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

Should you visit Dover or Lille?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and Lille can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a iconic, rustic, and stunning town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, 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.

Dover and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lille. Although Dover 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 Dover is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. 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 Dover different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dover is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Dover offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

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 Dover or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Lille has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

Lille offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Dover does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Lille Better for Hiking?

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

Dover is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Lille?

Lille is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Dover 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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Lille Better for Families?

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

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

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 Dover or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

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 Dover or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dover and Lille are good destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Lille. 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 Dover or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is a well-known place for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

Lille is very popular with students. 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.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Lille is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Lille can get you to most places easily. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover 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.

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Dover?

How long in Dover or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dover and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dover than in Lille. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

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

In Dover, many people enjoy the food and museums that this rustic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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.

In Lille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this friendly 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 Dover or Lille?

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

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 Dover or Lille?

Dover is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lille is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife 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 Dover or Lille?

You'll find museums and food around the stunning destination of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 nightlife and food around the fascinating 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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Dover and Lille, we can see that Dover 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 Dover would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dover 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 Dover Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dover or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dover is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°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 Dover. Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Lille. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Dover during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Dover often gets more sunshine than Lille. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Lille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Lille. Many visitors come to Dover in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lille can be very cold during winter. Dover can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Dover is a little warmer than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Dover usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Lille. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Lille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dover as well as Lille. Most visitors come to Dover for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Lille because of the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lille. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Dover