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

Should you visit Lille or Rijeka?

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

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

Rijeka

Rijeka is a slow-paced, coastal, and accessible town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Lille or Rijeka?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Rijeka than Lille. While Lille is larger than Rijeka, Rijeka has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Rijeka is more popular for its museums, beaches, and big city activities, while Lille is known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. It is also home to Trsat Castle.

How is Lille different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lille
Rijeka

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

Rijeka offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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 Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille
Rijeka

Lille is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Lille or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Lille
Rijeka

Evening events are excellent in both Lille and Rijeka.

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.

Rijeka has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Lille or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Lille
Rijeka

Rijeka is a moderate town for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Rijeka. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Lille is not a beach destination.


Is Lille or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Lille
Rijeka

Lille is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Rijeka?

Lille
Rijeka

Lille is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Lille or Rijeka Better for Families?

Lille
Rijeka

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

Rijeka is a very kid-friendly town. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

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 Rijeka Better for Couples?

Lille
Rijeka

Lille and Rijeka are both good 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.

Rijeka is a good city for couples to visit. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Lille or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille
Rijeka

Both Lille and Rijeka are good 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.

Rijeka is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Lille or Rijeka Better for Students?

Lille
Rijeka

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

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.

Plenty of students visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.


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

Lille
Rijeka

Lille is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Lille. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Lille or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Lille
Rijeka

Lille is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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.

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Lille?

How long in Lille or Rijeka?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Lille than Rijeka. 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 Rijeka 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 Rijeka? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lille 1-3 
    Rijeka 1-2

One day in Lille or Rijeka?

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.

In Rijeka, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this diverse destination offers. 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka. 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 Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Rijeka. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lille or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fascinating 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 slow-paced destination of Rijeka. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka 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 Rijeka is €95. 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 Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lille 55
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lille 110
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Lille and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Lille or Rijeka? 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 Rijeka


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 and Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lille 28
    Rijeka 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lille

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lille:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Lille or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka 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
    Rijeka 34
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
    Rijeka 8.89

Tours and Activities in Lille

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $4.28
  • Lille Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.45
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Lille City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.63
  • Lille Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $10
  • Vieux Lille 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Lille City Tour: $18
  • Tournai Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game: $22
  • Discover Tournai while escaping the zombies! Escape game: $22
  • Discover Tournai while playing! Escape game - The alchemist: $22

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

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

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lille 17
    Rijeka 16


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lille and Rijeka, we can see that Lille is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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


Which is Bigger, Lille or Rijeka?

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

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lille is cooler than Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lille in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Rijeka. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lille. Lille usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lille usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rijeka. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lille 17°C (63°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Lille or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Lille during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Lille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In October, Lille is generally cooler than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 12°C (54°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Lille often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in October than Rijeka. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lille 12°C (54°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Lille or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Rijeka. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Lille in the winter. Lille is much colder than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lille usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lille 3°C (38°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Lille or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lille as well as Rijeka. Many travelers come to Lille for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Rijeka in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Lille is much colder than Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lille in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Lille often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lille 8°C (47°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Lille

Lille Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)