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

Should you visit Bristol or Arles?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Arles can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a friendly, authentic, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Bristol and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Arles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bristol than Arles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bristol is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Arles attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Bristol is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. It is also well known for The Bristol Harbour. Arles is famous for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Bristol different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Arles has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

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

Arles is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bristol 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).

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Bristol or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Bristol is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Bristol is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

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 Bristol or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol 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.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Arles?

Bristol 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 Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

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

Is Bristol or Arles Better for Families?

Bristol is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bristol. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

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 Bristol or Arles Better for Couples?

Arles is great for couples. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Bristol or Arles Better for Students?

Bristol is very good for students. However, Arles is not popular with students.

Bristol is popular with students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Bristol and Arles both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Bristol offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Arles has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Bristol or Arles a more walkable city?

Bristol and Arles are superb when it comes to walkability.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bristol or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bristol 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 Bristol, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

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

One day in Bristol or Arles?

In Bristol, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this diverse destination offers. 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, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bristol or Arles?

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

In Arles, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arles has to offer.

Five days in Bristol or Arles?

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

Arles is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bristol or Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Bristol. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Arles?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol or Arles in the Summer?

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

Bristol is cooler than Arles in the summer. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in July than Arles. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Arles in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Bristol is cooler than Arles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bristol in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Arles averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. In October, Bristol usually receives less rain than Arles. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bristol or Arles in the Winter?

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

In January, Bristol is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 6°C (43°F), and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in January than Arles. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Arles in the Spring?

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

Bristol is cooler than Arles in the spring. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Bristol usually receives less rain than Arles. Bristol 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 Bristol