A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lille vs. Venice for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Lille or Venice?

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

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

Venice

Venice is a magical, historic, and beautiful city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Lille and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Venice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice. Although Lille and Venice are both popular with visitors, Venice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Lille is known for its food and nightlife. Venice is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Lille different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Venice are among the most recognizable in the world. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Lille or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Lille is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Lille for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Lille or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is very popular for its old town. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Venice has a world-famous historical area. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Venice?

Both Lille and Venice are terrific shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Lille make it a world-class shopping destination. 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 people travel to Venice specifically to go shopping. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

Is Lille or Venice Better for Families?

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

Venice is a very kid-friendly city. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice Better for Couples?

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

Venice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Venice is a great city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice Better for Students?

Venice is very popular for students. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Venice is a great destination for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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.

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

Venice is very popular for its public transit. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Venice has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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

Is Lille or Venice a more walkable city?

Lille and Venice both are terrific when exploring on foot.

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.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Venice. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Lille?

How long in Lille or Venice?

Both Lille and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Lille. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lille, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice 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 Venice.

One day in Lille or Venice?

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 Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this magical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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 Venice?

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 Venice. 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 Venice?

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.

Venice is a fun place to experience. In Venice, many people enjoy the museums and food that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Lille or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly 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.

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this romantic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Lille or Venice?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Lille and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lille as well as Venice. Most visitors come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Venice because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Venice. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In the summer, Lille often gets less sunshine than Venice. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets more rain in July than Venice. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Lille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

In October, Lille is generally cooler than Venice. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 12°C (54°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Venice during autumn. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lille usually receives more rain than Venice. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lille or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Lille during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Venice. It's quite cold in Lille in the winter. Lille is a little warmer than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Lille often gets less sunshine than Venice. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Venice. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Venice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Venice. Many travelers come to Lille for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lille is cooler than Venice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lille in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Venice averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Lille usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Venice during spring. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lille usually receives less rain than Venice. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Lille