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

Should you visit Kinsale 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 Kinsale 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.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a colorful, charming, and quaint seaside town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, 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.

Kinsale and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kinsale or Lille?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kinsale than Lille, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kinsale is better known for its museums, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Lille is more popular for its nightlife and shopping. Kinsale is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Also, Kinsale is famous for Charles Fort. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Kinsale different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Kinsale offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

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 Kinsale or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Kinsale and Lille can be difficult as they are each first-rate in their own way.

Many restaurants in Kinsale have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

Eat your way through Lille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Kinsale or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is great for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Lille for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Kinsale or Lille Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is a moderate seaside town for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Kinsale. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Kinsale or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Both Kinsale and Lille have high quality historic old towns worth visiting.

Kinsale is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Is Kinsale or Lille Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Lille is not a hiking destination.

Kinsale has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kinsale or Lille?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town 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 Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Kinsale or Lille Better for Families?

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

Kinsale is a family-friendly place to visit. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

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 Kinsale or Lille Better for Couples?

Both Kinsale and Lille are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kinsale makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Lille is a good seaside 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 Kinsale or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Kinsale and Lille are notable places to visit.

Kinsale is a good seaside town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

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 Kinsale or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale 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.

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Lille is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Kinsale or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

Lille is a very easy city to get around on foot. 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.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable seaside town. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Kinsale?

How long in Kinsale or Lille?

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

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

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

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Lille, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Kinsale or Lille?

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

In Lille, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lille has to offer.

Five days in Kinsale or Lille?

Kinsale is a fun place to experience. Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. 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 great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Kinsale or Lille?

Kinsale is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Lille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Kinsale and Lille, we can see that Kinsale is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Kinsale or Lille?

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

Both Lille and Kinsale during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kinsale for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kinsale often gets less sunshine than Lille. Kinsale gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets less rain in July than Lille. Kinsale gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kinsale or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kinsale and Lille. The autumn months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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, Kinsale is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kinsale in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

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

In October, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Lille. Kinsale gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kinsale or Lille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kinsale as well as Lille. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year. Also, 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, Kinsale is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Kinsale average around 6°C (43°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Kinsale often gets more sunshine than Lille. Kinsale gets 60 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

Kinsale receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kinsale usually gets more rain in January than Lille. Kinsale gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kinsale or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Kinsale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kinsale for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty.

Kinsale is around the same temperature as Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Kinsale averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Kinsale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during spring. Kinsale gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Lille. Kinsale gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lille and Kinsale