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

Should you visit Bonn or Lille?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Lille? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bonn

Bonn is a lively, cultural, and beautiful city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. 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.

Bonn and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Lille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lille. Although Bonn and Lille are popular destinations, Lille has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lille is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bonn attracts visitors for its museums and quaint atmosphere. Bonn is famous for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also well known for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Bonn different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bonn 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 Bonn can be an interesting and educational experience. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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 Bonn or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Lille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Bonn or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a great city for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Lille has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Bonn or Lille Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Bonn and Lille.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Lille. 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 Bonn or Lille?

Lille is very popular for shopping. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Bonn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Is Bonn or Lille Better for Families?

Bonn is very popular for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Bonn is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn or Lille Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bonn and Lille make for a nice place to visit.

Bonn is a nice destination for couples. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Lille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Bonn or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bonn and Lille are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Lille is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Bonn or Lille Better for Students?

For students, both Bonn and Lille are very good places to visit.

Bonn is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

Lille is very popular with students. 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 Bonn or Lille Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bonn and Lille both offer very good public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Bonn can move around easily with public transportation. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

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

Is Bonn or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is very popular for its walkability. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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.

Bonn is a very walkable city. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Lille?

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

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

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

In Bonn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this lively 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.

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 Bonn or Lille?

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

Bonn is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bonn. 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 cultural 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 Bonn or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the lively destination of Bonn. 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.

The under-rated 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 from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, 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 Bonn and Lille, we can see that Bonn 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Lille?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Bonn 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 Bonn 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 Bonn or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Bonn during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bonn is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Lille averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bonn often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets more rain in July than Lille. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Lille. Many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Bonn is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Bonn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during autumn. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bonn usually receives less rain than Lille. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bonn or Lille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Lille. Most visitors come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Lille because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lille can be very cold. Bonn can be very cold during winter. Bonn is cooler than Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Bonn often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in January than Lille. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In the spring, Bonn is a little warmer than Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Lille during spring. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bonn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lille and Bonn