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

Should you visit Dusseldorf or Arles?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Dusseldorf and Arles. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a cultural, vibrant, and historic 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dusseldorf or Arles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dusseldorf than Arles. Dusseldorf is bigger than Arles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dusseldorf is better known for its big city activities, while Arles is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Dusseldorf is well known for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. Also, Dusseldorf is famous for Altstadt (the Old Town). Arles is well known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Dusseldorf different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Dusseldorf offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are museums, palaces, and many cultural sights. Make sure you check out Schloss Benrath, the Rheinturm, the North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection, and Museum Kunstpalast.

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

Both Dusseldorf and Arles offer high quality local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dusseldorf makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a mix of regional specialties and international restaurant options. Traditional dishes include Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhine style marinated roast), Haxe (shin), Flönz (blood sausage), and Ähzezupp (pea soup).

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 Dusseldorf or Arles Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Dusseldorf or Arles has a better nightlife scene.

Dusseldorf has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs in the old town area. Try to find a brewerie where you can try Dusseldorf's famous altbier.

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 Dusseldorf or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Dusseldorf. The old town is popular for its bars and pubs, which serve up the local altbier. The atmosphere is charming and there are restaurants that spill out onto the streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Dusseldorf or Arles?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Arles and Dusseldorf.

Dusseldorf is a great destination for shopping. Head to the popular shopping street of Königsallee. You'll find luxury brands and boutique shops. The city also has department stores and large shopping malls.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Dusseldorf or Arles Better for Families?

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

Dusseldorf is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It has many great playgrounds and parks where kids can run around. Animal lovers will appreciate Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum and Grafenberger Wald which has about 100 animals. If the weather's nice you can head to Unterbacher See, which is a lakefront beach. Other kid-friendly activities in town include the Neanderthal Museum and Museum Kunstpalast.

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 Dusseldorf or Arles Better for Couples?

Dusseldorf and Arles both high quality destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Dusseldorf frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is live theater, spa hotels, historic palaces, and many parks and gardens where couples can enjoy their time together. Popular activities for couples in town include visiting Rheinturm, taking a Rhine River cruise, and exploring Schloss Dyck.

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 Dusseldorf or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Dusseldorf is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

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

Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. All of the public transportation in town is operated by Rheinbahn. There's a city railway, (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses. Dusseldorf is also easily connected to the many other nearby towns and cities including Cologne.

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 Dusseldorf or Arles a more walkable city?

Dusseldorf and Arles both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Dusseldorf is very walkable. It's easy to explore most of the city on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Dusseldorf?

How long in Dusseldorf or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dusseldorf or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dusseldorf than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Dusseldorf, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

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

One day in Dusseldorf or Arles?

In Dusseldorf, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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 Dusseldorf or Arles?

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

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

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 Dusseldorf or Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Dusseldorf. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Dusseldorf or Arles?

Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf or Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Dusseldorf are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dusseldorf is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 19°C (66°F), and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Arles. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Dusseldorf during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Dusseldorf is cooler than Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Arles. Dusseldorf gets 112 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. Dusseldorf usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Arles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Arles. Most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Arles because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dusseldorf can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Dusseldorf is much colder than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dusseldorf in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Dusseldorf gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Dusseldorf or Arles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Arles. The spring months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. In the spring, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Arles. Dusseldorf gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Dusseldorf usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf