Visit Lille in 2 Days: Complete Guide for an Unforgettable Stay

Introduction

If you are looking for a destination for your next city trip, look no further! I will take you with me to visit Lille. The pearl of the North of France (or capital of Flanders) is one of those places where a simple two-day getaway can quickly turn into an unforgettable adventure. There are numerous activities to do in Lille, and the medieval city will charm you with its unique blend of historical heritage and vibrant modernity.

Of course, we will start with one of the must-do things in Lille: the tourist visit of Vieux-Lille, its historic centre. This essential part of the heritage is full of cultural treasures that will enchant your visit. Its cobbled streets lined with buildings adorned with ornate facades are a true invitation to stroll and explore the old bookstores nestled in elegant Flemish buildings.

Whether you want to visit Lille in one day or spend a weekend in Lille, I have designed this travel guide with the aim of helping you make the most of your stay. Food lovers will find good addresses for restaurants in Lille where they can taste local cuisine, history enthusiasts will discover the museums and heritage of Lille, and we won't forget those of you who simply want to immerse themselves in the local atmosphere. Wishing you as much pleasure as I had during my visit to Lille!

Weekend in Lille

Visiting Lille in 1 Day: Discovering Old Lille

Morning: What are the must-see monuments to visit in Lille?

Of course, I couldn't have started my visit to Lille anywhere other than the historic district, Old Lille. The beating heart of the city, it is a true treasure where every street corner tells a story. Let's take a look at some of the emblematic sites of this neighborhood.

Visit the Grand Place (Place Charles de Gaulle) and its lively atmosphere

First step on our list of activities to discover in Lille: the Grand Place. I really enjoyed sipping my coffee early in the morning on the terrace, surrounded by buildings with richly ornate majestic architecture. The square, which is also known to the people of Lille as Place Charles de Gaulle, is the perfect place to start your Lille adventure. You will encounter many tourists admiring the colorful Flemish facades that line the square. But it is also one of the main gathering places for locals, so it is often lively with artists, occasional markets, flea markets, or cultural events.

Palais Rihour

In the immediate vicinity of the Grand Place, you will find the Rihour Palace. It is a remarkable example (and one of the few remaining vestiges) of flamboyant Gothic architecture. Its construction was ordered in 1453 and it has served as a residence for the Dukes of Burgundy, a town hall, and a palace for the Counts of Flanders. Today, it is almost part of all the guided tour circuits in the city and for good reason: it also houses the Tourist Office of the Lille Metropolis on the ground floor (and a souvenir shop too!). The municipality offers many guided walks to discover the city on foot. You can find the program of visits and itineraries on their website.

Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille

Just a few steps away from the Grand Place, I invite you to discover one of the city's monuments, the Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral. Like many cathedrals whose construction began in the 19th century (and which have experienced numerous twists and turns), it features a Gothic style mixed with a contemporary touch. Don't forget to take a look inside as well, which is equally impressive with its immense stained glass windows and pieces of religious art and history.

Discovery of the Old Stock Exchange with its antique bookstores and Flemish architecture

It is one of my favorite places during my visit to Lille: the Old Stock Exchange. Not only is the 17th-century building an architectural gem that will delight those interested in Flemish history and architecture, but inside you will find a courtyard filled with booksellers selling old books, comics, and even some retro finds. It was a real pleasure to wander around this building in search of literary treasures.

Climb to the belfry of the Town Hall for a panoramic view of Lille

I think the best way to beautifully conclude this morning is to take a tour of the Town Hall. If you can, head to the top of its belfry. Yes, it involves a few steps (okay, a lot), but believe me, the view is worth it! Housing the City Hall of Lille, this building has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005, and when you see it, you'll understand why. From up there, you'll have a panoramic view of Lille, with its red-tiled roofs and cobbled streets that you will have walked through this morning. You might even catch a glimpse of your future discoveries for this afternoon! Not to mention its beautiful facade.

After this busy morning, I invite you to take a well-deserved little break. You will be spoiled for choice for lunch around the square (I'll come back to that later in this article). So I wish you bon appétit and see you again this afternoon.

Hôtel de Ville de Lille

Afternoon: Museums and Culture in Vieux-Lille

The list of things to do in Lille would not be complete without mentioning the two must-see attractions in Lille, which are the Palais des Beaux-Arts and the Hospice Comtesse Museum.

1. Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille

For all art and history enthusiasts, this is the dream place, especially since it is considered one of the largest museums in France (it may not be the Louvre with its millions of visitors, but it is still remarkable). It houses an impressive collection of major works including masterpieces by Rubens, sculptures by Rodin, Egyptian antiquities... It is a true treasure for the eyes. I recommend setting aside a few hours in your afternoon to fully enjoy the richness of its collections and possibly plan a guided tour to make the most of the place.

2. Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse

After this little artistic detour, I invite you to meet me at the Musée Hospice Comtesse. This place is part of the remnants of the city that have managed to survive through the centuries. This visit will immerse you in the history of the city at the heart of this former 13th-century hospital. Today, it plays more of a role as a hub for heritage and culture than as a healthcare facility. You will not only discover period objects there but also captivating temporary exhibitions, and the architecture of the place itself is a complete exhibition with its exposed beams and walls rich in history.

Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse located on rue de la monnaie

After this activity-filled day, I'm sure you're hungry; it's high time to discover where to eat in Lille. As I mentioned earlier in this article, the Vieux-Lille is full of numerous restaurants where you can taste the Lille specialties, and there really is something for everyone.

Evening: dinner and nightlife in the Vieux-Lille

I therefore propose you a moment of tasting and relaxation after this day of discovering the tourist sites of the city of Lille. If you are wondering where to eat in Lille to taste the local specialties, look no further.

Here are the places I recommend:

• Moules-frites: Whether it is the Belgian or French part of Flanders, the tart there is considered a typical dish. I recommend the restaurant "La Ch'tite Brigitte", located near the Grand-Place, where you can enjoy this typical dish in a warm atmosphere.
• Tarte au maroilles: For cheese lovers, your weekend in Lille is the perfect opportunity for a tasting session of the traditional local cheese. Go to "Estaminet T'Risjel", where this local cheese is king.

New York never sleeps... Well, I mean, Lille never sleeps. The nightlife in Lille is very lively. If you are one of those night owls ready to party until the end of the night, I invite you to stroll through the lively streets of Vieux-Lille and visit bars and cafes like "Le Dandy" or "Le Kremlin" for a creative cocktail.

For those of you who would prefer a more relaxing evening, you can take a stroll near the Town Hall, which is illuminated at night, to end your day on a magical note.

Visiting Lille in 2 days: excursions and relaxation in Lille

Morning: architectural and cultural visit outside of Old Lille

For your 2nd day of visiting Lille, I think that Old Lille has been explored enough, so I suggest an excursion to other must-see places in Lille: the Villa Cavrois and the Citadel Park.

Excursion to the Villa Cavrois

We leave Lille city centre for this rather unusual attraction. In stark contrast to the architecture of Old Lille, this villa built by architect Robert Mallet-Stevens is a true masterpiece of modern architecture and, yes, it is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site! It is located in Croix, not far from Lille, resembles a modern castle and has made the greatest designers blush. It is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts. The visit lasts about an hour and is free for everyone on the first Sundays of the month (January, February, March, November and December).

After nourishing your artistic spirit, it's time to stretch your legs in a more natural setting.

Walk in the Parc de la Citadelle

Back to Lille itself, head towards the lungs of Lille, the Citadel Park. Once a fortification and fortress, the ramparts now blend into a vast area of 110 hectares that is the ideal place for a peaceful walk or even a little morning jog if you are one of the more athletic among us. The park also offers a myriad of activities in Lille: shaded paths for strolling, playgrounds for children, and even a zoo to observe some animals in complete serenity. There are also many places where you can have lunch during your break, and you are close to the city centre if you want to taste other dishes from Lille's gastronomy.

Afternoon: shopping and urban exploration in Lille

After heritage, culture, and nature, I also wanted to offer you a slightly different theme with a shopping trip and an immersion in the urban energy of theLille metropolitan area.

Shopping at Euralille

People come from far and wide to enjoy the Euralille shopping centre, which is one of the largest shopping centres in the region and offers a plethora of independent shops and major brands. It is the ideal place to find unique souvenirs or simply treat yourself.

Wazemmes District

Another option available to you is to head towards Wazemmes. It is a lively neighbourhood, well-known to the people of Lille, where you can stroll through its colourful market rich in fresh produce, spices, and artisanal treasures. It is also the perfect opportunity to taste other local specialties at the numerous stalls, such as "potjevleesch" or the famous waffles.

After exploring these activities in Lille, I will share with you some tips to make your stay go as smoothly as possible, as well as my recommendations for choosing accommodation.

Practical tips for a successful stay in Lille

Lille is a financially quite affordable municipality, and I don't think you need to break the bank to stay there. There are many cheap hotels in Lille, but the quality is not always up to par. However, it is entirely possible to find an affordable hotel that does not sacrifice comfort. I recommend the Ibis Lille Centre or Eklo Hotels Lille, which offer pleasant rooms at affordable prices. Located not far from the city centre by public transport or by car, they are two options for those who want to visit Lille without exceeding their budget.

As for transport in Lille, the metropolitan area is really well served: you will easily find a tram, metro, or bus that will take you to your destination. For example, the Lille Europe Station is one of the main public transport hubs and is directly integrated into Euralille. Lille Europe and Lille Flandres Station are the two major train stations serving the municipality, and it is also connected to a TGV line and Eurostar. The public transport service offers a 24-hour pass, which is an excellent option if you plan to travel a lot during the day.

With these tips in hand, your visit to Lille promises to be as enjoyable as it is memorable. Have a great trip!