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

Should you visit Arles or Florence?

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 Florence can help you decide which place is right for you.

Arles

Arles is a quaint, historic, and charming town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a artistic, iconic, and alluring city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arles or Florence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence than Arles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Florence is more touristy than Arles and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Arles different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Florence 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 Florence?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Arles or Florence.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Arles on the map. 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.

Travelers visit Florence from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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

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

Florence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Arles and Florence.

Arles has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

If you're looking for night time activities Florence has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Arles or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Arles and Florence are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

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.

The rich history of Florence can be explored in its historical center. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Is the Shopping Better in Arles or Florence?

Florence is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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

Is Arles or Florence Better for Families?

Florence 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 Florence. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

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 Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Florence has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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.

Is Arles or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Florence is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence Better for Students?

Florence is an unbeatable place for students. However, Arles is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Arles is not popular with students.

Is Arles or Florence 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 Florence.

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 Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Arles or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Florence on foot is easy. Most people explore the city on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Arles?

How long in Arles or Florence?

Both Arles and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Arles. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Arles, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

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

One day in Arles or Florence?

The beautiful town of Arles offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Florence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this alluring destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Arles or Florence?

Arles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Arles, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Arles is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Florence is a fun place to experience. In Florence, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Arles or Florence?

Arles is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

In Florence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this artistic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Arles and Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Arles Expensive? and Is Florence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Arles or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Arles and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Arles during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arles this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Arles is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 24°C (75°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arles. In the summer, Arles often gets more sunshine than Florence. Arles gets 354 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Florence. Arles gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Arles and Florence. Many travelers come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Arles is around the same temperature as Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Arles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during autumn. Arles gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 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 Florence. Arles gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Arles or Florence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Arles as well as Florence. Many visitors come to Arles in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Arles is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arles in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Arles often gets more sunshine than Florence. Arles gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Florence. Arles gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Arles are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Arles for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Florence because of the natural beauty.

In April, Arles is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 13°C (56°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. Arles usually receives more sunshine than Florence during spring. Arles gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Arles usually receives less rain than Florence. Arles gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Arles