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

Should you visit Galway 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 Galway 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.

Galway

Galway is a lively, friendly, and cultural 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.

Galway and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Arles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Galway than Arles. Galway is bigger than Arles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Galway is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Arles is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Arles is more touristy than Galway and is known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. Also, Galway is famous for The Galway Market.

How is Galway different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Galway 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.

Galway offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

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

Arles is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway 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).

Galway has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Galway or Arles Better for Nightlife?

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

Galway is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

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 Galway or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Arles offers plenty to see. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Arles?

Both Galway and Arles are notable shopping destinations.

Galway is a great destination for shopping. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

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

Is Galway or Arles Better for Families?

Galway 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 Galway. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

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 Galway or Arles Better for Couples?

Arles is notable for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Galway makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

Is Galway or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Galway is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

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 Galway or Arles Better for Students?

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

Galway is popular with students. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Both Galway and Arles offer notable public transit options.

Galway has a few public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

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 Galway or Arles a more walkable city?

Galway and Arles both are superb when exploring on foot.

Galway is very walkable. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Galway?

How long in Galway or Arles?

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

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

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

One day in Galway or Arles?

In Galway, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. 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 Galway or Arles?

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

Galway is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Galway. 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 Galway or Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the lively destination of Galway. 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 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Arles?

Galway has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Galway 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 Galway 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 Galway or Arles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Arles. Many visitors come to Galway 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, Galway is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in Galway 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. Galway usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Galway usually receives more rain than Arles. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Galway or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Galway as well as Arles. Most visitors come to Galway 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.

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

In the autumn, Galway often gets less sunshine than Arles. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Arles. Galway receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Galway usually gets more rain in October than Arles. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Galway 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, Galway is cooler than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Galway in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Galway. In January, Galway usually receives more rain than Arles. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Galway or Arles in the Spring?

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

In April, Galway is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Galway 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, Galway often gets less sunshine than Arles. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Galway