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

Should you visit Potsdam 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 Potsdam and Lille can help you decide which place is right for you.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a historic, accessible, and compact city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille

Lille is a culinary, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Potsdam and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Potsdam or Lille?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lille than Potsdam. Lille is bigger than Potsdam, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lille is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Potsdam is well known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. Also, Lille is famous for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle).

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Potsdam different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Potsdam 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 Potsdam can be an interesting and educational experience. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

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 Potsdam or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Potsdam has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a diverse restaurant scene, although the city is quite small. There are international restaurants as well as local venues where you can try regional specialties.

Is Potsdam or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Potsdam has a few options to choose from. The city is not far from Berlin, so head in to Germany's nightlife capital for the most famous clubs and venues. In the town of Potsdam there are cocktail bars and breweries that make for a mellow and relaxed evening.

Is Potsdam or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is well known for its old town. However, Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Lille?

Lille is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Potsdam has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Is Potsdam or Lille Better for Families?

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

Potsdam is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of playgrounds around town as well as several beaches by lakes that are fun for kids. Another highlight for families is a visit to Babelsberg Film Studios.

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 Potsdam or Lille Better for Couples?

Both Potsdam and Lille are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Potsdam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Exploring the city and soaking up the sights is the best way for couples to enjoy their time. There are some nice hotels and restaurants in the area that make for a great date night.

Lille is a good 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 Potsdam or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Potsdam and Lille are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Potsdam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

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.

Is Potsdam or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is well known for students. However, Potsdam is not popular with 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.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Potsdam and Lille.

Potsdam has some very good public transit options. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

The public transit in Lille can get you to most places easily. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Is Potsdam or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Lille on foot is easy. 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.

Potsdam is a very walkable destination. It's a smaller, compact city that can mostly be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Lille?

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

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

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

In Potsdam, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this park-filled destination offers. 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 Potsdam or Lille?

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

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 Potsdam or Lille?

Potsdam is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Potsdam. 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 Potsdam or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Potsdam. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Potsdam and Lille, we can see that Lille 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 Potsdam Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Lille?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Lille. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences.

Potsdam is around the same temperature as Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In Potsdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Lille. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Potsdam or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Lille. Many travelers come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Potsdam is cooler than Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Potsdam in October average around 10°C (51°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Potsdam often gets more sunshine than Lille. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Potsdam or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lille can be very cold during winter. Potsdam can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Potsdam is generally much colder than Lille. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around -0°C (31°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Potsdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during winter. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Lille. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Potsdam or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Potsdam during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Lille because of the natural beauty.

Potsdam is around the same temperature as Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Potsdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lille. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Potsdam