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

Should you visit Arles or Naples?

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

Arles

Arles is a compact, quaint, and historic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Naples

Naples is a colorful, fascinating, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arles or Naples?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Naples than Arles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Naples is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Arles attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Arles is famous for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also well known for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Arles different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Arles is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

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

Naples has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

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

Naples is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Naples Better for its Old Town?

Arles is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Arles is revered around the world. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Arles or Naples?

Naples 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 Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

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

Is Arles or Naples Better for Families?

Naples 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 Naples. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

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 Naples Better for Couples?

Both Arles and Naples are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Naples is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Arles or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Naples is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

Naples is very good for students. However, Arles is not popular with students.

Naples is popular with students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Naples is well known for its public transit. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding 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 Arles or Naples a more walkable city?

Arles and Naples both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Arles?

How long in Arles or Naples?

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

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

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

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

One day in Arles or Naples?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Arles. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Each neighborhood in Naples has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This 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 Naples?

Arles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Naples is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Naples. 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Arles. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic big city of Naples. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Arles and Naples, 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 Arles Expensive? and Is Naples Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Arles or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Arles and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Arles or Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Arles are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Arles is around the same temperature as Naples in the summer. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Naples. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. Arles usually receives more sunshine than Naples during summer. Arles gets 354 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arles usually receives more rain than Naples. Arles gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arles or Naples in the Autumn?

Both Naples and Arles during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Naples in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Arles is around the same temperature as Naples. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arles in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Naples averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Arles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Naples. Arles gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Naples gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. Arles usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Naples. Arles gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Naples in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Arles and Naples. Many visitors come to Arles in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Arles is generally cooler than Naples. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 7°C (44°F), and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Arles usually receives more sunshine than Naples during winter. Arles gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Arles usually receives less rain than Naples. Arles gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arles or Naples in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Arles as well as Naples. Most visitors come to Arles for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Naples because of the activities around the city.

Arles is around the same temperature as Naples in the spring. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Naples fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In the spring, Arles often gets more sunshine than Naples. Arles gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets less rain in April than Naples. Arles gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Arles