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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newcastle upon Tyne and Lille can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a livable, cultural, and historical port city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille?

Both Lille and Newcastle upon Tyne have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Newcastle upon Tyne is more popular for its museums, while Lille is known for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Newcastle upon Tyne is popular for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Lille has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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, Newcastle upon Tyne makes for a great culinary experience. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newcastle upon Tyne and Lille.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a large number of nightlife venues. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

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.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Lille are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille Better for Families?

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille Better for Couples?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Lille are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a good port city for couples to visit. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Lille is a nice destination for couples. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Lille are both good destinations for backpackers.

Newcastle upon Tyne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille Better for Students?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Lille are excellent destinations for students.

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular with students. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

Lille is a great port city to visit as a student. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Lille.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

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.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Lille are terrific when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Lille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lille or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Lille than Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille?

In Newcastle upon Tyne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Many people visit Lille for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lille, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The beautiful destination of Lille offers food and shopping. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Lille. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Lille, we can see that Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Newcastle upon Tyne. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Lille. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than Lille. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 15°C (59°F), and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lille. In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Lille. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in July than Lille. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Lille during autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Lille. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Newcastle upon Tyne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lille can be very cold during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Lille. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in January than Lille. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Lille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Lille. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Lille because of the natural beauty.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than Lille. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 7°C (45°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Lille during spring. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Lille. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lille and Newcastle upon Tyne