A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Arles for Attractions, Old Town, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Arles can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a quaint, idyllic, and peaceful town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Other popular activities here include food and theater.

Arles

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

Stratford-upon-Avon and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Arles. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Arles are both popular with visitors, Arles has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Arles is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon is known for its theatre productions and small town charm. Arles is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. It is also home to L'Amphithéâtre Romain. Stratford-upon-Avon is popular for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles?

Arles is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Arles is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Stratford-upon-Avon is world-class. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Arles is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arles is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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 Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Arles is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles?

Arles is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles Better for Families?

Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles Better for Couples?

Arles is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Arles makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Arles is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles a more walkable city?

Arles is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Arles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arles or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles to fill your time. In our opinion, Arles has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Arles than Stratford-upon-Avon. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Arles than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles?

Even though Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Lots of people come for the theater. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Arles, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Lots of people come for the museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. 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.

Many people visit Arles for a weekend. Lots of people come for the museums. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Arles, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a fun place to experience. Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the theater. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The beautiful destination of Arles offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the theater. 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers something for everyone. 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 Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stratford-upon-Avon and Arles, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon is more expensive. And not only is Arles much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Arles would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arles 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 Stratford-upon-Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stratford-upon-Avon than you might in Arles.

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

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles?

Arles has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Stratford-upon-Avon during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon 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, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Arles. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets more rain in July than Arles. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Arles. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 11°C (52°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Arles during autumn. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Arles receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Arles. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Arles. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the museums, the theater shows, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. Stratford-upon-Avon is much colder than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

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

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in January than Arles. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon is much colder than Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Arles during spring. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Arles. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon