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

Should you visit Chania or Lille?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Lille, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Chania

Chania is a historic, idyllic, and charming 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 scuba diving and snorkeling.

Lille

Lille is a fascinating, cultural, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Chania and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Lille?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Chania than Lille. While Lille is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chania is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Lille is known for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Chania is more touristy than Lille and is known for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also home to The Venetian Harbor. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Chania different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chania 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 Chania can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historic sights such as the Venetian Lighthouse, the Castle of Gramvoussa, the Ottoman Baths, and the Clock Tower. There's also the Archeological Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area.

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 Chania or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Chania and Lille both to be amazing destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chania is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is filled with traditional and modern restaurants that serve fresh and delicious dishes. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the many invaders of the island. You'll note culinary influences from the Venetians, Egyptians, and Ottomans. The island also traded with the Jewish, Arab, and European populations, so they have also influenced the cuisine.

Many restaurants in Lille have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 Chania or Lille Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Chania has a few options to choose from. The town is more known for its relaxed vibe in the evening than its all-night parties. Many visitors enjoy a laid back night in one of the town's many local pubs. You'll find the most charming places tucked away down side alleys in the old town.

Is Chania or Lille Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Chania has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Lille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Lille Better for Beaches?

Chania is very popular for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Chania are among the best in the world. You'll find picturesque beaches near town that have white sand or colored pebbles. The beaches range from urban and crowded to hidden gems, but each has striking blue water and the atmosphere of paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Chania and Lille both have superb historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Chania to see the historical old town. Surrounding the Venetian Harbor is the town's old town. It's filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that offer a quaint atmosphere for visitors.

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 Chania or Lille Better for Hiking?

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

Chania is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Lille?

Lille is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Lille is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Chania. Head to the old town to browse shops selling local favorites such as traditional island knives and locally made ceramics. There are also jewelry boutiques and other clothing shops around town.

Is Chania or Lille Better for Families?

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

Chania is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring the old town, with its many markets and shops. Wandering around the harbor is also a highlight for many families. There are also several kid-friendly museums such as the Minoan's World 3D Museum and 9D Cinema, the Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Chania. There are also kid-friendly activities just outside of town like a visit to Lake Kournas or any of the nearby archeological sites.

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 Chania or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Chania is a very popular place to visit for couples. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

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 Chania or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Chania is a great city to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

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 Chania or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is well known for students. However, Chania is not popular with students.

Lille is a great 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.

Chania is not popular with students.

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

Lille is well known for its public transit. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Chania offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.

Is Chania or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Chania is very walkable. The historic center and harbor areas are compact and walkable. There are some beaches outside of town that can be walked to as well if necessary.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Chania?

How long in Chania or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chania and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chania than in Lille. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

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

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

One day in Chania or Lille?

In Chania, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this picturesque destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Chania or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chania. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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 Chania or Lille?

Chania is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Chania. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Chania or Lille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the idyllic destination of Chania. Most people come for the beaches. 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 culinary 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 Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, 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 Chania and Lille, we can see that Lille is more expensive. And not only is Chania much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chania would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chania 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 Lille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lille than you might in Chania.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chania Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chania or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania 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 Chania 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 Chania or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Lille. The summer months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In July, Chania is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°F), and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Lille. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chania or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chania as well as Lille. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Chania is much warmer than Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Chania often gets more sunshine than Lille. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lille. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lille can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Chania is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Chania. In January, Chania usually receives more rain than Lille. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chania or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Chania during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lille for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Chania is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Chania. In the spring, Chania often gets more sunshine than Lille. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in April than Lille. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Chania