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

Should you visit Lille or San Remo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or San Remo, 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 friendly, historic, and under-rated city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

San Remo

San Remo is a scenic, authentic, and historic coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Lille and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or San Remo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lille than San Remo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lille is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while San Remo is known for its beaches. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also home to Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle). San Remo is popular for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Lille different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lille is terrific for its restaurants. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Remo makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

Is Lille or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

Is Lille or San Remo Better for Beaches?

San Remo is notable for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Remo. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Lille or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Lille and San Remo both have very good historical old towns that attract visitors.

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.

San Remo is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or San Remo?

Lille is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Lille specifically to go shopping. 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.

San Remo is a great destination for shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Lille or San Remo Better for Families?

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

San Remo is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

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 San Remo Better for Couples?

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

San Remo is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

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 San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

Is Lille or San Remo Better for Students?

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

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.

San Remo is not popular with students.

Is Lille or San Remo 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, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Lille offers a very effecient public transportation network. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in San Remo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around town.

Is Lille or San Remo a more walkable city?

Lille is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Lille?

How long in Lille or San Remo?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Lille than San Remo. 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 San Remo 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 San Remo?

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.

San Remo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Remo. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lille or San Remo?

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 nightlife and food around the relaxing destination of San Remo. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Lille or San Remo?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Lille and San Remo, 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo in the Summer?

Both San Remo and Lille during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lille is cooler than San Remo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lille in July average around 17°C (63°F), and San Remo averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In San Remo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lille. In the summer, Lille often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets more rain in July than San Remo. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or San Remo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and San Remo. 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 San Remo because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lille is generally cooler than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 12°C (54°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during autumn. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Remo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lille usually receives less rain than San Remo. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lille or San Remo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lille as well as San Remo. The winter months attract visitors to Lille because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

The weather in Lille can be very cold. Lille is much colder than San Remo in the winter. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Lille often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in January than San Remo. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or San Remo in the Spring?

Both San Remo and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

Lille usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during spring. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lille usually receives less rain than San Remo. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Remo and Lille