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

Should you visit Glasgow or Arles?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow 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.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a historic, high energy, 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 quaint, historic, and charming town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow and Arles: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Glasgow or Arles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Glasgow than Arles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Glasgow is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Arles attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Glasgow is famous for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also well known for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Arles is famous for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Glasgow different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Glasgow
Arles

Arles is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Arles has many famous sights for visitors. 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 Glasgow. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.


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

Glasgow
Arles

Arles is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Arles has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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).

Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Is Glasgow or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow
Arles

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

The nightlife in Glasgow is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

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 Glasgow or Arles Better for Music?

Glasgow
Arles

Glasgow is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Arles is not a live music destination.

In Glasgow you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Arles is not a live music destination.


Is Glasgow or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow
Arles

Arles is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

The rich history of Arles can be explored in its historical center. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Many visitors go to Glasgow to see the historical old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Arles?

Glasgow
Arles

If you're looking to go shopping, Glasgow and Arles both offer plenty of nice spots.

Glasgow has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

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

Is Glasgow or Arles Better for Families?

Glasgow
Arles

Glasgow 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 Glasgow. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

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 Glasgow or Arles Better for Couples?

Glasgow
Arles

Arles is great for couples. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Arles is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Glasgow is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

Is Glasgow or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glasgow
Arles

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

Glasgow is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

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 Glasgow or Arles Better for Students?

Glasgow
Arles

Glasgow is well known for students. However, Arles is not popular with students.

Glasgow is very popular with students. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

Arles is not popular with students.


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

Glasgow
Arles

Glasgow is well known for its public transit. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Glasgow. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

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 Glasgow or Arles a more walkable city?

Glasgow
Arles

Glasgow and Arles are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Glasgow is a very walkable destination. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Arles?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Glasgow or Arles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Glasgow 2-3 
    Arles 1-2

One day in Glasgow or Arles?

In Glasgow, many people enjoy the live music and food that this high energy 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.

In Arles, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Glasgow or Arles?

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

In Arles, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arles has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Arles?

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

Arles is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Glasgow or Arles?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles or Glasgow?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £144, 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 Glasgow and Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Glasgow £74
    Arles £61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Glasgow £148
    Arles £122
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Glasgow 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 Glasgow


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: Glasgow Hotel Prices and Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Glasgow £27
    Arles £20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow

Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport and Glasgow Centre Private Transfer to Oban: $312
  • Departure Private Transfer Glasgow City to Glasgow GLA Airport by Business Car: $93
  • Departure Private Transfer Glasgow City to Glasgow GLA Airport by Luxury Car: $139
  • Departure Private Transfers: Glasgow City to Glasgow Airport GLA in Business Car: $98
  • Executive transfer Glasgow/Edinburgh: $275
  • From Private Day Trip to Edinburgh with Transfers: $834
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Edinburgh: $213
  • Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Van: $145
  • Glasgow Airport Transfers: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Car: $169
  • Glasgow Airport to Lecht Ski Resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
  • Glasgow Private Transfer from Glasgow city centre to Glasgow (GLA) Airport: $64
  • Glasgow city to Glasgow Airport -Luxury Transfer Chauffeured : $108

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 Glasgow or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles and Glasgow 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
    Glasgow £45
    Arles £44
Typical Food Prices in Glasgow

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:


  • Dessert at Farmer's Market
    £1.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146

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.
    Glasgow £22
    Arles £26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)
    £12
  • Two Bike Rental
    £34

Tours and Activities in Glasgow

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Glasgow Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Glasgow Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Private Historical Walking Tour: $15
  • City Center Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Glasgow City Centre Daily Walking Tour: 10:30am, 2pm & 5pm: $15
  • Street Art Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Scottish Football Museum and Hampden Park Stadium Tour: $19

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:

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Glasgow £15
    Arles £21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:


  • Bottle of Wine
    £12
  • Ciders at Kilted Skirlie
    £3.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow

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

  • Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
  • Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
  • Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $37
  • Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $62
  • Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
  • The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $112
  • Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $186
  • Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $187
  • Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $456

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


Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Arles?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Glasgow or Arles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Arles. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Arles because of the family-friendly experiences.

Glasgow is much colder than Arles in the summer. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Arles. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Arles. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Glasgow 15°C (59°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In the autumn, Glasgow is much colder than Arles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Glasgow in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Arles averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Arles during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Arles. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Glasgow 10°C (49°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Glasgow during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Glasgow in the winter. In January, Glasgow is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 3°C (38°F), and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Arles. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Arles. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Glasgow or Arles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Arles. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the spring for the natural beauty.

Glasgow is much colder than Arles in the spring. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Arles during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Arles. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Arles and Glasgow

Glasgow Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)