Lille weekend guide: best things to do & see
Right across the border from Belgium lies Lille. For many visitors, it’s primarily a shopper’s paradise, but the city has just as much to offer those who simply enjoy strolling around. Stunning architecture alternates with cozy little squares, and the many narrow streets are lined with charming restaurants and cafés. Perfect, then, for a day trip or a whole weekend in Lille. Curious about all the things you can do there? Read on to find out.
How to reach Lille?
The best way to reach Lille is by train from Paris. You can buy your tickets online.
How to get around in Lille?
In Lille, everything is easily accessible on foot. The city center is a 15-minute walk from the train station, and the large Euralille shopping center is also nearby.
Where should you stay during your weekend trip to Lille?
We chose a hotel just outside the city center (about a 30-minute walk), but with affordable parking: B&B Hotel Lille Centre Grand Palais. We paid about €78 for one night, including parking. Clean rooms, a quiet location, and a very friendly welcome—you can also have breakfast there. Highly recommended.
Prefer to stay right in the city center? You’ll find the best deals on hotels in Lille on Booking.com.
Things to do in Lille: the best attractions
Visit the Grote Markt and the old stock exchange building
Lille’s Grand Market Square (Place du Général de Gaulle) is surrounded by beautiful buildings, with the Vieille Bourse, the old stock exchange, serving as the centerpiece. Every day, this stunning 17th-century building hosts a delightful book fair featuring not only books but also beautiful prints.
The market is reminiscent of a market in a Belgian city, and you’ll find plenty of cozy outdoor cafes there.
A stroll through Vieux-Lille
The beautiful facades, cobblestone streets, and narrow alleys of Old Lille (Vieux-Lille) are perfect for strolling through. Here you’ll find many charming boutiques, as well as plenty of cozy cafés and restaurants.
Climb the Belfry of Lille
At 104 meters, the Belfry of Lille is the tallest in France and Belgium, and is part of City Hall. It was built in 1932 in a beautiful Art Deco style and is open to visitors daily. After climbing 109 steps, take the elevator to the top for a breathtaking view of the city. For the return trip, you can take the elevator again or simply walk down the stairs. A visit to the belfry costs €9. Since only a limited number of people are allowed up at a time, you may have to wait a short while.
Admire the Porte de Paris
Near the Belfry stands the Porte de Paris: a magnificent triumphal arch built in honor of Louis XIV.
Visit the Église Saint-Maurice
Lille has many churches, such as the striking Notre-Dame de la Treille, but the Église Saint-Maurice is also worth a visit.
Shopping in Lille
If you love shopping, Lille is definitely worth a visit. Not only will you find all the well-known retail chains there, but also plenty of small boutiques. And then, of course, there’s Euralille: a huge shopping center right next to the Lille train station.
Maison Méert
A visit to Lille isn’t complete without a stop at Maison Méert, famous for its vanilla waffles (gaufres de Lille). The shop has been around since 1761, and you can enjoy the most delicious pastries there. You can sample them on the spot, but they’re also perfect as a snack for the trip home.
Great food and drinks in Lille
Lille has a huge number of small restaurants and cafés. Making a reservation is often recommended, but not always possible. Below are our favorite spots.
Brutus
At Brutus, you can enjoy delicious Norman pancakes. It’s a small place with very friendly service and tasty savory pancakes. Perfect for lunch.
Bar Costa
Located in Vieux-Lille, it’s the ideal spot for delicious cocktails, wine, and tapas. Perfect for an aperitif or just to take a break from all that shopping.
Les bouchers bien élevés
Meat lovers have come to the right place. At this small restaurant, you can enjoy delicious meat dishes. The selection of appetizers is definitely worth trying (the black tripe bitterballen were heavenly), but you’ll mainly come here for the aged meat, served with side dishes and sauces of your choice. Reservations are recommended.
Plan your trip to Lille like a pro
✈️ Book your cheap flights to Paris on Skyscanner
🏨 Reserve a hotel, apartment, or holiday home at Booking.com
🚕 Need a transfer from the airport? Use Welcome Pickups or download the Bolt or Uber app
🛜 Use Airalo eSIM to avoid roaming fees. Use SHARON9895 to get €3
📺 Use NordVPN to keep watching your favorite programs or movies on the go
🚗 Need to rent a car? Use DiscoverCars or Local Rent
🚆 Buy train tickets from Omio
💳 Use Wise to pay in Lille at the real exchange rate and avoid expensive foreign card fees
🎟️ Pre-book tours, entrance tickets, and activities via Viator or GetYourGuide
🏥 Get travel insurance at World Nomads or Safety Wing
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