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

Should you visit Nafplio or Lille?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Lille? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nafplio

Nafplio is a beautiful, picturesque, and romantic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Nafplio and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Lille are both popular with visitors, Nafplio has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nafplio is more popular for its museums and beaches, while Lille is known for its food and shopping. Nafplio is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also home to Palamidi Castle. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Nafplio different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nafplio 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 Nafplio can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a number of historic sights that are accessible from the town. One of the most iconic sights is the Palamidi Castle. You'll also find several fortresses in the area. There's also an archeological museum in town as well as the Folklore Museum.

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 Nafplio or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Lille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Nafplio makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants serve up traditional Greek dishes that are local to the region and country. You'll find fresh seafood on most menus as well as moussaka, souvlaki, the famous Greek salad.

Is Nafplio or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Lille have very good vibes after the sun sets.

Nafplio has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a good concentration of bars and clubs along the waterfront. There are also a number of smaller bars and cafes near Syntagma Square and the nearby streets. In the later hours, many bars turn up the music and turn into dance clubs.

The people in Lille know how to have a good time. 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 Nafplio or Lille Better for Beaches?

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

Nafplio has a beach worth visiting. If you head outside of the city, you'll find some nice beaches where you can spend a day. The most notable beaches in the area are Tolo, Kandia, and Nea Kios.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Lille Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Nafplio and Lille.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nafplio. The charming old town spreads out from Syntagma Square. It's a great place to start your day with many cafes spilling into the streets.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Lille. 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 Nafplio or Lille?

Lille is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Nafplio 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.

Nafplio is a great destination for shopping. Shopping in the old town is charming, but for the best retail options, you'll actually want to visit the new town. There are a variety of clothing and fashion outlets, with some of the best shopping streets being Sidiras Merarchias, Argous, and Asklipiou.

Is Nafplio or Lille Better for Families?

Nafplio is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Nafplio is a family-friendly place to visit. The charming, car-free center is fun to explore for all ages. There are several archeological sights around town as well as playgrounds and a great castle.

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 Nafplio or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Nafplio is a very popular place to visit for couples. Many people consider this to be one of the most romantic towns in Greece. You can explore the quaint village center and sample the cuisine at one of the many restaurants. It's easy to reach from Athens and the seaside setting is perfect any time of the year.

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 Nafplio or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nafplio and Lille are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nafplio. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Lille is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Nafplio or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio is not popular with students.

Lille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

Is Nafplio 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, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Nafplio, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through the region that are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Most routes leave from the central bus station.

Is Nafplio or Lille a more walkable city?

Nafplio and Lille are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Nafplio. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nafplio and Lille. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

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

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

In Nafplio, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful 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.

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 Nafplio or Lille?

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

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 Nafplio or Lille?

Nafplio is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nafplio. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Nafplio or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the romantic destination of Nafplio. 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.

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 Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio 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 Nafplio 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 Nafplio or Lille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Lille. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°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 Nafplio this time of the year. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Lille. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Lille. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Nafplio is much warmer than Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Lille during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Lille. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Nafplio during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lille because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lille can be very cold. In the winter, Nafplio is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Lille. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Lille. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Lille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Lille. The spring months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In April, Nafplio is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Lille during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Nafplio 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 Nafplio