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

Should you visit Lille or Girona?

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

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

Girona

Girona is a colorful, medieval, and ancient city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Lille and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Girona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lille than Girona. Lille is bigger than Girona, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lille is better known for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Girona is more popular for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. 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). Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Lille different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Girona 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 Girona can be an interesting and educational experience. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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 Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eat your way through Lille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Girona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Is Lille or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Lille offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Lille or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Girona 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.

Girona has a world-famous historical area. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

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 Girona?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Girona 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Girona. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Is Lille or Girona Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Lille or Girona 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Lille or Girona Better for Couples?

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

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lille and Girona 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.

Girona is a good city to visit for backpackers. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Lille or Girona Better for Students?

Lille is a well-known place for students. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

Lille is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Lille can get you to some places easily. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Girona has some public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Lille or Girona a more walkable city?

Lille and Girona both are world-class 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 Girona. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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

Should I spend more time in Girona or Lille?

How long in Lille or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lille or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lille than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lille, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

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

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

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

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 Girona, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful 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.

A weekend in Lille or Girona?

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 Girona. 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 Girona?

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.

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

A week in Lille or Girona?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the culinary 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 charming destination of Girona. 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.

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 Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Lille or Girona?

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

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 Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Girona in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Girona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lille. Lille usually receives less sunshine than Girona during summer. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lille usually receives more rain than Girona. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lille or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona and Lille during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Girona for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In the autumn, Lille often gets less sunshine than Girona. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Girona. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Girona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Girona. Most visitors come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Girona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lille can be very cold during winter. In January, Lille is generally much colder than Girona. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 3°C (38°F), and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Girona during winter. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lille usually receives around the same amount of rain as Girona. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lille or Girona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lille as well as Girona. The spring months attract visitors to Lille because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

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

In the spring, Lille often gets less sunshine than Girona. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Girona and Lille