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

Should you visit Dundee or Arles?

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

Should I visit Dundee 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.

Dundee

Dundee is a historic, coastal, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

Dundee and Arles: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Dundee or Arles?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Arles than Dundee. While Dundee is larger than Arles, Arles has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Arles is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dundee is more popular for its big city activities. Arles is more touristy than Dundee and is known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. Also, Arles is famous for L'Amphithéâtre Romain. Dundee is well known for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design.

How is Dundee different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dundee
Arles

Arles is an amazing town to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Dundee 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.

Dundee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.


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

Dundee
Arles

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arles makes for a great culinary experience. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Dundee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is Dundee or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Dundee
Arles

Both Dundee and Arles are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Arles. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Dundee or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Dundee
Arles

Arles is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Arles offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Arles?

Dundee
Arles

Arles is a popular place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

Arles is a great destination for shopping. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Dundee or Arles Better for Families?

Dundee
Arles

Dundee 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 Dundee. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

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 Dundee or Arles Better for Couples?

Dundee
Arles

Arles is a well-known place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Arles is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.


Is Dundee or Arles Better for Students?

Dundee
Arles

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

Dundee is popular with students. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Dundee
Arles

Both Dundee and Arles offer notable public transit options.

Dundee has a few public transit options. The city has a public bus system.

Arles has some 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.

Is Dundee or Arles a more walkable city?

Dundee
Arles

Arles is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Dundee 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.

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.


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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dundee or Arles to fill your time. In our opinion, Arles has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Arles than Dundee. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Arles than Dundee. 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 Dundee 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 Dundee or Arles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dundee 1-2 
    Arles 1-2

One day in Dundee or Arles?

In Dundee, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this historic 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.

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 Dundee or Arles?

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

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

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 Dundee or Arles?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles or Dundee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dundee is £234, 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 Dundee and Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dundee £149
    Arles £61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dundee £298
    Arles £122
Compare Hotels in Dundee and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Dundee 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 Dundee


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: Dundee Hotel Prices and Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dundee £16
    Arles £20

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 Dundee or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles and Dundee 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
    Dundee £47
    Arles £44
Typical Food Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dundee are as follows:


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

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.
    Dundee £106
    Arles £26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Dundee are as follows:


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

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

  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.36
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $83

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
    Dundee £13
    Arles £21

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 Dundee and Arles, we can see that Dundee 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 Dundee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dundee 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 Dundee Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dundee or Arles?

Dundee has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Dundee 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 Dundee 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 Dundee or Arles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Arles. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dundee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dundee is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 14°C (58°F), and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. Dundee usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dundee usually receives more rain than Arles. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dundee 14°C (58°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Arles. Many travelers come to Dundee for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Dundee is much colder than Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Arles. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Arles. Dundee usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Dundee 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
    Dundee 10°C (49°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dundee in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dundee can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Dundee is much colder than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dundee in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Dundee usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dundee usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arles. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dundee 3°C (38°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Dundee during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dundee for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty.

In April, Dundee is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 7°C (45°F), and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Arles. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Arles and Dundee

Dundee Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)