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

Should you visit Valencia or Aix-en-Provence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia or Aix-en-Provence, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Valencia

Valencia is a friendly, coastal, and cultural coastal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Valencia and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valencia than Aix-en-Provence, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Valencia is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its shopping. Valencia is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is known for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). It is also home to La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Valencia 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 Valencia. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Valencia is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Valencia can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Valencia or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Valencia and Aix-en-Provence can be difficult as they are each amazing in their own way.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Valencia is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

Many restaurants in Aix-en-Provence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

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

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

Valencia is a must-see party destination. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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 Valencia or Aix-en-Provence Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Valencia has a few great resort options. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Aix-en-Provence Better for Beaches?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Valencia has a beach worth visiting. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

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

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

Valencia has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

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

Is Valencia or Aix-en-Provence Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

Valencia has hiking trails worth exploring. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

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

Aix-en-Provence is an amazing town to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Aix-en-Provence make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

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

Valencia is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Valencia is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

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 Valencia or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Valencia and Aix-en-Provence are both superb to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Aix-en-Provence is a great coastal city if you're traveling as 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 Valencia or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Valencia is a very popular coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

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

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

Valencia is terrific for students. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Valencia is a great destination for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Students come from all over to stay in Aix-en-Provence. 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 Valencia or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Valencia and Aix-en-Provence.

You'll find some public transit in Valencia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

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 Valencia or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Valencia and Aix-en-Provence both are superb when exploring on foot.

Valencia is a very walkable coastal city. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable destination. 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 Valencia Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Valencia or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Valencia 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, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Valencia, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Valencia 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 Valencia.

One day in Valencia or Aix-en-Provence?

Valencia is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful town of Aix-en-Provence offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Valencia or Aix-en-Provence?

Valencia is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aix-en-Provence, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valencia or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Aix-en-Provence is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Valencia or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Valencia. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Valencia and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Aix-en-Provence 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 Valencia Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

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

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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 Valencia 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 Valencia or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Valencia because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

In the summer, Valencia is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valencia in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. Valencia usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during summer. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valencia usually receives less rain than Aix-en-Provence. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Aix-en-Provence and Valencia during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Valencia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Valencia is generally a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 19°C (66°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Valencia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets more rain in October than Aix-en-Provence. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Aix-en-Provence. Many travelers come to Valencia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Valencia is much warmer than Aix-en-Provence in the winter. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during winter. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valencia usually receives less rain than Aix-en-Provence. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Aix-en-Provence. Many visitors come to Valencia in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Valencia is a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valencia in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In the spring, Valencia often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in April than Aix-en-Provence. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 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 Valencia