A Travel Price Comparison for France Nice vs. Lille for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Old Town

Should you visit Nice 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 Nice 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.

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Lille

Lille is a culinary, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Nice and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice. Although Nice and Lille are about the same size, Nice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nice is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Lille is more popular for its museums and shopping. Nice is more touristy than Lille and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Also, Nice is famous for The Promenade des Anglais. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Nice different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lille is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Nice and Lille.

Many restaurants in Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

Eat your way through Lille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Nice or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Nice 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.

Nice is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice or Lille Better for Resorts?

Nice is very popular for its resorts. However, Lille is not a resort destination.

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Lille is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Lille Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Lille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Lille Better for Beaches?

Nice is notable for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nice. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Nice or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Both Nice and Lille have high quality historic old towns worth visiting.

Nice is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

There are many historical things to see 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 Nice or Lille?

Lille is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Lille make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Nice or Lille Better for Families?

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

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

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 Nice or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Nice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Lille is a good seaside destination 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 Nice or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nice and Lille are notable destinations for backpackers.

Nice is a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Nice or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is a well-known place for students. However, Nice 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Both Nice and Lille offer high quality public transit options.

The public transit in Nice can get you around easily. There are both buses and trams.

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

Is Nice or Lille a more walkable city?

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

It is easy to get around Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lille. 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 Nice Worth Visiting? and Is Lille Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lille or Nice?

How long in Nice or Lille?

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

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

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

One day in Nice or Lille?

In Nice, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside destination 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Nice or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Lille is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nice or Lille?

Nice is a fun place to experience. In Nice, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Lille. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Nice or Lille?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the glamourous destination of Nice. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The culinary city of Lille offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, and The Best River Cruises in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Nice or Lille?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice 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 Nice or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences.

Nice is a little warmer than Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In July, Nice usually receives less rain than Lille. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nice or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Nice during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In the autumn, Nice is a little warmer than Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nice in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nice. Nice usually gets more rain in October than Lille. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Lille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Lille. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lille. In January, Nice is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 9°C (48°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In January, Nice usually receives more rain than Lille. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nice or Lille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nice as well as Lille. Many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty.

Nice is much warmer than Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Nice usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Nice