Itineraries for Your Trip to Lille
1 Day in Lille for First Timers
Despite being just an hour from Paris and a Eurostar train ride from London, Brussels, and Amsterdam, comparatively few daytrippers make it to Lille. They’re missing out! Not only is Lille less crowded than its neighbors, but it has a distinctive French-Flemish culture unlike anywhere else in France and is packed with great museums, Belgian beer bars, and historic sites.
One day in Lille is ideal for a first-time visit, leaving you plenty of time to take in the highlights, sample some tasty Belgian-inspired cuisine, and get a feel for the city. Here’s what to do in Lille for first-time visitors.
Showers are always a possibility, even in summer, so pack an umbrella.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Grand Place.
One of the best things to do in Lille for first timers is a walking tour with a local guide. The city’s compact Old Town (Vieux Lille) is easy to explore on foot, but there are so many architectural details, cobbled streets, and interesting landmarks that are easy to miss if you go it alone. Check off must-see Lille attractions such as the Grand Place with its emblematic Flemish- and French-style buildings, and admire landmarks including the Old Stock Exchange, Lille Cathedral, and Palais Rihour.
Most travelers don’t leave the historic center during their first time in Lille, but it’s well worth wandering over to the Citadel and strolling through its scenic gardens. Loop back up to visit the birthplace of French icon Charles de Gaulle, now a museum, spend some time browsing the artworks at the Museum of Fine Arts, then climb the belfry at the Town Hall for a view over the city. A scavenger hunt game is a fun way to escape the tourist trail and uncover lesser-known landmarks in Lille.
Round out your 1-day Lille itinerary with a ride in a classic French car, a Citroën 2CV convertible. Book a sunset or after-dark tour to experience the city at its most atmospheric: Landmarks such as the Porte de Paris and Place de la République are even more impressive with their nighttime illuminations. Of course, you can’t leave Lille without sampling the food, so stop along the way to indulge in a Belgian-style waffle (my favorite topping is speculoos), sip a Belgian beer, and try other local specialties.
