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

Should you visit Geneva 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 Geneva 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.

Geneva

Geneva is a diverse, international, and professional city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. 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.

Geneva and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Lille?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Geneva than Lille. While Lille is larger than Geneva, Geneva has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Geneva is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Lille attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Geneva is famous for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also well known for The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau). Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Geneva different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Geneva 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 Geneva can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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 Geneva or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Geneva 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.

Geneva has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

Is Geneva or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Geneva 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 Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Geneva or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Geneva. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Lille?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Lille and Geneva.

Geneva is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Known for shopping, Lille draws large crowds to its 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.

Is Geneva or Lille Better for Families?

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

Geneva is a family-friendly place to visit. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

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 Geneva or Lille Better for Couples?

Geneva and Lille both nice destinations for a couple.

Geneva is a nice destination for couples. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Lille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Geneva or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille is a good destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or Lille Better for Students?

Geneva and Lille are great places to visit for students.

Many students visit Geneva. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

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.

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

Geneva 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.

Geneva has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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

Is Geneva or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Geneva 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.

Geneva is a very walkable city. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Lille?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Lille than Geneva. 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Lille?

Each neighborhood in Geneva has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Geneva or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Geneva or Lille?

Geneva is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Geneva. Lots of people come for the shopping. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Geneva or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the international big city of Geneva. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, 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 Geneva and Lille, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Lille. Many visitors come to Geneva 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, Geneva is a little warmer than Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°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. In Geneva, it's very sunny this time of the year. Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives less rain than Lille. Geneva 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 Geneva or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Lille. Most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area 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, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Lille. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lille. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Geneva 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 Geneva can be very cold. Geneva is a little warmer than Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than Lille. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Geneva or Lille in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Geneva is a little warmer than Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Lille. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Geneva