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

Should you visit Lille or Bergamo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or Bergamo, 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 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.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a under-rated, historical, and fascinating city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille and Bergamo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Bergamo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lille than Bergamo. Lille is bigger than Bergamo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lille is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bergamo is more popular for its museums. 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). Bergamo is well known for its historical buildings and beautiful squares.

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Lille different from Bergamo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bergamo 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 Bergamo?

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

Bergamo offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.

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 Bergamo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

Bergamo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.

Is Lille or Bergamo Better for Nightlife?

Lille is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergamo. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.

Is Lille or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?

Lille is notable for its old town. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Bergamo has an old town worth visiting. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Bergamo?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Bergamo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.

Is Lille or Bergamo Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Lille or Bergamo as a family destination.

Lille is not the most family-friendly destination. 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.

Bergamo is not always a place people visit with their families. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.

Is Lille or Bergamo Better for Couples?

Lille and Bergamo are both notable 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.

Bergamo is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.

Is Lille or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lille and Bergamo are notable destinations for backpackers.

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.

Bergamo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.

Is Lille or Bergamo Better for Students?

Lille is notable for students. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Bergamo. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

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

Lille is notable for its public transit. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Bergamo has some public transit options. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.

Is Lille or Bergamo a more walkable city?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Lille 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.

Bergamo is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergamo or Lille?

How long in Lille or Bergamo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lille and Bergamo. In our opinion, Lille has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lille than Bergamo. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lille, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bergamo.

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

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

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.

In Bergamo, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fascinating destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Lille or Bergamo?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergamo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Bergamo?

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.

Bergamo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bergamo. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lille or Bergamo?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Bergamo. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lille and Bergamo, we can see that Bergamo 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 Bergamo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergamo 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 Lille Expensive? and Is Bergamo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lille or Bergamo?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bergamo. When comparing the sizes of Lille and Bergamo, 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 Bergamo?

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 Lille or Bergamo in the Summer?

Both Bergamo and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergamo this time of year.

Lille is cooler than Bergamo in the summer. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Bergamo fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bergamo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lille. Lille usually receives less sunshine than Bergamo during summer. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lille usually receives more rain than Bergamo. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lille or Bergamo in the Autumn?

Both Bergamo and Lille during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergamo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lille is cooler than Bergamo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lille in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Bergamo averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Lille often gets less sunshine than Bergamo. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 137 hours of full sun.

Bergamo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lille usually gets less rain in October than Bergamo. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Bergamo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Bergamo. Many travelers come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bergamo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bergamo can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lille. In January, Lille is generally much warmer than Bergamo. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 3°C (38°F), and Bergamo fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Bergamo during winter. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lille usually receives less rain than Bergamo. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lille or Bergamo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lille as well as Bergamo. Many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bergamo for the natural beauty during these months.

Lille is cooler than Bergamo in the spring. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Bergamo fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Lille often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bergamo. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 169 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in April than Bergamo. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergamo and Lille