A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Utrecht vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Should I visit Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence? 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.

Utrecht

With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a historic, vibrant, and laid-back town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Utrecht and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Utrecht than Aix-en-Provence. Utrecht is bigger than Aix-en-Provence, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Utrecht is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Aix-en-Provence is more popular for its food and shopping. Utrecht is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is known for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. Also, Utrecht is famous for the Dom Tower. Aix-en-Provence is well known for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Utrecht different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aix-en-Provence and Utrecht. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence?

Both Utrecht and Aix-en-Provence have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Utrecht is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

Aix-en-Provence offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Aix-en-Provence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Utrecht has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Utrecht is well known for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Utrecht is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence Better for its Old Town?

Utrecht is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Utrecht has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Aix-en-Provence is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Utrecht is well-known for its shopping. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

Is Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Utrecht is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Utrecht. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Utrecht and Aix-en-Provence make for a very good place to visit.

Utrecht is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

Aix-en-Provence makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Utrecht is well known for backpackers. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Utrecht is a very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

Aix-en-Provence is a good to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Utrecht and Aix-en-Provence are both very good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Utrecht is a very popular for students and younger travelers. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Aix-en-Provence is very popular with students. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Is Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Utrecht is well known for its public transit. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Utrecht can get you to most places easily. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Utrecht is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Utrecht on foot is easy. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

Aix-en-Provence is very walkable. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Utrecht Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aix-en-Provence due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Utrecht, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Utrecht than Aix-en-Provence 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 Utrecht.

One day in Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence?

The canal-filled destination of Utrecht offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Aix-en-Provence, you'll find museums and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence?

The quaint of Utrecht offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

In Aix-en-Provence, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aix-en-Provence has to offer.

Five days in Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence?

Utrecht is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aix-en-Provence is a great place to explore. 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 Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Utrecht. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 Aix-en-Provence. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Aix-en-Provence. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Utrecht Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Utrecht and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Aix-en-Provence. Many travelers come to Utrecht for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Utrecht is generally cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 17°C (62°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during summer. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Utrecht usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Aix-en-Provence. Many visitors come to Utrecht in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Utrecht is much colder than Aix-en-Provence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. In the autumn, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets less rain in October than Aix-en-Provence. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Utrecht can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Utrecht is much colder than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Utrecht in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during winter. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Utrecht usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Utrecht gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Utrecht or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Utrecht during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

In April, Utrecht is generally much colder than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 8°C (46°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets more rain in April than Aix-en-Provence. Utrecht gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Utrecht