The perfect weekend in Lille, France (2-day itinerary with optional extension)
Looking for a European city break that’s cultural, charming, and easy to explore?
Most people skip over Lille for Paris or Bruges, but it’s definitely worth a visit – even if you can only spend the weekend in Lille. Compact, walkable, and full of beautiful Flemish architecture, Lille is perfect for a city break or as part of a longer French or Belgian trip.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of a weekend in Lille, where to wander, what to eat, and how to do it sustainably. You’ll get a practical, two-day itinerary (plus an optional day trip ideas) designed for travellers who prefer authenticity over checklists.
Whether you’re hopping on the Eurostar from London or weaving Lille into a longer France–Belgium route, this itinerary shows you how to experience the city like a local.
How do you travel to Lille?
Getting to Lille is straightforward, especially if you’re coming from the UK.
The best option is train: you can take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lille Europe in about 1.5 hours. You’ll arrive at Eurolille station, which is 15-20 minute walk from the centre of the Old Town. Spending the weekend in Lille from the UK is easily doable – you can come up Friday night and go back Sunday evening (but we’d recommend tacking on a day either end if you can).
If you’re already in France or Belgium, regional trains will also get you there easily. Once you arrive at the station (Lille Europe or Lille Flandres), it’s a few minutes walk to the Old Town.
Lille is also accessible by plane via Lille Airport (LIL), which has flights from other European cities, and by regional trains from Brussels, Paris, and other French towns.
What are the best things to do in Lille?
Here’s a detailed itinerary for a weekend in Lille that mixes well-known highlights with some off-beat corners.
Day one: the Old Town and French art
Breakfast at Paddo Cafe
Start your morning at the lovely Paddo Café. It serves Antepodean style breakfasts – scrambled eggs, avocados on toast – and has fantastic coffee. It’s quite small inside but if the weather’s nice, you can sit outside in the shadow of Lille cathedral. Portions are big but prices reasonable.
Morning activity: Wandering Vieux-Lille and the Grand Place
Once fed, head into the heart of the city: the district known as Vieux-Lille (Old Lille). This area is full of cobbled streets, Flemish-style facades and artisan shops. If you’ve been to Belgium then it might remind you more of the Belgian cities of Bruges or Ghent, than French cities like Lyon or Nice.
Walk towards the main square, the Place du Général-de-Gaulle (often called the Grand Place). You’ll see the ornate architecture, the old stock exchange building (the Vieille Bourse) where used-book stalls often sit in the inner courtyard.
We recommend wondering around on your own, and we often use the GPSmyCity app for a self-guided walking tour. It’s great because you can go at your own pace, but still get interesting information about what you’re looking at (and suggestions of sites to look at, and routes to get there), perfect if you like structured guidance without joining a group tour.
Alternatively, a guided tour can help you get your bearings and take you to the best places to go in Lille – by a local. We recommend this one, as it will take you to all the main places.
Why go? To soak up the historic, Flemish-influenced architecture and genuine local atmosphere in Lille.
How long? 3 to 4 hours.
Lunch in Onion Square
Place aux oignons (Onion Square) is a beautiful small square, well worth going to. There’s a few restaurants near here which are perfect for lunch. We went to Estaminet Au Vieux De La Vielle but all of them look good.
Afternoon activity: fine arts, and a drink outside Porte de Paris
Palais des Beaux‑Arts de Lille
After lunch, head to the impressive Palais des Beaux Arts de Lille museum near the Place de la République. It’s France’s largest fine-arts collection outside Paris.
You’ll find works from masters, sculpture, decorative arts, all housed in a bright, airy building.
The building itself, as well as the City Hall opposite, are both impressive and worth seeing even if you don’t go in.
Tickets cost €7. There are concession prices, and entry is free on the first Sunday of the month.
Why visit? For the high-quality art, restful environment and immersion into regional culture.
How long? 1.5 – 2 hours.
Porte de Paris
By this point you’ll probably be pretty tired but we recommend carrying on to the Porte de Paris. To get there it’s a 10 minute walk along a leafy boulevard which reminded us of Paris.
Porte de Paris is a huge triumphal arch, built in the late 17th century to honour Louis XIV’s capture of the city.
It’s set in a peaceful square, surrounded by traditional apartment blocks and the Town Hall.
There’s no entry fee, and it will only take a few minutes to walk around and take some photos. What’s really great is…
Dinner (or just drinks) at La Pazienza
Right next to the Porte de Paris is La Pazienza, a small café selling traditional pizza. It’s the perfect place to relax with a beer or glass of white wine, sat outside in the shadow of the Porte. Consider also having dinner there, but you can also head back into the old town for somewhere more restaurant-y.
Bonus activity: Lille Town Hall Belfry
If you can fit it in (within time, and depending on how much energy you have left), then the Lille Town Hall Belfry is a few metres from the Porte de Paris.
You can spot it from almost anywhere in the city, and once at the top, the panoramic views are incredible. The belfry stands 104 metres tall, making it France’s tallest municipal building, and was built in the 1920s to replace the original medieval tower.
You can take a guided climb to the top, either by stairs or lift. Once you reach the viewing platform, you’ll have sweeping views of Lille’s red-tiled rooftops, cobbled streets, and spires. On a clear day, you can see the distant hills of Belgium.
Entry costs €6 per adult, with concessions available.
Tip: buy your ticket in advance online to avoid queues, especially on weekends. Get there well before closing, as they’ll close early if the queue is long.
Why go? To admire Lille’s skyline and experience one of its most iconic civic buildings.
How long? 1–1.5 hours.
Day two: markets and nature
Breakfast at Tamper!
Try Tamper! Espresso Bar Lille, a great little breakfast place and close to the beautiful Rue Des Vieux Murs.
Morning activity: Visit the Marché de Wazemmes
After breakfast, head to the Marché de Wazemmes, one of Lille’s liveliest and most authentic markets.
You’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables, regional cheeses, charcuterie, flowers, and homemade treats alongside second-hand goods and quirky finds.
The atmosphere is buzzing but not overwhelming, with vendors calling out their specials and shoppers haggling.
To get there from the city centre, you have a few options. If you’re near the Grand Place, the easiest is to walk for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, catch Line 1 on the Metro towards CH Dron and get off at Wazemmes station (it’s then a 5-minute walk down Boulevard Victor Hugo). Buses 12 and 18 also stop nearby if you prefer.
Tip: bring cash, as not all stalls accept cards, and a reusable bag for your purchases to support sustainable travel. It’s open on Sunday mornings from around 7 am to 1 pm, and also on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, so plan accordingly.
Why go? To experience an authentic, bustling local market and glimpse everyday life in Lille.
How long? 1.5–2 hours.
Lunch in Wazemmes district
Grab lunch at an independent café in Wazemmes district or circle back toward the city centre. Or, fill up at the market.
Afternoon activity: La Citadelle de Lille
The Citadel is a 17th-century fortress designed by the famous military engineer Vauban. If you look on a map of Lille it’s the huge star-shaped building towards the north.
Unlike many historic sites, the Citadel is still very much part of the city’s daily life, surrounded by a large park that locals use for jogging, cycling, and leisurely walks, while the inner part is still in use by the French military.
The Citadel itself is free to walk around; you can stroll along the ramparts and take in the geometric layout of the moats and bastions. Guided tours are available at certain times too.
Afterwards, there’s a few bar boats on the moat which are perfect for a beer (or coffee). We went to Le Bus Magique which is a community project offering cheap and delicious beers, but there’s a few options along this stretch.
Why go? To explore a historic military masterpiece and enjoy one of Lille’s largest green spaces.
How long? 1–2 hours.
Dinner at Les Compagnons de la Grappe
Try Les Compagnons de la Grappe for local Lille food – and if the weather’s good there’s a great terrace to eat outside.
What other activities can you do in Lille?
Day trips from Lille
Villa Cavrois (Croix suburb)
If you have an extra day, take a tram or bus to Croix and visit this modernist mansion (1930s). It’s a world away from typical city museum visits.
La Piscine Musée d’Art et d’Industrie (Roubaix)
Another option is to head to nearby Roubaix to visit this art-industrial museum in a converted swimming-pool.
Dunkirk
Dunkirk is an easy train ride away. Start by going to Dunkirk War Museum, which tells the story of the Dunkirk evacuation. Then head to the beaches which are beautiful, but also incredible to stand on and imagine the horrors which happened here.
Amiens
Another short journey away is Amiens, a small city once home to Jules Verne. Head to the Jules Verne Museum, wander the pretty streets around the canals or get a boat ride round the Hortillonnages (unique floating gardens and waterways).
Alternative activities
If it rains heavily or you’re not up for walking: head to the Palais des Beaux-Arts or Maison Folie Moulins and spend more time indoors.
If you have only one day: focus on Old Lille (Vieux-Lille), Grand Place, the Vieille Bourse and one museum. Skip the market and Citadel.
If you’re travelling solo: Lille is friendly, affordable, pedestrian-friendly and less crowded than major capitals; you’ll feel safe exploring cafés and independent bars.
If you’re on a budget: Take advantage of free things (many squares, walking through Vieux-Lille, markets). Consider the “City Pass” offered by the tourism office for 24/48/72-hour access to a number of sites and discounts, but make sure you’ll visit enough to make a saving.
Frequently asked questions about Lille
When is the best time to visit Lille?
The sweet-spot months are May and September, when weather is pleasant, hotels are less crowded, and you can enjoy sites without peak-season crowds. Winter visits are quieter, but some attractions may have reduced hours.
How many days do I need in Lille?
A weekend in Lille, ie two full days, is ideal to cover the main sights, some hidden gems and have relaxed meals. If you have only one day, focus on the heart of the city (see above). Or, add a day either side and go on some day trips.
Is Lille walkable and suitable for slower travel?
Yes. The main districts are compact, the old town is pedestrian-friendly and you can take it at your own pace.
Where should you stay in Lille?
We stayed in Le Napoleon, just outside Flandres train station. It was great for our purposes – cheap, clean and a great location (especially if you’re taking some day trips outside of Lille or getting the Eurostar for a weekend in Lille). It was a bit basic though, so if you prefer something with more comforts and facilities, try Au 30 Lille Centre Grand Palais.
It’s a bit further outside of the Old Town so if you prefer to be in the heart of the action, try Brueghel, which is centrally located and well-reviewed, but still a good price.
What’s next?
There you have it. A weekend in Lille that hits the main spots without rushing, includes some lesser-known places, and leaves room to just wander and see what you find.
The city works well for a short break – it’s substantial enough to fill a weekend but compact enough that you won’t spend half your time on transport.
If Lille is part of a trip through Belgium then have a look at your travel guides to Bruges, Ghent or Brussels (or see all of our Belgian content).
Or, check out our French content.
This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links we make a small commission to help run this site, at no cost to you. Making a commission never affects the advice we give - see our content policy.
