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

Should you visit Dover or Arles?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and Arles can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a breathtaking, iconic, and rustic town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Arles

Arles is a historic, charming, and compact town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover and Arles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Dover or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arles. Although Dover and Arles are popular destinations, Arles has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arles is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Dover attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dover is famous for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Arles is famous for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also well known for L'Amphithéâtre Romain.

How is Dover different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dover
Arles

Arles is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Arles on the map. 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.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.


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

Dover
Arles

Arles is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Arles is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Dover
Arles

Arles is very good for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Arles. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Dover
Arles

Arles is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dover does not have a historic old town.

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

Dover does not have a historic old town.


Is Dover or Arles Better for Hiking?

Dover
Arles

Dover is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Arles is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Arles?

Dover
Arles

Arles is very good for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Arles to go shopping. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Arles Better for Families?

Dover
Arles

Dover 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 Dover. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

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 Dover or Arles Better for Couples?

Dover
Arles

Both Dover and Arles are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

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 Dover or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dover
Arles

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

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

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

Dover
Arles

Arles is very good for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town 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 Dover. There are public buses through the district.


Is Dover or Arles a more walkable city?

Dover
Arles

Arles is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Dover?

How long in Dover or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dover or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dover than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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


  • How many days in Dover or Arles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dover 2-4 
    Arles 1-2

One day in Dover or Arles?

In Dover, many people enjoy the food and museums that this rustic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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.

In Arles, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dover or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dover. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

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


Five days in Dover or Arles?

Dover is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Arles is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Arles. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dover or Arles?

You'll find museums and food around the breathtaking destination of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Arles. 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 museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles or Dover?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dover is £124, while the average daily cost in Arles is £121. 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 Dover and Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dover £62
    Arles £61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dover £124
    Arles £122
Compare Hotels in Dover and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Dover 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 Dover


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: Dover Hotel Prices and Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dover £39
    Arles £20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dover

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dover:

  • One-Way Taxi Transfer from Dover Seaport to London: $254
  • Dover to Heathrow and London Direct Shared Transfer: $131
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to Gatwick City Hotels: $55
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London Airport (LHR): $66
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London City Hotels: $98
  • Private Transfer from Dover Port to London Gatwick Airport (LGW): $55
  • Private Transfers from Heathrow Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $147
  • Private transfer from Dover to London hotel or airport: $210

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 Dover or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles and Dover 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
    Dover £38
    Arles £44

Typical Food Prices in Arles

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


  • Cooked Clams
    £3.85
  • Ice Cream
    £0.86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dover £20
    Arles £26

Tours and Activities in Dover

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dover are as follows:

  • Pilgrims and Pit Stops: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Canterbury: $5.99
  • The Condensed Canterbury Tour: $13
  • The Canterbury Classic Tour: $16
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 14.00 Tour: $19
  • Canterbury Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour: $19
  • Small-Group City Running Tour in Canterbury: $27
  • Dover Castle Admission Ticket: $29
  • From Dover Cruise Ship; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back: $108
  • Private Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury: $153
  • Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle: $172
  • Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back: $177

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
    £4.71

Tours and Activities in Arles

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dover £7.71
    Arles £21

Sample the Local Flavors in Dover

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

  • Full Day Wine Tour in Sussex and Kent: $178

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 comparing the travel costs between Dover and Arles, we can see that Dover 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 Dover Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dover or Arles?

Arles has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Arles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Arles. The summer months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

Dover is cooler than Arles in the summer. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In Dover, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dover usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives more rain than Arles. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Dover or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dover as well as Arles. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dover is cooler than Arles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dover in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Arles averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets less sunshine than Arles. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Arles. Dover usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dover 12°C (54°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Dover or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dover for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dover. In January, Dover is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 4°C (40°F), and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

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

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Arles. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dover 4°C (40°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Dover or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Dover during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dover in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Arles for the natural beauty during these months.

Dover is much colder than Arles in the spring. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Dover often gets less sunshine than Arles. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dover 9°C (47°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and Dover

Dover Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)