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

Should you visit Munich or Lille?

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

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

Munich

Munich is a multicultural, economically thriving, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Lille

Lille is a fascinating, cultural, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Munich and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Munich or Lille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Munich than Lille, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Munich is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Lille is known for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Munich is more touristy than Lille and is known for its beer halls (particularly during Oktoberfest), its historic buildings and its castles. It is also home to The Nymphenburg Palace. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Munich different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Munich 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 Munich can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

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 Munich or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Munich. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

Is Munich or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Munich 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.

Munich is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

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 Munich or Lille Better for Music?

Munich is very popular for its live music scene. However, Lille is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Munich The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

Lille is not a live music destination.

Is Munich or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Munich does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Lille to see the historical old town. 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.

Munich does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Munich or Lille?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Lille and Munich.

Munich is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

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.

Is Munich or Lille Better for Families?

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

Munich is a very kid-friendly city. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

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 Munich or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Munich is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

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 Munich or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich is very popular for backpackers. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Munich. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

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 Munich or Lille Better for Students?

Munich is very popular for students. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Munich is a great destination for students. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international students.

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

Munich is very popular for its public transit. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Munich has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

Lille offers a very effecient public transportation network. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Is Munich or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Munich is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Munich is very walkable. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Munich?

How long in Munich or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Munich and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Munich than in Lille. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Munich, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Munich than Lille 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 Munich.

One day in Munich or Lille?

Each neighborhood in Munich 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Munich or Lille?

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

Lille is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Munich or Lille?

Munich is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Munich has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Munich or Lille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the multicultural big city of Munich. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Lille. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking 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 Munich and Lille, we can see that Munich 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 Munich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Munich 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 Munich Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Munich or Lille?

Munich has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Munich 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 Munich 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 Munich or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Lille. The summer months attract visitors to Munich because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In July, Munich is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Munich average around 20°C (68°F), and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In Munich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Munich usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Munich usually receives more rain than Lille. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Munich or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Munich as well as Lille. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Munich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Munich is cooler than Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Munich averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Munich often gets more sunshine than Lille. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Munich or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Munich for the museums, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Munich. In the winter, Munich is much colder than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Munich in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Munich usually receives less sunshine than Lille during winter. Munich gets 30 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Munich usually receives less rain than Lille. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Munich or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Munich during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Munich in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lille for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Munich is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Munich average around 11°C (53°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Munich often gets more sunshine than Lille. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lille. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Munich