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

Should you visit Berlin or Arles?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berlin 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.

Berlin

Berlin is a creative, eclectic, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles

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

Berlin and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berlin or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berlin than Arles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Berlin is more popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Arles is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Berlin is more touristy than Arles and is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also home to the Brandenburg Gate. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Berlin different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Berlin and Arles.

The museums and tourist attractions in Berlin are world-renowned. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

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.

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

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

Berlin has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

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).

Is Berlin or Arles Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Berlin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

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 Berlin or Arles Better for Music?

Berlin is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Arles is not a live music destination.

In Berlin you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Arles is not a live music destination.

Is Berlin or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Berlin 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.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Arles?

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

Berlin is a world class destination for shoppers. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

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

Is Berlin or Arles Better for Families?

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

Berlin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

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 Berlin or Arles Better for Couples?

Arles is a great town for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Berlin or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Berlin is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

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 Berlin or Arles Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Berlin. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Berlin 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 Berlin can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

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 Berlin or Arles a more walkable city?

Arles is a great town for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Berlin or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Berlin than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Berlin, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

Couples should spend more time in Arles than Berlin. 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 Berlin 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 Berlin.

One day in Berlin or Arles?

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

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.

A weekend in Berlin or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berlin. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

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.

Five days in Berlin or Arles?

Berlin is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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.

A week in Berlin or Arles?

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Berlin or Arles?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Berlin 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 Berlin or Arles?

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 Berlin or Arles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Berlin as well as Arles. Most visitors come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Arles because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Berlin is cooler than Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Berlin in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Berlin this time of the year. In the summer, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Arles. Berlin gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets more rain in July than Arles. Berlin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berlin or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Berlin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Berlin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In October, Berlin is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around 10°C (50°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Arles during autumn. Berlin gets 106 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. In October, Berlin usually receives less rain than Arles. Berlin gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Berlin or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Berlin during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berlin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Berlin in the winter. Berlin is much colder than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Arles. Berlin gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in January than Arles. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berlin or Arles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Berlin and Arles. Many travelers come to Berlin for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Arles in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Berlin is much colder than Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Berlin in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Arles during spring. Berlin gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Berlin usually receives less rain than Arles. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arles and Berlin