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

Should you visit Zurich 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 Zurich 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.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

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.

Zurich and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Lille?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zurich. Although Zurich and Lille are about the same size, Zurich has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Zurich is better known for its museums, music, and historical sights, while Lille is more popular for its food. Zurich is more touristy than Lille and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Also, Zurich is famous for The Grossmünster. Lille is well known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Zurich different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zurich 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 Zurich can be an interesting and educational experience. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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 Zurich or Lille? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lille is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zurich 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.

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Is Zurich or Lille Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Lille are great when it comes to partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Lille Better for Music?

Zurich is notable for its live music scene. However, Lille is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Lille is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Lille Better for its Old Town?

Zurich 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.

Zurich has a world-famous historical area. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

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 Zurich or Lille?

Both Zurich and Lille are world-class shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

Many people travel to Lille specifically to go shopping. 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.

Is Zurich or Lille Better for Families?

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

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Lille Better for Couples?

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

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Lille are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Zurich or Lille Better for Students?

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

Zurich is a great destination for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

Both Zurich and Lille offer great public transit options.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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 Zurich or Lille a more walkable city?

Lille is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zurich 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.

Zurich is a very walkable destination. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Lille?

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

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Lille?

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Zurich or Lille?

Zurich is a fun place to experience. In Zurich, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Zurich or Lille?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Zurich. 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 shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fascinating destination of Lille. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 Zurich and Lille, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Lille Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Lille?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Lille in the Summer?

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

Zurich is a little warmer than Lille in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°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 Zurich. Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Lille. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Lille in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Zurich is around the same temperature as Lille. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Lille averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Lille. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Lille in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Lille. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Zurich can be very cold. In January, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Lille. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Lille. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Lille in the Spring?

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

Zurich is a little warmer than Lille in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Lille fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lille. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Lille. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lille receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lille and Zurich