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

Should you visit Dusseldorf or Lille?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Dusseldorf and Lille. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a historic, fun-filled, and cultural 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 historic, under-rated, and fascinating city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dusseldorf and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dusseldorf or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dusseldorf than Lille. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dusseldorf is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Lille attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Dusseldorf is famous for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. It is also well known for Altstadt (the Old Town). Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Dusseldorf different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Dusseldorf offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are museums, palaces, and many cultural sights. Make sure you check out Schloss Benrath, the Rheinturm, the North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection, and Museum Kunstpalast.

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 Dusseldorf or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eat your way through Lille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Dusseldorf has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a mix of regional specialties and international restaurant options. Traditional dishes include Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhine style marinated roast), Haxe (shin), Flönz (blood sausage), and Ähzezupp (pea soup).

Is Dusseldorf or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Dusseldorf has a few options to choose from. You'll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs in the old town area. Try to find a brewerie where you can try Dusseldorf's famous altbier.

Is Dusseldorf or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the great old town areas in both Dusseldorf and Lille.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Dusseldorf. The old town is popular for its bars and pubs, which serve up the local altbier. The atmosphere is charming and there are restaurants that spill out onto the streets.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dusseldorf or Lille?

Lille is very popular for shopping. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Lille is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dusseldorf. Head to the popular shopping street of Königsallee. You'll find luxury brands and boutique shops. The city also has department stores and large shopping malls.

Is Dusseldorf or Lille Better for Families?

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

Dusseldorf is a very kid-friendly city. It has many great playgrounds and parks where kids can run around. Animal lovers will appreciate Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum and Grafenberger Wald which has about 100 animals. If the weather's nice you can head to Unterbacher See, which is a lakefront beach. Other kid-friendly activities in town include the Neanderthal Museum and Museum Kunstpalast.

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 Dusseldorf or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Dusseldorf is a very popular place to visit for couples. There is live theater, spa hotels, historic palaces, and many parks and gardens where couples can enjoy their time together. Popular activities for couples in town include visiting Rheinturm, taking a Rhine River cruise, and exploring Schloss Dyck.

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 Dusseldorf or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dusseldorf and Lille are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Dusseldorf. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Dusseldorf or Lille Better for Students?

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

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.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

Dusseldorf is very popular for its public transit. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Dusseldorf has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. All of the public transportation in town is operated by Rheinbahn. There's a city railway, (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses. Dusseldorf is also easily connected to the many other nearby towns and cities including Cologne.

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

Is Dusseldorf or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is very popular for its walkability. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of 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.

Dusseldorf is a very walkable city. It's easy to explore most of the city on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Dusseldorf?

How long in Dusseldorf or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dusseldorf and Lille. In our opinion, Lille has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lille than Dusseldorf. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Dusseldorf, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

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

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

In Dusseldorf, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

With shopping and nightlife around the culinary city of Lille, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lille, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Dusseldorf or Lille?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Lille, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Dusseldorf or Lille?

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

Lille, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Dusseldorf or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Dusseldorf. 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.

Lille is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, The Best One-Week (7-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 Dusseldorf and Lille, we can see that Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or Lille?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Lille. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dusseldorf is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dusseldorf in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Lille averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. Dusseldorf usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during summer. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Lille. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Lille. Most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Lille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dusseldorf is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 12°C (53°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Dusseldorf often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Dusseldorf gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Dusseldorf are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lille in the winter. The weather in Dusseldorf can be very cold. Dusseldorf is cooler than Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during winter. Dusseldorf gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Lille. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Dusseldorf during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dusseldorf is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dusseldorf in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Dusseldorf often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Dusseldorf gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf