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

Should you visit Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a welcoming, relaxed, and beautiful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles

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

Copenhagen and Arles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Copenhagen than Arles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Copenhagen is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Arles is known for its museums and historical sights. Copenhagen is popular for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also home to Tivoli Gardens. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Copenhagen different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Copenhagen
Arles

Arles is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Arles are world-renowned. 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 Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.


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

Copenhagen
Arles

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Copenhagen has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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).

Is Copenhagen or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen
Arles

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

The nightlife in Copenhagen is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

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 Copenhagen or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen
Arles

Arles is renowned for its old town. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.


Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Arles?

Copenhagen
Arles

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

Copenhagen is a world class destination for shoppers. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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

Is Copenhagen or Arles Better for Families?

Copenhagen
Arles

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Copenhagen is one of the most popular family destinations. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 Copenhagen or Arles Better for Couples?

Copenhagen
Arles

Copenhagen is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Copenhagen has plenty to offer. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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 Copenhagen or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen
Arles

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

Copenhagen is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

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 Copenhagen or Arles Better for Students?

Copenhagen
Arles

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

Copenhagen is very popular with students. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Copenhagen
Arles

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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 Copenhagen or Arles a more walkable city?

Copenhagen
Arles

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen on foot is easy. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Arles?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Copenhagen or Arles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Copenhagen 2-5 
    Arles 1-2

One day in Copenhagen or Arles?

In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the historic town of Arles, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Arles, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Arles?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Arles, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.


Five days in Copenhagen or Arles?

Copenhagen is a fun place to experience. In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the laid-back destination of Copenhagen. 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.

Arles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


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


Which place is cheaper, Arles or Copenhagen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Copenhagen is $208, while the average daily cost in Arles is $152. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Copenhagen and Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Copenhagen $89
    Arles $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Copenhagen $178
    Arles $152
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen or Arles? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Copenhagen


Hotels in Arles


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Copenhagen Hotel Prices and Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Copenhagen $71
    Arles $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:


  • Bicycle Renting
    $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen

Also for Copenhagen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer: Airport CPH to Copenhagen by Luxury Van: $141
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $104
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH): Private Transfer to Copenhagen: $318
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH): Transfer to Copenhagen Port: $333
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH): Transfer to Fredericia Port: $866
  • Copenhagen City to Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE)- Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)- Departure Private Transfer: $104
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE)- Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $80
  • Copenhagen Roskilde Airport(RKE):Transfer to Copenhagen Port: $265
  • Copenhagen hotel or address to Malmö City - Private Round-Trip Transfer: $255

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arles

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:

  • Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Copenhagen or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles and Copenhagen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Copenhagen $61
    Arles $55
Typical Food Prices in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hot Dogs
    $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Nørrebro District: $91
  • Copenhagen Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $125
  • The Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour: $147
  • Private Authentic Home Indian Cooking & Dining Experience: $147

Typical Food Prices in Arles

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arles:


  • Cooked Clams
    $4.82
  • Ice Cream
    $1.07

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Copenhagen $31
    Arles $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Tour
    $8.56
  • Coffee
    $14

Tours and Activities in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Danish Design: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
  • Danish Design: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Monstour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Danish Folk Legends: $5.20
  • Tour of the Danish Resistance during World War II: $5.34
  • App-Based City Exploration Game & Tour: $5.35
  • Copenhagen's Royal History: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • Danish Folk Legends Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • Royal History Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • The Philosopher's Last Walk: An audio tour on the life of Søren Kierkegaard: $5.99
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.48

Typical Entertainment Prices in Arles

Here are a few typical costs in Arles for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Castle Entrance Fee
    $5.89

Tours and Activities in Arles

Here are a few actual costs in Arles for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $187
  • Arles Private guided walking tour from Marseille: $342
  • Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,176
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Art and History Walking Tour: $299
  • City tour 1 hour of the city, its history, its monuments,: $84
  • City tour 45mn of the city, its history, its monuments,: $70
  • From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $106
  • Half Day Private Guided Tour of Arles: $202
  • Private Guided Tour of Arles: $218
  • Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Copenhagen $13
    Arles $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen

Also in Copenhagen, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Alternative Nightlife Pub Crawl: $36
  • Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $43
  • Danish Wine Tasting Tour with Guide in Copenhagen Nyhavn: $358

Sample the Local Flavors in Arles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Arles:

  • Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.20


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


Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Arles?

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

Both Arles and Copenhagen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in July than Arles. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Copenhagen 17°C (63°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Arles. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Arles because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Arles receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Arles. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Copenhagen 10°C (50°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Arles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Arles. The winter months attract visitors to Copenhagen 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.

The weather in Copenhagen can be very cold. Copenhagen is much colder than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in January than Arles. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Copenhagen 1°C (33°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Copenhagen is much colder than Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Copenhagen in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Arles. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Copenhagen 7°C (45°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and Copenhagen

Copenhagen Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)