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

Should you visit Brussels 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 Brussels 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.

Brussels

Brussels is a colorful, multicultural, and historic 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille

Lille is a historic, under-rated, and fascinating city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Brussels and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brussels than Lille. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brussels is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Lille attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and impressive beauty. Brussels is famous for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also well known for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels 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 Brussels can be an interesting and educational experience. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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 Brussels or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Brussels has a huge number of terrific restaurants. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Is Brussels or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is well known for nightlife. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Lille is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Brussels has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

Is Brussels or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the great old town areas in both Brussels and Lille.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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 Brussels or Lille?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Lille and Brussels.

Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

Known for shopping, Lille draws large crowds to its stores. 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 Brussels or Lille Better for Families?

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

Brussels is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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 Brussels or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Brussels is a very popular place to visit for couples. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

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 Brussels or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Brussels is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

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 Brussels or Lille Better for Students?

Brussels and Lille are great places to visit for students.

Many students visit Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Lille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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 Brussels or Lille Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Brussels 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.

Brussels has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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

Is Brussels or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is renowned for its walkability. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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.

Brussels is a very walkable city. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in Lille. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

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

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

One day in Brussels or Lille?

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The beautiful city of Lille offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brussels or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lille, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Lille?

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Lille is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the multicultural big city of Brussels. 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 shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lille is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brussels and Lille, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Lille?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Brussels or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Lille. Many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Brussels is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brussels in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Lille averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Lille during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Lille. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Lille. Most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Brussels often gets more sunshine than Lille. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Brussels 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 Brussels can be very cold. Brussels is around the same temperature as Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Brussels usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives more rain than Lille. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Brussels during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lille for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Brussels is a little warmer than Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brussels in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Brussels