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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Lille?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Lille can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a friendly, happy, and welcoming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille

Lille is a under-rated, fascinating, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Copenhagen and Lille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Lille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Copenhagen than Lille. Copenhagen is bigger than Lille, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Copenhagen is well known for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. Also, Copenhagen is famous for Tivoli Gardens. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Copenhagen different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Copenhagen
Lille

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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 Copenhagen or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Copenhagen
Lille

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Copenhagen and Lille.

Many restaurants in Copenhagen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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.

Is Copenhagen or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen
Lille

Copenhagen is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Copenhagen is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

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 Copenhagen or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen
Lille

Both Copenhagen and Lille have high quality historic old towns worth visiting.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Lille?

Copenhagen
Lille

Shoppers can find a variety of first-rate stores in both Copenhagen and Lille.

Known for shopping, Copenhagen draws large crowds to its stores. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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.

Is Copenhagen or Lille Better for Families?

Copenhagen
Lille

Copenhagen is very popular for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Copenhagen is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 Copenhagen or Lille Better for Couples?

Copenhagen
Lille

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

Copenhagen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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 Copenhagen or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen
Lille

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

Copenhagen is a great city to visit for backpackers. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

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 Copenhagen or Lille Better for Students?

Copenhagen
Lille

Both Copenhagen and Lille are high quality destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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.

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

Copenhagen
Lille

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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


Is Copenhagen or Lille a more walkable city?

Copenhagen
Lille

Copenhagen and Lille are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Copenhagen. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Copenhagen and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Copenhagen than in Lille. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Copenhagen or Lille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Copenhagen 2-5 
    Lille 1-3

One day in Copenhagen or Lille?

In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

With shopping and nightlife around the under-rated city of Lille, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lille, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Lille?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Lille, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Copenhagen or Lille?

Copenhagen is a fun place to experience. In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the laid-back destination of Copenhagen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Lille or Copenhagen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Copenhagen is $208, while the average daily cost in Lille is $123. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Copenhagen and Lille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Copenhagen $89
    Lille $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Copenhagen $178
    Lille $118
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and Lille

Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen or Lille? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Copenhagen


Hotels in Lille


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Copenhagen Hotel Prices and Lille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Copenhagen $71
    Lille $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:


  • Bicycle Renting
    $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen

Also for Copenhagen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Roskilde Airport RKE: $61
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel/address: $63
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Hotels to Copenhagen Airport: $67
  • Private Transfer Copenhagen City Center to Kastrup Airport (CPH): $67
  • Copenhagen City to Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE)- Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE)- Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $80
  • Kastrup hotel or address to Malmö City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)- Departure Private Transfer: $104
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Airport to Copenhagen Port: $104
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $104

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lille

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lille:

  • Toulouse Airport private transfer to Toulouse City center: $38
  • Private Round trip transfer to Lille Airport (LIL) : $155
  • Private One way transfer Lille Airport (LIL) : $77
  • Private Transfer to or from Paris Orly Airport: $642
  • Private Transfer to or from Paris CDG: $535
  • Private Transfer to or from Lille Airport: $53
  • Lille Private Transfer from Lille city centre to Lille Airport (LIL): $57
  • Lille Private Transfer from Lille Airport (LIL) to City centre: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Copenhagen or Lille?

Prices for flights to both Lille and Copenhagen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Copenhagen $61
    Lille $45
Typical Food Prices in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hot Dogs
    $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Nørrebro District: $91
  • Copenhagen Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $125
  • The Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour: $147
  • Private Authentic Home Indian Cooking & Dining Experience: $147

Typical Food Prices in Lille

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lille are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Copenhagen $31
    Lille $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Tour
    $8.56
  • Coffee
    $14

Tours and Activities in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Danish Design: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
  • Danish Design: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Monstour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Danish Folk Legends: $5.20
  • Tour of the Danish Resistance during World War II: $5.34
  • App-Based City Exploration Game & Tour: $5.35
  • Copenhagen's Royal History: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • Danish Folk Legends Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • Royal History Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • The Philosopher's Last Walk: An audio tour on the life of Søren Kierkegaard: $5.99
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.48

Tours and Activities in Lille

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lille are as follows:

  • In Flanders Fields and Passchendaele Half Day Morning Tour: $87
  • 1 Hour Private Lille Tour by Convertible 2CV with a Local Products Tasting: $65
  • 30-Minutes Private Guided Tour of Lille by Convertible 2CV: $32
  • Adventure 1h with a 3-seater Buggy: $119
  • Christmas Joy in Tournai - Walking Tour: $247
  • Discover Tournai while escaping the zombies! Escape game: $22
  • Discover Tournai while playing! Escape game - The alchemist: $22
  • From IEPER Private 4-hour Tour of the Ypres Battlefield: $265
  • From Ypres 4hr Christmas Truce and Monster Mines of Messines PRIVATE Tour: $295
  • From Ypres, The Christmas Truce to Passchendaele Ypres Based WW1 private tour: $294
  • In Flanders Fields and Passchendaele Grand Tour: $240
  • Lille - Private Historic Walking Tour: $425

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Copenhagen $13
    Lille $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen

Also in Copenhagen, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Alternative Nightlife Pub Crawl: $36
  • Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $43
  • Danish Wine Tasting Tour with Guide in Copenhagen Nyhavn: $358


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


Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Lille?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Lille?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Lille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Lille. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences.

Copenhagen is around the same temperature as Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Copenhagen usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lille. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Copenhagen 17°C (63°F) 
    Lille 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In the autumn, Copenhagen is cooler than Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Copenhagen in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In October, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Lille. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Copenhagen 10°C (50°F) 
    Lille 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Copenhagen during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lille. It's quite cold in Copenhagen in the winter. In January, Copenhagen is generally much colder than Lille. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 1°C (33°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in January than Lille. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Copenhagen 1°C (33°F) 
    Lille 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Lille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Lille. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty.

Copenhagen is cooler than Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Copenhagen 7°C (45°F) 
    Lille 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Lille and Copenhagen

Copenhagen Lille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 51 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)