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

Should you visit Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a historic, vibrant, and accessible 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 food.

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.

Heraklion and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Lille?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heraklion than Lille. While Lille is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is better known for its museums, beaches, and big city activities, while Lille is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Heraklion is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Heraklion different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Heraklion 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 Heraklion can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

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 Heraklion or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Heraklion 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.

Dining out in Heraklion is an experience not to be missed. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

Is Heraklion or Lille Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Lille.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

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.

Is Heraklion or Lille Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is notable for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Heraklion. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a very popular place for its old town. However, Heraklion 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.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Lille?

Lille is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion 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.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Lille Better for Families?

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

Heraklion is a family-friendly place to visit. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

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 Heraklion or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Heraklion is a very popular place to visit for couples. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

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 Heraklion or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Heraklion is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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 Heraklion or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

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.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Lille is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Lille has some very good public transit options. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Heraklion 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.

Heraklion is a very walkable destination. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Lille?

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

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Lille?

In Heraklion, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this accessible destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lille has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Lille?

Heraklion is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Heraklion. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Lille. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Heraklion. Most people come for the beaches. 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 popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, 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 Heraklion and Lille, we can see that Heraklion 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 Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion 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 Heraklion Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Lille?

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

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

Heraklion is a little warmer than Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°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 Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Lille. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Lille. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Lille in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Heraklion is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Lille during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Lille. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Heraklion 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. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Lille. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Lille. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Lille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Lille. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty.

Heraklion is much warmer than Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Lille during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Lille. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lille and Heraklion