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

Should you visit Lille or Genoa?

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

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

Genoa

Genoa is a historic, vibrant, and colorful port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Genoa?

Both Genoa and Lille have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Lille is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Genoa is known for its museums and beaches. Genoa is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Lille different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Genoa 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 Genoa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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 Genoa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Genoa makes for a great culinary experience. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

Is Lille or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Lille for the nightlife scene. 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 Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Lille or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Genoa is a moderate port city for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Genoa. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Lille or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Lille is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its 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.

Many visitors go to Genoa to see the historical old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Genoa?

Lille is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Genoa 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.

Genoa is a great destination for shopping. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Lille or Genoa Better for Families?

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

Genoa is a very kid-friendly port city. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

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 Genoa Better for Couples?

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

Genoa is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

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 Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Genoa is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

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 Genoa Better for Students?

Lille and Genoa are both superb 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 Genoa. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

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

Both Lille and Genoa offer superb 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.

Genoa offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

Is Lille or Genoa a more walkable city?

Lille is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Genoa 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.

Genoa is very walkable. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Lille?

How long in Lille or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Lille or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Genoa 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 Genoa.

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

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

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

One day in Lille or Genoa?

In Lille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Genoa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this energetic destination offers. This port 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 Genoa?

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

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

Lille is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

A week in Lille or Genoa?

You'll find nightlife and food around the culinary destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the energetic destination of Genoa. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Lille or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Lille and Genoa, 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 Genoa?

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 Genoa in the Summer?

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

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Genoa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In the summer, Lille often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets more rain in July than Genoa. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Genoa in the Autumn?

Both Genoa 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 Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lille is generally much colder than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 12°C (54°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during autumn. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lille usually receives less rain than Genoa. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lille or Genoa in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lille. Lille is much colder than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Lille often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in January than Genoa. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Genoa in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Lille is much colder than Genoa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lille in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Genoa averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during spring. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lille usually receives less rain than Genoa. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Lille