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

Should you visit Messina 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 Messina 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.

Messina

Messina is a bustling, local, and historic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille

Lille is a historic, under-rated, and fascinating city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Messina and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Lille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Messina. Although Messina and Lille are popular destinations, Messina has more sights and attractions for tourists. Messina is very popular for its museums, beaches, and big city activities, while Lille attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Messina different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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 Messina or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Lille Better for Nightlife?

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

Messina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

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 Messina or Lille Better for Beaches?

Messina is a moderate port city for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is well known for its historic old town. However, Messina 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.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Lille?

Lille is renowned for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Messina or Lille Better for Families?

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

Messina is a very kid-friendly port city. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

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 Messina or Lille Better for Couples?

Both Messina and Lille are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Messina is a nice destination for couples. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Lille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Messina or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Lille are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Messina is a good port city to visit for backpackers. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

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 Messina or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is well known for students. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

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

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Lille. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

While Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Messina or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is renowned for its walkability. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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.

Messina is a very walkable port city. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Messina?

How long in Messina or Lille?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Lille than Messina. 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 Messina 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 Messina or Lille?

In Messina, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. 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.

In Lille, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Messina or Lille?

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

In Lille, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lille has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Lille?

Messina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Messina. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lille is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the local destination of Messina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Lille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina 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 Messina or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Lille. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Messina is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Lille averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives less rain than Lille. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Messina as well as Lille. The autumn months attract visitors to Messina because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In October, Messina is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets more sunshine than Lille. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Messina usually gets more rain in October than Lille. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Messina 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. Messina is much warmer than Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Messina. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Lille. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Messina during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Messina is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Messina. In the spring, Messina often gets more sunshine than Lille. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Messina