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

Should you visit York or Avignon?

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

Should I visit York or Avignon? 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Avignon

Avignon is a charming, scenic, and picturesque town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

York and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Avignon?

You'll generally find more things to do in York than Avignon. York is bigger than Avignon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. York is better known for its nightlife, while Avignon is more popular for its museums and small town charm. York is well known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Also, York is famous for The Shambles. Avignon is well known for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

How is York different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Avignon 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 Avignon that are not to be missed. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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 Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both York and Avignon both to be amazing destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Avignon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

Is York or Avignon Better for Nightlife?

York is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

York has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is York or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the amazing old towns in both York and Avignon.

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, Avignon offers plenty to see. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Avignon?

Both York and Avignon 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 Avignon. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is York or Avignon Better for Families?

York is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, York is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is York or Avignon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both York and Avignon make for a superb 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.

Avignon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is York or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit York. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

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

Both York and Avignon offer notable public transit options.

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

Avignon has some public transit options. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is York or Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Avignon on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

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 Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or York?

How long in York or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in York or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in York than Avignon 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 Avignon.

Families should spend more time in York than Avignon. 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.

Couples should spend more time in Avignon than York. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Avignon that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York than Avignon 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 Avignon?

In York, 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 food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. 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 Avignon?

In York, 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 food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that York has to offer.

Avignon is a fun place to experience. 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 Avignon?

York 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.

Avignon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting York. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

Because Avignon is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Avignon?

York has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of York and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit York or Avignon in the Summer?

Both Avignon and York during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to York for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, York is generally cooler than Avignon. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Avignon. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in July than Avignon. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Avignon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Avignon. The autumn months attract visitors to York because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

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

York usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Avignon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, York usually receives less rain than Avignon. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Avignon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to York as well as Avignon. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, York often gets less sunshine than Avignon. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Avignon. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Avignon in the Spring?

Both Avignon and York are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the spring for the small town charm.

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

It's quite sunny in Avignon. York usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Avignon. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Avignon and York