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

Should you visit Lille or Bologna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lille or Bologna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lille

Lille is a fascinating, cultural, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, Lille attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Lille travel costs.

Bologna

Bologna is a historical, culinary, and beautiful city. The beauty of Bologna is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Bologna travel costs.

Lille and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lille or Bologna?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lille than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than Lille, Lille has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lille is popular for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene. It is also home to Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle). Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)

How is Lille different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Lille and Bologna.

Lille offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bologna. It has many historical and religious landmarks, active squares, and impressive museums including the Basilica of St. Petronius, St. Stephen Basilica, the Leaning Towers, and the Portico of the Madonna di San Luca.

Is the Food Better in Lille or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lille and Bologna offer terrific local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Many restaurants in Bologna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Foodies will appreciate the city's well earned culinary reputation. Some people even consider Bologna to be a food capital in Italy. There are cooking classes and food tours around town, as well as many great restaurants that serve up local dishes. Visitors should try Tagliatelle with Ragu (now famously known around the world as Bolognaise), Tortellini in broth, and Mortadella (salami).

Is Lille or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Lille and Bologna.

Lille has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Bologna has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The young population that is filled with international students means that the city has a fun and active nightlife scene. Some of the city's best neighborhoods for nightlife include Centro Storico, where the tourists hang out, the University District, which is perfect for students in their 20s, and Via dell'Indipendenza, which is popular for an upscale evening out.

Is Lille or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Lille and Bologna both have excellent historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Lille to see the historical 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.

Bologna is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Is the Shopping Better in Lille or Bologna?

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

Lille is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Bologna. The city hosts regular open-air markets where you can pick up local produce or local items. It is among the best shopping destinations in the region. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Piazza Maggiore, Mercato di Mezzo, Mercato delle Erbe, or Via Rizzoli.

Is Lille or Bologna More Beautiful?

Lille and Bologna are somewhat similar when it comes to the excellent scenery.

The beauty of Lille is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city is all about the historic architecture, which give it a lot of beauty. The buildings in the old town have very ornate details.

With stunning beauty, Bologna attracts visitors from all around. It's history and architecture make it among the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Is Lille or Bologna Better for Families?

Lille and Bologna are both good destinations for the whole family.

Lille is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Bologna is a family-friendly city. There are kid-friendly museums such as Museo Geologico Cappellini and the interactive history museum of Museo della Storia di Bologna. There's even a museum solely dedicated to gelato - Gelato at Carpigiani Museum. If your kids need a bit of time in nature, check out Dulcamara farm or the Botanic Garden. On the weekend you many be able to catch a show at Margherita's Puppet Theatre.

Is Lille or Bologna Better for Couples?

Lille and Bologna are both good to visit as a couple.

Lille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Bologna is a good city for couples to visit. With beautiful museums, interesting architecture. and lively squares, this is a great city for a couple's holiday. It's filled with romance, but it has less tourist crowds than some of Italy's more popular cities.

Is Lille or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bologna is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's not a popular as some of the other cities in Italy and Europe, but it still has a number of hostels and a good backpacker scene.

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 Lille or Bologna Better for Students?

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

Bologna is a great destination for students. It's a top study abroad destination in Italy and is home to a few great universities including the well ranked University of Bologna. There are many great activities for students and a variety of fun places to explore.

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

Lille is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Lille. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

Bologna has some public transit options. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Lille or Bologna a more walkable city?

Lille is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

Bologna is very walkable. Most sights are always within a 30 minute walk, and the city itself is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Lille?

How long in Lille or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lille and Bologna. In our opinion, Lille has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lille than Bologna. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Lille or Bologna?

In Lille, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

In Bologna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fun 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. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lille or Bologna?

In Lille, you'll find food and shopping. 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.

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

Five days in Lille or Bologna?

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.

Bologna is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bologna. 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.

A week in Lille or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lille. Many people enjoy the museums 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Bologna. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lille and Bologna, we can see that Bologna 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 Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna 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 Lille Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lille or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Lille. When comparing the sizes of Lille and Bologna, 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 Lille or Bologna?

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 Lille or Bologna in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Lille is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lille in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bologna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lille. Lille usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Lille gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lille usually receives more rain than Bologna. Lille gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lille or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Lille during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Lille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In October, Lille is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Lille average around 12°C (54°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Lille often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Lille gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

Bologna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lille usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Lille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lille or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lille and Bologna. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lille this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bologna. It's quite cold in Lille in the winter. Lille is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Lille averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Lille usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Lille gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lille usually receives less rain than Bologna. Lille gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lille or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lille as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Lille for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lille is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lille in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Lille often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Lille gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Bologna and Lille