A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Porto vs. Arles for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

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

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles

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

Porto and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Arles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Porto than Arles. Porto is bigger than Arles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Porto is better known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Arles is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Porto is more touristy than Arles and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira. Arles is well known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Porto different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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

Porto is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto or Arles Better for Nightlife?

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

Porto is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its 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.

Many visitors go to Porto to see the historical old town. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Arles?

If you're looking to go shopping, Porto and Arles both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

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

Is Porto or Arles Better for Families?

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

Porto is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto or Arles Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Arles are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Porto is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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.

Is Porto or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Porto is a very popular port city to visit for backpackers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto or Arles Better for Students?

Porto is well known for students. However, Arles is not popular with students.

Porto is very popular with students. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Porto 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 Porto. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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 Porto or Arles a more walkable city?

Porto and Arles are very good when it comes to walkability.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Porto?

How long in Porto or Arles?

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

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

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

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

One day in Porto or Arles?

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port city 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 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 Porto or Arles?

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

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 Porto or Arles?

Porto is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Porto or Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the cosmopolitan big city of Porto. 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 food. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Arles?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or Arles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Porto as well as Arles. The summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In July, Porto is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the summer, Porto often gets less sunshine than Arles. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Arles. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Porto is around the same temperature as Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arles during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. It's quite rainy in Porto. In October, Porto usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arles. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Porto during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Arles in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Porto is a little warmer than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets less sunshine than Arles. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Arles. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Arles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Arles. Many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Arles for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Arles. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arles during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Arles. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arles and Porto