I visited a cheap city 2.5 hours from UK where pints cost £1.80 - it's perfect for autumn from

I visited a cheap city 2.5 hours from the UK where pints cost just £1.80 - it's the perfect destination for autumn

Just a short trip away...

If you're looking for a budget-friendly city break this autumn, look no further than Lille, France. Just a 2.5-hour train ride from London, this charming city has plenty to offer visitors, from historic architecture and world-class museums to delicious food and drink.

And the best part? Lille is incredibly affordable. Pints of beer cost as little as £1.80, and there are plenty of great restaurants where you can get a meal for under £10.

Things to do in Lille

There's no shortage of things to do in Lille. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Visit the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in France.
Take a stroll through the Old Town, with its cobbled streets and charming buildings.
Visit the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, which has a vast collection of animals and plants from around the world.
See a show at the Opéra de Lille, one of the most beautiful opera houses in France.
Go shopping in the many boutiques and department stores in the city center.
Enjoy a meal at one of Lille's many excellent restaurants.
Take a day trip to nearby Bruges, Belgium, which is just a 30-minute train ride away.

Where to eat and drink in Lille

Lille has a thriving food and drink scene, with something to suit every taste and budget. Here are a few of our favorite places:

Le Bistrot de la Vieille Bourse is a traditional French bistro serving classic dishes such as steak frites and escargots.
L'Huîtrière is a seafood restaurant specializing in oysters, which are served fresh from the tank.
La Chicorée is a modern French restaurant with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients.
La Capsule is a craft beer bar with a wide selection of beers on tap.
Le Bar à Bulles is a champagne bar with a large selection of champagnes by the glass.

Where to stay in Lille

There are a variety of hotels to choose from in Lille, to suit all budgets. Here are a few of our recommendations:

The Grand Hôtel Bellevue is a five-star hotel located in the heart of the city.
The Hôtel Carlton is a four-star hotel with a rooftop terrace overlooking the city.
The Hôtel de l'Europe is a three-star hotel with a convenient location near the train station.
The Ibis Lille Centre Grand Place is a budget-friendly hotel with a central location.

How to get to Lille

The easiest way to get to Lille from the UK is by train. The Eurostar train from London St Pancras takes just 2.5 hours. There are also regular flights from London airports to Lille Airport.

Conclusion

Lille is a great choice for a budget-friendly city break this autumn. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious food and drink, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And with pints of beer costing just £1.80, it's easy to see why Lille is becoming increasingly popular with tourists from the UK.