A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vilnius vs. Lille for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Vilnius or Lille?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Lille. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a surprising, undiscovered, and authentic city. 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 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.

Vilnius and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Lille?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lille than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Lille, Lille has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lille is better known for its food and shopping, while Vilnius is more popular for its museums. Lille is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. Also, Lille is famous for Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle). Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history.

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Vilnius different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Vilnius offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

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 Vilnius or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Lille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Vilnius is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Is Vilnius or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Vilnius and Lille.

Vilnius has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

Lille has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Vilnius or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the great old town areas in both Vilnius and Lille.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Lille?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Vilnius has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

Is Vilnius or Lille Better for Families?

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

Vilnius is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

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 Vilnius or Lille Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Lille both notable destinations for a couple.

Vilnius makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

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 Vilnius or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Vilnius is a great city to visit for backpackers. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

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 Vilnius or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is notable for students. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit 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 Vilnius. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

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

Lille is notable for its public transit. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Vilnius has some public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

Is Vilnius or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vilnius and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vilnius than in Lille. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lille than Vilnius. 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.

One day in Vilnius or Lille?

In Vilnius, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic 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.

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 Vilnius or Lille?

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

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 Vilnius or Lille?

Vilnius is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Vilnius. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Vilnius or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the surprising destination of Vilnius. 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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, 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 Vilnius and Lille, we can see that Lille is more expensive. And not only is Vilnius much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vilnius would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vilnius 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 Vilnius.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Lille?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Lille in the Summer?

Both Lille and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lille for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Vilnius is around the same temperature as Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, 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 Vilnius. Vilnius usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Lille. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and Vilnius during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Vilnius is much colder than Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Lille. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Lille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Lille. The winter months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lille in the winter. The weather in Vilnius can be very cold. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Lille. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Lille during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Lille. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Lille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Lille. The natural beauty are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lille for the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lille. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Vilnius