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

Should you visit Oxford or Lille?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Lille, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Oxford and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lille than Oxford. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lille is very popular for its food, historical sights, and shopping, while Oxford attracts visitors for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also well known for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Oxford different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oxford 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 Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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 Oxford or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Lille Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Oxford and Lille.

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Lille Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Lille?

Lille is very popular for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Lille Better for Families?

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

Oxford is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Oxford is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Lille is a good college town 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 Oxford or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Lille Better for Students?

Oxford is very popular for students. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

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.

Is Oxford 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. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is very popular for its walkability. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Oxford is a very walkable college town. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oxford and Lille. In our opinion, Lille has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lille than Oxford. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Lille?

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

Lille is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Oxford or Lille?

Oxford is a fun place to experience. Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Oxford or Lille?

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the culinary destination of Lille. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day 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 Oxford and Lille, we can see that Oxford 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 Oxford would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Lille in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Lille. The summer months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In the summer, Oxford is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°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, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in July than Lille. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Lille. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Oxford during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lille can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Oxford. Oxford is around the same temperature as Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Lille. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Lille. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Lille in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Lille. Many visitors come to Oxford in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lille for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Oxford is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lille and Oxford