A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers The Hague vs. Arles for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Families

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

The Hague

The Hague is a bustling, diverse, and global city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and nightlife.

Arles

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

The Hague and Arles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in The Hague or Arles?

You'll generally find more things to do in The Hague than Arles. The Hague is bigger than Arles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. The Hague is better known for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Arles is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Arles is more touristy than The Hague and is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. The Hague is well known for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. Also, The Hague is famous for The Peace Palace.

How is The Hague different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hague or Arles?

The Hague
Arles

Arles is an amazing town to visit for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.


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

The Hague
Arles

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between The Hague and Arles can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in The Hague. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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 The Hague or Arles Better for Nightlife?

The Hague
Arles

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

The Hague is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

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 The Hague or Arles Better for Music?

The Hague
Arles

The Hague is well known for its music scene. However, Arles is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in The Hague. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Arles is not a live music destination.


Is The Hague or Arles Better for its Old Town?

The Hague
Arles

Arles is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague 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.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hague or Arles?

The Hague
Arles

The Hague 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 The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

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

Is The Hague or Arles Better for Families?

The Hague
Arles

The Hague 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 The Hague. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

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 The Hague or Arles Better for Couples?

The Hague
Arles

Arles is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is The Hague or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

The Hague
Arles

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

The Hague is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

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 The Hague or Arles Better for Students?

The Hague
Arles

The Hague is an unbeatable place for students. However, Arles is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit The Hague. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

Arles is not popular with students.


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

The Hague
Arles

The Hague 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 The Hague. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

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 The Hague or Arles a more walkable city?

The Hague
Arles

Arles is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or The Hague?

How long in The Hague or Arles?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Arles than The Hague. 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 The Hague 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 The Hague.


  • How many days in The Hague or Arles? Ideal Length of Stay
    The Hague 1-3 
    Arles 1-2

One day in The Hague or Arles?

Each neighborhood in The Hague has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Arles. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arles has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in The Hague or Arles?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Arles. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in The Hague or Arles?

The Hague is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the big city destination of The Hague. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the compact town of Arles. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in The Hague or Arles?

You'll find live music and food around the international big city of The Hague. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Arles is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Netherlands, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles or The Hague?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in The Hague is €178, while the average daily cost in Arles is €142. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for The Hague and Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    The Hague 104
    Arles 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    The Hague 208
    Arles 142
Compare Hotels in The Hague and Arles

Looking for a hotel in The Hague or Arles? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in The Hague


Hotels in Arles


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: The Hague Hotel Prices and Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    The Hague 19
    Arles 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

Also for The Hague, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer to/from The Hague: $278
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Den Haag: $17
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Den Haag: $20
  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $8.23
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $28
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport: $257
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport : $137
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $137
  • Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $126
  • Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arles

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:

  • Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into The Hague or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles and The Hague change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    The Hague 55
    Arles 52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

For The Hague, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • WALKING DINNER DELFT | 3 courses incl. 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87

Typical Food Prices in Arles

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arles:


  • Cooked Clams
    4.50
  • Ice Cream
    1.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    The Hague 34
    Arles 31

Tours and Activities in The Hague

For The Hague, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in The Hague: $3.27
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Delft: $3.27
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • The Historical Heart of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
  • Gilde Den Haag: City Walking Tour NL-DEU-ENG: $8.56
  • The Hague Self-Guided Audio Tour : $9.00
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.36
  • Delft: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Escher in The Palace Museum Ticket: $12

Typical Entertainment Prices in Arles

Here are a few typical costs in Arles for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Castle Entrance Fee
    5.50

Tours and Activities in Arles

Here are a few actual costs in Arles for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $187
  • Arles Private guided walking tour from Marseille: $342
  • Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,176
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Art and History Walking Tour: $299
  • City tour 1 hour of the city, its history, its monuments,: $84
  • City tour 45mn of the city, its history, its monuments,: $70
  • From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $106
  • Half Day Private Guided Tour of Arles: $202
  • Private Guided Tour of Arles: $218
  • Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    The Hague 30
    Arles 24

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • The Hague Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Arles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Arles:

  • Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.20


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between The Hague and Arles, we can see that The Hague 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 The Hague would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hague 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 The Hague Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, The Hague or Arles?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of The Hague 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 The Hague 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 The Hague or Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and The Hague during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to The Hague because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In July, The Hague is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 17°C (62°F), and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in The Hague. In the summer, The Hague often gets less sunshine than Arles. The Hague gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets more rain in July than Arles. The Hague gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    The Hague 17°C (62°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hague and Arles. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to The Hague this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

The Hague is much colder than Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The Hague usually receives less sunshine than Arles during autumn. The Hague gets 105 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, The Hague usually receives less rain than Arles. The Hague gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    The Hague 11°C (51°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Arles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to The Hague as well as Arles. Many travelers come to The Hague for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 The Hague. In the winter, The Hague is much colder than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in The Hague in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, The Hague often gets less sunshine than Arles. The Hague gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Arles. The Hague gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    The Hague 2°C (36°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and The Hague are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to The Hague in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, The Hague is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 8°C (46°F), and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. The Hague usually receives less sunshine than Arles during spring. The Hague gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, The Hague usually receives less rain than Arles. The Hague gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    The Hague 8°C (46°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and The Hague

The Hague Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)