Beyond Paris: Best Things To Do In Lille, France (+ Map)
Published 2025For authentic experiences, Lille is an overlooked jewel next to the more well-known Paris. Just an hour north of Paris by train and with fast, direct rail links to Brussels and London, Lille is both an eco-friendly and accessible city break.
Don't get me wrong. I adore Paris. But sometimes, I crave that French je ne sais quoi without the Eiffel Tower-sized crowds, which is where Lille steps in.
Keep reading for some cool stuff to do in Lille—must-see spots and fun things to check out. Plus, some recommendations on places to stay while you’re there.
Travel Tip: Before exploring Lille, I recommend you visit the tourist office (housed in a fabulous flamboyant gothic–style building from the mid-1400s) to pick up a City Pass, which covers entry to museums, attractions, and public transport. You can also buy it in advance here.
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Fun things to do in Lille
Lille is steeped in history and gorgeous architecture, so why not start your day by discovering historical Lille?
Head to the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of France's largest fine arts museums. Its impressive collection, which rivals that of the Louvre, showcases work from renowned artists and offers insight into Lille's rich cultural heritage.
Next, wander over to the impressive Vieille Bourse. This former stock exchange showcases stunning Flemish Renaissance architecture. It's also a vibrant spot for locals selling books and flowers.
Don't miss out on visiting the Citadel of Lille, a star-shaped fortress built by Vauban in the 17th century. Stroll through its surrounding park for some fresh air and picturesque views.
Make your way to La Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle. Explore this charming museum dedicated to one of France's most renowned figures.
The Porte de Paris ("Gate of Paris"), built in the 17th century to commemorate Louis XIV's conquering of the city, is also worth a visit.
Across the street from the Porte de Paris is a Unesco-listed Belfry and Lille’s famous Hôtel de Ville. You can climb to the top at 104 meters (the highest point in the city) to get a panoramic view of the city. You'll get binoculars and an audio guide.
Browse the map below for key attractions in Lille. Read on for what to eat, where to stay, and travel tips around Lille.
There is so much to do in Lille. Think about taking these fun guided tours (and it’s always nice to support local small businesses):
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Taste Lille’s local cuisine
Kick off the morning with a classic "tartine"—a slice of bread topped with fresh cheese, ham, or duck pâté. Pair it with a strong cup of local coffee (or tea if that’s more your vibe).
By lunch, head to one of the busy markets for some street food. Try a "moules-frites," mussels served with crispy fries. So good.
For dinner, don't skip "carbonnade flamande," a beef stew cooked in dark beer and spices. Super cozy and flavorful. And, yeah, save room for dessert! A "gaufre" (waffle) drizzled in chocolate? Delish.
It’s easy to wander through cozy bistros and charming cafes, but local foodie tours are also an option.
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Explore the art, design, and culture scene in Lille
From music to design, Lille’s got tons to offer if you’re into culture.
They call it the "Capital of Design," and for good reason. There are a bunch of talented designers doing their thing here, making the city super creative. They even host Design Week every year, where local designers showcase their work.
And the art scene is legit. Loads of art galleries, museums, and festivals. Check out the Palais des Beaux-Arts—it’s famous for a reason. And if you’re into modern art, there’s this big event called ART UP! where you can see (and even buy) art from both local and international artists.
The music scene’s pretty solid, too. There are some good venues like Zenith Arena and Le Splendid where you can catch French and international artists. Plus, Lille’s got a bunch of bars and cafes with live music during the week, especially during summer.
Oh, and don’t forget to swing by the Opera of Lille on Place du Théâtre—it’s worth it.
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Shop in Lille's markets and boutiques
Lille’s got some awesome shopping spots. The city’s full of cool markets and cute little boutiques, so there’s something for everyone.
Kick off the day at Wazemmes Market—it’s super lively and has a bit of everything. Fresh fruits, veggies, and handmade stuff.
After that, wander the cobblestone streets and pop into the trendy boutiques. You’ll see a lot of unique finds from smaller indie brands as well as big-name designers.
For something classic, hit up La Fête de la Saint-Nicolas or check out Lille’s artisan shops. Think maroilles cheese or fancy chocolates. So good!
Travel Tip: On Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday mornings, Place Nouvelle Aventure hosts a much-loved (and huge) outdoor market.
Travel Tip: Some locals complain that the city is quiet on Sundays and that not much happens, which may be a good or a bad thing—I’ll leave it to you to decide!
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Take a day trip outside Lille
If you have time, consider escaping to the lovely countryside.
A cool spot to check out is Villeneuve-d'Ascq. Wander through its serene parks and explore local history at the Museum of Modern Art.
For something different, swing by the cute town of Arras (pictured above). The World War 1 underground tunnels are super interesting. Make sure to check out the stunning architecture and grab some regional cheeses and fresh pastries from local bakeries.
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How to get to Lille
Take a train
With the Eurostar, you can reach London St Pancras in 90 minutes from Lille's gleaming Gare Lille-Europe. It usually takes 35 minutes to reach Brussels-Midi from Gare Lille-Europe and 60 minutes to reach Paris Gare du Nord from both Gare Lille-Europe and the old Gare Lille-Flandres. I always book my trains through TrainLine.
Arrive by bus
In addition to Eurolines and Flixbus, Isilines and Ouibus serve destinations throughout France.
Arrive by plane
Lille has its own airport, the Aéroport de Lille, which serves a handful of French and European destinations.
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Where to stay in Lille
Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Lille. See what you think.
Mama Shelter: It’s got a really fun, bold design and is just a few minutes’ walk from the train station. Plus, a good breakfast—bonus!
Au Chat Qui Dort Lille: It’s charming, close to the city centre and transport, with comfy beds. Do I need to say more?
Les Spas du Sébasto: A very stylish hotel with hot tubs and saunas in its rooms in the very trendy Wazemmes area.
Not for you? Explore the map below for other accommodation options in Lille. Use the filters to sort hotels by date and availability.
That's a wrap. Ready to visit Lille?
Lille is a little gem in France — often overlooked. With its authentic and unique charm, rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture, this city has something to offer most travelers.
Plus, you can make the entire trip with low-impact transport such as trains, cycling, and walking. So, why not consider Lille next time you plan a trip to France? Happy travels!
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