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

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Lille?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a charming, quaint, and peaceful university town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Saint Andrews and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Lille?

Both Lille and Saint Andrews have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Saint Andrews is better known for its museums, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Lille is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Saint Andrews is well known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Saint Andrews different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Andrews or Lille?

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

Saint Andrews offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

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 Saint Andrews or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Saint Andrews has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Saint Andrews or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Lille is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Is Saint Andrews or Lille Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

Saint Andrews has a beach worth visiting. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Lille is a well-known place for its old town. However, Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Andrews or Lille Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Lille is not a hiking destination.

Saint Andrews has hiking trails worth exploring. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Lille?

Lille is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Andrews. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Is Saint Andrews or Lille Better for Families?

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

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly place to visit. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

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 Saint Andrews or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Lille is a good university 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 Saint Andrews or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lille is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Saint Andrews or Lille Better for Students?

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

Saint Andrews is a great destination for students. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

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 Saint Andrews 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. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Saint Andrews has some public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

Is Saint Andrews or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable university town. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Lille?

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

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

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

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

Even though Saint Andrews is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This university 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 shopping and nightlife when visiting the cultural destination of Lille. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or Lille?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Lille?

Saint Andrews is a fun place to experience. Saint Andrews 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Lille. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Saint Andrews or Lille?

Saint Andrews 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful city of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing 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 Saint Andrews and Lille, we can see that Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Lille?

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

Both Lille and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

Saint Andrews is cooler than Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Lille fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Lille. Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Lille during summer. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Lille. Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Saint Andrews during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint Andrews is cooler than Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Andrews in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Lille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Lille. Many travelers come to Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews. In January, Saint Andrews is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 3°C (38°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Andrews usually receives more rain than Lille. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Lille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Lille. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Lille for the natural beauty during these months.

Saint Andrews is cooler than Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in April than Lille. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Saint Andrews