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

Should you visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a remote, stunning, and spectacular archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

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.

Outer Hebrides and Arles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Arles?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Arles than Outer Hebrides, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Arles is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Outer Hebrides is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Arles is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. Also, Arles is famous for L'Amphithéâtre Romain. Outer Hebrides is well known for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Arles?

Outer Hebrides
Arles

Arles is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Outer Hebrides
Arles

Dining out at restaurants in both Outer Hebrides and Arles can be an enjoyable experience.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

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 Outer Hebrides or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Outer Hebrides
Arles

Arles is a good destination for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Arles Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides
Arles

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

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Arles is not a beach destination.


Is Outer Hebrides or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Outer Hebrides
Arles

Arles is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Arles offers plenty to see. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Arles Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides
Arles

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

Many people visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Arles?

Outer Hebrides
Arles

Arles is a good destination for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Outer Hebrides or Arles Better for Families?

Outer Hebrides
Arles

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

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 Outer Hebrides or Arles Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides
Arles

Outer Hebrides and Arles both high quality destinations for a couple.

Outer Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

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.

Is Outer Hebrides or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides
Arles

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

Outer Hebrides is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

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

Outer Hebrides
Arles

Arles is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Arles has some public transit options. 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 generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Arles a more walkable city?

Outer Hebrides
Arles

Arles is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Outer Hebrides or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Outer Hebrides than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

Couples should spend more time in Arles than Outer Hebrides. 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.


  • How many days in Outer Hebrides or Arles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Outer Hebrides 4-10 
    Arles 1-2

One day in Outer Hebrides or Arles?

In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this stunning destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. This archipelago 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 museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Arles?

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

Arles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Outer Hebrides or Arles?

Outer Hebrides is a fun place to experience. In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Arles?

In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this tranquil destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Arles. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles or Outer Hebrides?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Outer Hebrides is £123, 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 Outer Hebrides and Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Outer Hebrides £62
    Arles £61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Outer Hebrides £124
    Arles £122
Compare Hotels in Outer Hebrides and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides


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: Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Outer Hebrides £51
    Arles £20

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 Outer Hebrides or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles and Outer Hebrides 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
    Outer Hebrides £31
    Arles £44

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.
    Outer Hebrides £20
    Arles £26

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
    Outer Hebrides £6.36
    Arles £21

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 comparing the travel costs between Outer Hebrides and Arles, we can see that Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.



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

Both Arles and Outer Hebrides during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Outer Hebrides is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 13°C (55°F), and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Arles. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in July than Arles. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Outer Hebrides 13°C (55°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Arles. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the autumn for the hiking trails 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.

Outer Hebrides is much colder than Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Arles during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Arles receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arles. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Outer Hebrides 9°C (49°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Arles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Arles. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Arles because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Outer Hebrides can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Outer Hebrides is much colder than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Outer Hebrides in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Arles. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the winter. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Arles. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Outer Hebrides 4°C (40°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In April, Outer Hebrides is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 7°C (44°F), and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Arles during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Arles. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Outer Hebrides 7°C (44°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 11°C (53°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 126 mm (5 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)