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

Should you visit York or Lille?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lille

Lille is a historic, under-rated, and fascinating city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Lille?

Visitors will generally find more to do in York than Lille. While Lille is larger than York, York has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. York is very popular for its museums and historical sights, while Lille attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Lille and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also well known for The Shambles. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is York different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York 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 York can be an interesting and educational experience. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both York and Lille both to be fantastic destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Both York and Lille are very good when it comes to partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Lille has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 York or Lille Better for its Old Town?

York is very popular for its old town. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

York has a world-famous historical area. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Lille is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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 York or Lille?

Lille is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Lille is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Lille Better for Families?

York is very popular for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

York is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Lille Better for Couples?

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

York is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks 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 York or Lille Better for Students?

Lille is a well-known place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

Lille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

York is not popular with students.

Is York 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, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Lille is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or York?

How long in York or Lille?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Lille. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Lille. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-3 days is enough time in Lille.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York 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 York.

One day in York or Lille?

In York, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Lille?

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

Lille is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Lille?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the fascinating destination of Lille. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Lille?

You'll find food and shopping around the fanciful destination of York. 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.

The cultural city of Lille offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Lille?

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

Both Lille and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, York is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Lille averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Lille. York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lille during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Lille. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Lille in the Autumn?

Both Lille and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to York in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, York is generally cooler than Lille. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Lille. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Lille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Lille. Most visitors come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. York can be very cold during winter. York is a little warmer than Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Lille. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Lille in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Lille. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In the spring, York is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lille. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and York