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

Should you visit Lagos or Arles?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Arles. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lagos

Lagos is a scenic, adventure-filled, and dramatic resort town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Arles

Arles is a compact, quaint, and historic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lagos and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Arles?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lagos than Arles, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lagos is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Arles is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Lagos is more touristy than Arles and is known for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Also, Lagos is famous for Ponta da Piedade. Arles is well known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Lagos different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Lagos and Arles offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Arles has a huge number of terrific 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).

Is Lagos or Arles Better for Nightlife?

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

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

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 Lagos or Arles Better for Resorts?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Arles is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Lagos is a perfect choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Arles is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Arles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Arles Better for Beaches?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Arles is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Lagos is a very popular vacation destination. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a 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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Lagos or Arles Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lagos. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Arles?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Arles and Lagos.

Lagos is a great destination for shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

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

Is Lagos or Arles Better for Families?

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

Lagos is one of the most popular family destinations. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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 Lagos or Arles Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Lagos has plenty to offer. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

Arles is a great resort 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 Lagos or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lagos is a very popular resort town to visit for backpackers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where 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 Lagos or Arles Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arles is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Arles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Arles a more walkable city?

Arles is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lagos or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lagos than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

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

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

One day in Lagos or Arles?

In Lagos, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this vibrant destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This resort 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.

In Arles, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint 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 Lagos or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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 Lagos or Arles?

Lagos is a fun place to experience. In Lagos, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Lagos or Arles?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the adventure-filled destination of Lagos. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the compact 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 Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lagos and Arles, we can see that Arles is more expensive. And not only is Lagos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lagos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lagos 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 Lagos.

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Arles?

Arles has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos 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 Lagos or Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lagos is generally around the same temperature as Arles. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 25°C (77°F), and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In July, Lagos usually receives more rain than Arles. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lagos or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Lagos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lagos in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Lagos is much warmer than Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Arles gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Arles. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Arles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Arles. Most visitors come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Arles because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Lagos is much warmer than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lagos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In January, Lagos usually receives less rain than Arles. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lagos or Arles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Arles. The spring months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In April, Lagos is generally much warmer than Arles. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 28°C (82°F), and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the spring. Lagos usually gets more rain in April than Arles. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Lagos