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

Should you visit York or Arles?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. 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.

York and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Arles?

You'll generally find more things to do in York than Arles. York is bigger than Arles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. York is better known for its food and nightlife, while Arles is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Arles and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Also, York is famous for The Shambles. Arles is well known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is York different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in York or Arles?

Arles is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Many visitors head to York specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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

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

York has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Arles Better for Nightlife?

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

York is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Arles Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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 York or Arles?

Both York and Arles are notable shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is York or Arles Better for Families?

York is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

York is one of the most popular family destinations. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Arles Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both York and Arles make for a great place to visit.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is well known for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

York is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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

Both York and Arles offer notable public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Arles has some public transit options. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is York or Arles a more walkable city?

Arles is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or York?

How long in York or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in York or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in York than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

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

One day in York or Arles?

In York, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this medieval destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Arles. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. 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 fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Arles?

York is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of York. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Arles. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Arles?

You'll find food and shopping around the fanciful destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The compact town of Arles offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between York 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 York Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, York or Arles?

York has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Arles in the Summer?

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

In July, York is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°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. York usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives more rain than Arles. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Arles. Many travelers come to York for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

York is cooler than Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, York often gets less sunshine than Arles. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Arles. York usually gets less rain in October than Arles. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to York 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.

York can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, York is much colder than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Arles. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and York during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty.

In April, York is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in York 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, York often gets less sunshine than Arles. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Arles. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and York