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

Should you visit Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny and Lille can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a ancient, medieval, and fascinating town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Kilkenny and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Lille?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lille than Kilkenny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lille is better known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kilkenny is more popular for its museums. Kilkenny is well known for its medieval castle and long running history. 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 Kilkenny different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny can be an interesting and educational experience. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

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 Kilkenny or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Kilkenny or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Lille know how to have a good time. 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 Kilkenny has a few options to choose from. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Kilkenny or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny and Lille are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Lille?

Lille is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Kilkenny has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Is Kilkenny or Lille Better for Families?

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

Kilkenny is a very kid-friendly town. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.

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 Kilkenny or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Kilkenny is a very popular place to visit for couples. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

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 Kilkenny or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny and Lille are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kilkenny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Kilkenny or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is a great destination for students. However, Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Lille is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses through town.

Is Kilkenny or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Lille?

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

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

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

In Kilkenny, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fascinating destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Kilkenny or Lille?

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

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 Kilkenny or Lille?

Kilkenny is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kilkenny. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Kilkenny or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the medieval destination of Kilkenny. 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.

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 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 Kilkenny and Lille, we can see that Lille is more expensive. And not only is Kilkenny much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kilkenny would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kilkenny 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 Lille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lille than you might in Kilkenny.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kilkenny Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Lille. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences.

Kilkenny is cooler than Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 15°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. Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Lille during summer. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kilkenny usually receives less rain than Lille. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Lille. Many travelers come to Kilkenny for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Lille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kilkenny is cooler than Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kilkenny in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Lille. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lille. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kilkenny in the winter for the museums, 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. In January, Kilkenny is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 5°C (41°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Kilkenny usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during winter. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Kilkenny or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Kilkenny during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kilkenny for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lille because of the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Lille. Kilkenny gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Kilkenny