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

Should you visit Cork 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 Cork 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.

Cork

Cork is a cultural, seaside, and youthful 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 historic, charming, and compact town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cork and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cork or Arles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cork than Arles. Cork is bigger than Arles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cork is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Arles is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Cork is well known for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer. Also, Cork is famous for The Blarney Castle and Stone. Arles is well known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Cork different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cork. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

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

Both Cork and Arles offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cork makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

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 Cork or Arles Better for Nightlife?

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

Cork is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

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 Cork or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Cork 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.

Cork does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cork or Arles?

Cork 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 Cork. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

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

Is Cork or Arles Better for Families?

Cork 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 Cork. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

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 Cork or Arles Better for Couples?

Both Cork and Arles are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cork is a very popular place to visit for couples. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

Arles makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Is Cork or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cork is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cork is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

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 Cork or Arles Better for Students?

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

Cork is very popular with students. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Arles is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Is Cork or Arles a more walkable city?

Arles is notable for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Cork?

How long in Cork or Arles?

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

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

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

One day in Cork or Arles?

In Cork, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Arles. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Cork or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cork. 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 fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Cork or Arles?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Arles. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cork or Arles?

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

The quaint town of Arles offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cork or Arles?

Cork has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Cork 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 Cork 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 Cork or Arles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cork and Arles. Many visitors come to Cork in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cork is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in Cork average around 16°C (60°F), and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. Cork usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Cork gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cork usually receives more rain than Arles. Cork gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cork or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cork as well as Arles. Most visitors come to Cork for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Arles because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Cork is cooler than Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cork averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Cork often gets less sunshine than Arles. Cork gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Arles. Cork usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Cork gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cork or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Cork are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cork 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 the winter, Cork is around the same temperature as Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cork in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Cork usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Cork gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Cork. In January, Cork usually receives more rain than Arles. Cork gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cork or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Cork during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Cork this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the natural beauty.

In April, Cork is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Cork average around 9°C (48°F), and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Cork often gets less sunshine than Arles. Cork gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Cork usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Arles. Cork gets 55 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 Cork