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

Should you visit Dublin or Arles?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Arles, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Dublin

Dublin is a fun, laid-back, and friendly 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 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.

Dublin and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin than Arles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dublin is more popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Arles is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Arles and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also home to The Guinness Storehouse. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Dublin different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dublin 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dublin. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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

Arles is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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).

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Dublin or Arles Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Dublin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dublin or Arles Better for Music?

Dublin is well known for its music scene. However, Arles is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Dublin. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Arles is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is terrific for its old town. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Arles has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Dublin is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Arles?

Dublin 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 Dublin. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

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

Is Dublin or Arles Better for Families?

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

Dublin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

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 Dublin or Arles Better for Couples?

Dublin and Arles are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

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 Dublin or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Dublin is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin or Arles Better for Students?

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

Dublin is popular with students. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Dublin and Arles.

You'll find some public transit in Dublin, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

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 Dublin or Arles a more walkable city?

Dublin 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 Dublin on foot is easy. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Arles?

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

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

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

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

One day in Dublin or Arles?

In Dublin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this welcoming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Arles. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dublin or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dublin or Arles?

Dublin is a fun place to experience. In Dublin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dublin or Arles?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Dublin. 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 nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Arles. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Arles?

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

Both Arles and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Arles because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dublin is much colder than Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dublin in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dublin usually receives more rain than Arles. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dublin or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Dublin during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Arles. Dublin gets 97 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. Dublin usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Arles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Arles. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dublin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dublin is cooler than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dublin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arles. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dublin or Arles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Arles. Many travelers come to Dublin for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Arles in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dublin is much colder than Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dublin in April average around 8°C (47°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, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Arles. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Dublin