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

Should you visit Dingle or Lille?

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

Should I visit Dingle or Lille? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dingle

Dingle is a picturesque, serene, and natural peninsula. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

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.

Dingle and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dingle or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lille. Although Dingle and Lille are both popular with visitors, Lille has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lille is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Dingle is known for its beaches and hiking. Dingle is more touristy than Lille and is known for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also home to Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Dingle different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Dingle or Lille.

Dingle offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the natural beauty, but there are a couple of landmarks in the area including the Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, and the Blasket Centre.

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 Dingle or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Dingle is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Lille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dingle. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Is Dingle or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Lille know how to have a good time. 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.

Dingle doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area's not known for its nightlife but you can visit The Hillgrove, which is the peninsula's only nightclub. It's in a hotel and there is weekly entertainment.

Is Dingle or Lille Better for Beaches?

Dingle is notable for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Dingle. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Dingle or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dingle does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Dingle does not have a historic old town.

Is Dingle or Lille Better for Hiking?

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

Dingle is a popular spot for hiking. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dingle or Lille?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dingle or Lille Better for Families?

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

Dingle is a family-friendly place to visit. There are coastal walks and beaches that are perfect for kids. You can also visit the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, do a dolphin tour, or enjoy some watersports. Horseback riding and Sandy Feet Farm are both fun as well.

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 Dingle or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Dingle is a very popular place to visit for couples. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

Lille is a good peninsula 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 Dingle or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Dingle is a great peninsula to visit for backpackers. There are a good number of hostels on the peninsula and there are interesting music festivals and other events that make this a good backpacker destination.

Lille is a good peninsula 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 Dingle or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is a great destination for students. However, Dingle is not popular with students.

Lille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Dingle is not popular with students.

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

Lille is a great destination for its public transit. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Dingle or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options 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.

Dingle is generally not a very walkable peninsula. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Dingle?

How long in Dingle or Lille?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lille than Dingle 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 Dingle or Lille?

In Dingle, many people enjoy the food that this rustic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This peninsula 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 Dingle or Lille?

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

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 Dingle or Lille?

Dingle is a fun place to experience. In Dingle, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Dingle or Lille?

You'll find food around the natural destination of Dingle. 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 fascinating 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 10-Day Tours in Ireland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Dingle or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Dingle 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 Dingle 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 Dingle or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dingle and Lille. Many travelers come to Dingle for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dingle is generally cooler than Lille. Daily temperatures in Dingle average around 15°C (59°F), and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. Dingle usually receives less sunshine than Lille during summer. Dingle gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dingle usually receives more rain than Lille. Dingle gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dingle or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dingle as well as Lille. Many visitors come to Dingle in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Dingle is around the same temperature as Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dingle averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Dingle often gets less sunshine than Lille. Dingle gets 79 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Dingle receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Dingle usually gets more rain in October than Lille. Dingle gets 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dingle or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Dingle are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dingle for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lille because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lille can be very cold. In the winter, Dingle is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dingle in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Dingle usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during winter. Dingle gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Dingle. In January, Dingle usually receives more rain than Lille. Dingle gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dingle or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Dingle during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Dingle because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In April, Dingle is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Dingle average around 9°C (48°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Dingle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Dingle gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Dingle usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Dingle gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Dingle