Anyone been to Lille?

[VolcanicCoconutCoast]

I've just booked a Eurostar package to Lille for 3 days. DP will be away for work so I'm going alone.. it will be my first time going out of the uk alone, but have travelled loads with dp, friends and family. I wanted to go somewhere fairly close as I haven't got much time due to work commitments and didn't want a huge adventure due to it being my first solo trip

Some questions;

Is it "safe"? Is it known for pick pocketing? Is it touristy? And I have a few things planned but please can I have some recommendations - things to do/see, restaurants ect..

Thank you!

Oh! And... I'm really excited to travel on Eurostar (first time) however I do get claustrophobic sometimes, how does it feel in the tunnel? And are you in the tunnel for long? thanks

I got engaged in Lille at Christmas on top of the big wheel there.
It’s just like any U.K. city really I was really surprised. No pickpocketing mentioned from the guide we had. Enjoy

I’ve been there on the way to Bruges, it was ok, I don’t think it was anything special but you should be able to get some good food at least.

Thanks peanut x

It doesn’t feel that touristy & architecturally has a bit of a Belgian feeling to it (not surprising given the location!). Felt very safe - you’re at risk of pickpockets in any big city. Can’t remember the names of the places we went in but there are various museums and galleries. We went on a childfree weekend break, wandered around a lot, ate mussels & it was perfectly pleasant place to be. It wouldn’t make my top ten cities but an easy journey & a relaxing city to amble around. You’re not in the tunnel for very long so don’t worry - it’s over very quickly!

I’ve been to Lille lots of times. Good place to go abroad first time! Certainly the city centre and surrounding areas feel safe. It became quite touristy after being city of culture a few years ago. However compared to Paris it’s a lot less busy.
Things I like to do there’s: go to the free park and zoo outside city centre. Go to the huge bookshops near tourist office: FNAC and Furet du Nord.
Go to the wazemmes market.
Go for a quick meal at “aux moules” , rue de bethune. Kind of place you could go for a meal on your own.
Look at the clothes shops in the old town.
I might also take the metro to Roubaix and go to the musee de la piscine, in a beautiful old bath house. There’s also a great Petit Bateau outlet near the metro stop in Roubaix.
It’s a nice city, enjoy!

I would happily go there alone.

It's not the most impressive city but it certainly felt very safe and there were some lovely shops and restaurants - especially in the rue de Gand. I can particularly recommend Restaurant La Boite à Gand, 80 rue de Gand, 59800.

Have fun!

Lovely plave bought the best bag in a boutique while on a short break.

I lived there some years ago. It's like any big city - don't walk around on your own late at night. The area around the main station was a bit "dodgy" but I didn't have any problems. It has some lovely squares and restaurants. The old town is great for people watching!

I lived in Lille alone as a 20 year old and it was fine.