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

Should you visit Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a dynamic, livable, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

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.

Nottingham and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nottingham or Lille?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Nottingham than Lille. While Lille is larger than Nottingham, Nottingham has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Nottingham is very popular for its museums, music, and big city activities, while Lille attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Nottingham is famous for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also well known for Old Market Square. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Nottingham different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nottingham is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

Nottingham offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.

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 Nottingham or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Nottingham 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.

Nottingham has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Is Nottingham or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is well known for nightlife. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Nottingham has a few options to choose from. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

Is Nottingham or Lille Better for Music?

Nottingham is a nice place to visit for its live music scene. However, Lille is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Nottingham active and fun. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Lille is not a live music destination.

Is Nottingham or Lille Better for its Old Town?

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

Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Lille?

Lille is very popular for shopping. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Nottingham is well-known for its shopping. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

Is Nottingham or Lille Better for Families?

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

Nottingham is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.

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 Nottingham or Lille Better for Couples?

Both Nottingham and Lille are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nottingham is a nice destination for couples. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

Lille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Nottingham or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Nottingham or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is well known for students. However, Nottingham 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.

Nottingham is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Nottingham and Lille.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nottingham. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

Public transit in Lille can get you to some places easily. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Is Nottingham or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is very popular for its walkability. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of 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.

Nottingham is a very walkable city. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Lille?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Lille than Nottingham. 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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Lille?

In Nottingham, many people enjoy the live music and food that this livable destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

With shopping and nightlife around the under-rated city of Lille, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lille, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Nottingham or Lille?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Lille, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Nottingham or Lille?

Nottingham is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Nottingham. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lille, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Nottingham or Lille?

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

Lille is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle 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 Nottingham and Lille, we can see that Nottingham 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 Nottingham would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nottingham 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 Nottingham Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Nottingham. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Lille. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lille because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nottingham is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nottingham in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Lille averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during summer. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Lille. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nottingham or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Lille. The autumn months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In October, Nottingham is generally cooler than Lille. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Nottingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nottingham or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nottingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lille. It's quite cold in Nottingham in the winter. Nottingham is a little warmer than Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Lille. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nottingham or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Nottingham during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nottingham is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nottingham in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Nottingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lille. Nottingham gets 47 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 Nottingham