Friends, ready for a northern French city that blends Flemish flair with creative energy? Lille’s cobbled lanes, grand squares, and standout museums make a long weekend fly.

Use this smart, practical plan—prices, hours, and routes—to see the best without wasting steps (or euros).

Start Here

Grab the Lille City Pass for free entry to 30+ sites plus transit. Expect $35–$45 (24h), $55–$65 (48h), $70–$85 (72h). Trains arrive at Lille Flandres and Lille Europe; the compact metro and V’Lille bikes simplify hops between sights.

Old Lille

Wander Rue de la Monnaie and Place Louise de Bettignies for gabled facades, pastel shutters, and chic boutiques. Plan 60–90 minutes with café breaks. Tips: wear flats, keep eyes up for ornate pediments, and snap doors at golden hour.

Grand Place

Lille’s main square dazzles with decorative fronts and a central column. Free, open all day. Arrive at sunset for soft light and street performers. Nearby arcades hide patisseries perfect for a quick gaufre (waffle) or tarte au sucre.

Vieille Bourse

The Old Stock Exchange (mid-1600s) rings a charming courtyard. Daily book and print market brings vintage finds; chess boards set up by locals. Entry free; allow 30–45 minutes. Don’t miss the carved stone and lion heads around the arcades.

Fine Arts

The Palais des Beaux-Arts is France’s second-largest art museum. Masterpieces span the 1400s–1900s plus extraordinary 3D city models. Open Tue–Sun; budget 2–3 hours. Tickets $9–$14 (free with pass). Lockers and a solid café onsite.

Modern Marvels

At LaM (Villeneuve-d’Ascq), see modern and contemporary greats plus France’s richest Art Brut collection. Add the outdoor sculpture park. Tickets $8–$12; closed Tue; plan 90 minutes. Take Metro Line 1 to Pont de Bois + short bus.

La Piscine

Roubaix’s former Art Deco indoor pool now glows as a museum of textiles, sculpture, and design. Gorgeous light, thoughtful displays. Tickets $8–$12; closed Mon; allow 90 minutes. Combine with Villa Cavrois on the same day.

Villa Cavrois

A manifesto of modern living (c. 1932) by Robert Mallet-Stevens. Tour streamlined rooms, terraces, and gardens; notice early air-con vents and intercoms. Open most days; tickets $10–$13; 60–75 minutes. From Lille: Tram R to Croix + 10-minute walk.

Citadel Walk

Skirt the star-shaped Citadelle along leafy moats and canals; it’s an active site, so admire from paths only. Free, dawn to dusk; joggers and families love it. Add the nearby citadel park for playgrounds and open lawns.

Lille Zoo

Next to the citadel, this compact, well-kept zoo often has free or low-cost ($0–$5) entry. Expect about 60–90 minutes for zebras, tapirs, and more in naturalistic habitats. Great for kids; arrive early on weekends.

Town Belfry

Ride the lift (or climb) up the Hôtel de Ville Belfry—Lille’s tallest viewpoint. Expect $7–$10, last ascent usually late afternoon. Clear-day photos frame Old Lille’s roofs and the striking Euralille skyline. Book ahead on busy days.

Stadium Stop

Stade Pierre-Mauroy hosts major matches and concerts. Tours (when scheduled) run $12–$18 for locker rooms, pitch-side, and media zones. Take Metro Line 1 to 4 Cantons; check the calendar to avoid event-day congestion.

Maison Folie

In Wazemmes, a revamped 19th-century mill now stages exhibitions, music, and workshops. Many shows are free or under $10. Swing by to catch contemporary design in a historic shell; programming changes often.

Wazemmes Market

On Tue, Thu, Sun (morning), dive into one of northern France’s largest markets. Pick up cheeses, fresh produce, spices, olives, and warm flatbreads. Budget $5–$10 for snacks. Go early on Sunday; it gets lively fast.

Euralille Arc

Link Gare Lille Europe to Parc Henri Matisse for bold contemporary architecture and peaceful lawns. Free, photogenic, and handy between trains. Tip: picnic here with bakery finds from Old Lille.

Eat & Stay

Try maroilles cheese tart, roasted chicken with frites, seasonal salads, and crêpes. Expect $12–$20 for a mains-plus-side lunch. Midrange hotels near Lille Flandres or Old Lille run $90–$160/night; trams and metro keep farther options practical.

Smart Moves

Wear layers (breezes roll in), book major museums online, and use contactless payment on transit. Families: most museums offer kids’ activity sheets and cloakrooms. Mobility: cobbles can be slick—opt for grippy shoes.

Conclusion

Lille rewards curious wanderers with big-league art, photogenic streets, and easy day-planning. Which stop tops your list—book-hunting under the Vieille Bourse, modern icons at LaM, or sunset from the belfry?