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

Should you visit Ghent 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 Ghent 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.

Ghent

Ghent is a cultural, historic, and under-rated city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. 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.

Ghent and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Lille?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Ghent than Lille. While Lille is larger than Ghent, Ghent has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Ghent is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and impressive beauty, while Lille attracts visitors for its food and shopping. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also well known for The Fortress of Gravensteen. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Ghent different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent 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 Ghent can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

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 Ghent or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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.

Ghent has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

Is Ghent or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Ghent 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.

Ghent is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

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 Ghent or Lille Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

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 Ghent or Lille?

Lille is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Ghent is well-known for its shopping. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

Is Ghent or Lille Better for Families?

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

Ghent is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

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 Ghent or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Ghent is a very popular place to visit for couples. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

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 Ghent or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Lille are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

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 Ghent or Lille Better for Students?

Ghent is very popular for students. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Ghent is a great destination for students. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

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

Ghent 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.

Ghent has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

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

Is Ghent or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of 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.

Ghent is a very walkable city. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Lille?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ghent or Lille?

In Ghent, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic 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. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Lille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this under-rated 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 Ghent or Lille?

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

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 Ghent or Lille?

Ghent is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ghent. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 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 Ghent or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the high energy destination of Ghent. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the under-rated 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Ghent and Lille, we can see that Ghent is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ghent Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent 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 Ghent 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 Ghent or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Lille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Ghent or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Ghent during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Lille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

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

Ghent usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lille. Ghent 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 Ghent or Lille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Lille. The winter months attract visitors to Ghent because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Ghent can be very cold. Ghent is around the same temperature as Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

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

In January, Ghent usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Lille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Lille. The natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Lille for the natural beauty.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Lille and Ghent