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

Should you visit Bruges or Lille?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bruges and Lille. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, charming, and historic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. 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.

Bruges and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Lille?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bruges than Lille. While Lille is larger than Bruges, Bruges has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bruges is more popular for its museums, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Lille is known for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Bruges is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. It is also home to Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Bruges different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bruges 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 Bruges can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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 Bruges or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eat your way through Lille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bruges makes for a great culinary experience. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

Is Bruges or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is great for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Lille for the nightlife scene. 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 Bruges. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Is Bruges or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is very popular for its old town. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Bruges has a world-famous historical area. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

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 Bruges or Lille?

Lille is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Bruges 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.

Bruges is a great destination for shopping. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Is Bruges or Lille Better for Families?

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

Bruges is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

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 Bruges or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Bruges is a very popular place to visit for couples. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

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 Bruges or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is notable for backpackers. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bruges is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

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 Bruges or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Bruges is not popular with students.

Is Bruges 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, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Lille. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Bruges has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Bruges or Lille a more walkable city?

Bruges and Lille are world-class when it comes to walkability.

Bruges is a very easy city to get around on foot. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

It is easy to get around Lille 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bruges and Lille. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Bruges or Lille?

In Bruges, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful 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.

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 Bruges or Lille?

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

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

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 Bruges or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Bruges. 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.

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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Bruges and Lille, we can see that Bruges 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 Bruges Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Bruges 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 Bruges 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 Bruges or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Bruges during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bruges in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

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

Bruges usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lille. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Lille. Most visitors come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

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

In October, Bruges usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bruges or Lille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Lille. The winter months attract visitors to Bruges because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lille in the winter. The weather in Bruges can be very cold. In the winter, Bruges is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bruges in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

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

Bruges usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lille. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Bruges are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bruges this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the natural beauty.

In April, Bruges is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 8°C (47°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Lille and Bruges