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

Should you visit Brussels or Arles?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Brussels and Arles. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Brussels

Brussels is a authentic, colorful, and multicultural 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 compact, quaint, and historic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Arles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brussels than Arles. Brussels is bigger than Arles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brussels is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while Arles is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Brussels is well known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. Also, Brussels is famous for La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Arles is well known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Arles that are not to be missed. 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.

Brussels offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Brussels and Arles.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Brussels makes for a great culinary experience. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Arles has a huge number of terrific 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).

Is Brussels or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Brussels and Arles.

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

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 Brussels or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Arles is one of the most recognized in the world. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Arles?

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

Brussels is a world class destination for shoppers. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

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

Is Brussels or Arles Better for Families?

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

Brussels is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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 Brussels or Arles Better for Couples?

Brussels and Arles both high quality destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Brussels frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

Arles is a great city 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 Brussels or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Brussels is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

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 Brussels or Arles Better for Students?

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

Brussels is very popular with students. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Brussels 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 Brussels can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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 Brussels or Arles a more walkable city?

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

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Brussels or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Brussels than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

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

One day in Brussels or Arles?

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The beautiful town of Arles offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brussels or Arles?

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

Arles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Arles, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Arles?

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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.

Arles is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful big city of Brussels. 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 shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Arles is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Arles?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels or Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Brussels is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 18°C (65°F), and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Arles. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Brussels during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Brussels is cooler than Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Arles. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

Arles gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Brussels 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 Brussels or Arles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Arles. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Arles because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Brussels is much colder than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brussels in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arles. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Arles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Arles. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In April, Brussels is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 10°C (49°F), and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Arles. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Arles. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Brussels