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

Should you visit Lisbon or Lille?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Lille? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Lisbon and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Lille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lisbon than Lille, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Lisbon is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Lisbon different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon 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 Lisbon are among the most recognizable in the world. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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 Lisbon or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Lisbon and Lille can be an enjoyable experience.

For foodies, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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.

Is Lisbon or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Lisbon is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

Lille has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Lisbon or Lille Better for Music?

Lisbon is very popular for its live music scene. However, Lille is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Lisbon The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Lille is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Lille Better for Beaches?

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

Lisbon has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon 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.

Lisbon has a world-famous historical area. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Lille?

Shoppers can find a variety of fantastic stores in both Lisbon and Lille.

Many people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

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.

Is Lisbon or Lille Better for Families?

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

Lisbon is a very kid-friendly city. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

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 Lisbon or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Lisbon is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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 Lisbon or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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 Lisbon or Lille Better for Students?

Both Lisbon and Lille are very good destinations for students.

Lisbon is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international 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.

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

Lisbon 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.

Lisbon has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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

Is Lisbon or Lille a more walkable city?

Lisbon and Lille are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lisbon and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Lille. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

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

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

One day in Lisbon or Lille?

Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

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.

A weekend in Lisbon or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

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.

Five days in Lisbon or Lille?

Lisbon is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

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.

A week in Lisbon or Lille?

Each neighborhood in Lisbon has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Lille?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Lille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Lille. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lisbon is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Lille. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Lille. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Lisbon is much warmer than Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Lille during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Lisbon during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Lille because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lille can be very cold. In the winter, Lisbon is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Lille. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Lille. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Lille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Lille. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In April, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Lille during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Lille. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lille and Lisbon