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

Should you visit Delft 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 Delft 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.

Delft

Delft is a historic, quaint, and charming town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Delft travel costs.

Lille

Lille is a cultural, culinary, and friendly city. Lille is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Lille travel costs.

Delft and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Delft or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lille than Delft. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Delft is famous for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and blue and white ceramic pottery. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also well known for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Delft different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Delft or Lille.

Delft is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums that highlight the culture and history of the area. The Vermeer Center offers an immersive experience into the life and work of the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born in the city. The Royal Delft Factory teaches visitors about the city's iconic blue-and-white pottery. The Delft Museum of Technology and the Old Church also provide insight into the city's engineering, cultural, and religious history.

Lille offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Delft or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Delft. There are several local dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or a frikandel (a Dutch snack). The town has countless casual eateries and cozy cafes where you can enjoy pastries, coffee, and Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken). There's also a selection of international restaurants around town that serve Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Local markets and street food stalls provide affordable options, such as fresh herring or delicious Dutch cheese.

Is Delft or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Delft is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Delft is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It has a low-key and relaxed nightlife scene with a variety of cozy pubs, bars, and cafes, many of which are located along the scenic canals.

Is Delft or Lille Better for its Old Town?

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

Delft is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city's old town is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets. The heart of the old town is centered around the Market Square, where you'll find iconic landmarks such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the City Hall.

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 Delft or Lille?

Lille is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Lille. 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.

Delft offers some nice shopping areas. The city center is home to many unique shops selling local crafts, Dutch design, and traditional Delftware pottery, making it a great place for souvenirs. You'll also find popular international brands and stores along the main shopping streets. For a more local shopping experience, visit the weekly market in the Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and regional goods.

Is Delft or Lille More Beautiful?

Lille is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Lille is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is all about the historic architecture, which give it a lot of beauty. The buildings in the old town have very ornate details.

Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Delft or Lille Better for Families?

Both Delft and Lille are nice to visit with kids.

Delft is a family-friendly town. There are boat tours on the canals. There's also the Vermeer Center which has an interactive experience where you can learn about the famous artist, Johannes Vermeer, in a way that's engaging and educational. The Royal Delft Factory is another great stop, where children can see traditional blue-and-white pottery being made and even try painting their own ceramics. If your kids need to stretch their legs, there's the Delftse Hout park which has a large playground, nature trails, and even a petting zoo.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lille. 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 Delft or Lille Better for Couples?

Both Delft and Lille are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Delft is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic activities for couples like walking through the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. There are also quaint cafes and romantic restaurants. You can also take a boat ride along the canals or enjoy a peaceful walk through Delftse Hout park.

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.

Is Delft or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Delft is lacking in good options 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.

Delft is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some affordable accommodation options, but many backpackers head to Delft as a day trip from the nearby city of The Hague.

Is Delft or Lille Better for Students?

Both Delft and Lille are high quality destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Delft. It is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which is a well respected technical university. The city has a vibrant student atmosphere, with plenty of student-friendly cafes, bars, and activities.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Delft and Lille.

Public transit in Delft is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a bus network that is reliable and convenient. The city's train station is centrally located and offers direct connections to major cities in the Netherlands, making it a great hub for exploring the region.

Lille has some very good public transit options. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Is Delft or Lille a more walkable city?

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Delft. The town's compact size and charming layout mean that most of the main attractions, such as the Old Church, New Church, and Market Square, are within walking distance of each other.

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 Delft Worth Visiting? and Is Lille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lille or Delft?

How long in Delft or Lille?

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

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

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

In Delft, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Delft or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Delft. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that a weekend is more than enough time to see everything. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Five days in Delft or Lille?

Delft is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Delft. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Delft or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Delft. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Lille. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Delft or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Delft. When comparing the sizes of Delft 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 Delft 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 Delft or Lille in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Delft is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Delft in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Lille averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Delft this time of the year. In the summer, Delft often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Delft gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Delft usually gets more rain in July than Lille. Delft gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Delft or Lille in the Autumn?

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

In October, Delft is generally cooler than Lille. Daily temperatures in Delft average around 11°C (51°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Delft usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during autumn. Delft gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Delft usually receives less rain than Lille. Delft gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Delft or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Delft during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Delft 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 Delft in the winter. Delft is much colder than Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Delft averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Delft often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Delft gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

Delft usually gets more rain in January than Lille. Delft gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Delft or Lille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Delft and Lille. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Delft is cooler than Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Delft in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Delft usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during spring. Delft gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Delft usually receives more rain than Lille. Delft gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lille and Delft