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

Should you visit Arles or Bari?

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 Arles and Bari can help you decide which place is right for you.

Arles

Arles is a quaint, historic, and charming town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local 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 and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arles or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari than Arles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bari is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Arles attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Arles is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also well known for San Nicola.

How is Arles different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Arles has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Bari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Bari is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Bari has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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).

Is Arles or Bari Better for Nightlife?

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

Bari is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

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 Arles or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is very good for the beach. However, Arles is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Bari to enjoy the beach. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Arles or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Arles is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Arles has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Arles or Bari?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bari and Arles.

Many visitors go to Arles to go shopping. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bari. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Arles or Bari Better for Families?

Bari is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Bari is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old 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 Arles or Bari Better for Couples?

Arles is a great town for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Arles is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Arles or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is well known for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bari is a very popular port city for backpackers and budget travelers. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Arles or Bari Better for Students?

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

Bari is very popular with students. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Arles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

While Bari offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Arles or Bari a more walkable city?

Arles and Bari both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Arles?

How long in Arles or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Arles and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bari than in Arles. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Arles, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari 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 Bari.

One day in Arles or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Arles. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

A weekend in Arles or Bari?

Arles is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. 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.

Five days in Arles or Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Arles. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Arles or Bari?

The charming town of Arles offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find food and shopping around the local destination of Bari. 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 food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arles and Bari, we can see that Arles is more expensive. And not only is Bari much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bari would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bari and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles than you might in Bari.

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

Which is Bigger, Arles or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Arles and Bari, 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 Arles or Bari?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Arles or Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Arles during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Arles in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Arles is around the same temperature as Bari in the summer. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arles. In the summer, Arles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Arles gets 354 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Arles gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Arles and Bari. Most visitors come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Arles is cooler than Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arles in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

Arles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during autumn. Arles gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Arles gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Arles usually receives more rain than Bari. Arles gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Arles or Bari in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Arles as well as Bari. The winter months attract visitors to Arles because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In January, Arles is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 7°C (44°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Arles often gets more sunshine than Bari. Arles gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets more rain in January than Bari. Arles gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Arles are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Arles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Arles is around the same temperature as Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. Arles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during spring. Arles gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Arles usually receives more rain than Bari. Arles gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Arles