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

Should you visit Lille or Florence?

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

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

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Florence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Florence than Lille. Florence is bigger than Lille, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Florence is better known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Lille is more popular for its nightlife and shopping. Florence is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Lille different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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 Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lille and Florence 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 Florence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

Is Lille or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Lille has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Lille or Florence Better for its Old Town?

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

Florence has a world-famous historical area. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Lille is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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 the Shopping Better in Lille or Florence?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Lille or Florence Better for Families?

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

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

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 Florence Better for Couples?

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

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence Better for Students?

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

Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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.

Is Lille or Florence 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, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Lille or Florence a more walkable city?

Lille and Florence both are amazing when exploring on foot.

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.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Florence. Most people explore the city on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Lille?

How long in Lille or Florence?

Both Lille and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Lille. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lille, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

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

One day in Lille or Florence?

The beautiful city of Lille offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Florence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this iconic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Florence?

Lille is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lille, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Lille is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Florence is a fun place to experience. In Florence, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Lille or Florence?

Lille is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

In Florence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this alluring destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lille or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Lille and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lille as well as Florence. The summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

Lille is cooler than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In the summer, Lille often gets less sunshine than Florence. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lille is cooler than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lille in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lille usually receives less rain than Florence. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lille or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Lille during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lille. In January, Lille is generally much colder than Florence. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 3°C (38°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Lille often gets less sunshine than Florence. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Florence. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Florence. Many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the natural beauty during these months.

Lille is much colder than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lille usually receives less rain than Florence. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Lille