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

Should you visit Lille or Reykjavik?

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

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

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Lille and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lille than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lille is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. 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)

How is Lille different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lille is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Lille or Reykjavik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Lille or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Lille is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Lille or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Lille is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Lille or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Lille is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Reykjavik draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Reykjavik?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Lille or Reykjavik Better for Families?

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

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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 Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Reykjavik is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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 Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Lille and Reykjavik are nice 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.

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Lille or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Lille is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Lille is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Lille. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Lille or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Reykjavik is a very walkable city. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Lille?

How long in Lille or Reykjavik?

In either Lille or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik.

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

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lille has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this safe destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the historic destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Lille. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Lille or Reykjavik?

Lille is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the friendly destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

Which is Bigger, Lille or Reykjavik?

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

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Lille during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

In July, Lille is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 17°C (63°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Lille. In the summer, Lille often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Reykjavik. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Lille is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Lille usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lille usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lille or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lille as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lille. In the winter, Lille is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lille in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Lille often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In April, Lille is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 8°C (47°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Lille usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lille usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Lille