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

Should you visit Cardiff or Lille?

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

Should I visit Cardiff 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.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a industrial, up-and-coming, and green city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Cardiff and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Lille?

Both Lille and Cardiff have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Cardiff 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. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Cardiff different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Cardiff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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 Cardiff or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Lille know how to have a good time. 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 Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Cardiff or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a great destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

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.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Lille?

Lille is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Cardiff or Lille Better for Families?

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

Cardiff is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

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 Cardiff or Lille Better for Couples?

Lille is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options 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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille is a popular place for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is a great destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

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

Lille is a great destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Lille?

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

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

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

In Cardiff, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this green 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 Cardiff or Lille?

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

Cardiff is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cardiff. 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 Cardiff or Lille?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Cardiff and Lille, we can see that Cardiff 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff 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 Cardiff Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Lille?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Lille. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Cardiff is around the same temperature as Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 17°C (63°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 Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Lille. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cardiff is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cardiff in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Lille. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Lille. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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. Cardiff can be very cold during winter. In January, Cardiff is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 3°C (38°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Cardiff usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Lille. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Cardiff during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

Cardiff is around the same temperature as Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Cardiff often gets more sunshine than Lille. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lille. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Cardiff