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

Should you visit Lille or Bari?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or Bari, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lille

Lille is a friendly, historic, and under-rated city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port 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 and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Bari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bari. Although Lille and Bari are roughly the same size, Bari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bari is more popular for its museums, beaches, and big city activities, while Lille is known for its shopping and impressive beauty. Lille is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also home to San Nicola.

How is Lille different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bari 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 Bari can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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 Lille or Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lille and Bari offer world-class local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Many restaurants in Bari have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Is Lille or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Lille and Bari.

Lille has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Bari has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Lille or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

Bari has a beach worth visiting. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Lille or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Lille and Bari both have great historical old towns that attract visitors.

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.

Bari is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Bari?

Lille is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many people travel to Lille specifically to go shopping. 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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Lille or Bari Better for Families?

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

Bari is a very kid-friendly port city. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Lille or Bari Better for Couples?

Lille and Bari are both good to visit as a couple.

Lille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Bari is a good city for couples to visit. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Lille or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bari is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Lille or Bari Better for Students?

Lille and Bari are both great destinations for students and younger travelers.

Lille is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Bari. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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

Lille is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Lille. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Lille or Bari a more walkable city?

Lille is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

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.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Lille?

How long in Lille or Bari?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari than Lille 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 Bari.

One day in Lille or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bari, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port 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 Lille or Bari?

Lille is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. 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 Lille or Bari?

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Lille. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bari is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bari. 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.

A week in Lille or Bari?

The historic city of Lille offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Bari. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Lille and Bari, we can see that Lille 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 Lille Expensive? and Is Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lille or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Lille and Bari, 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 Lille or Bari?

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 Lille or Bari in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lille as well as Bari. Many travelers come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lille is cooler than Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lille in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In the summer, Lille often gets less sunshine than Bari. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Lille is generally much colder than Bari. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 12°C (54°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Bari during autumn. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lille usually receives more rain than Bari. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lille or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Lille during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bari because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lille can be very cold during winter. Lille is much colder than Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Lille often gets less sunshine than Bari. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bari. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Bari in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Bari. The spring months attract visitors to Lille because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In the spring, Lille is much colder than Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lille in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. Lille usually receives less sunshine than Bari during spring. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lille usually receives more rain than Bari. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Lille