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

Should you visit Cordoba 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 Cordoba 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.

Cordoba

Cordoba is a historical, beautiful, and colorful town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Cordoba 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
  • Home to La Mezquita
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Cordoba or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cordoba. Although Cordoba and Lille are about the same size, Cordoba has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cordoba is more popular for its museums and historical sights, while Lille is known for its food and shopping. Cordoba is more touristy than Lille and is known for its mix of Roman, Islamic, and Spanish architecture, its whitewashed buildings and streets filled with flowers, and its handcrafted leatherwork. It is also home to La Mezquita. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Cordoba different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cordoba
Lille

Cordoba is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Cordoba are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with monuments that reflect its past. The Great Mosque (La Mezquita) is one of the most iconic sights. You can also visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Palacio de Viana, and Puente Romano.

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 Cordoba or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cordoba
Lille

Lille is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cordoba. Like much of Spain, international travelers will have to adjust to the shifted meal schedule which means most meals are served are later than they are in other parts of Europe. The ingredients are fresh and popular dishes include Salmorejo (a tomato based soup), Rabo De Toro (stewed oxtail), and Flamenquín (deep-fried pork roll).

Is Cordoba or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Cordoba
Lille

Both Cordoba and Lille are high quality when it comes to partying.

Cordoba offers plenty to do in the evening. There are cocktail bars, Flamenco shows, tapas tours, and local pubs that make for a great night out. The city offers something for everyone, whatever your style.

Lille has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Cordoba or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Cordoba
Lille

Cordoba is very popular for its old town. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Cordoba has a world-famous historical area. It's old town is one of the most enchanting in Andalusia. There are whitewashed houses that line flower-filled streets and its compact enough to take a leisurely stroll.

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 the Shopping Better in Cordoba or Lille?

Cordoba
Lille

Lille is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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 Cordoba. You'll find souvenir shops selling local pottery, traditional jewelry, and handcrafted leatherwork, so this is a nice place to pick up something to remember your trip.

Is Cordoba or Lille Better for Families?

Cordoba
Lille

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

Cordoba is a family-friendly place to visit. Horse-drawn carriage rides and then a visit to the Royal Stables of Cordoba is a great option for horse-lovers. The city also has a zoo and an impressive park - Ciudad de Los Niños. If you're willing to head out of town, about 10 kilometers away you'll find Aquasierra Waterpark.

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 Cordoba or Lille Better for Couples?

Cordoba
Lille

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

Cordoba is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautifully lit up at night, this is a truly romantic city. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, nice parks, and an impressive botanical garden. There are also many great restaurants that couples can explore.

Lille is a good town 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 Cordoba or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cordoba
Lille

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

Cordoba is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's well-established on the backpacker circuit, so you'll find plenty of hostels around town and many opportunities to meet up with other travelers.

Lille is a good town 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 Cordoba or Lille Better for Students?

Cordoba
Lille

Cordoba is very popular for students. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Cordoba is a great destination for students. It's a top study abroad destination for international students. The university is excellent and the city is easy to navigate. It's a cultural city with a great student-friendly atmosphere.

Students come from all over to stay in 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 Cordoba or Lille Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cordoba
Lille

Lille is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Cordoba has some public transit options. There are 15 bus lines that are operated by Aucorsa.


Is Cordoba or Lille a more walkable city?

Cordoba
Lille

Lille is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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.

Cordoba is very walkable. It's small and compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Cordoba?

How long in Cordoba or Lille?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cordoba or Lille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cordoba 1-3 
    Lille 1-3

One day in Cordoba or Lille?

In Cordoba, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this colorful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This town 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 Cordoba or Lille?

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

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 Cordoba or Lille?

Cordoba is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cordoba. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Cordoba or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the flower-filled destination of Cordoba. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Lille or Cordoba?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cordoba is €127, while the average daily cost in Lille is €115. 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 Cordoba and Lille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cordoba 68
    Lille 55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cordoba 136
    Lille 110
Compare Hotels in Cordoba and Lille

Looking for a hotel in Cordoba 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 Cordoba


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: Cordoba Hotel Prices and Lille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cordoba 28
    Lille 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cordoba:

  • Guided tour of Medina Azahara with transfer from Córdoba: $27
  • Medina Azahara Cordoba, with Transfer by Bus: $34
  • Private transfer in Cordoba from Airport or Train Station: $72
  • Private Transfer IN or OUT in Upscale Vehicle with Professional Driver: $132
  • Cordoba to Granada Private Transfer: $241
  • Private Transfer from Córdoba to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $295

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lille

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lille:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Cordoba or Lille?

Prices for flights to both Lille and Cordoba 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
    Cordoba 34
    Lille 42
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

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


  • Ice Cream
    1.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cordoba

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cordoba.

  • Paella and Salmorejo 2-Hour Cooking Class in Córdoba: $49

Typical Food Prices in Lille

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


  • Dinner for 2
    37

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cordoba 25
    Lille 16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Garden Entrance Fee
    6.00

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

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

  • Córdoba Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $8.95
  • Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba Guided Tour : $15
  • Medina azahara night experience without transportation: $15
  • Cordoba's Authentic Patios: 2-Hour Tour with Tickets: $15
  • Patios tour in Cordoba: $16
  • Cordoba Jewish Quartier Guided Tour: $16
  • Visit in Spanish to the Cathedral Mosque. Does not include entrance ticket: $19
  • Guided Tour to the Popular Patios of Cordoba: $20
  • Alcazar of Cordoba Small Group Tour with Skip the Line Ticket: $20
  • Cordoba Old Town Evening Walking Tour: $20
  • Authentic Patios of Cordoba Guided Tour: $20
  • Alcazar Skip the Line Guided Tour: $20

Tours and Activities in Lille

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $4.28
  • Lille Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.45
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Lille City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.63
  • Lille Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $10
  • Vieux Lille 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Lille City Tour: $18
  • Tournai Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game: $22
  • Discover Tournai while escaping the zombies! Escape game: $22
  • Discover Tournai while playing! Escape game - The alchemist: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cordoba 37
    Lille 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cordoba:

  • Evening Wine Tasting Córdoba: $26
  • Evening Local Wine Tasting in Córdoba: $39


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


Which is Bigger, Cordoba or Lille?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Cordoba 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 Cordoba 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 Cordoba or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Cordoba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cordoba for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cordoba is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 27°C (81°F), 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 Cordoba. Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Cordoba gets 358 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cordoba usually receives less rain than Lille. Cordoba gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F) 
    Lille 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Cordoba during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cordoba because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

Cordoba is much warmer than Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Cordoba. In the autumn, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Lille. Cordoba gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Cordoba gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F) 
    Lille 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Lille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cordoba and Lille. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cordoba 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. In the winter, Cordoba is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cordoba in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Cordoba gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cordoba usually receives more rain than Lille. Cordoba gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F) 
    Lille 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Lille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cordoba as well as Lille. Many travelers come to Cordoba for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Cordoba is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 16°C (60°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. In the spring, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Lille. Cordoba gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Cordoba gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cordoba 16°C (60°F) 
    Lille 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Lille and Cordoba

Cordoba Lille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 26 mm (1 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)