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

Should you visit Arles or Venice?

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 Venice 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.

Venice

Venice is a cultural, magical, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Arles and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arles or Venice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice than Arles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Venice is very popular for its shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Arles attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Venice is more touristy than Arles and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also well known for St. Mark's Basilica. Arles is famous for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Arles different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Venice from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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

Arles is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Arles has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Arles or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Arles is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Arles or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Arles and Venice 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 Venice can be explored in its historical center. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Is the Shopping Better in Arles or Venice?

Venice is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Venice is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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

Is Arles or Venice Better for Families?

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

Venice is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Venice has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Venice is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Venice is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Venice can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice a more walkable city?

Venice 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 Venice on foot is easy. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Arles?

How long in Arles or Venice?

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

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

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

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

One day in Arles or Venice?

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.

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this magical 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 Venice?

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 Venice. 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 Venice?

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.

Venice is a fun place to experience. In Venice, many people enjoy the museums and food that this quaint 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 Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the compact 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.

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arles and Venice, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Arles much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Arles would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arles 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice than you might in Arles.

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

Which is Bigger, Arles or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Arles and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice 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 family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

Arles is around the same temperature as Venice in the summer. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Venice, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arles. In the summer, Arles often gets more sunshine than Venice. Arles gets 354 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets less rain in July than Venice. Arles gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Arles and Venice. 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 Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Arles is a little warmer than Venice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arles in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Venice averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Arles usually receives more sunshine than Venice during autumn. Arles gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 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 Venice. Arles gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Arles or Venice in the Winter?

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

Venice can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Arles is generally much warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 7°C (44°F), and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Arles often gets more sunshine than Venice. Arles gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets more rain in January than Venice. Arles gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice 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 Venice for the natural beauty during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. Arles usually receives more sunshine than Venice during spring. Arles gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Arles usually receives around the same amount of rain as Venice. Arles gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Arles