A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antwerp vs. Arles for Attractions, Old Town, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Antwerp or Arles?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Antwerp and Arles can help you decide which place is right for you.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a youthful, vibrant, and authentic port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles

Arles is a compact, quaint, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antwerp than Arles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Antwerp is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Arles is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Arles is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. Antwerp is popular for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. It is also home to Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Antwerp different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arles and Antwerp. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antwerp or Arles?

Arles is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Antwerp can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of cathedrals, museums, and art galleries that are fun to explore. The history and culture of the town is best experienced by wandering the streets and soaking up the architecture.

Is the Food Better in Antwerp or Arles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arles is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Antwerp is becoming an appealing option for foodies. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolates and biscuits that make this city famous. You'll also find plenty of fries and casual dining options to choose from. Local favorites include mussels and fish and chips, and of course, you must try the beer!

Is Antwerp or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Antwerp is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Many of the the clubs and bars are concentrated in the docklands, but you'll also find places to hang out everywhere around town.

If you're looking for night time activities Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Antwerp or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Arles offers plenty to see. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Many visitors go to Antwerp to see the historical old town. The old city has a long running history and many unique spots to explore. At the heart of the old town is Grote Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets. There are a diversity of restaurants including local cuisines, Italian restaurants, and a number of different ethnic food. You'll also find local chocolate shops, waffle vendors, and ice cream.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Arles?

Antwerp is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Antwerp is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Antwerp or Arles Better for Families?

Antwerp is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Antwerp. Favorite kid-friendly activities around town include taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, going to the local zoo, or exploring the indoor play area Plopsa Station. Kids will also enjoy exploring the underground canals or taking a boat ride. Chocolate lovers will have fun checking out the many chocolate shops around town.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Antwerp or Arles Better for Couples?

Arles is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Arles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Antwerp is a good port city for couples to visit. The city has a wonderful café culture with great restaurants and beautiful neighborhoods to explore. There are many great restaurants as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.

Is Antwerp or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Antwerp is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. With a handful of hostels and a variety of free activities, this is an affordable place to visit. It's often overlooked by backpackers so those that visit will be rewarded. It has a vibe of authenticity which is great for backpacker's who are a bit jaded from the tourism scene.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

Is Antwerp or Arles Better for Students?

Antwerp is well known for students. However, Arles is not popular with students.

Antwerp is very popular with students. There's a good student culture and a lot of activities that give the city a fun and youthful vibe. It's a relatively big city with a lot of transportation connections, so it makes a great base for exploring other areas.

Arles is not popular with students.

Is Antwerp or Arles Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Antwerp and Arles.

You'll find some public transit in Antwerp, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both tram and bus lines around town. The city also has a large and impressive train station with many connections, making it a good base for exploring other areas.

While Arles offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Antwerp or Arles a more walkable city?

Antwerp and Arles both are very good when exploring on foot.

Antwerp is a very walkable port city. The old town can be comfortably explored on foot, particularly the area around Grote Markt.

Arles is a very walkable destination. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Antwerp Worth Visiting? and Is Arles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arles or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Antwerp or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Antwerp than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Antwerp, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

Families should spend more time in Antwerp than Arles. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Antwerp, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Arles than Antwerp. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Arles that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antwerp than Arles if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Antwerp.

One day in Antwerp or Arles?

In Antwerp, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this youthful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Arles, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Antwerp or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antwerp. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Arles, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arles has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Arles?

Antwerp is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Antwerp. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Arles is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antwerp or Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the genuine destination of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Antwerp and Arles, we can see that Arles is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antwerp Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Arles?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Arles, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Antwerp or Arles?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antwerp or Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In the summer, Antwerp is cooler than Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antwerp in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antwerp. Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antwerp usually receives more rain than Arles. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antwerp or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Antwerp during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Antwerp is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 12°C (54°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Arles. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

Arles gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Antwerp usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Arles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Arles. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Antwerp. Antwerp is much colder than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Arles. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antwerp or Arles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Arles. Many visitors come to Antwerp in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Antwerp is much colder than Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antwerp in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. In the spring, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Arles. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Antwerp