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

Should you visit Dresden or Lille?

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

Should I visit Dresden 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.

Dresden

Dresden is a architectural, cultural, and park-filled city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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.

Dresden and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Lille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dresden than Lille, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dresden is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Lille is known for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Dresden is more touristy than Lille and is known for its beautiful palaces, castles, and many landmarks (such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady). It is also home to Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Dresden different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Dresden offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's rich in culture and baroque architecture. Some of the main sights around town include Dresden Frauenkirche, the Dresden Royal Palace and Museums, the Zwinger and Old Masters Picture Gallery, and the Semper Opera.

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 Dresden or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Dresden 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 Dresden. The food features a number of Saxon specialties, which are typically hearty and heavy on the meat. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll also appreciate the many sweets that you can find around town. You should make sure you try a Fettbemme (open faced sandwich), Eierschecke (a cake), and Sächsische Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup) while you're in town.

Is Dresden or Lille Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Dresden or Lille has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Dresden know how to have a good time. Head to Neustadt for the highest concentration of bars and clubs. There's a diversity of trendy clubs and casual bars. Bar hopping is easy as most places are accessible by public transit.

The nightlife in Lille has something for everybody. 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 Dresden or Lille Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Dresden and Lille.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Dresden. Much of the city's old town has been rebuilt, but that's not to say it isn't beautiful. The main square and surrounding area are where you'll find the majority of the city's main sights.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Lille?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Dresden. Kunsthofpassage Dresden is a network of streets where you'll find crafts, art, and other eclectic items for sale. Prager Strasse is a popular shopping street near old town and Seestrasse is where you'll find all of the trendy brands that are popular throughout Europe. The city also has many shopping malls.

Is Dresden or Lille Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Dresden or Lille as a family destination.

Dresden doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. It doesn't have quite the abundance of activities for kids that you may find in other Germany cities, but that doesn't mean that kids will be bored. There's the Dresden Zoo, the Dresdner Parkeisenbahn (a small steam rail), and the Saxon Folk Art Museum. Families can also take a guided to of the Transparent Factory, which is owned by Volkswagon and provided information on the manufacturing of automobiles.

For families, Lille is not always the best place to visit. 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 Dresden or Lille Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Dresden and Lille make for a good place to visit.

Dresden is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can explore the old town or walk through one of the city's many parks. The city has many cultural activities. In the new town you'll find many great bars and fascinating restaurants.

Lille is a nice destination for couples. 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 Dresden or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden and Lille are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dresden. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

Lille is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Dresden or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is a great destination for students. However, Dresden 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.

Dresden is not popular with students.

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

Lille is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Dresden offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

Is Dresden or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Dresden is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Dresden is very walkable. Particularly in the compact city center you'll find Dresden to be very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Lille?

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

Families should spend more time in Lille than Dresden. 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 Dresden. 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 Dresden 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 Dresden or Lille?

In Dresden, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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.

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 Dresden or Lille?

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

Dresden is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Dresden. 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 Dresden or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the park-filled destination of Dresden. 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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, 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 Dresden and Lille, we can see that Dresden 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 Dresden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dresden 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 Dresden Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Lille?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Dresden 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 Dresden 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 Dresden or Lille in the Summer?

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

In July, Dresden is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 20°C (68°F), and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In July, Dresden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dresden or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dresden as well as Lille. Many visitors come to Dresden in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Dresden is cooler than Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dresden for the museums, the shopping scene, 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. Dresden can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Dresden is much colder than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dresden in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In January, Dresden usually receives less rain than Lille. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dresden or Lille in the Spring?

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

In April, Dresden is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 10°C (50°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Dresden usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Dresden