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

Should you visit Mainz 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 Mainz 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.

Mainz

Mainz is a beautiful, peaceful, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Lille

Lille is a cultural, culinary, and friendly city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Mainz and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mainz or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lille than Mainz. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lille is very popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Mainz attracts visitors for its museums. Mainz is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also well known for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Mainz different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Mainz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's an old university town with a number of historical sights. Check out the Church of St. Stephan, Mainz Cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Seafaring.

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 Mainz or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Mainz. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve local food. There are also wine taverns where you can sample the local wines and dine of regional specialties.

Is Mainz or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Lille has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Mainz. It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Is Mainz or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Both Mainz and Lille have high quality historic old towns worth visiting.

Mainz is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Mainz or Lille?

Lille is terrific for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Lille. 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.

Mainz offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the boulevard of Am Brand near the cathedral for some of the town's best shopping. There are shops that line the street and it's a nice area to walk around.

Is Mainz or Lille Better for Families?

Neither Mainz nor Lille are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

Mainz is not always a place people visit with their families. Kids will enjoy the Gutenburg Museum and the outdoor spaces where they can run around. There's also a nice old town that everyone will have fun exploring.

Lille doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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 Mainz or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Mainz is a very popular place to visit for couples. Located on the Rhine River, this scenic setting is popular for river cruises. The town is nice to explore on its own, or you can hop around and take in several of the German river towns. You can also sit at outdoor cafes and sip local wine.

Lille is a good town 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 Mainz or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz and Lille are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Mainz is a good town to visit for backpackers. The town is popular with river cruises but you'll also find a hostel or two where budget travelers can save some money and meet other backpackers.

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 Mainz or Lille Better for Students?

Both Mainz and Lille are high quality destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Mainz. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Mainz and Lille.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Mainz. There are regional trains that make it easy to use Mainz as a base to explore the area, or you could visit Mainz as a day trip from another nearby town.

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

Is Mainz or Lille a more walkable city?

Mainz and Lille are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Mainz. The town is easily explored on foot.

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 Mainz Worth Visiting? and Is Lille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lille or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mainz and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mainz than in Lille. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Mainz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lille than Mainz 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 Mainz or Lille?

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

In Lille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this fascinating 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 Mainz or Lille?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. 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 Mainz or Lille?

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

Lille is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lille. 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 Mainz or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Mainz. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic destination of Lille. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, 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 Mainz and Lille, we can see that Mainz 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 Mainz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mainz 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 Mainz Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mainz or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Mainz 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 Mainz 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 Mainz or Lille in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Mainz is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mainz in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Lille averages at about 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 Mainz this time of the year. In the summer, Mainz often gets more sunshine than Lille. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lille. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Mainz 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 Lille this time of year.

In October, Mainz is generally cooler than Lille. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 11°C (51°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during autumn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mainz usually receives less rain than Lille. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Mainz or Lille in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lille. It's quite cold in Mainz in the winter. Mainz is much colder than Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Lille. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Lille. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Mainz or Lille in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Mainz is a little warmer than Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mainz in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Mainz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during spring. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mainz usually receives more rain than Lille. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lille and Mainz