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

Should you visit Lille or Pamplona?

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

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

Pamplona

Pamplona is a historic, elegant, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lille and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Pamplona?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pamplona than Lille. While Lille is larger than Pamplona, Pamplona has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pamplona is better known for its museums, hiking, and big city activities, while Lille is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pamplona is more touristy than Lille and is known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Also, Pamplona is famous for The Running of the Bulls Festival. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Lille different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pamplona is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Pamplona offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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 Pamplona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Lille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Pamplona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

Is Lille or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Lille and Pamplona.

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.

Pamplona has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

Is Lille or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a well-known place for its old town. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Lille. 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.

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Is Lille or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Lille is not a hiking destination.

Pamplona is a popular spot for hiking. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Pamplona?

Lille is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona 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.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Lille or Pamplona Better for Families?

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

Pamplona is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

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 Pamplona Better for Couples?

Lille and Pamplona are both notable to visit as a couple.

Lille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Pamplona is a good city for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Lille or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Pamplona is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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 Pamplona Better for Students?

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

Lille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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 Pamplona. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

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

Lille is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Pamplona 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.

Pamplona has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Lille or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Lille is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Pamplona is a very walkable destination. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Lille?

How long in Lille or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lille or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lille than Pamplona 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 Pamplona.

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

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

One day in Lille or Pamplona?

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 Pamplona, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Pamplona?

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 Pamplona. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Pamplona?

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.

Pamplona is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Pamplona. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lille or Pamplona?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Pamplona. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Lille and Pamplona, we can see that Pamplona 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 Pamplona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lille or Pamplona?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Lille and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?

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 Pamplona in the Summer?

Both Pamplona and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lille is cooler than Pamplona in the summer. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamplona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lille. Lille usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pamplona during summer. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lille usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lille or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and Lille during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Lille is cooler than Pamplona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lille in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Pamplona averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Lille often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lille usually gets less rain in October than Pamplona. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Pamplona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Pamplona. The winter months attract visitors to Lille because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

The weather in Lille can be very cold. In January, Lille is generally much colder than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 3°C (38°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during winter. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Lille usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lille or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lille as well as Pamplona. The natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Pamplona for the activities around the city.

Lille is cooler than Pamplona in the spring. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Lille often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Lille usually gets less rain in April than Pamplona. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Lille