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

Should you visit Palermo or Arles?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Palermo and Arles can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Palermo

Palermo is a dynamic, fun, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Arles

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

Palermo and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Arles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palermo than Arles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Palermo is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Arles attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Palermo is famous for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also well known for The Cathedral. Arles is famous for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Palermo different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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

Both Palermo and Arles offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

Dining out in Palermo is an experience not to be missed. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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 Palermo or Arles Better for Nightlife?

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

Palermo is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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 Palermo or Arles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Arles Better for Beaches?

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

Palermo is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Palermo or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Arles has a world-famous historical area. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Arles?

Palermo 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 Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

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

Is Palermo or Arles Better for Families?

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

Palermo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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 Palermo or Arles Better for Couples?

Arles is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Arles is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Palermo or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Palermo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

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 Palermo or Arles Better for Students?

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

Palermo is popular with students. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Arles is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Arles has a few 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 mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Arles a more walkable city?

Palermo and Arles both are superb when exploring on foot.

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Palermo or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Palermo 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 Palermo, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

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

One day in Palermo or Arles?

In Palermo, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this colorful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This 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 Palermo or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Palermo or Arles?

Palermo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Palermo. 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 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 Palermo or Arles?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Palermo. 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.

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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Arles?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Arles. Many visitors come to Palermo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Palermo is around the same temperature as Arles in the summer. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arles during summer. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palermo usually receives less rain than Arles. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palermo or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Arles. Most visitors come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Arles because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Palermo is a little warmer than Arles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palermo in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Arles averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the autumn, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Arles. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Arles. Palermo usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Palermo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In January, Palermo is generally much warmer than Arles. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 12°C (53°F), and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Palermo usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palermo usually receives less rain than Arles. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palermo or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Palermo during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palermo this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Arles for the natural beauty.

Palermo is a little warmer than Arles in the spring. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the spring, Palermo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arles. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Palermo