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

Should you visit Liverpool or Lille?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Liverpool and Lille can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a fun-filled, diverse, and historic port city. And you can't forget about the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Lille

Lille is a culinary, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Liverpool and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Liverpool or Lille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Liverpool than Lille. Liverpool is bigger than Lille, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Liverpool is better known for its museums, theatre productions, and music, while Lille is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Liverpool is well known for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles." Also, Liverpool is famous for The Liverpool Cathedral. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Liverpool different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Liverpool offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.

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 Liverpool or Lille Better for Theater?

Liverpool is notable for its theatre productions. However, Lille is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Liverpool. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Lille is not a theatre destination.

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

Lille is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Lille have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Liverpool or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Liverpool and Lille.

Liverpool is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

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.

Is Liverpool or Lille Better for Music?

Liverpool 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 Liverpool Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Lille is not a live music destination.

Is Liverpool or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is well known for its old town. However, Liverpool 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.

Liverpool does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Lille?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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 visitors explore the shopping areas in Liverpool. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

Is Liverpool or Lille Better for Families?

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

Liverpool is a very kid-friendly port city. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

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 Liverpool or Lille Better for Couples?

Both Liverpool and Lille are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Liverpool makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Lille is a good port 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 Liverpool or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Liverpool and Lille are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Liverpool is a good port city to visit for backpackers. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Is Liverpool or Lille Better for Students?

Liverpool and Lille are high quality places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Liverpool. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

Many students visit 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 Liverpool or Lille Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lille is well known for its public transit. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Liverpool offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

Is Liverpool or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Liverpool is a very walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Liverpool?

How long in Liverpool or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Liverpool and Lille. In our opinion, Lille has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lille than Liverpool. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Liverpool, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lille than Liverpool. 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 Liverpool 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.

One day in Liverpool or Lille?

In Liverpool, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this diverse destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This port 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lille has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Liverpool or Lille?

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

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the historic destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Liverpool or Lille?

Liverpool is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the destination of Liverpool. Lots of people come for the live music. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Lille. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Liverpool or Lille?

You'll find theater and nightlife around the historic destination of Liverpool. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lille is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Lille?

Liverpool has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Liverpool 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 Liverpool or Lille?

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 Liverpool or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Liverpool and Lille. Most visitors come to Liverpool for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences.

Liverpool is cooler than Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Lille during summer. Liverpool gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Liverpool usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Liverpool gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Liverpool or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Liverpool as well as Lille. The autumn months attract visitors to Liverpool because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In the autumn, Liverpool is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Liverpool in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Lille. Liverpool gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lille. Liverpool gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Liverpool or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Liverpool are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Liverpool this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lille. In January, Liverpool is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 5°C (42°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Liverpool usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Liverpool gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Liverpool usually receives more rain than Lille. Liverpool gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Liverpool or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Liverpool during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty.

Liverpool is around the same temperature as Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Lille. Liverpool gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Liverpool gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Liverpool