Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Lille?

Q: Is one day enough time in Lille?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the fascinating city of Lille, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance to enjoy a meal at a restaurant, go shopping, learn about the history of the town, and grab some drinks at a bar. So, you'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside one to three days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Lille?

Not sure how much time you'll need in Lille, France? Most people spend one to three days in Lille during their visit. After all, the fascinating city will let you enjoy a meal at a restaurant, go shopping, learn about the history of the town, and grab some drinks at a bar.

Lille is a convenient stop off between Paris and Brussels. Many of the sights are in the lively old town, particularly around the main square - Place du Général de Gaulle. The area is also filled with local restaurants that serve up traditional dishes. Many visitors pass their time wandering the city, while shopping and dining on unique offerings.

Do you have one or two days to visit Lille? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Lille?

One day is usually not enough time to experience the fascinating city of Lille, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance to enjoy a meal at a restaurant, go shopping, learn about the history of the town, and grab some drinks at a bar. So, you'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside one to three days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

How to spend a day in Lille

Shopping in Lille is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. 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.

The delicious food of Lille is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. 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.

A few tour suggestions include:

1 Hour Private Lille Tour by Convertible 2CV with a Local Products Tasting ($66)

Lille is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. 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.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Lille?

Two days or a full weekend in Lille is often considered the right amount of time to spend here, as many tourists take around one to three days for their trip in the area. A 2-day trip would usually give you enough time to check out the cuisine, the shops and boutiques, the historic old town, and the nightlife. Further down, you'll find our recommendations to kick off your adventure.

How to spend 2 days in Lille

Having a weekend (two to three days) in Lille will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

Don't miss Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle) during your trip to Lille, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. 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.

Public transit in Lille is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Lille, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.