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

Should you visit Limerick or Lille?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Limerick and Lille can help you decide which place is right for you.

Limerick

Limerick is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Limerick and Lille: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
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


Is there more to do in Limerick or Lille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lille than Limerick, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lille is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Limerick is known for its museums. Limerick is popular for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities. 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).

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

How is Limerick different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lille and Limerick. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Limerick or Lille?

Limerick
Lille

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

Limerick offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.

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 Limerick or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Limerick
Lille

Lille is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Limerick 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.

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Limerick or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Limerick
Lille

Lille is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Lille has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Limerick. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is Limerick or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Limerick
Lille

Lille is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick 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.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Limerick or Lille?

Limerick
Lille

Lille is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Is Limerick or Lille Better for Families?

Limerick
Lille

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

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

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 Limerick or Lille Better for Couples?

Limerick
Lille

Both Limerick and Lille are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Limerick is a good city for couples to visit. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

Lille is a nice destination for couples. 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 Limerick or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Limerick
Lille

Lille is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

Lille is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Limerick or Lille Better for Students?

Limerick
Lille

Lille is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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.

Limerick is a good city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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

Limerick
Lille

Lille is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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

Limerick has a few public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.


Is Limerick or Lille a more walkable city?

Limerick
Lille

Lille is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Lille is a very easy city to get around 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.

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Limerick?

How long in Limerick or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Limerick and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lille than in Limerick. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Limerick, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lille than Limerick 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 Limerick or Lille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Limerick 1-2 
    Lille 1-3

One day in Limerick or Lille?

In Limerick, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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.

A weekend in Limerick or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Limerick. 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.

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.


Five days in Limerick or Lille?

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

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.

A week in Limerick or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Limerick. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Lille or Limerick?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Limerick is €108, while the average daily cost in Lille is €115. 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 Limerick and Lille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Limerick 49
    Lille 55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Limerick 98
    Lille 110
Compare Hotels in Limerick and Lille

Looking for a hotel in Limerick or Lille? 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 Limerick


Hotels in Lille


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: Limerick Hotel Prices and Lille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Limerick 40
    Lille 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Limerick

Also for Limerick, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $136
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Limerick City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $158
  • Limerick Private Transfer from central Limerick to Shannon: $203
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & ADARE | Premium Vehicles: $213
  • Private Transfer between CORK & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $300
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Galway City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $300

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lille

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lille:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Limerick or Lille?

Prices for flights to both Lille and Limerick 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
    Limerick 35
    Lille 42

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.
    Limerick 17
    Lille 16

Tours and Activities in Limerick

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Limerick.

  • Skip the Line: Hunt Museum Ticket: $14
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on the Limerick Greenway: $16
  • Limericks Lost Whiskey Walking Tour: $19
  • Skip the Line: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Admission Ticket: $21
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $43
  • Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $53
  • Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Including Killarney National Park: $53
  • Cliffs of Moher explorer day tour from Limerick. Guided.: $54
  • Guided eBike Tours on the Lough Derg Shore: $82
  • Angela's Ashes 1.5hrs Walking Tour: $142
  • Private Walking Tour of Limerick City: $142
  • Private Walking Tour of Adare: $272

Tours and Activities in Lille

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

  • In Flanders Fields and Passchendaele Half Day Morning Tour: $87
  • 1 Hour Private Lille Tour by Convertible 2CV with a Local Products Tasting: $65
  • 30-Minutes Private Guided Tour of Lille by Convertible 2CV: $32
  • Adventure 1h with a 3-seater Buggy: $119
  • Christmas Joy in Tournai - Walking Tour: $247
  • Discover Tournai while escaping the zombies! Escape game: $22
  • Discover Tournai while playing! Escape game - The alchemist: $22
  • From IEPER Private 4-hour Tour of the Ypres Battlefield: $265
  • From Ypres 4hr Christmas Truce and Monster Mines of Messines PRIVATE Tour: $295
  • From Ypres, The Christmas Truce to Passchendaele Ypres Based WW1 private tour: $294
  • In Flanders Fields and Passchendaele Grand Tour: $240
  • Lille - Private Historic Walking Tour: $425

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Limerick 12
    Lille 17


When comparing the travel costs between Limerick and Lille, we can see that Lille 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 Limerick Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Limerick or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Limerick and Lille, 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 Limerick or Lille?

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 Limerick or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Limerick during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Limerick this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Limerick is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 16°C (60°F), and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Lille. Limerick gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets less rain in July than Lille. Limerick gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Limerick 16°C (60°F) 
    Lille 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Limerick and Lille. Many travelers come to Limerick for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Limerick is around the same temperature as Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Limerick averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Lille during autumn. Limerick gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Limerick usually receives more rain than Lille. Limerick gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Limerick 11°C (52°F) 
    Lille 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Lille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Limerick as well as Lille. Many visitors come to Limerick in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lille can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Limerick is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Limerick in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Limerick often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Limerick gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets more rain in January than Lille. Limerick gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Limerick 6°C (42°F) 
    Lille 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Limerick are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Limerick for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lille because of the natural beauty.

In April, Limerick is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 9°C (48°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Limerick usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during spring. Limerick gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Limerick usually receives more rain than Lille. Limerick gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Limerick 9°C (48°F) 
    Lille 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Lille and Limerick

Limerick Lille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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