A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Arles for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Interlaken 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 Interlaken and Arles can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include hiking, skiing, and food.

Arles

Arles is a charming, compact, and quaint town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Interlaken and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Arles?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Arles than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Arles is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Arles and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Arles is well known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. Also, Arles is famous for L'Amphithéâtre Romain.

How is Interlaken different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Arles Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for winter skiing. However, Arles is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Arles is not a skiing destination.

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

Arles is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Arles from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Arles both to be very good destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

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).

Is Interlaken or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Arles is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Arles. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

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

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Arles Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Arles is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Arles?

Arles is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Arles Better for Families?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Interlaken is one of the most popular family destinations. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken or Arles Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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.

Is Interlaken or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Interlaken is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken or Arles a more walkable city?

Arles is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Interlaken or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Interlaken than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

Couples should spend more time in Interlaken than Arles. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Interlaken that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Interlaken 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 Interlaken.

One day in Interlaken or Arles?

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this stunning destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town 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 compact 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 Interlaken or Arles?

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

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 Interlaken or Arles?

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Interlaken or Arles?

You'll find food and skiing around the adrenaline-filled destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Arles?

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

Both Arles and Interlaken during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In July, Interlaken is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°F), and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Interlaken. In the summer, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Arles. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Arles. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Arles. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Interlaken is cooler than Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Arles during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Arles receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Arles. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Arles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Arles. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Interlaken. In the winter, Interlaken is much colder than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Arles. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Arles. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Interlaken is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Arles during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Arles. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arles and Interlaken