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

Should you visit Cardiff or Arles?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Arles? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a up-and-coming, green, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Arles

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

Cardiff and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Arles?

Both Arles and Cardiff have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Cardiff is more popular for its big city activities, while Arles is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Cardiff different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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

Arles is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Arles Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Arles has a better nightlife scene.

Cardiff has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

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 Cardiff or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Arles can be explored in its historical center. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Arles?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Arles and Cardiff.

Cardiff offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Arles has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Cardiff or Arles Better for Families?

Cardiff 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 Cardiff. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

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 Cardiff or Arles Better for Couples?

Arles is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Couples visit Arles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Arles Better for Students?

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

Cardiff is popular with students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Arles is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Arles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or Arles a more walkable city?

Arles is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Arles?

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

Couples should spend more time in Arles than Cardiff. 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Arles?

In Cardiff, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this green 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 Cardiff or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. 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 Cardiff or Arles?

Cardiff is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cardiff. 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 Cardiff or Arles?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the green destination of Cardiff. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus 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 Cardiff and Arles, we can see that Cardiff 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff 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 Cardiff Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Arles?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cardiff is cooler than Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Arles. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Cardiff during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Arles in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cardiff is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Arles. Cardiff gets 95 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. Cardiff usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Arles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Arles. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. Cardiff is much colder than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Arles. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Arles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Arles. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cardiff is much colder than Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. In the spring, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Arles. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Cardiff