Lille 5 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
Morning
- Arrive at Lille’s Lesquin Airport or take a train to the city center.
- Check-in to your accommodation. We recommend Hotel Le Bretagne, a stylish hotel in the heart of the city.
Afternoon
- Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille (Lille Fine Arts Museum). This stunning building is home to an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
- Stroll through the adjacent Grand Place, a beautiful square surrounded by cafes and shops.
Evening
- Enjoy dinner at Le Grand Vefour, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary French cuisine.
- Explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from.
Day 2: History and Culture
Morning
- Visit the Musee d’Histoire de la Guerre (Lille War Museum). This museum tells the story of France’s military history, from the Middle Ages to the present day.
- Explore the nearby **Place du Vieux Tourni](https://www.lilletourisme.com/en/places-to-visit/place-du-vieux-tourni), a charming square with historic buildings and a beautiful fountain.
Afternoon
- Visit the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de la Treille, a stunning Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 13th century.
- Explore the nearby Rue Esquermoise, a picturesque street lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Evening
- Enjoy dinner at Le Comptoir du Vieux Tourni, a cozy restaurant serving traditional French cuisine.
- Take a leisurely walk along the Deûle River, which runs through the heart of the city.
Day 3: Parks and Gardens
Morning
- Visit the Jardin Botanique de Lille, a beautiful botanical garden with over 10,000 plant species.
- Explore the nearby Parc de la Basse-Roselle, a lovely park with a pond, walking trails, and plenty of green space.
Afternoon
- Visit the Musee d’Art Moderne de Lille (Lille Modern Art Museum). This museum features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
- Explore the nearby Place du Théâtre, a lively square with cafes, shops, and street performers.
Evening
- Enjoy dinner at Le Petit Vefour, a cozy restaurant serving traditional French cuisine.
- Take a leisurely walk along the Canal de la Deûle, which runs through the heart of the city.
Day 4: Shopping and Markets
Morning
- Visit the Galeries Lafayette Lille, a beautiful shopping mall with a stunning view of the city.
- Explore the nearby Marché à Briquette, a bustling market selling fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs.
Afternoon
- Visit the Musee d’Histoire de la Ville de Lille (Lille City History Museum). This museum tells the story of the city’s history, from prehistoric times to the present day.
- Explore the nearby Place de la République, a lively square with cafes, shops, and street performers.
Evening
- Enjoy dinner at Le Grand Vefour, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary French cuisine.
- Take a leisurely walk along the Canal de la Deûle, which runs through the heart of the city.
Day 5: Last Day in Lille
Morning
- Visit the Palais des Congrès de Lille, a stunning conference center that hosts concerts, conferences, and other events.
- Explore the nearby Place du Théâtre, a lively square with cafes, shops, and street performers.
Afternoon
- Visit the Musee d’Art et d’Histoire (Lille Museum of Art and History). This museum features an impressive collection of art and artifacts from prehistoric times to the present day.
- Explore the nearby Marché à Briquette, a bustling market selling fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs.
Evening
- Enjoy dinner at Le Petit Vefour, a cozy restaurant serving traditional French cuisine.
- Take a leisurely walk along the Canal de la Deûle, which runs through the heart of the city.
Things to Know
- Lille is a very pedestrian-friendly city, with plenty of walking paths and pedestrianized streets.
- The city has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and trams.
- The best way to get around the city is on foot or by bike.
- Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as frites (French fries) and waffles.
Tips and Tricks
- Be sure to visit the city’s tourist information office for maps and advice on what to see and do.
- Consider purchasing a Lille Pass, which grants you free entry to many of the city’s museums and attractions.
- Don’t be afraid to try some of the local dialect, which is a unique blend of French and Flemish influences.
Places to Stay
We recommend Hotel Le Bretagne, a stylish hotel in the heart of the city. Other options include:
- Hotel La Réserve
- Hotel le Cinq
- Hostel Lille (a great budget option)
Getting Around
Lille has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and trams. You can also rent bikes or take taxis to get around the city.
Food and Drink
Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as frites (French fries) and waffles. Some popular restaurants include:
Shopping
Some popular shopping areas include:
- Galeries Lafayette Lille: a beautiful shopping mall with a stunning view of the city.
- Marché à Briquette: a bustling market selling fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs.