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

Should you visit Murren 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 Murren 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.

Murren

Murren is a stunning, serene, and authentic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

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.

Murren and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Murren or Lille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lille. Although Murren and Lille are popular destinations, Lille has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lille is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Murren attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Murren is more touristy than Lille and is known for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also well known for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Murren different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Murren or Lille Better for Skiing?

Murren is very popular for snow skiing. However, Lille is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Murren is among the best in the world. If you're visiting in the winter, you're in luck because the scenery and the slopes are both amazing. The top of Schilthorn is quickly accessed from the gondola and ski lifts, and heading down you'll find some difficult runs along with easier slopes. Enjoy your apres-ski in the village with cozy drinks and a dinner of fondue. And with more time, you can easily get across the valley to the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area, too.

Lille is not a skiing destination.

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

Lille is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Murren is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Lille offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Murren. You don't visit this area for the museums, so if you're looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day, your options are limited.

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

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Murren 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.

Murren has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. If you can afford the prices, you'll enjoy some great meals of fondue or local steak. There aren't many restaurants in town and some of the best are attached to the hotels. Those on a tight budget will be frustrated because cheap eats are hard to come by. You may as well pay a little more and enjoy a high quality, fine dining experience.

Is Murren or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is well known for nightlife. However, Murren is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Lille is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Murren doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet and residential town that is more about the daytime activities than the nightlife scene.

Is Murren or Lille Better for its Old Town?

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

Murren does not have a historic old town.

Is Murren or Lille Better for Hiking?

Murren is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Lille is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Murren draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hiking trails pass right through the town, connecting the many alpine towns in the area. There are hikes for all levels, and each offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, which include Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Murren or Lille?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Murren is not particularly known 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 in Murren can be found for those interested. Aside from a food market or two, there aren't many shops in town and prices for everything are a bit high.

Is Murren or Lille Better for Families?

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

Murren is a very kid-friendly town. Kid-friendly activities are everywhere in this amazing town. Take the Allmendhubel Funicular Train and explore one of the coolest playgrounds ever! Family-friendly trails abound and outdoor adventures with spectacular views are fun for everyone.

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 Murren or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Murren has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This small town offers charming hotels, hidden viewpoints, and romantic hikes through the Alps. If you want to experience an authentic side to the Alps, then stay in this town and explore the many hiking trails in the area.

Lille is a good town 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 Murren or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Murren is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Murren is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in town so it's a bit difficult to stay in Murren as a backpacker. There are a number of charming hostels in the surrounding area though and they each have a unique local character.

Is Murren or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is well known for students. However, Murren is not popular with 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.

Murren is not popular with students.

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

Lille is well known for its public transit. Also, Murren 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 Murren offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Train, cable car, and funicular are the only ways to reach this car-free town.

Is Murren or Lille a more walkable city?

Murren and Lille both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

Getting around Murren on foot is easy. It's a small town with a very limited number of vehicles so it's best explored on foot. There are also many walking trails in the area.

Lille is a very easy town 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Murren?

How long in Murren or Lille?

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

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

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

Even though Murren is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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 Murren or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Murren. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

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 Murren or Lille?

Murren is a fun place to experience. Murren is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Murren or Lille?

Murren is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, 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 Murren and Lille, we can see that Murren 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 Murren would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Murren 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 Murren Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Murren or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 670 times larger than the population of Murren. When comparing the sizes of Murren 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.