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

Should you visit Helsinki or Lille?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Lille can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a active, nature-focused, and coastal 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 under-rated, fascinating, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Helsinki and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Lille?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lille than Helsinki. While Helsinki is larger than Lille, Lille has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lille is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Helsinki is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. Also, Lille is famous for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Helsinki different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Helsinki 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 Helsinki can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

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 Helsinki or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Lille have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Is Helsinki or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Lille has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Is Helsinki or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a very popular place for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Lille is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Lille?

Lille is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Helsinki. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

Is Helsinki or Lille Better for Families?

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

Helsinki is a very kid-friendly city. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

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 Helsinki or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Helsinki is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

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 Helsinki or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Lille are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Helsinki is a good city to visit for backpackers. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

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.

Is Helsinki or Lille Better for Students?

Both Helsinki and Lille are high quality destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

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.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Helsinki and Lille.

The public transit in Helsinki can get you around easily. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

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

Is Helsinki or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lille. 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.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Helsinki and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Helsinki than in Lille. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

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

In Helsinki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active 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.

The beautiful city of Lille offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Helsinki or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Helsinki. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lille, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Lille?

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

Lille is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Helsinki or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the waterfront destination of Helsinki. 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 great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, 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 Helsinki and Lille, we can see that Helsinki 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 Helsinki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Helsinki 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 Helsinki Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Lille?

Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Lille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Lille. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences.

Helsinki is around the same temperature as Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Lille. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Lille. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Lille during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Lille. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lille. It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Lille. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Lille. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Lille. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Lille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Lille. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. Helsinki is much colder than Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Lille during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Lille. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lille and Helsinki