Destinations
Lille

Lille city breaks

Make your trip to Lille one to remember with our city trip guide. Discover tips on things to do and see and where to stay and eat on your Lille city break with Eurostar.

Lille holidays and city breaks with Eurostar

When you’re craving a quick getaway, a Eurostar break to Lille should be at the top of your list. From Brussels, Lille is just 36 minutes by train, city centre to city centre, making travel easy and comfortable. This underrated northern French city is full of charm, celebrating both its French and Flemish heritage. Perfect for shopping sprees and cultural discoveries alike, find inspiration for what to do in Lille below.

Top 10 things to do in Lille

Get lost in Lille's old town

A warren of cobbled lanes and Flemish façades, Vieux-Lille charms at every turn. Wander past boutiques and cosy estaminets, slip into hidden courtyards, and linger under the Vieille Bourse’s arcades as the city’s history and vibrant street life effortlessly intertwine.

Soak up the atmosphere at the Grand Place

Also known as Place du Général de Gaulle, the Grand Place is Lille’s lively hub. Mostly pedestrian, it’s an easy launchpad for exploring. Meet by the Goddess statue, enjoy festive stalls in December, or refuel year-round at cafés, terraces and hip coffee spots.

Take in the city from the Belfry Tower

Discover this UNESCO-listed tower for the best views in Lille. The ascent offers sweeping panoramas over rooftops, parks and grand Flemish façades. A quick lift ride and short climb bring you to a lookout that makes the whole city feel within reach, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos.

Step back in time at the Vieille Bourse

A symbol of Lille’s trading past, the Vieille Bourse is a courtyard ringed by 24 ornate merchant houses, now hosting a lively second-hand book market. Browse vintage posters, maps and books, watch locals play chess, and in summer catch tango dancers practising on Sunday evenings.

Stroll through the Jardin des Plantes

Escape the city bustle in Lille’s Jardin des Plantes, a leafy haven of winding paths, colourful flowerbeds and serene ponds. Stroll past towering trees, discover hidden sculptures, and pause on benches to watch ducks glide across the water. Perfect for a leisurely wander, picnics, or quiet reflection amid nature.

Unwind in Parc de la Citadelle

Surrounding Vauban’s 17th-century fortress, Parc de la Citadelle is a sprawling green escape in the heart of Lille. Wander along shaded paths, spot wildlife by the ponds, or relax on open lawns. Ideal for picnics, jogging, or simply soaking up nature while glimpses of the historic citadel peek through the trees.

Admire the Porte de Paris

Step beneath Lille’s triumphal arch, the Porte de Paris, a grand monument celebrating the city’s history and military victories. Its ornate sculptures and classical details make it a striking photo spot, while the surrounding streets invite a leisurely stroll through the vibrant heart of the city.

Discover the beauty of Église Sainte-Maurice

Built over four centuries, this elegant church impresses with five equally tall naves and a barn-like interior. Once a “Temple of Reason” during the Revolution, it now showcases 17th–18th century local paintings—a remarkable slice of Lille’s history.

Dive into creativity at Maison Folie Moulins

Step into Lille’s creative hub, the Maison Folie Moulins, a former 19th-century factory transformed into an arts centre. Discover contemporary exhibitions, live performances, and workshops, or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere in this unique space where history and modern creativity collide.

Experience modern Lille in Eurallile

Step into Lille’s modern heartbeat in the Euralille district, where sleek architecture, contemporary shops, and buzzing cafés meet bustling squares. A striking contrast to the historic centre, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, people-watching, or glimpsing the city’s dynamic, cosmopolitan side.

Museums and culture in Lille

Palais des Beaux-Arts

Reworked in the 1890s in Belle Époque style, the grand Palais des Beaux-Arts houses one of the largest collections of fine arts in France, second only to the Louvre’s. Its vast halls and rooms showcase real treasures, much of them seized during the revolution or looted by Napoleon’s armies. Today, it’s a handy spot to brush up on art history, from ancient Egyptian figurines to 20th century sculptures. Look out for Auguste Rodin’s sensual marbles, monumental works by Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens and Claude Monet’s delicate painting of London’s Houses of Parliament.

LaM Museum of Modern Art, Contemporary Art and Art Brut

20 minutes east of the city centre, the LaM Museum is worth the detour. Set in a green and sprawling sculpture park, this cultural destination is still for many an undiscovered gem. Its prestigious collection brings together artworks from some of the biggest names in modern art such as Braque, Modigliani, Picasso and Miró. Alongside these masterpieces, you’ll find an impressive display of Art Brut from the museum’s extensive archives, as well as exhibitions of contemporary and outsider art. With any luck, you might even catch one of the cutting-edge seasonal shows.

Street art in Lille

Lille’s streets are a vibrant canvas where history meets contemporary creativity. From massive murals on historic façades to hidden alleyway gems, the city pulses with colour, humour, and social commentary. Stroll through districts like Wazemmes and Fives to spot bold works by local and international artists, or follow curated street-art trails that reveal the city’s evolving urban culture. Each piece tells a story, turning every corner into an unexpected gallery and inviting you to see Lille from a fresh, imaginative perspective.

Shopping and nightlife in Lille

The Wazemmes Market

A 20-minute walk from the Grand Place, the lively and diverse neighbourhood of Wazemmes draws locals and visitors alike, thanks to its bustling market and family-friendly atmosphere. Its old-school covered food market, Les Halles de Wazemmes, has been going since 1869 and only closes on Mondays. It’s a popular destination for visitors keen to stock up on local delicacies such as smoked garlic, mimolette cheese and regional sausages. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, the market spills out onto the square and neighbouring streets. It’s a festive affair, complete with live music and dancing, vintage stalls and tempting street food from Lille’s vibrant immigrant communities.

Shopping in Lille

Lille has long been a popular destination for shoppers crossing the Channel to stock up on French goods; conveniently, you’ll find a large shopping centre just by Lille Europe station. But there’s a lot more to bargain-hunting in Lille. Once a centre for cloth production, the city has gone big on fashionista-friendly concept stores such as interiors emporium Momentum or Salty Days, a one-stop lifestyle hub with Californian vibes and a secret yoga studio.

Bars in Lille

Lille’s bar scene offers something for every mood and crowd. Cosy cafés and historic pubs in the old town invite relaxed afternoons over craft beers or aromatic coffees. Trendy cocktail bars in Euralille and Saint-Sauveur cater to nightlife lovers with inventive mixes and sleek interiors. For local flavour, sample a pint of bière de garde in a bustling estaminet or toast with friends at a rooftop terrace, watching the city lights flicker across Flemish rooftops. Every sip comes with a slice of Lille life.

What to eat and drink in Lille

Resolutely French and distinctly Flemish, Lille is a city that’s proud of its mixed heritage. If you’re wondering where to eat in Lille, it might be useful to determine what to eat in Lille first. Many of neighbouring Belgium’s staple dishes are popular: carbonade flamande (a rich beef and beer stew), moules frites and even waffles make an appearance on menus here too. The region is also known for its pungent cheeses, which you’ll find in the quiche-like confections of flamiche and tarte au maroilles. Lillois have a sweet tooth, which the city’s fine patisseries and chocolatiers cater to. Lille has been quietly making its mark on the gastronomic stage: here are some of the best places to eat in Lille.

Our top 5 restaurants in Lille

While there’s much to enjoy in the region’s traditional fare, there’s no shortage of modern restaurants in Lille cooking up a storm. Bang-on-trend Bloempot puts a fresh spin on Flemish cuisine in its organic tasting menus. Careful plating and seasonal produce have earned Le Restaurant du Cerisier one Michelin star; there’s a brasserie downstairs, too, for more casual meals. Pared-down bistro Restaurant Sébastopol’s short menu makes the most of local produce. Don’t miss Rouge Barre’s seven-course feasts.

Street food in Lille

A street-food scene may seem unlikely in this stronghold of regional cuisine, but Lille has even launched its own annual Street Food Festival. A five-minute walk from Grand Place, new foodie temple Grand Scène is leading the charge in this culinary reinvention. Stop by to sample delicious tacos, proper burgers and other treats from 10 kitchens, all of which take care to source their produce locally. There’s a coffee shop and two bars on site, plus a regular programme of events: live match screenings, say, or yoga brunches and pop-up shops from local designers.

The best sweet treats in Lille

If you’re more sweet than savoury, make a beeline for Meert, Lille’s postcard-perfect pastry shop selling artisanal jams, teas and chocolates. Don’t leave without a taste of their signature waffle, a crispy brioche confection filled with vanilla cream. For something just as moreish, try Aux Merveilleux de Fred’s bite-sized garnished meringues. Treat yourself at NEJA Pâtisserie, where elegant, imaginative desserts and signature chocolate creations represent Lille’s sweet side. Quentin Bailly is another local favourite thanks to his tasty pralines, chocolate bars and other macarons.

Best time to visit Lille

There’s no best time to visit Lille – city breaks are a year-round pleasure. Summer is of course a delight, if only for a chance to sample craft ales in Brique House’s funky beer garden. Spring is equally appealing: take a trip east to the LaM Museum, or head west to explore the Citadel Park (opens in a new tab), which circles a still functioning 17th-century fortress. Bring empty suitcases for autumn’s Grande Braderie, the annual flea market during which thousands of sellers take over Lille’s streets. Winter is a time for cosy day trips: browse for presents in indie shops, drop in on the Lille Christmas market, and make time for a warming lunch at a traditional estaminet.

Seasonal highlights of Lille

Find out more about Lille through the seasons: wander the vibrant Grande Braderie, dive into Lille3000’s bold arts, and soak up the magic of festive Christmas markets.

September

Grande Braderie of Lille

Explore the Grande Braderie de Lille — two days of non-stop treasure hunting across the city’s streets. From vintage finds and antiques to brass bands, live music, and the famous moules-frites tradition, it’s a €2 million-strong party.

Spring to winter

Lille's 3000 Arts Festival

Immerse yourself in Lille3000, the citywide arts festival that transforms Lille into a creative playground. From colourful parades and immersive exhibitions to concerts, dance and street art.

Christmas market and Ferris wheel in Lille, France

December

Christmas markets in Lille

A small intimate Christmas market, but well worth the trip for its traditional, festive atmosphere.

Find out more

Practical information

Your journey from Brussels to Lille

In just 36 minutes, you can travel from Brussels to Lille, arriving right in the heart of the city. Be sure to arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before departure to leave plenty of time to find your platform. Pack plenty of clothes with our generous luggage allowance and sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey in comfort.

FAQs

Absolutely! Two days in Lille will give you plenty of time to explore, whether you’re in the market for microbreweries, indie shops or remarkable museums and art galleries. A day trip to Lille is also perfectly possible: hop on the Eurostar in time for mid-morning coffee and waffles, then spend the rest of the day exploring the delightful old town and sampling local cuisine.

Yes — Lille is very family-friendly. Explore Parc de la Citadelle with its playgrounds, zoo, and Cita‑Parc rides, enjoy interactive museums like Palais des Beaux-Arts or La Piscine, and take riverside strolls or workshops. Fun and culture await kids and parents alike.

Lille is famous for hearty Flemish fare and street treats. Don’t miss moules-frites, carbonnade flamande (beef stew in beer), potjevleesch, and sweet waffles. Sample local cheeses, artisan breads, and end with a beer from a cozy estaminet for a true taste of the region.