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

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

Potsdam

Potsdam is a compact, park-filled, and historic city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles

Arles is a compact, quaint, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Potsdam and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Potsdam or Arles?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Arles than Potsdam. While Potsdam is larger than Arles, Arles has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Arles is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam is known for its small town charm. Potsdam is popular for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also home to L'Amphithéâtre Romain.

How is Potsdam different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Potsdam can be an interesting and educational experience. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

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

Both Potsdam and Arles offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Potsdam. You'll find a diverse restaurant scene, although the city is quite small. There are international restaurants as well as local venues where you can try regional specialties.

Arles has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Potsdam or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Potsdam and Arles.

Potsdam has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city is not far from Berlin, so head in to Germany's nightlife capital for the most famous clubs and venues. In the town of Potsdam there are cocktail bars and breweries that make for a mellow and relaxed evening.

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 Potsdam or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is very popular for its old town. However, Potsdam 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.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Arles?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Arles and Potsdam.

Potsdam offers some nice shopping areas. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Arles has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Potsdam or Arles Better for Families?

Potsdam 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 Potsdam. There are a number of playgrounds around town as well as several beaches by lakes that are fun for kids. Another highlight for families is a visit to Babelsberg Film Studios.

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 Potsdam or Arles Better for Couples?

Arles is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Potsdam is a good city for couples to visit. Exploring the city and soaking up the sights is the best way for couples to enjoy their time. There are some nice hotels and restaurants in the area that make for a great date night.

Is Potsdam or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Potsdam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

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

Potsdam 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 Potsdam. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

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 Potsdam or Arles a more walkable city?

Potsdam and Arles both are very good when exploring on foot.

Potsdam is a very walkable city. It's a smaller, compact city that can mostly be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Potsdam or Arles to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Potsdam or Arles?

In Potsdam, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this park-filled destination offers. 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 Potsdam or Arles?

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

Potsdam is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Potsdam. 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 Potsdam or Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the compact destination of Potsdam. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Arles?

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

Both Arles and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In the summer, Potsdam is cooler than Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Potsdam in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Potsdam. Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Potsdam usually receives more rain than Arles. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Potsdam or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Potsdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Potsdam is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 10°C (51°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Arles. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

Arles gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Potsdam usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Potsdam or Arles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Arles. Many travelers come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Potsdam. Potsdam is much colder than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Arles. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Potsdam or Arles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Arles. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Potsdam is cooler than Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Potsdam in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. In the spring, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Arles. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Potsdam