A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Lille for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Lille?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and Lille. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a spectacular, natural, and tranquil archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Lille

Lille is a cultural, culinary, and friendly city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Outer Hebrides and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Lille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lille. Although Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Lille is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also well known for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle). Outer Hebrides is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Outer Hebrides different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Lille?

Lille is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lille is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

Is Outer Hebrides or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Lille has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Lille Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Outer Hebrides. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

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.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Lille Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Outer Hebrides draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Lille?

Lille is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Lille. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Lille Better for Families?

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

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly place to visit. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

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 Outer Hebrides or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for couples. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Lille is a good archipelago 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 Outer Hebrides or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides and Lille are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Outer Hebrides or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Lille is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Lille. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lille than Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Lille?

In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this remote destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. This archipelago 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 nightlife and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Outer Hebrides or Lille?

Outer Hebrides is a fun place to experience. In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Lille?

In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this stunning destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the city of Lille. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples 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 Outer Hebrides and Lille, we can see that Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Lille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Lille. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Outer Hebrides in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Lille averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lille. In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Lille. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in July than Lille. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Lille. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 9°C (49°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Lille during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Lille. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Outer Hebrides during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lille in the winter. The weather in Outer Hebrides can be very cold. Outer Hebrides is a little warmer than Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Lille. Outer Hebrides gets 33 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 Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Lille. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Lille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Lille. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lille for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Outer Hebrides in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Lille. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lille and Outer Hebrides