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

Should you visit Lille or Naples?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or Naples, 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 fascinating, cultural, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Naples

Naples is a fascinating, historic, and authentic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples than Lille, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Naples is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Lille is known for its shopping and impressive beauty. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Lille different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Naples 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 Naples can be an interesting and educational experience. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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 Naples? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lille and Naples 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 Naples have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

Is Lille or Naples Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Lille and Naples.

Lille has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Naples has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Lille or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Lille and Naples both have superb historical old towns that attract visitors.

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.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Naples?

Lille is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Lille is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Lille or Naples Better for Families?

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

Naples is a family-friendly place to visit. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

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 Naples Better for Couples?

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

Naples is a very popular place to visit for couples. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

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 Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Naples is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

Lille is well known for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Both Lille and Naples 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.

Naples offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

Is Lille or Naples a more walkable city?

Lille is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Lille on foot is easy. 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.

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Lille?

How long in Lille or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lille and Naples. In our opinion, Naples has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Naples than Lille. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Lille or Naples?

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.

Each neighborhood in Naples has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Naples?

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 Naples. 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 Naples?

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.

Naples is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Naples. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural 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 fascinating big city of Naples. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Lille and Naples, we can see that Naples is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lille Expensive? and Is Naples Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lille or Naples?

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

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 Naples in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Naples. The summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

In the summer, Lille is cooler than Naples. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lille in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Naples averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Naples this time of the year. In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lille usually receives less sunshine than Naples during summer. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lille usually receives more rain than Naples. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lille or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lille as well as Naples. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Lille is generally cooler than Naples. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 12°C (54°F), and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Lille often gets less sunshine than Naples. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Lille usually gets less rain in October than Naples. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Naples in the Winter?

Both Naples and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Naples 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 Naples in the winter. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Naples during winter. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. In January, Lille usually receives less rain than Naples. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lille or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Lille during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the activities around the city during these months.

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

In the spring, Lille often gets less sunshine than Naples. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in April than Naples. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Lille