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

Should you visit Palermo 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 Palermo 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a colorful, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lille

Lille is a fascinating, cultural, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Palermo and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Lille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palermo than Lille, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Palermo is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Lille is known for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Palermo is popular for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also home to The Cathedral. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Palermo different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Palermo offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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 Palermo or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

Is Palermo or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Both Palermo and Lille are high quality when it comes to partying.

Palermo offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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.

Is Palermo or Lille Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Palermo has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Lille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Lille Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Palermo. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Palermo or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Lille?

Lille is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Lille is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Is Palermo or Lille Better for Families?

Palermo is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Palermo is a very kid-friendly city. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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 Palermo or Lille Better for Couples?

Both Palermo and Lille are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Palermo is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

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 Palermo or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Palermo and Lille are good destinations for backpackers.

Palermo is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

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 Palermo or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is a well-known place for students. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

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

Lille is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Lille. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Lille on foot. 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.

Palermo is very walkable. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Lille?

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

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

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

In Palermo, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this colorful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Lille, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Palermo or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

In Lille, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lille has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Lille?

Palermo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Palermo. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lille is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Palermo or Lille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic destination of Palermo. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Lille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, 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 Palermo and Lille, we can see that Lille is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo 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 Lille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lille than you might in Palermo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Palermo Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Lille?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Lille in the Summer?

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

In July, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 25°C (76°F), and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Lille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palermo usually receives less rain than Lille. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palermo or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Palermo during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Palermo because of the city's sights and attractions, 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.

Palermo is much warmer than Lille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the autumn, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Lille. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Lille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Lille. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palermo 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 the winter, Palermo is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palermo in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Lille averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palermo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lille. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palermo or Lille in the Spring?

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

In April, Palermo is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 15°C (58°F), and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the spring, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Lille. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in April than Lille. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Palermo