A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arles vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Arles

Arles is a quaint, historic, and charming town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-famous, spectacular, and scenic national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Arles and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the terraced chain of lakes
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Arles than Plitvice Lakes National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Arles is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Arles and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Arles is well known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. Also, Arles is famous for L'Amphithéâtre Romain.

How is Arles different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Arles
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arles is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Arles from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arles
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arles is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Arles
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arles is very good for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Arles
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arles is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Arles
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Arles is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Arles
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arles is very good for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Arles
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Arles
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Both Arles and Plitvice Lakes National Park are very good 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

Is Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arles
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular national park for backpackers and budget travelers. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arles
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Arles is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.


Is Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Arles
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park on foot is easy. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Arles?

How long in Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. In our opinion, Arles has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Arles than Plitvice Lakes National Park. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Arles than Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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.


  • How many days in Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Arles 1-2 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1-2

One day in Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Arles, you'll find food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, many people enjoy the that this world-famous destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Arles is a fun place to experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the compact destination of Arles. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The compact town of Arles offers nightlife and food. 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 a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the world-famous destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park or Arles?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Arles is €142, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Arles and Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arles 71
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arles 142
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Arles and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Arles


Hotels in Plitvice Lakes National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arles 23
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arles

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:

  • Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $117

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232

Is it cheaper to fly into Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Arles change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Arles 52
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40
Typical Food Prices in Arles

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arles:


  • Cooked Clams
    4.50
  • Ice Cream
    1.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arles 31
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Arles

Here are a few typical costs in Arles for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Castle Entrance Fee
    5.50

Tours and Activities in Arles

Here are a few actual costs in Arles for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $187
  • Arles Private guided walking tour from Marseille: $342
  • Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,176
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Art and History Walking Tour: $299
  • City tour 1 hour of the city, its history, its monuments,: $84
  • City tour 45mn of the city, its history, its monuments,: $70
  • From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $106
  • Half Day Private Guided Tour of Arles: $202
  • Private Guided Tour of Arles: $218
  • Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.64

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • Plitvice Lakes: National Park Official Entry Ticket: $11
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park Admission Ticket: $14
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36
  • Plitvice Lakes: Guided Walking Tour and Boat Ride: $36
  • Plitvice lakes: Guided walking tour with a boat ride: $37
  • Private Guided Fairy Tale Tour in Ogulin: $38
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Plitvice Lakes National Park - Inspiration Buggy Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arles 24
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Arles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Arles:

  • Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.20


When comparing the travel costs between Arles and Plitvice Lakes National Park, 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Arles during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Arles because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

In the summer, Arles is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arles in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arles. In the summer, Arles often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Arles gets 354 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Arles gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arles 24°C (75°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Arles and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Arles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Arles is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 16°C (61°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Arles usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Arles gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. Arles gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arles 16°C (61°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Arles as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many travelers come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter for the cuisine.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Arles is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Arles often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Arles gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Arles gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arles 7°C (44°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Arles or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Arles are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Arles in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Arles is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arles in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. Arles usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Arles gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Arles usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Arles gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arles 13°C (56°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Arles

Arles Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)