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

Should you visit Howth or Arles?

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

Should I visit Howth 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.

Howth

Howth is a coastal, beautiful, and picturesque fishing village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food.

Arles

Arles is a compact, quaint, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Howth and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Howth or Arles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Arles. Although Howth and Arles are both popular with visitors, Arles has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Arles is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Howth is known for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Howth is more touristy than Arles and is known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also home to L'Amphithéâtre Romain.

How is Howth different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is an amazing town to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Howth or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Arles is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Arles has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Howth or Arles Better for Beaches?

Howth is well known for the beach. However, Arles is not a beach destination.

Howth is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Howth or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is an amazing town to visit for its old town. However, Howth 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.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Howth or Arles Better for Hiking?

Howth is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Arles is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Howth. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Howth or Arles?

Arles is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Arles offers some nice shopping areas. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Howth or Arles Better for Families?

Howth 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 Howth. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

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 Howth or Arles Better for Couples?

Arles is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Howth is a good fishing village for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Howth and Arles.

You'll find some public transit in Howth, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

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 Howth or Arles a more walkable city?

Howth and Arles both are great when exploring on foot.

Howth is a very walkable fishing village. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Howth?

How long in Howth or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Howth 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 Howth. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Howth or Arles?

In Howth, many people enjoy the food and museums that this peaceful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Arles, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Howth or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Howth. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

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

Five days in Howth or Arles?

Howth is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Howth. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

A week in Howth or Arles?

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful destination of Howth. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Arles. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Howth 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 Howth Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Howth 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 Howth or Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Howth are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Howth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Howth is much colder than Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Howth in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. Howth usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Howth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Howth usually receives more rain than Arles. Howth gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Howth or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Howth during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Howth is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 11°C (52°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Howth often gets less sunshine than Arles. Howth gets 97 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. Howth usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Howth gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Arles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Howth and Arles. Many visitors come to Howth in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Howth is cooler than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Howth usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Howth gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Howth usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arles. Howth gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Howth or Arles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Howth as well as Arles. Most visitors come to Howth for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Howth is much colder than Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Howth in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. In the spring, Howth often gets less sunshine than Arles. Howth gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

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