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

Should you visit Lille or Ravenna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or Ravenna, 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 under-rated, fascinating, and cultural city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a historic, off-the-beaten-path, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Ravenna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lille than Ravenna. Lille is bigger than Ravenna, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lille is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna is more popular for its museums and small town charm. 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). Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Lille different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ravenna 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 Ravenna can be an interesting and educational experience. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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 Ravenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Lille or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Lille has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Lille or Ravenna Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a very popular place for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Ravenna?

Lille is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Lille draws large crowds to its stores. 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 go to Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Lille or Ravenna Better for Families?

Ravenna is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Ravenna is a very kid-friendly town. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

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 Ravenna Better for Couples?

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

Ravenna is a very popular place to visit for couples. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

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 Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lille and Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Lille or Ravenna Better for Students?

Lille is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Ravenna is not popular with students.

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.

Ravenna is not popular with students.

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

Lille is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Lille or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Lille is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lille. 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.

Ravenna is a very walkable destination. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Lille?

How long in Lille or Ravenna?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Lille than Ravenna. 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 Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

In Lille, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Even though Ravenna is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This town 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 Ravenna?

In Lille, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lille has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ravenna. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Ravenna?

Lille is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Ravenna is a fun place to experience. Ravenna is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lille or Ravenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Lille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Ravenna is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lille and Ravenna, we can see that Lille is more expensive. And not only is Ravenna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ravenna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ravenna 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 Lille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lille than you might in Ravenna.

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

Which is Bigger, Lille or Ravenna?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ravenna. When comparing the sizes of Lille and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

Both Ravenna and Lille during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ravenna in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Lille is cooler than Ravenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Ravenna fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Lille usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Ravenna. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Ravenna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Ravenna. Many visitors come to Lille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ravenna for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Lille is cooler than Ravenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lille in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Ravenna averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In October, Lille usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lille or Ravenna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lille as well as Ravenna. Most visitors come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ravenna can be very cold. Lille can be very cold during winter. In January, Lille is generally a little warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 3°C (38°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Lille usually gets more rain in January than Ravenna. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Ravenna in the Spring?

Both Ravenna and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Lille because of the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year.

Lille is cooler than Ravenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Ravenna fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In April, Lille usually receives less rain than Ravenna. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Lille