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

Should you visit Arles or Split?

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

Arles

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

Split

Split is a fun-filled, budget-friendly, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Arles and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arles or Split?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Split than Arles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Split is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Arles is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Split is more touristy than Arles and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also home to Diocletian's Palace. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Arles different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Arles is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Arles are world-renowned. 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.

Split offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Arles and Split can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Arles is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Split. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Arles or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Split is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

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 Split Better for Resorts?

Split is well known for its resorts. However, Arles is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Split. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Arles is not a resort destination.

Is Arles or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Split. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Arles or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is well known for the beach. However, Arles is not a beach destination.

Split is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Arles or Split Better for its Old Town?

Arles is terrific for its old town. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

Split offers a nice historic old town area. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Is the Shopping Better in Arles or Split?

Split 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 Split. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

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

Is Arles or Split Better for Families?

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

Split is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Split Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Split has plenty to offer. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

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 Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Split is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Split Better for Students?

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

Split is very popular with students. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

Arles is not popular with students.

Is Arles or Split 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 Split.

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 Split offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Arles or Split a more walkable city?

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

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

Split is very walkable. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Arles?

How long in Arles or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Arles or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Arles, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

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

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

One day in Arles or Split?

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

In Split, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this historic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Split?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Split. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Split?

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

Split is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Split. Lots of people come for the nightlife. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Arles or Split?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the touristy destination of Split. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arles and Split, we can see that Arles is more expensive. And not only is Split much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Split would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Split 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 Split.

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

Which is Bigger, Arles or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Arles and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Arles as well as Split. Many visitors come to Arles in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Arles is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 24°C (75°F), and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In the summer, Arles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Arles gets 354 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets more rain in July than Split. Arles gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Arles are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Split because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Arles is cooler than Split in the autumn. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Arles usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Arles gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Arles. In October, Arles usually receives more rain than Split. Arles gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Arles or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Arles during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Arles because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In the winter, Arles is cooler than Split. Typically, the winter temperatures in Arles in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Split averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Arles often gets more sunshine than Split. Arles gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets less rain in January than Split. Arles gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Split in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Arles and Split. The natural beauty are the main draw to Arles this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Arles is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 13°C (56°F), and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during spring. Arles gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Arles usually receives less rain than Split. Arles gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Arles