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

Should you visit Lille or Zaragoza?

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

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

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a cultural, historical, and compact 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 shopping.

Lille and Zaragoza: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Lille or Zaragoza?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lille than Zaragoza. While Zaragoza is larger than Lille, Lille has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lille is more popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Zaragoza is known for its museums. 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). Zaragoza is popular for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)
Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Lille different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lille
Zaragoza

Zaragoza is notable for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Zaragoza can be an interesting and educational experience. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

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 Zaragoza? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille
Zaragoza

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zaragoza. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Is Lille or Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

Lille
Zaragoza

Lille is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Lille or Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

Lille
Zaragoza

Lille and Zaragoza both have superb 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.

Zaragoza is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.


Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Zaragoza?

Lille
Zaragoza

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Zaragoza. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

Is Lille or Zaragoza Better for Families?

Lille
Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Zaragoza is a family-friendly place to visit. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

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 Zaragoza Better for Couples?

Lille
Zaragoza

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

Zaragoza is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

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 Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille
Zaragoza

Both Lille and Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

Is Lille or Zaragoza Better for Students?

Lille
Zaragoza

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

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.

Plenty of students visit Zaragoza. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

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

Lille
Zaragoza

Both Lille and Zaragoza offer superb 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.

Zaragoza offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams around the city.


Is Lille or Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Lille
Zaragoza

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Zaragoza is very walkable. The city center is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Lille?

How long in Lille or Zaragoza?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lille and Zaragoza. In our opinion, Lille has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lille than Zaragoza. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lille than Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lille 1-3 
    Zaragoza 1-3

One day in Lille or Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this compact destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza?

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.

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

A week in Lille or Zaragoza?

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 food and shopping around the authentic destination of Zaragoza. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza is €126. 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 Zaragoza in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lille 55
    Zaragoza 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lille 110
    Zaragoza 130
Compare Hotels in Lille and Zaragoza

Looking for a hotel in Lille or Zaragoza? 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 Zaragoza


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 Zaragoza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lille 28
    Zaragoza 23

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zaragoza

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zaragoza:

  • Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) to Zaragoza Downtown hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Zaragoza Downtown hotels to Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) to Zaragoza Downtown hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Private transfers Airport-hotel Zaragoza.: $66
  • Zaragoza Private Transfer from Zaragoza Airport to City centre: $66
  • Zaragoza Private Transfer from the city centre to Zaragoza Airport: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Lille or Zaragoza?

Prices for flights to both Zaragoza 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
    Zaragoza 41
Typical Food Prices in Lille

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lille are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zaragoza

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zaragoza.

  • Midday Market Tour and Spanish Cooking Class: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lille 16
    Zaragoza 35

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 Zaragoza

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
  • Zaragoza Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.75
  • Zaragoza Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.94
  • Zaragoza : Aquarium entry ticket: $19
  • Zaragoza Aquarium Admission Ticket: $20
  • Combo Amusement Park and Aquarium entry ticket: $33
  • Kayaking in Fluvial EcoTourism with ebroNAUTAS: $44
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $48
  • Zaragoza : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lille 17
    Zaragoza 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Zaragoza

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zaragoza:

  • Wine Tasting and Tapas: $102
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas in the ancient Town of Zaragoza: $104


When comparing the travel costs between Lille and Zaragoza, we can see that Zaragoza is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Lille or Zaragoza?

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

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 Zaragoza in the Summer?

Both Zaragoza and Lille are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zaragoza this time of year.

In the summer, Lille is much colder than Zaragoza. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lille in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Zaragoza. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lille. Lille usually receives less sunshine than Zaragoza during summer. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 344 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lille usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lille 17°C (63°F) 
    Zaragoza 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Lille or Zaragoza in the Autumn?

Both Zaragoza and Lille during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Zaragoza for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Lille often gets less sunshine than Zaragoza. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 196 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets more rain in October than Zaragoza. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lille 12°C (54°F) 
    Zaragoza 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Lille or Zaragoza in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Zaragoza. Many travelers come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Zaragoza in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lille. Lille is much colder than Zaragoza in the winter. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Zaragoza during winter. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lille usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lille 3°C (38°F) 
    Zaragoza 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Lille or Zaragoza in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lille as well as Zaragoza. Many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Zaragoza for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Lille is much colder than Zaragoza. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lille in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zaragoza. In the spring, Lille often gets less sunshine than Zaragoza. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 217 hours of full sun.

Lille usually gets more rain in April than Zaragoza. Lille gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lille 8°C (47°F) 
    Zaragoza 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Zaragoza and Lille

Lille Zaragoza
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 26 mm (1 in)


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