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

Should you visit Bristol or Lille?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Lille can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a authentic, historic, and diverse city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille

Lille is a friendly, historic, and under-rated city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Bristol and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Lille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bristol than Lille, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bristol is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Lille is known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Bristol is popular for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. It is also home to The Bristol Harbour. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Bristol different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bristol 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 Bristol can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

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 Bristol or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Many restaurants in Lille have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Bristol or Lille Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Bristol and Lille.

Many people head to Bristol for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

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.

Is Bristol or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is great for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol does not have a historic old town.

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.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Lille?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Lille specifically to go shopping. 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.

Bristol is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Is Bristol or Lille Better for Families?

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

Bristol is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

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 Bristol or Lille Better for Couples?

Both Bristol and Lille are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bristol is a good city for couples to visit. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Lille is a nice destination for couples. 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 Bristol or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Bristol is a good city to visit for students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

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

Lille is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Bristol or Lille a more walkable city?

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

Bristol is very walkable. The city center is well designed for walking.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Lille?

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

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

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

In Bristol, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. 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, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bristol or Lille?

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

In Lille, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lille has to offer.

Five days in Bristol or Lille?

Bristol is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bristol. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lille is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bristol or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Bristol. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Lille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Bristol 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 Bristol Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Lille?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Bristol during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bristol for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bristol is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 18°C (64°F), and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in July than Lille. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Lille. The autumn months attract visitors to Bristol because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

Bristol is around the same temperature as Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Bristol usually receives more rain than Lille. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bristol or Lille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Lille. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lille. In the winter, Bristol is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bristol in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in January than Lille. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bristol for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Bristol is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 10°C (50°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In April, Bristol usually receives less rain than Lille. Bristol 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 Bristol