lille?

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Berlin or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berlin. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Berlin or Lille?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Berlin or Lille?

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

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Lille. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, 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 Berlin and Lille, we can see that Berlin 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 Berlin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berlin 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 Berlin Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Berlin or Lille?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Berlin 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 Berlin or Lille?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Berlin or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Berlin during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Berlin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

Berlin is around the same temperature as Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Berlin. In the summer, Berlin often gets more sunshine than Lille. Berlin gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in July than Lille. Berlin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berlin or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Berlin and Lille. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Berlin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Berlin is cooler than Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Berlin in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Berlin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during autumn. Berlin gets 106 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Berlin usually receives less rain than Lille. Berlin gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Berlin or Lille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Berlin as well as Lille. Many travelers come to Berlin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Berlin. In January, Berlin is generally much colder than Lille. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around -0°C (31°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Lille. Berlin gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in January than Lille. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berlin or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Berlin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Berlin in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the natural beauty during these months.

Berlin is around the same temperature as Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Berlin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during spring. Berlin gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Berlin usually receives less rain than Lille. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lille and Berlin