Weekend tips for Lille: Get the Lille City Pass for 24, 48 or 72 hours
What are the benefits of the Lille City Pass?
- Free entry to 30 sights and tourist attractions
- Free access to Lille's public transport (metro, bus and tram)
- Book now and pay later with free cancellation
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Visit Lille on foot: itinerary and top 12 must-sees
Capital of Flanders, Lille is a warm city with a rich historical and cultural heritage on the horizon of the "flat country". It is an ideal destination for a weekend, only one hour by TGV from Paris. But then, how do you visit the city of Lille? For these two days, here is the perfect itinerary to visit the must-see sights in a logical, optimised way.
1. Visit the Palais Rihour
For this visit, start with the Palais Rihour, located near the metro station of the same name. This 15th-century Gothic palace is one of the few remnants of Flemish architecture in the city. Today, the palace is none other than the Tourist Office, the ideal place to pick up a city map, as well as information on temporary exhibitions.
2. See the Grand-Place (Place du Général de Gaulle)
A few steps from the Palais Rihour, you will see the Grand-Place, which is the vibrant heart of the city. Surrounded by historic buildings with beautiful façades, this square is the meeting place for all Lille locals. On this square stands the Vieille Bourse, considered one of the most beautiful monuments in Lille.
3. Explore Lille's Vieille Bourse
You are now between the Grand-Place and the Place du Théâtre, facing the Vieille Bourse, a masterpiece of 17th-century Flemish architecture. Don't miss going into the inner courtyard to discover the second-hand booksellers and the chess players. You will find a unique atmosphere there that will mark your stay in Lille.
4. Get lost in Vieux Lille, the historic district
Now head north to dive into Vieux Lille with its cobbled lanes and half-timbered houses. Stroll along rue de la Monnaie or rue Esquermoise with their designer boutiques and art galleries. The perfect place to sit down and have a coffee.
5. See the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille
Continue to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille in neo-Gothic style, begun 150 years ago and never completed. You will be surprised by its modern translucent marble portal. Go and explore the inside of the cathedral and discover this incredible mix of architectures and its contemporary artworks.
6. Head to the Place aux Oignons
In the heart of Vieux Lille, we recommend a stop at the charming Place aux Oignons. A pretty little square of 4,000 m² with a medieval past, surrounded by typical houses and cosy terraces, a few steps from the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille, rue des Vieux-Murs and the famous rue au Péterinck,
7. Go to the Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse
A few minutes' walk from the Cathedral is the Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse. It was set up in a former hospital founded in 1237 by Countess Joan of Flanders. This museum will introduce you to the history of Lille and presents collections of regional art.
Getting to the Musée de l'Hospice Comtesse: 32 rue de la Monnaie, 59800 Lille.
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8. Take a lunch break in an estaminet
If you are visiting Lille in 2 days, you can't have lunch without enjoying the estaminets. You are probably wondering what we're talking about. Estaminets are typical restaurants of the North. There you can taste local specialities such as welsh, Flemish carbonade or moules-frites, accompanied by a regional beer.
Another good address for a gourmet break: the Meert pâtisserie. Located at 27 rue Esquermoise, this pâtisserie founded in 1677 has been listed as a historic monument. Take a seat in the tea room and ask for the waffle filled with Madagascan vanilla. Suffice it to say that this waffle made the reputation of this Lille institution.
9. Visit the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle
After this little break, it is time to continue your visit with an iconic place. This is where Charles de Gaulle was born. This house with a belle époque atmosphere, now a museum, first opened its doors in 1983. A historic monument of Lille, the house recreates the intimate life of this bourgeois family and the childhood of the future President of the Fifth Republic. More info here.
10. The Citadelle Vauban and the Parc de la Citadelle
In the late afternoon, head to the Citadelle Vauban, a masterpiece of 17th-century military architecture. Even though the military installation is no longer active, you cannot visit it freely; nevertheless, you can stroll in the Parc de la Citadelle. This vast green space is ideal for a restorative walk beside the Deûle or a bike ride.
11. Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille
During this weekend in Lille, don't miss the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of the largest museums in France. It holds the second-largest collection of works after the Louvre. Its rich and varied collections include works by Rubens, Goya, Delacroix and Monet. Allow at least an hour to appreciate the main pieces.
12. See the Belfry of Lille Town Hall
Another must-see if you are visiting Lille in 2 days, the Hôtel de Ville, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can't miss it, as it is recognisable by its 104-metre-high belfry. If you have a little time, climb to the top to enjoy a panoramic view of the city with the mining-basin coron houses and the Monts des Flandres in the distance.
During these 48 hours in Lille, enjoy the atmosphere of Vieux Lille and Lille's evenings. You will see the streets light up and the estaminets come alive. In short, you won't be disappointed by this Lille weekend full of discoveries.
Where to stay in Lille: our favourite accommodation
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Here are the best hotels for visiting Lille in 2 days:
- Au 30 in the very centre of Lille, apartment near the Mairie de Lille metro station, rated 9.4 fabulous on Booking.com
- This pretty private room on Place aux Oignons in Vieux Lille, rated 9.7 on Booking.com and 10 for its location.
- Luxury 4-bedroom design accommodation, rated 9.1 fabulous on Booking.com and 9.5 for its location.
What to see in Lille with the family: 10 ideas for outings
What to do in Lille? What to see with children? Here is a list of 10 activities and sights to visit Lille in 2 days.
- The Lille Zoo located in the heart of the Citadelle park
- Take the tourist tram at Wambrechies to step back into the early 20th century
- Go cycling in the Parc de la Citadelle
- Enjoy the interactive exhibitions at the Gare Saint Sauveur. Perfect if you wonder what to do in Lille when it rains!
- Visit the Natural History Museum with its collection of animals, fossils and minerals
- Want adrenaline? Go to Lille Adventure with its treetop adventure courses for the whole family
- Lille Karting will please big and small alike
