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

Should you visit Lille or Bergen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or Bergen, 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 fascinating, cultural, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lille than Bergen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lille is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bergen is known for its museums and small town charm. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also home to Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle). Bergen is popular for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty.

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Lille different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bergen offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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 Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Lille or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Lille or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

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

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Bergen?

Lille is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Lille is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

Is Lille or Bergen Better for Families?

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

Bergen is a very kid-friendly city. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

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 Bergen Better for Couples?

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

Bergen is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Lille is a good city 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 Lille or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lille and Bergen are good 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.

Bergen is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Lille or Bergen Better for Students?

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

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.

Plenty of students visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

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

Both Lille and Bergen offer very good public transit options.

The public transit in Lille can get you around easily. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Bergen offers a very effecient public transportation network. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

Is Lille or Bergen a more walkable city?

Lille is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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.

Bergen is very walkable. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Lille?

How long in Lille or Bergen?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Bergen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. 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 Lille or Bergen?

Lille is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Lille or Bergen?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Lille. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Bergen. 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 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Lille and Bergen, 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 Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lille or Bergen?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Lille and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

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 Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lille is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lille in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In July, Lille usually receives less rain than Bergen. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lille or Bergen in the Autumn?

Both Bergen and Lille during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergen because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Lille is generally a little warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 12°C (54°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lille usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Bergen. The winter months attract visitors to Lille because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bergen in the winter. The weather in Lille can be very cold. Lille is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Lille usually receives less rain than Bergen. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lille or Bergen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lille as well as Bergen. The natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm.

In the spring, Lille is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lille in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Lille usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Lille