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

Should you visit Hamburg or Arles?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Arles can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a vibrant, historic, and energetic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles

Arles is a compact, quaint, and historic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hamburg or Arles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hamburg than Arles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hamburg is very popular for its nightlife, music, and shopping, while Arles attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Hamburg is more touristy than Arles and is known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also well known for St. Michael's Church. Arles is famous for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Hamburg different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Arles on the map. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hamburg can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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

Arles is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Arles is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Hamburg or Arles Better for Nightlife?

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

Hamburg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

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 Hamburg or Arles Better for Music?

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

In Hamburg you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Arles is not a live music destination.

Is Hamburg or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Arles is one of the most recognized in the world. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Arles?

Hamburg 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 Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

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

Is Hamburg or Arles Better for Families?

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

Hamburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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 Hamburg or Arles Better for Couples?

Arles is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Arles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Hamburg or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Hamburg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

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 Hamburg or Arles Better for Students?

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

Hamburg is popular with students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Hamburg 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 Hamburg. There are trains and buses that make their way 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 Hamburg or Arles a more walkable city?

Hamburg and Arles both are very good when exploring on foot.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily 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 Hamburg Worth Visiting? and Is Arles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arles or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Arles?

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

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

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

One day in Hamburg or Arles?

In Hamburg, many people enjoy the live music and food that this vibrant destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Hamburg or Arles?

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

Hamburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hamburg. Lots of people come for the live music. 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 Hamburg or Arles?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Hamburg. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week 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 Hamburg and Arles, we can see that Arles is more expensive. And not only is Hamburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hamburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hamburg 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 Arles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arles than you might in Hamburg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hamburg Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Arles?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

Hamburg is cooler than Arles in the summer. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hamburg. Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Hamburg gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hamburg usually receives more rain than Arles. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hamburg or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Hamburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hamburg is much colder than Arles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hamburg in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Arles averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Arles. Hamburg gets 101 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. Hamburg usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hamburg or Arles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Arles. Many travelers come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hamburg. In January, Hamburg is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 0°C (33°F), and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Hamburg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Arles. Hamburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hamburg or Arles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Arles. Many visitors come to Hamburg in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the natural beauty during these months.

Hamburg is much colder than Arles in the spring. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. In the spring, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Arles. Hamburg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

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