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

Should you visit Glasgow or Lille?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow 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.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a friendly, cultural, and historic 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 friendly, historic, and under-rated city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Lille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glasgow than Lille, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Glasgow is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Lille is known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Glasgow is popular for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also home to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Glasgow different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Glasgow 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 Glasgow can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

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 Glasgow or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Is Glasgow or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow 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.

Glasgow is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

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 Glasgow or Lille Better for Music?

Glasgow is very popular for its live music scene. However, Lille is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Glasgow Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Lille is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lille to see the historical old town. 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.

Many visitors go to Glasgow to see the historical old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Lille?

Lille is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Lille specifically to go shopping. 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.

Glasgow is a great destination for shopping. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

Is Glasgow or Lille Better for Families?

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

Glasgow is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

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 Glasgow or Lille Better for Couples?

Glasgow and Lille are both good to visit as a couple.

Glasgow is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

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 Glasgow or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Glasgow and Lille are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Glasgow. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

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 Glasgow or Lille Better for Students?

For students, both Glasgow and Lille are superb places to visit.

Glasgow is a great city to visit as a student. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

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

Glasgow and Lille both offer superb public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Glasgow. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Public transit in Lille is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Is Glasgow or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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.

Glasgow is very walkable. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Glasgow and Lille. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Glasgow, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

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

In Glasgow, many people enjoy the live music and food that this cultural destination offers. 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.

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 Glasgow or Lille?

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

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 Glasgow or Lille?

Glasgow is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Glasgow. 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 Glasgow or Lille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Glasgow. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, 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 Glasgow and Lille, we can see that Glasgow 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 Glasgow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Lille?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Glasgow or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Glasgow during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In July, Glasgow is generally cooler than Lille. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 15°C (59°F), and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Lille. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Lille. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Lille. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Glasgow is cooler than Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Lille during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Lille. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Glasgow or Lille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Lille. Many travelers come to Glasgow 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Glasgow. In the winter, Glasgow is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Glasgow in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Lille. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the winter. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Lille. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Glasgow is generally cooler than Lille. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 7°C (45°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Lille during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Lille. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lille and Glasgow