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

Should you visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a historical, less touristy, and undiscovered 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 culinary, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Lille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bucharest than Lille. Bucharest is bigger than Lille, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bucharest is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Lille is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Lille is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. Bucharest is well known for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions. Also, Bucharest is famous for The Palace of Parliament.

How is Bucharest different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bucharest is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Bucharest offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

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 Bucharest or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest 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.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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 Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is well known for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Lille?

Lille is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Lille make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Lille Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Bucharest or Lille as a family destination.

Bucharest doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

For families, Lille is not always the best place to visit. 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 Bucharest or Lille Better for Couples?

Lille is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

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.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest and Lille are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lille. 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 Bucharest or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is well known for students. However, Bucharest 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.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bucharest and Lille.

The public transit in Bucharest can get you around easily. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

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

Is Bucharest or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Lille?

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

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

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

In Bucharest, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lille has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Lille?

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

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the cultural destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Lille?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Lille. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Bucharest or Lille?

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

Lille is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Lille?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Lille. Many visitors come to Bucharest 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.

Bucharest is a little warmer than Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bucharest or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Lille. Most visitors come to Bucharest 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 the autumn, Bucharest is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bucharest in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Lille. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bucharest 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 Bucharest can be very cold. In January, Bucharest is generally much colder than Lille. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around -1°C (29°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Lille. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bucharest or Lille in the Spring?

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

Bucharest is a little warmer than Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Lille. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lille. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Bucharest