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

Should you visit Lille or Milan?

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

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

Milan

Milan is a trendy, chic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Lille and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Milan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Lille, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. Milan is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.

How is Lille different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Milan 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 Milan can be an interesting and educational experience. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'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 Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lille and Milan offer first-rate 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 Milan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

Is Lille or Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Milan is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

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.

Is Lille or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is very popular for its live music scene. However, Lille is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Milan The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Lille is not a live music destination.

Is Lille or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan 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.

Milan has a world-famous historical area. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

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 Milan?

Both Lille and Milan are first-rate 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 Milan specifically to go shopping. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

Is Lille or Milan Better for Families?

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

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

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 Milan Better for Couples?

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

Milan is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

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 Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Milan is a great city to visit for backpackers. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

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 Milan Better for Students?

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

Milan is a great destination for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

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 Milan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Milan is very popular for its public transit. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Milan has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Lille offers a very effecient public transportation network. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Is Lille or Milan a more walkable city?

Lille and Milan both are first-rate 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 Milan. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Lille?

How long in Lille or Milan?

In either Lille or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Lille because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lille, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

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

One day in Lille or Milan?

In Lille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this friendly 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.

Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Milan?

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 Milan. 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 Milan?

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.

Milan is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Milan?

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic 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 museums and nightlife around the cultural big city of Milan. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Lille or Milan?

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

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 Milan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lille as well as Milan. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In the summer, Lille often gets less sunshine than Milan. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Lille or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

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

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

Should I visit Lille or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Lille during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lille in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Milan can be very cold during winter. Lille can get quite cold in the winter. Lille is cooler than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

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

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

Should I visit Lille or Milan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Milan. Most visitors come to Lille for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Milan because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Milan and Lille