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

Should you visit Valencia or Arles?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia or Arles, 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 architectural, friendly, and coastal 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.

Arles

Arles is a compact, quaint, 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 nightlife.

Valencia and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valencia than Arles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Valencia is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Arles is known for its museums. Valencia is more touristy than Arles 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. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Valencia different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Arles is an amazing town to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Valencia. 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.

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

Valencia is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Valencia has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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 Valencia or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Valencia is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Valencia is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

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 Valencia or Arles Better for Resorts?

Valencia is very good for its resorts. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Arles Better for Beaches?

Valencia is very good for the beach. However, Arles is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Valencia to enjoy the beach. 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.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Valencia or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Valencia and Arles both have terrific historical old towns that attract visitors.

Valencia offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Arles has a world-famous historical area. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Is Valencia or Arles Better for Hiking?

Valencia is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Arles is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Valencia. 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.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Arles?

Valencia 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 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.

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

Is Valencia or Arles Better for Families?

Valencia is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles 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, 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 Valencia or Arles Better for Couples?

Valencia and Arles are both excellent 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.

Arles is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Is Valencia or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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 Valencia or Arles Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Valencia. 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.

Arles is not popular with students.

Is Valencia or Arles 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 Arles.

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 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 Valencia or Arles a more walkable city?

Valencia and Arles both are excellent 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Valencia or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Valencia than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Valencia, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

One day in Valencia or Arles?

Each neighborhood in Valencia has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful town of Arles offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Valencia or Arles?

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

Arles 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Valencia or Arles?

Valencia is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Valencia. 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly big city of Valencia. 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.

Arles is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Valencia and Arles, we can see that Arles 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 Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Arles?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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 Valencia 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 Valencia or Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Valencia for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Arles because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Arles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. Valencia usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valencia usually receives less rain than Arles. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valencia or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Valencia during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Valencia because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Arles. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

Arles gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Valencia usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Arles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Arles. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Valencia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Arles during winter. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valencia usually receives less rain than Arles. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valencia or Arles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Arles. Many travelers come to Valencia for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In the spring, Valencia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arles. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Valencia