A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lille vs. Como for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Lille or Como?

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

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

Como

Como is a scenic, trendy, and fun lake area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Lille and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Como?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Como than Lille. While Lille is larger than Como, Como has more sights and attractions for tourists. Como is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Lille is known for its nightlife and historical sights. Como is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also home to the lakeside setting. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Lille different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the decent sights and museums in both Lille and Como.

Lille offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

While most people don't head to Como specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

Is the Food Better in Lille or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lille and Como offer amazing 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 Como have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

Is Lille or Como Better for Nightlife?

Lille is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Lille has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Como has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Lille or Como Better for Beaches?

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

Como has a beach worth visiting. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Lille or Como Better for its Old Town?

Lille is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

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.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Lille or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Lille is not a hiking destination.

Como is a popular spot for hiking. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Como?

Both Lille and Como are amazing shopping destinations.

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.

Many people travel to Como specifically to go shopping. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

Is Lille or Como Better for Families?

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

Como is a very kid-friendly lake area. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

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 Como Better for Couples?

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

Como has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

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 Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Como is a great lake area to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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 Como Better for Students?

Lille is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with students.

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.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Lille is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Lille or Como a more walkable city?

Lille is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lille. 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.

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Lille?

How long in Lille or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Lille or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lille, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Como 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 Como.

One day in Lille or Como?

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 Como, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this fun destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This lake area 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 Como?

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 Como. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Como?

You'll find food and shopping around the fascinating 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.

Como is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Como. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lille or Como?

The under-rated 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 nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

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

Which is Bigger, Lille or Como?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Como. When comparing the sizes of Lille and Como, 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 Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Lille during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In the summer, Lille is cooler than Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lille in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Como, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lille. In the summer, Lille often gets less sunshine than Como. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets more rain in July than Como. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Como. 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 Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lille is generally cooler than Como. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 12°C (54°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Como during autumn. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Como receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lille usually receives less rain than Como. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lille or Como in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lille as well as Como. Many travelers come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Como in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Como can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lille. Lille is cooler than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Lille often gets less sunshine than Como. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in January than Como. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Lille is much colder than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lille in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Como during spring. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lille usually receives less rain than Como. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Lille