Lille is an under-rated city known for Vieille Bourse, Lille Zoo, and La Piscine Museum. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or taking in the beauty, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Lille that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Lille?
You should plan to spend around $159 (€146) per day on your vacation in Lille. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $79 (€72) on meals
- $31 (€28) on local transportation
- $121 (€111) on hotels
A one week trip to Lille for two people costs, on average, $2,227 (€2,044). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,114
€1,022
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,227
€2,044
-
One Month
Per person
$4,773
€4,380
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,227
€2,044
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,455
€4,088
-
One Month
For a couple
$9,546
€8,760
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Lille cost?
A one week trip to Lille usually costs around $1,114 (€1,022) for one person and $2,227 (€2,044) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Lille on average costs around $2,227 (€2,044) for one person and $4,455 (€4,088) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Lille will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Lille on average costs around $4,773 (€4,380) for one person and $9,546 (€8,760) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Lille expensive to visit?
Lille is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Lille can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $67 (€61) per day, mid-range travelers spend $159 (€146) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $339 (€311) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Lille.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Lille is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Messina or Sintra.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Lille Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Lille?
The average Lille trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lille travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Lille cost?
Lille on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$26
(€23)
|
$60
(€55)
|
$128
(€117)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$13
(€12)
|
$31
(€28)
|
$57
(€52)
|
|
Food 2
|
$33
(€30)
|
$79
(€72)
|
$174
(€159)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$7
(€6.72)
|
$17
(€16)
|
$34
(€32)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-11
(€3-10)
|
$9-28
(€9-26)
|
$22-67
(€20-61)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Lille, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $67 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, Lille has plenty of hostels such as The People - Lille, CÀLM Appart’ & Hostel, and JOST Hostel Lille Wazemmes. At hostels like these, you can find cheap accommodation in a dorm as well as a social atmosphere, but with very little amenities. The city also great public transit, which helps budget travelers avoid expensive taxi or Uber rides. Food is also a highlight for all types of visitors to Lille, but budget travelers often dine on street food or cook meals in their hostel, so they may not always experience the delicious cuisine.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Most visitors to Lille will want to visit Vieille Bourse, Lille Zoo, or La Piscine Museum. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $159 per person, per day.
Lille offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Best Western Plus Up Hotel & Bar is an excellent option for kids, and Princesse Apart'hotel is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Lille here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $339 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the city will demand a higher price range. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as 30-Minutes Private Guided Tour of Lille by Convertible 2CV - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Lille
Lille has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $82 in the off-season and averages $153 during peak summer season. Overall, you can expect prices from $54 to $254. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Lille for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $121 (€111). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $60 (€55) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Lille? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Lille include:
- Hotel L'Arbre Voyageur - BW Premier Collection - LILLE starting at $87
- Best Western Plus Up Hotel & Bar starting at $78
- Best Western Premier Why Hotel starting at $81
- Grand Hotel Bellevue - Grand Place starting at $97
- La Valiz starting at $58
Lille's great public transit offers the flexibility to stay farther from the city, but be mindful that your transportation costs may increase, and it could be a time drain.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Walking is a favorite way for many to see Lille, so look for lodging in a prime location. Keep in mind, though, that this can raise your expenses.
The city's alluring old town pulls in numerous visitors. Although hotels in this area can be more expensive, they typically offer plenty of charm and convenient access to nearby attractions.
Transportation Budget in Lille
With an efficient public transit system, Lille is easy to navigate. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city. Public transportation is the best way to get around on a budget, but taxis and rideshares are always around if needed.
If you love to explore on foot, you'll really enjoy your time in the city. 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.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (excellent)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $31 (€28) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lille. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Lille is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$31
€28
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Toulouse Airport private transfer to Toulouse City center for $38 details
- Lille Private Transfer from Lille city centre to Lille Airport (LIL) for $56 details
- Lille Private Transfer from Lille Airport (LIL) to City centre for $56 details
How much does it cost to go to Lille? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Lille will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Lille
The food scene in Lille is exceptional, and it's a must-try. Be sure to visit local restaurants and savor some of the signature dishes. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Lille can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lille is $79 (€72) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$79
€72
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lille is around $79 (€72) per person, with previous travelers spending from $33 to $174. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Lille are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $24
- Lunch: $12 to $32
- Dinner: $24 to $55
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $12
Lille's population and culture is very diverse and varied, which makes it a great place for unique and tasty cuisine. Among the many culinary specialties, there are three dishes that especially embody all that is special about Lille cuisine. Carbonnade flamande (small chunks of beef stewed in beer), waterzoi (poultry or fish in a creamy sauce, served with baby vegetables) and potjevleesch (literally small potted meat, a white meat terrine in aspic). There's also rabbit with prunes for lovers of sweet-and-savory dishes, and the famous moules-frites (mussels and chips), a culinary symbol of the great September Braderie.
Though there are many great restaurants to chose from, here are a few ideas to get you started: Estaminet T'Risel, which serves great northern French cuisine, La Dinette, which serves brunch and burgers, and L'Huitriere, which offers some great seafood options.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Why not save some bucks and enjoy the sights by having a picnic? Stop by a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and head to a nice park or beautiful spot to enjoy your meal.
Opt for a water bottle rather than spending on drinks all the time. It's also a more sustainable choice.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Lille, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- A Food Tour To Discover Sweet Specialties Of The City for $32 details
Food and meal prices in Lille, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lille
It's not surprising that visitors come to Lille, as it offers food, nightlife, historical sights, and museums and attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lille typically cost an average of $17 (€16) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$17
€16
Some of the most popular sights include:
- Vieille Bourse (Free)
- Lille Zoo for €6
- La Piscine Museum for €9
- Lille Cathedral (Free)
- Hospice Comtesse Museum for €4
- Palais des Beaux-Arts for €7
One top tourist sight in Lille is the monument Port de Paris, a triumphal arch built in the late 1600s to celebrate Louis XIV's conquest of Lille. Another great historical building and top sight is the Vieille Bourse, which is ornamented with caryatids and cornucopia. This Flemish Renaissance extravaganza was built in 1653. It consists of 24 separate houses set around a richly ornamented interior courtyard that hosts a used-book market and chess games.
Yet another great sight is the Cathedrale de Notre Dame-de-la Treille. Lille's star-crossed neoclassical cathedral, begun in the 1850s, took well over a century to complete. Some say that the strikingly modern west facade looks better from the inside than it does from out front.
For something unique to Lille, check out the Braderie de Lille. On the first weekend in September, Lille's entire city center – 200km of footpaths – is transformed into the Braderie de Lille, billed as the world's largest flea market. It runs nonstop – yes, all night long – from 2pm on Saturday to 11pm on Sunday.
There are several tours available in Lille. You could try a treasure hunt and beer tasting tour, or a food tasting tour, which takes you to some of the top restaurants in Old Town. There is a 2 hour bicycle tour that will take you past many of the main attractions. You could also try a unique convertible 2CV with a private guide and a champagne lunch. Lille also has a fantastic aquarium and three great museums to explore.
Historical Sights:
A significant number of visitors flock to the historic 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.
Shopping:
Don't pass up the chance to shop here, as it's fun and enjoyable. 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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Lille is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- In Flanders Fields and Passchendaele Half Day Morning Tour for $91 details
- Privatized tour - 2hrs - De l'Isla à Euralille for $75 details
- Lille Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide for $38 details
Nightlife Budget in Lille
With its fun and active nightlife, Lille attracts visitors eager to experience the local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $19 (€17) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Lille per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$19
€17
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
Nighttime outings can be fun, but make sure to stay aware of your environment, especially if you've been drinking. Pickpockets or worse could take advantage, so stick to trusted company.
Traveling in Lille
Lille, France
Lille is a city in northern France on the Deule River near France's border with Belgium. It has the fourth largest urban area in France behind Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Lille (Rijsel in Flemish) may be France's most underrated major city. In recent decades this once-grimy industrial metropolis, with its economy based on declining industries, has transformed itself into a glittering and self-confident cultural and commercial hub. Highlights for the visitor include an attractive old town with a strong Flemish accent, three renowned art museums, stylish shopping, some excellent dining options and a cutting-edge, student-driven nightlife scene. The Lillois have a well-deserved reputation for friendliness – and they're so proud of being friendly that they often mention it.
Neighborhoods & Around
For an authentic taste of grass-roots Lille, head to the ethnically mixed, family-friendly working-class quarter of Wazemmes, southwest of place du General de Gaulle, where old-school workers and immigrants from Africa live harmoniously alongside students and trendy bobos (bourgeois bohemians).
For many of the city's main attractions and sights, head to the Lille city center. The city center is the major hub in the area and is where you will find the historic, administrative, and economic centers of the city. The top attractions in this neighborhood are the historic Grand Place and the impressive Town Hall. This neighborhood also has several restaurants and shops to chose from.
It's in Vieux Lille, the Old Town of the city, that the Flemish dash to Lille's character can be most clearly seen. The red brick buildings and narrow cobbled lanes have a distinct Belgian feel. The quarter houses the regular Euro-old town collection of bars, boutiques, and restaurants. This is where many of the city's premier sites are located: the town museum located in the 13th-century Musee de l'Hospice Comtesse, the Cathedrale Notre Dame de la Treille, and the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle. But sightseeing aside, this is a pleasant place to lose yourself on a sunny day, stopping only to test out another restaurant or ogle some designer fashion.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.