A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lille vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park, 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 cultural, culinary, and friendly city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a scenic, world-famous, and spectacular national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Lille and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the terraced chain of lakes
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lille. Although Lille and Plitvice Lakes National Park are popular destinations, Lille has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lille is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Plitvice Lakes National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also well known for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)
Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Lille different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Lille
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Lille is adequate for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Lille is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Lille has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Lille
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Lille is great for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Lille
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Lille is great for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Lille
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Lille is not a hiking destination.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Lille
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Lille is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Lille. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Lille
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Lille
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille
Plitvice Lakes National Park

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

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park to visit for backpackers. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Students?

Lille
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Lille is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

Lille is very popular with students. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.


Is Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lille
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Lille is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

Visitors to Lille can move around easily with public transportation. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Lille
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Lille and Plitvice Lakes National Park both are terrific 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

For even more information, also check out Is Lille Worth Visiting? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Lille?

How long in Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Lille than Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lille than Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.


  • How many days in Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lille 1-3 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1-2

One day in Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Lille, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, many people enjoy the that this spectacular destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Lille is a fun place to experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the fascinating destination of Lille. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The cultural city of Lille offers shopping and nightlife. 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 a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the scenic destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park or Lille?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lille is €115, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lille and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lille 55
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lille 110
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Lille and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Lille


Hotels in Plitvice Lakes National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Lille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lille 28
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lille

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lille:

  • Private Transfer to or from Paris Orly Airport: $642
  • Private Transfer to or from Paris CDG: $535
  • Private Round trip transfer to Lille Airport (LIL) : $155
  • Private One way transfer Lille Airport (LIL) : $77
  • Lille Private Transfer from Lille city centre to Lille Airport (LIL): $57
  • Lille Private Transfer from Lille Airport (LIL) to City centre: $57
  • Private Transfer to or from Lille Airport: $53
  • Toulouse Airport private transfer to Toulouse City center: $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271

Is it cheaper to fly into Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Lille change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lille 42
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40
Typical Food Prices in Lille

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lille are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    37

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lille 16
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

Tours and Activities in Lille

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lille are as follows:

  • In Flanders Fields and Passchendaele Half Day Morning Tour: $87
  • 1 Hour Private Lille Tour by Convertible 2CV with a Local Products Tasting: $65
  • 30-Minutes Private Guided Tour of Lille by Convertible 2CV: $32
  • Adventure 1h with a 3-seater Buggy: $119
  • Christmas Joy in Tournai - Walking Tour: $247
  • Discover Tournai while escaping the zombies! Escape game: $22
  • Discover Tournai while playing! Escape game - The alchemist: $22
  • From IEPER Private 4-hour Tour of the Ypres Battlefield: $265
  • From Ypres 4hr Christmas Truce and Monster Mines of Messines PRIVATE Tour: $295
  • From Ypres, The Christmas Truce to Passchendaele Ypres Based WW1 private tour: $294
  • In Flanders Fields and Passchendaele Grand Tour: $240
  • Lille - Private Historic Walking Tour: $425

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • Plitvice Lakes: National Park Official Entry Ticket: $11
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $14
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36
  • Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour and Boat Ride: $36
  • Plitvice lakes: Guided walking tour with a boat ride: $37
  • Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $38
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Inspiration Buggy Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lille 17
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14


When comparing the travel costs between Lille and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lille as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Most visitors come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lille is generally cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 17°C (63°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Plitvice Lakes National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In the summer, Lille often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lille 17°C (63°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Lille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

Lille is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lille usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lille 12°C (54°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Lille during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Plitvice Lakes National Park. It's quite cold in Lille in the winter. In the winter, Lille is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lille in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Lille often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lille 3°C (38°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Lille or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many travelers come to Lille for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Lille is generally much colder than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 8°C (47°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Lille usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lille 8°C (47°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Lille

Lille Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)