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

Should you visit Utrecht or Arles?

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

Should I visit Utrecht 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.

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.

Arles

Arles is a historic, charming, and compact town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Utrecht and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Utrecht or Arles?

Both Arles and Utrecht have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Utrecht is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Arles is more popular for its museums and food. Utrecht is more touristy than Arles and is known for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. Arles is well known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Utrecht different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arles 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 Arles?

Arles is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Arles that are not to be missed. 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.

Utrecht offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

Arles is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arles makes for a great culinary experience. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

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 Arles Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Utrecht or Arles Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the world-class old towns in both Utrecht and Arles.

The historic old town of Utrecht is revered around the world. 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.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Utrecht or Arles?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. 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.

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

Is Utrecht or Arles Better for Families?

Utrecht 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 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, 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 Utrecht or Arles Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Utrecht and Arles make for a great 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.

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.

Is Utrecht or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Utrecht is well known for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known 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.

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 Utrecht or Arles Better for Students?

Utrecht is well known for students. However, Arles is not popular with students.

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

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

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 Utrecht or Arles a more walkable city?

Utrecht is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Arles 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Arles?

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

Families should spend more time in Utrecht than Arles. 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 Arles. 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 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 Utrecht.

One day in Utrecht or Arles?

In Utrecht, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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 Utrecht or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Utrecht. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Utrecht or Arles?

Utrecht is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Utrecht. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Utrecht or Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Utrecht. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Utrecht and Arles, we can see that Utrecht 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 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 Arles.

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

Which is Bigger, Utrecht or Arles?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Arles. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Utrecht usually receives more rain than Arles. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Utrecht or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Arles. Many travelers come to Utrecht 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.

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

In the autumn, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Arles. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Arles. Utrecht usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Utrecht in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Utrecht can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Utrecht is much colder than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Utrecht in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Utrecht usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arles. Utrecht gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Utrecht or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Utrecht during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Utrecht for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty.

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

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Arles. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Utrecht gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Utrecht