10 Best Things to Do in Lille

Commonly called the Grand Place, the Général de Gaulle Square sits just northeast of the city centre. This lively hub is lined with a mix of architecturally brilliant historical and modern buildings and makes for one of the city’s favourite meeting spots for residents and visitors alike. Covering almost 10,000 sq m, The Grand Place boasts a famous landmark in its centre, a tranquil fountain surrounding the Column of the Goddess.

Once an old marketplace, this square regularly hosts festivities and special events like art exhibitions and Mardi Gras celebrations. On clear days, the outdoor terraces of bars and restaurants settled on the square offer pleasant people-watching spots while sipping a locally brewed beer.

Established in a lavish Belle Époque-style building in 1892, the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille houses an impressive and extensive collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings from Antiquity to the 21st century. One of the largest fine arts museums in France, it’s home to masterpieces such as Belisarius begging for alms by Jacques Louis David, Olga in fur collar by Pablo Picasso and Medea by Eugene Delacroix, just to name a few. 

The entrance tickets are moderately priced and include an informative audio guide to help you make the most of your trip. Should you love a piece of artwork, you can find prints and souvenirs at the gift shop.

The Vieux-Lille, or Old Lille in English, district fits within a 1 km radius of the Grand Square. Besides the beautifully restored bricks and stone houses, some of which are dated back to the 17th century, Old Lille is home to many attractions and landmarks worth visiting such as the Old Stock Exchange building, the Opera House and the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle. 

Lose yourself in an enchanting maze of narrow, winding streets, many of which host a lively scene of gourmet restaurants, fashionable boutiques and thriving estaminets. These small but vibrant bars serve up local favourites such as mussels and fries alongside a chilled craft beer and a cheerful atmosphere.

La Vieille Bourse, or the Old Stock Exchange building, is acclaimed as one of the finest edifices in Lille. Made of 24 little houses adorned with scarlet accents that enclose an arched courtyard, it’s a splendid example of 17th-century Flemish Renaissance style. It’s a particular popular spot for photos, and it’s not difficult to see why.

Listed as a Historical Monument, it’s a lively place which hosts a busy second-hand books market and colourful florists’ stalls. Once you’ve wandered the courtyard, take a seat at one of the many chess tables and while away the hours with a game. In summer, don’t miss the exciting tango and salsa performances held in the late afternoon.

The verdantly beautiful Parc de la Citadelle is 1.1 sq kilometres of greenery that surrounds the impressive 17th century Lille Citadel. Located just east of Lille Old Town, it’s the largest green space in the city and is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll in the sun. See if you can spot bright kingfishers or a holly blue butterfly perched on ivy leaves.

You can get your blood pumping on the outdoor gym equipment or the treetop activity courses. The kids can run riot in the playgrounds or experience thrilling nature-themed rides at the Cita-Parc. However you want to fill your day, there’s plenty to keep you entertained during your trip to Parc de la Citadelle.

Lille Museum of Natural History, or Musée d'Histoire Naturelle de Lille in French, is a historic museum where you'll find impressive zoological specimens on display. The museum dates back to 1822 when it was first opened to show off a local amateur collection, but it has since grown to include pieces from all over the world.

When you visit this museum, you'll find a wide variety of displays and exhibits showcasing prehistoric insects trapped in amber, taxidermised animals and skeletons of long-extinct species like mammoths. You'll find it all just east of the city centre.

Settled in a large, red brick building typical of northern French architecture, the Marché de Wazemmes is one of the most popular markets in Lille. It’s a real pleasure to stroll the alleys of this busy market filled with appetising scents. It hosts a mix of stalls selling local and exotic products, from fresh fruits to meat to cheese. 

Just outside the covered market, you’ll also find a wide array of items for sale including clothing, household linens, antiques, toys and more. Street food and refreshments are also available should you get hungry.

The Town Hall Belfry dominates Lille from a height of 104 metres. It offers a unique 360-degree panoramic view of the city and up to 30 km around, on clear days. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Town Hall Belfry was built in the early 20th century in a classic Flemish style.

There are around 100 steps to climb before you reach the lift to get to the top. Or, if you fancy a challenge, you can climb the 400 or so steps to reach the peak. The ascent costs only a few Euros, and the view is really worth the effort.

Euralille is an urban district 750 metres east of the city centre. Established between Lille’s 2 main train stations, it blends a business district, residential area, hotels, shopping and dining outlets and entertainment facilities in a vast and stylish urban complex.

The Euralille Mall houses over 100 boutiques and 20 restaurants in a spotless, modern environment. A congress centre, the Lille Grand Palais, holds cultural events and concerts, and there’s also a casino for when you’re after an unforgettable experience.

The Lille Opera is a historic opera house built in the early 20th century in the neoclassical style, which today showcases major performances in classical and contemporary music and theatre. This building was constructed in 1913 and inaugurated in 1923. In 1998, it underwent a major renovation and is now a member of the European Network for Opera, Music and Dance Education. The opera advertises itself as a showcase for everything from Bach to Joan Baez, Beethoven to Miles Davis, and beyond.

There's nothing like a date night with an elegant performance, so you can dress glamorously and take in a show here for a memorable couples' evening. It's just 10 minutes north of the city centre.