Two days in Lille is enough time to see the main sights without it turning into a gruelling marathon. Group the attractions by neighbourhood, allow for a bit of leeway in case of bad weather, and don’t plan any important sightseeing straight after an overnight coach journey.
Check opening times, events, accessibility and tickets on the official tourism portal: these details change more often than the attractions themselves.
Day one: the historic centre
Start with the Grand’Place, the Vieille Bourse and the streets of Vieux-Lille. Make your way up to the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-la-Trêve and save the evening for a leisurely stroll amongst the facades of the old town.
Day two: museums and other neighbourhoods
On the second day, visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, then stroll to the town hall and the belfry, if the lift is available. The modern Euralille district is a good place to explore before setting off from the station.
How to set a realistic pace
Plan one main paid attraction for half a day, and leave the rest of the time for the streets, the quays and short stops. If a booking is required, factor in the journey from your previous location. After a long journey, it’s better to scale back your itinerary than to rush through unfamiliar areas.
Early or late arrival
Check in advance whether you can leave your luggage at your accommodation, and check the route from your exact drop-off point. Start your morning itinerary with open spaces rather than a museum with fixed opening hours. For evening arrivals, save your transport timetable and the hotel’s contact details offline.
Transport and navigation
Download an offline map, mark the coach station, your accommodation and your return departure point. The city centre is often convenient for walking routes, but a museum or hill further afield may require transport. Compare single and day tickets using the current fares from the local operator.
Budget and meals
Set aside a separate budget for transport, one or two paid attractions and any unexpected travel costs. For lunch, head away from the most touristy square and check the menu before ordering. Water and a compact snack will help you avoid having to change your route because of queues.
Preparing for a coach journey
Keep your ticket, passport, mobile phone and any necessary medication in your hand luggage. Allow plenty of time for your return journey: the name of the city is no substitute for the exact address and platform. Check out our tips on offline maps and preparing your phone for a trip abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a city tourist card?
It isn’t automatically worth it. Work out just which museums and trips you’ll actually have time for, and check the terms and conditions on the official website.
What should I do if it rains?
Keep one museum alternative in mind, but don’t cram all your visits into a single day: you’ll still need to get around the city between them.