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

Should you visit Manchester 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 Manchester and Lille can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a dynamic, diverse, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

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.

Manchester and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Manchester than Lille. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Manchester is very popular for its museums, music, and big city activities, while Lille attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Manchester different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Manchester 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 Manchester can be an interesting and educational experience. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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 Manchester or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Manchester 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Is Manchester or Lille Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Manchester and Lille.

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

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.

Is Manchester or Lille Better for Music?

Manchester is notable for its live music scene. However, Lille is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Manchester. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Lille is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is great for its historic old town. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Lille?

Lille is very popular for shopping. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Is Manchester or Lille Better for Families?

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

Manchester is a very kid-friendly city. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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 Manchester or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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 Manchester or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Manchester and Lille are nice places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

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.

Is Manchester or Lille Better for Students?

For students, both Manchester and Lille are excellent places to visit.

Manchester is very popular with students. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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.

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

Manchester and Lille both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Manchester. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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 Manchester or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is very popular for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of 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.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Lille?

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

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

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

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

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

With shopping and nightlife around the culinary city of Lille, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lille, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Lille?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Lille, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Manchester or Lille?

Manchester is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Manchester. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lille, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Lille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural big city of Manchester. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to 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 Manchester and Lille, we can see that Manchester 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester 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 Manchester Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Lille?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Manchester during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Manchester is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manchester in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Lille averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Lille. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lille. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Lille. Many travelers come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Manchester is generally cooler than Lille. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 11°C (52°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Lille during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Manchester or Lille in the Winter?

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

Lille can be very cold during winter. Manchester can get quite cold in the winter. Manchester is a little warmer than Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets more sunshine than Lille. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in January than Lille. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Lille in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Manchester is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manchester in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Lille during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Manchester usually receives more rain than Lille. Manchester gets 51 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 Manchester