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

Should you visit Southampton or Arles?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Arles? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Southampton

Southampton is a dynamic, up-and-coming, and waterfront port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles

Arles is a quaint, historic, and charming town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Southampton and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Arles?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Arles than Southampton. While Southampton is larger than Arles, Arles has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arles is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also home to L'Amphithéâtre Romain. Southampton is popular for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is an amazing town to visit for its historical sights. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Arles are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Southampton. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

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

Arles is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Southampton area. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

Is Southampton or Arles Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Southampton and Arles.

If you're looking for night time activities Southampton has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Arles. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Southampton or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is an amazing town to visit for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

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

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Arles?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Southampton. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Many visitors go to Arles to go shopping. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Southampton or Arles Better for Families?

Southampton 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 Southampton. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

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 Southampton or Arles Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Arles make for a great place to visit.

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

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

Arles is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Arles a more walkable city?

Arles is a great town for its high level of walkability. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its ease of walking around.

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

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Arles?

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

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

One day in Southampton or Arles?

In Southampton, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this waterfront destination offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming town of Arles. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Arles?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Arles. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Southampton or Arles?

Southampton is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Southampton. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The charming town of Arles offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the up-and-coming destination of Southampton. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arles. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Arles?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Arles. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Southampton is cooler than Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Southampton in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. In the summer, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Arles. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets more rain in July than Arles. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Southampton is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 12°C (53°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Arles during autumn. Southampton gets 107 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. In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Arles. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Southampton during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Southampton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Southampton can get quite cold in the winter. Southampton is much colder than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Arles. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Arles. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Arles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Arles. Most visitors come to Southampton for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Arles during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Arles. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Arles and Southampton