A Travel Price Comparison for France Paris vs. Lille for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

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Should you visit Paris or Lille?

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

Should I visit Paris or Lille? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Paris

Paris is a bustling, energetic, and beautiful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

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.

Paris and Lille: Pros and Cons

Paris
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Lille
Pros
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


How is Paris different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Paris or Lille Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Paris
Lille

Both Lille and Paris offer a variety of museums and places of interest, but Paris generally has more to choose from.

Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House.

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.


Is Paris or Lille Better for Food?

Paris
Lille

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Paris and Lille.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Lille has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Paris or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Paris
Lille

The vibe at night is comparable in Paris and Lille.

Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Lille has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Paris or Lille Better for Shopping?

Paris
Lille

If you're looking to go shopping, Paris and Lille both offer plenty of spots.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées.

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.

Is Paris or Lille Better for Families?

Paris
Lille

There's generally more to do with your family in Paris than Lille.

Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Lille is not the most family-friendly destination. 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 Paris or Lille Better for Couples?

Paris
Lille

Couples will find a longer list of romantic activities in Paris than Lille.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris
Lille

Travelers usually think of Paris as a better destination for backpackers than Lille.

Many backpackers frequent Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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.

Is Paris or Lille Better for Students?

Paris
Lille

For students, both Paris and Lille are fairly comparable places to visit.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Lille is very popular with students. 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 Paris or Lille Better for Public Transit?

Paris
Lille

Paris and Lille both offer public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris or Lille a more walkable city?

Paris
Lille

Paris and Lille are similar when it comes to walkability.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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.

Should I spend more time in Lille or Paris?

How long in Paris or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Paris and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than Lille.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Paris is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Lille is 1-3 days.


  • How many days in Paris or Lille? Ideal Length of Stay
    Paris 3-7 
    Lille 1-3

One day in Paris or Lille?

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city 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, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this under-rated destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Paris or Lille?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Five days in Paris or Lille?

Paris is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Lille is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Paris or Lille?

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the under-rated destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Which city is cheaper, Lille or Paris?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Paris is €184, while the average daily cost in Lille is €92. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Paris and Lille in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paris €121
    Lille €44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paris €242
    Lille €88
Compare Hotels in Paris and Lille

Looking for a hotel in Paris or Lille? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Paris


Hotels in Lille


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Paris Hotel Prices and Lille Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paris €17
    Lille €22
Typical Local Transportation prices in Paris

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:


  • Metro
    €6.40
  • Train from Airport
    €9.00
  • Metro tickets
    €6.80
  • Train
    €20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ultra - Private Transfer from Paris to Giverny to visit Claude Monet's Garden: $9.57
  • Shared Arrival Transfer from Orly Airport (ORY) to Paris: $23
  • Shared Departure Transfer from Paris to Orly airport: $23
  • Paris Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $33
  • Semi Private Arrival Transfer: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): $33
  • Semi Private Departure Transfer: Paris to ORLY Airport: $33
  • Semi Private Departure Transfer: Paris to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): $33
  • Private Transfer: Gare du Nord Train Station (Eurostar Terminal): $34
  • Private One-Way Transfer: City of Paris: $36
  • Paris Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $36
  • Paris to Versailles Round-Trip Coach Transfer: $37
  • Paris to Versailles Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer by Luxury Bus: $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lille

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lille:

  • Private Transfer: Lille to Lille Airport (LIL): $622
  • Lille Private Transfer from Lille city centre to Lille Airport (LIL): $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Paris or Lille?

Prices for flights to both Lille and Paris change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Paris €31
    Lille €33
Typical Food prices in Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    €8.00
  • Breakfast
    €7.00
  • Breakfast for 2
    €30
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    €86
  • Dinner
    €57
  • Cheese
    €13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Paris en Scene Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $49
  • Paris River Seine Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $60
  • Italian dinner on the river Seine: $61
  • Seine River Cruise with French Dinner on Champs-Elysees Avenue: $61
  • Seine River Cruise & Dinner on Champs Elysées Avenue: $62
  • Choux cooking class for kids in Paris: $62
  • Capitaine Fracasse Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $67
  • Paris Small-Group Gourmet Food Tour With Optional Lunch and Wine Tasting: $75
  • Bistro Parisien Dinner and Seine River Sightseeing Cruise Combination: $75
  • NO DIET CLUB - Unique Bike and Food tour in Paris !: $75
  • Romantic Cruise with 3-course Dinner on Seine River: $76
  • Fondue Cooking Party - Winter is Coming: $78

Typical Food prices in Lille

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lille are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    €37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lille

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lille.

  • Hands-on Cooking Class: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paris €62
    Lille €13
Typical Entertainment prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    €18
  • Admission to Pantheon
    €5.00
  • Catacombs (2)
    €23

Tours and Activities in Paris

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.

  • Secret Montmartre, smartphone audioguided tour: $0.98
  • Trendy Marais, smartphone audioguided walking tour: $0.98
  • Marais HiddenTreasures, audioguided walking tour: $0.98
  • Paris Criminal Past, audioguided walking tour: $0.98
  • Test Day tour: $1.00
  • BEST OF ROYAL DAYS & LIFE : 3 audioguided tours: $1.85
  • BEST OF PARIS : 3 smartphone audioguided tours: $1.85
  • Legends of Paris Night Free Walking Tour in Spanish: $3.72
  • Visit the Eiffel Tower at your own pace Self-guided audio tour: $4.96
  • Flâneurs of Belleville: Explore the art of city walking on an audio walking tour: $5.00
  • One Hour Père Lachaise Cemetery Self-guided Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.43
  • Marais: Explore this historic neighbourhood on a kid-friendly audio walking tour: $5.49

Tours and Activities in Lille

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lille are as follows:

  • 2day Australian WW1 battlefield tour in Flanders the Somme from Lille and Arras: $647
  • 3 day tour Canadians in WW1 starting from Lille or Ypres: $1,033
  • 3-Day Small Group Tour of French and Belgian WWI Battlefields from Lille: $672
  • Australian Battlefields Private Tour in Fromelles and Flanders from Lille: $342
  • Australian and New Zealand Battlefield Day Tour in the Somme from Lille or Arras: $342
  • Bastogne Battle of the Bulge Private Day Tour from Lille: $566
  • Belgian Beer tour in Flanders: $411
  • Canadian Somme and Flanders battlefield tour 2 days starting from Lille or Arras: $734
  • Chocolate Tasting Tour of Lille: $96
  • Full Day Tour of WW2 in Northern France, the Atlantic Wall ,V1 and V2 launching sites departing from Arras or Lille: $454
  • Full-Day Private Tour on the French Opale Coast with Lunch: $467
  • Lille - Small Group Guided Walking Tour in French: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paris €19
    Lille €14
Typical Alcohol prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    €14

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Pub Crawl in Latin Quarter: $37
  • Guided Visit and Wine Tasting in a Royal Wine Cellar in Paris: $40
  • Guided tour and wine tasting in a historic cellar in the center of Paris: $41
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting in the Latin Quarter with Chef Alex: $47
  • Organic wine tasting in Paris: $56
  • Wine Tasting In Paris: $83
  • Paris Art of Pairing Cheese and Wine Tasting in a Cheese Cellar: $87
  • Paris Wine Tasting Session with Expert Sommelier: $89
  • Walk & Wine Tour in the Latin Quarter: $97
  • Paris Wine Tasting plus Cheese & Cured Meat Lunch with an Expert Sommelier Guide: $97
  • Paris Evening Wine Tour and Tasting: $112
  • Montmartre Hill Sweet & Savory French Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $112

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and Lille, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Lille.


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

Both Lille and Paris during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Paris is a little warmer than Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paris in July are around 20°C (68°F), and Lille is about 17°C (63°F).

In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paris. In the summer, Paris often gets more sunshine than Lille. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in July than Lille. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Paris 20°C (68°F) 
    Lille 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Paris or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Lille. Many visitors come to Paris in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Paris is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°F), and Lille stays around 12°C (54°F).

Paris usually receives more sunshine than Lille during autumn. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Paris usually receives less rain than Lille. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Paris 13°C (56°F) 
    Lille 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Paris or Lille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Paris as well as Lille. Most visitors come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lille because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lille can be very cold. Paris can be very cold during winter. Paris is a little warmer than Lille in the winter. The temperature in Paris is usually 5°C (40°F) in January, and Lille stays around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Paris often gets more sunshine than Lille. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lille. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Paris 5°C (40°F) 
    Lille 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Paris or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Paris because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In the spring, Paris is a little warmer than Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April are around 11°C (52°F), and Lille is about 8°C (47°F).

Paris usually receives more sunshine than Lille during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paris usually receives more rain than Lille. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Paris 11°C (52°F) 
    Lille 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Lille and Paris

Paris Lille
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)


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