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

Should you visit Catania or Lille?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Catania and Lille can help you decide which place is right for you.

Catania

Catania is a historic, lively, and youthful port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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.

Catania and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Catania. Although Catania and Lille are about the same size, Catania has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Catania is better known for its museums, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Lille is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Catania is more touristy than Lille and is known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. Also, Catania is famous for Mount Etna. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Catania different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Catania offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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 Catania or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Catania and Lille offer terrific local cuisine and restaurants.

Catania has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Is Catania or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Catania and Lille.

Catania has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

Lille has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Catania or Lille Better for Beaches?

Catania is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

Catania has a beach worth visiting. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Catania or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is notable for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Is Catania or Lille Better for Hiking?

Catania is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Lille is not a hiking destination.

Catania is a popular spot for hiking. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Lille?

Lille is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Catania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Is Catania or Lille Better for Families?

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

Catania is a very kid-friendly port city. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

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 Catania or Lille Better for Couples?

Both Catania and Lille are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Catania makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Lille is a good port 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 Catania or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Catania is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

Lille is a good port 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 Catania or Lille Better for Students?

Catania and Lille are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

Catania is very popular with students. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

Lille is a great port city to visit as a student. 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 Catania or Lille Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Catania and Lille offer excellent public transit options.

The public transit in Catania can get you around easily. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

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

Is Catania or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Catania is a very walkable destination. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Catania?

How long in Catania or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Catania and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lille than in Catania. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Catania, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

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

One day in Catania or Lille?

In Catania, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the food. This port 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 Catania or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Catania. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

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 Catania or Lille?

Catania is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Catania. Lots of people come for the food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Catania or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Catania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Catania or Lille?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Catania 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 Catania 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 Catania or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Catania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences.

Catania is much warmer than Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Lille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Catania usually receives less rain than Lille. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Catania or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Catania during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Catania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Catania is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Catania in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Catania often gets more sunshine than Lille. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually gets more rain in October than Lille. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Lille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Lille. Many visitors come to Catania in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lille can be very cold during winter. In January, Catania is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 10°C (51°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Catania usually receives more rain than Lille. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Catania or Lille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Catania as well as Lille. Most visitors come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lille because of the natural beauty.

Catania is much warmer than Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In the spring, Catania often gets more sunshine than Lille. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in April than Lille. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Catania