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

Should you visit Porto or Lille?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Porto and Lille can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. 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.

Porto and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Lille?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Porto than Lille. While Lille is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Lille attracts visitors for its shopping. Porto is more touristy than Lille and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Porto different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Porto 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 Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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 Porto or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Porto and Lille offer terrific local cuisine and restaurants.

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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.

Is Porto or Lille Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Porto and Lille.

The nightlife in Porto has something for everybody. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Lille offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Porto or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Porto and Lille are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Lille?

Lille is very popular for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Porto or Lille Better for Families?

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

Porto is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Lille is a good port city 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 Porto or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is very popular for backpackers. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Lille is a good port 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 Porto or Lille Better for Students?

For students, both Porto and Lille are excellent places to visit.

Porto is very popular with students. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Lille is a great port city to visit as a student. 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 Porto or Lille Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Porto and Lille both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

Public transit in Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

Lille has some very good public transit options. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Is Porto or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is very popular for its walkability. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its high level of walkability.

Lille is a very easy city to get around 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.

Porto is a very walkable port city. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Porto?

How long in Porto or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Porto and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than in Lille. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

Couples should spend more time in Porto than Lille. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Porto that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto than Lille 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 Porto.

One day in Porto or Lille?

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port 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 Porto or Lille?

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

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 Porto or Lille?

Porto is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Porto or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic big city of Porto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the fascinating 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Porto and Lille, we can see that Porto is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Porto during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Porto is a little warmer than Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Lille averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Lille, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Porto. In the summer, Porto often gets more sunshine than Lille. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Lille. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Lille. Many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Porto is generally a little warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Lille during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Lille. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Lille in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Porto as well as Lille. Many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lille can be very cold during winter. Porto is much warmer than Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Lille. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Lille. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lille because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Porto is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Lille during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Lille. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lille and Porto