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

Should you visit Dublin or Lille?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Lille, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, welcoming, and fun city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Lille

Lille is a culinary, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Dublin and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Lille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dublin than Lille. Dublin is bigger than Lille, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dublin is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Lille is more popular for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Lille and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. Also, Dublin is famous for The Guinness Storehouse. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Dublin different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dublin is notable for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dublin can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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 Dublin or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Dublin or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Dublin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

Lille has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Dublin or Lille Better for Music?

Dublin is notable for its live music scene. However, Lille is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Dublin. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Lille is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Dublin and Lille both have superb historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Dublin to see the historical old town. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

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 Dublin or Lille?

Lille is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Lille make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Is Dublin or Lille Better for Families?

Dublin is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

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 Dublin or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Dublin is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Lille is a good city 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 Dublin or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Dublin is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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.

Is Dublin or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is a great destination for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Lille is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

Is Dublin 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, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Dublin or Lille a more walkable city?

Dublin and Lille both are amazing when exploring on foot.

Getting around Dublin on foot is easy. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

Lille is a very easy city to get around 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Lille?

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

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

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

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

One day in Dublin or Lille?

In Dublin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this fun destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city 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 Dublin or Lille?

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

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 Dublin or Lille?

Dublin is a fun place to experience. In Dublin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Dublin or Lille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Dublin. 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 nightlife. 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, 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 Dublin and Lille, we can see that Dublin 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 Dublin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dublin 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 Dublin Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Lille?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Lille. The summer months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

Dublin is around the same temperature as Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Lille during summer. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dublin usually receives less rain than Lille. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dublin or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Lille. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Dublin this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dublin is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dublin in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Lille. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lille can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Dublin is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 6°C (42°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Dublin usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dublin usually receives more rain than Lille. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dublin or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Dublin during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dublin in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the natural beauty during these months.

Dublin is around the same temperature as Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Dublin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Dublin