A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Grindelwald vs. Lille for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Grindelwald or Lille?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Grindelwald and Lille can help you decide which place is right for you.

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a beautiful, adventure-filled, and high adrenaline town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Lille

Lille is a fascinating, cultural, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Grindelwald and Lille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lille. Although Grindelwald and Lille are both popular with visitors, Lille has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lille is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Grindelwald is known for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Grindelwald is more touristy than Lille and is known for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also home to Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)
Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Grindelwald different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Lille Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald
Lille

Grindelwald is notable for snow skiing. However, Lille is not a skiing destination.

People head to Grindelwald specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. Most of the skiing in the area is best for intermediate level skiers. There are also some places for beginners to ski, but not a lot of options for advanced skiers. The resort is relatively large with 30 lifts and some cross country skiing options as well.

Lille is not a skiing destination.


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

Grindelwald
Lille

Lille is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Lille offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Grindelwald. If you happen to have poor weather, there are very few indoor activities around town. The area is all about the views and the outdoor setting, so weather is key when visiting.

Is the Food Better in Grindelwald or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Grindelwald
Lille

Lille is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Lille has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Grindelwald. You'll find a casual pizza joint, a cafe, fine dining, and a handful of other restaurants in town.

Is Grindelwald or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Grindelwald
Lille

Lille is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Lille is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Grindelwald has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most bars of any of the Jungfrau ski resorts in town. Most are attached to a hotel and offer a nice place to enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.


Is Grindelwald or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Grindelwald
Lille

Lille is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Grindelwald does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Grindelwald does not have a historic old town.

Is Grindelwald or Lille Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald
Lille

Grindelwald is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Lille is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Grindelwald draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hiking in the area offers spectacular views of the Bernese Alps including Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau, and Breithorn. There are trails that cater to all levels and hiking is the best way to explore the countryside.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Lille?

Grindelwald
Lille

Lille is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for shopping.

Lille is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Grindelwald is a good destination for shopping. There are places to pick up sporting equipment that you may have forgotten. Many shops are seasonal and the turnover is frequent as the tourist season ebbs and flows.


Is Grindelwald or Lille Better for Families?

Grindelwald
Lille

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

Grindelwald is a very kid-friendly town. The area is filled with outdoor adventures like hiking, ziplining, and cog railways. There are hikes for every age and skill level and older kids will enjoy the ropes courses and other outdoor activities.

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 Grindelwald or Lille Better for Couples?

Grindelwald
Lille

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

Grindelwald is a very popular place to visit for couples. Most people don't visit for the town itself, but instead for the many outdoor adventures in the area. Couples that enjoy hiking and skiing will appreciate a visit to this beautiful alpine setting.

Lille is a good town 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 Grindelwald or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald
Lille

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

Grindelwald is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of hostels in the area, so the town makes a good base for backpackers.

Lille is a good town 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 Grindelwald or Lille Better for Students?

Grindelwald
Lille

Lille is well known for students. However, Grindelwald is not popular with students.

Lille is very popular with students. 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.

Grindelwald is not popular with students.

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

Grindelwald
Lille

Lille is well known for its public transit. Also, Grindelwald 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 to most places easily. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

While Grindelwald offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses that travel around the region.

Is Grindelwald or Lille a more walkable city?

Grindelwald
Lille

Lille is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Grindelwald is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Grindelwald is somewhat walkable. Most places in town can be reached on foot but there can be a lot of traffic on the main thoroughfares.


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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Lille?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Lille than Grindelwald. 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 Grindelwald 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.


  • How many days in Grindelwald or Lille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Grindelwald 1-2 
    Lille 1-3

One day in Grindelwald or Lille?

Even though Grindelwald is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Grindelwald or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grindelwald. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the culinary destination of Lille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Grindelwald or Lille?

Grindelwald is a fun place to experience. Grindelwald is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The friendly city of Lille offers shopping and nightlife. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Grindelwald or Lille?

Grindelwald is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Lille. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 10-Day Tours in Switzerland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Lille or Grindelwald?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Grindelwald is $241, while the average daily cost in Lille is $123. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Grindelwald and Lille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grindelwald $141
    Lille $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grindelwald $282
    Lille $118
Compare Hotels in Grindelwald and Lille

Looking for a hotel in Grindelwald or Lille? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Grindelwald


Hotels in Lille


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Grindelwald Hotel Prices and Lille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grindelwald $53
    Lille $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grindelwald

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Grindelwald:

  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Transfer: $87
  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Geneva Airport (GVA) - Departure Transfer: $180
  • Grindelwald/Wengen to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Transfer: $201

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lille

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lille:

  • Lille Private Transfer from Lille Airport (LIL) to City centre: $57
  • Lille Private Transfer from Lille city centre to Lille Airport (LIL): $57
  • Private Transfer to or from Lille Airport: $53
  • Private Transfer to or from Paris CDG: $535
  • Private Transfer to or from Paris Orly Airport: $642
  • Private One way transfer Lille Airport (LIL) : $77
  • Private Round trip transfer to Lille Airport (LIL) : $155
  • Toulouse Airport private transfer to Toulouse City center: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Grindelwald or Lille?

Prices for flights to both Lille and Grindelwald change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Grindelwald $58
    Lille $45

Typical Food Prices in Lille

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lille are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grindelwald $59
    Lille $17

Tours and Activities in Grindelwald

Here are a few actual costs in Grindelwald for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Glacier Canyon Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Indoor Ropes Park Entry Ticket: $40
  • Grindelwald First: Cable Car Ticket with Cliff Walk: $134
  • Grindelwald First (Top of Adventure) Ticket incl. Cliff Walk: $142
  • From Jungfraujoch Round-Trip Railway Ticket: $231
  • Switzerland: Private Skiing Day Tour for any level: $447

Tours and Activities in Lille

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lille are as follows:

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $4.28
  • Lille Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.45
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Lille City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.63
  • Lille Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $10
  • Vieux Lille 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Lille City Tour: $18
  • Tournai Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game: $22
  • Discover Tournai while escaping the zombies! Escape game: $22
  • Discover Tournai while playing! Escape game - The alchemist: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grindelwald $33
    Lille $18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grindelwald and Lille, we can see that Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald 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 Grindelwald or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grindelwald and Lille. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Grindelwald is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 23°C (73°F), and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In Grindelwald, it's very sunny this time of the year. Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Grindelwald gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

Grindelwald gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Lille. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grindelwald 23°C (73°F) 
    Lille 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Grindelwald or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Grindelwald as well as Lille. Many travelers come to Grindelwald for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Grindelwald is a little warmer than Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Lille. Grindelwald gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Grindelwald receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in October than Lille. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grindelwald 15°C (58°F) 
    Lille 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Grindelwald or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Grindelwald are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Grindelwald in the winter for the skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lille can be very cold during winter. Grindelwald can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Grindelwald is a little warmer than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Grindelwald in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Grindelwald gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Lille. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grindelwald 5°C (41°F) 
    Lille 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Grindelwald or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Grindelwald during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Grindelwald for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Lille because of the natural beauty.

In April, Grindelwald is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 13°C (55°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Lille. Grindelwald gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grindelwald 13°C (55°F) 
    Lille 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Lille and Grindelwald

Grindelwald Lille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)