A Travel Price Comparison for France Marseille vs. Lille for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Marseille or Lille?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Lille, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

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.

Marseille and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Lille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marseille than Lille, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marseille is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere, while Lille is known for its museums and shopping. Marseille is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also home to The Vieux Port. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Marseille different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lille is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Marseille and Lille both to be amazing destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

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.

Is Marseille or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Marseille 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.

Marseille is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

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 Marseille or Lille Better for Beaches?

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

Marseille has a beach worth visiting. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Marseille or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Marseille 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.

Marseille has a world-famous historical area. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

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 Marseille or Lille?

Lille is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Marseille is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Is Marseille or Lille Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a nice place to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Lille does not offer Christmas markets.

Marseille has Christmas markets worth visiting. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Lille does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or Lille Better for Families?

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

Marseille is not always a place people visit with their families. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

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 Marseille or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Marseille is a very popular place to visit for couples. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

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 Marseille or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille and Lille are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marseille. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

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 Marseille or Lille Better for Students?

Both Marseille and Lille are superb destinations for students.

Marseille is a great city to visit as a student. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Students come from all over to stay in 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 Marseille or Lille Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lille is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Marseille, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Marseille or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lille. 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.

Marseille is very walkable. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Lille?

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

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

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

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

In Marseille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this energetic destination offers. 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.

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 Marseille or Lille?

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

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the under-rated 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 Marseille or Lille?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly 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 Marseille or Lille?

You'll find nightlife and food around the energetic destination of Marseille. 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.

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 Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Lille?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Lille. The summer months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In July, Marseille is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 24°C (75°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 Marseille this time of the year. In the summer, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Lille. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in July than Lille. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Marseille is a little warmer than Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Lille during autumn. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marseille usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Marseille 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 Marseille or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Marseille during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lille can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Marseille is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marseille in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Lille. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in January than Lille. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Lille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Lille. Many visitors come to Marseille in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Marseille is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 13°C (56°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Lille during spring. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marseille usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Marseille gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lille and Marseille