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

Should you visit Howth or Lille?

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

Should I visit Howth or Lille? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Howth

Howth is a beautiful, picturesque, and scenic fishing village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Lille

Lille is a culinary, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Howth and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Howth or Lille?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lille than Howth, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lille is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Howth is more popular for its museums, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Howth is more touristy than Lille and is known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. 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 Howth different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Howth is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Howth offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

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 Howth or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Lille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Howth or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

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.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Howth or Lille Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Howth. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Howth or Lille Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Howth or Lille Better for Hiking?

Howth is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Lille is not a hiking destination.

Howth is a popular spot for hiking. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Howth or Lille?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Lille make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Howth or Lille Better for Families?

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

Howth is a family-friendly place to visit. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

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 Howth or Lille Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Howth and Lille make for a notable place to visit.

Howth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Lille is a good fishing village 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 Howth or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille is a popular place for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

Is Howth or Lille Better for Students?

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

Lille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Lille is well known for its public transit. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Lille can get you to some places easily. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Howth or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Howth is a very walkable destination. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Howth?

How long in Howth or Lille?

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

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

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

In Howth, many people enjoy the food and museums that this coastal destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This fishing village 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 Howth or Lille?

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

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 Howth or Lille?

Howth is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Howth. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Howth or Lille?

You'll find museums and food around the picturesque destination of Howth. 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.

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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, 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 Howth and Lille, we can see that Howth 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 Howth would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Howth 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 Howth Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Howth 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 Howth or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Howth and Lille. Many travelers come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Howth is around the same temperature as Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. Howth usually receives less sunshine than Lille during summer. Howth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Howth usually receives less rain than Lille. Howth gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Howth or Lille in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Howth is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Howth in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Howth often gets less sunshine than Lille. Howth gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Howth gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Howth are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Howth for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lille because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lille can be very cold. In January, Howth is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 6°C (42°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Howth usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Howth gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Howth usually receives more rain than Lille. Howth gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Howth or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Howth during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches and the small town charm. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

Howth is around the same temperature as Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Howth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Howth gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Howth gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Howth