A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Minsk vs. Lille for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Minsk or Lille?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minsk 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.

Where Should I go: Minsk or Lille?

Minsk

Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislac and Niamiha rivers, it is also capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.

Lille

Lille is a city in northern France on the Deule River near France's border with Belgium. It has the fourth largest urban area in France behind Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Lille (Rijsel in Flemish) may be France's most underrated major city. In recent decades this once-grimy industrial metropolis, with its economy based on declining industries, has transformed itself into a glittering and self-confident cultural and commercial hub. Highlights for the visitor include an attractive old town with a strong Flemish accent, three renowned art museums, stylish shopping, some excellent dining options and a cutting-edge, student-driven nightlife scene. The Lillois have a well-deserved reputation for friendliness – and they're so proud of being friendly that they often mention it.

For some great organized tour ideas, see 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 Minsk and Lille, we can see that Lille is more expensive. And not only is Minsk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Minsk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Minsk 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 Lille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lille than you might in Minsk.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Minsk Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Minsk or Lille?

Minsk has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Minsk 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 Minsk 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 Minsk or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Minsk are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

Minsk is around the same temperature as Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Lille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minsk. Minsk usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Minsk gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Minsk usually receives more rain than Lille. Minsk gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Minsk or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Minsk during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Minsk is cooler than Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Minsk in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Minsk often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Minsk gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Minsk gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Minsk or Lille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Minsk and Lille. Furthermore, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Minsk. In January, Minsk is generally much colder than Lille. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around -5°C (22°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Minsk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during winter. Minsk gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Minsk usually receives less rain than Lille. Minsk gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Minsk or Lille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Minsk as well as Lille. Additionally, most visitors come to Lille for the natural beauty during these months.

Minsk is around the same temperature as Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Minsk often gets more sunshine than Lille. Minsk gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lille. Minsk gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Minsk