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

Should you visit Basel or Arles?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Arles, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Basel

Basel is a historic, cultural, and museum-filled city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles

Arles is a historic, charming, and compact town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Arles?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Arles than Basel. While Basel is larger than Arles, Arles has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Arles is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Basel is known for its shopping. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also home to L'Amphithéâtre Romain.

How is Basel different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arles and Basel. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Basel or Arles?

Arles is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Basel. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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

Arles is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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).

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Basel and Arles.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Arles. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Basel or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Basel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Arles?

Basel 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 Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

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

Is Basel or Arles Better for Families?

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

Basel is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel or Arles Better for Couples?

Arles is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Arles is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Basel is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Basel is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

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 Basel or Arles Better for Students?

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

Basel is very popular with students. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Basel 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 Basel. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Basel or Arles a more walkable city?

Basel 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 Basel on foot is easy. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Basel?

How long in Basel or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Basel or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Basel than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

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

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

One day in Basel or Arles?

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

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.

A weekend in Basel or Arles?

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

Five days in Basel or Arles?

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

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.

A week in Basel or Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the museum-filled destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basel and Arles, we can see that Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Basel or Arles?

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

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 Basel or Arles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Arles. Most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Arles because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Basel is cooler than Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In Basel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basel usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Arles. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Basel as well as Arles. The autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In October, Basel is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets less sunshine than Arles. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Arles. Basel usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. Basel is much colder than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Arles. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Basel during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Basel is cooler than Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Basel often gets less sunshine than Arles. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Arles. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Basel