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

Should you visit Lille or Sorrento?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or Sorrento, 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 historic, under-rated, and fascinating city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a accessible, laid back, and colorful small city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Lille and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Sorrento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sorrento. Although Lille and Sorrento are popular destinations, Sorrento has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sorrento is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Lille attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Sorrento is more touristy than Lille and is known for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also well known for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Lille different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lille is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Lille offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Lille and Sorrento offer first-rate local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Many restaurants in Sorrento have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

Is Lille or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Lille know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Sorrento has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Lille or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is notable for its resorts. However, Lille is not a resort destination.

Sorrento is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Lille is not a resort destination.

Is Lille or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a moderate small city for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Lille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lille or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

Sorrento has a beach worth visiting. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Lille or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Lille is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Lille or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Lille is not a hiking destination.

Sorrento is a popular spot for hiking. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Sorrento?

Lille is renowned for shopping. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Lille is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Sorrento is well-known for its shopping. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Is Lille or Sorrento Better for Families?

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

Sorrento is a very kid-friendly small city. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

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 Sorrento Better for Couples?

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

Sorrento has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

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 Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is very popular for backpackers. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Sorrento. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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 Sorrento Better for Students?

Lille is a great destination for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

Both Lille and Sorrento offer high quality public transit options.

The public transit in Lille can get you around easily. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Sorrento offers a very effecient public transportation network. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

Is Lille or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Lille is renowned for its walkability. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Lille on foot is easy. 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.

Sorrento is a very walkable city. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Lille?

How long in Lille or Sorrento?

Both Lille and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Lille. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lille, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

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

Couples should spend more time in Sorrento than Lille. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sorrento that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sorrento than Lille 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 Sorrento.

One day in Lille or Sorrento?

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 Sorrento, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this historic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This small city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Lille or Sorrento?

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 Sorrento. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lille or Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento is a fun place to experience. In Sorrento, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Lille or Sorrento?

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.

In Sorrento, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this relaxing destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Lille or Sorrento?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Lille and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Sorrento. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lille is generally cooler than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 17°C (63°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sorrento this time of the year. In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lille usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during summer. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lille usually receives more rain than Sorrento. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lille or Sorrento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lille as well as Sorrento. Many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Sorrento in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lille is cooler than Sorrento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Lille often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Lille usually gets less rain in October than Sorrento. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Sorrento in the Winter?

Both Sorrento and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lille in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sorrento for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Lille can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lille is much colder than Sorrento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lille in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Sorrento averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during winter. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. In January, Lille usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lille or Sorrento in the Spring?

Both Sorrento and Lille during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lille for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Lille often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets less rain in April than Sorrento. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Lille