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

Should you visit Zurich or Arles?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Arles. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles

Arles is a historic, charming, and compact town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Arles?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zurich than Arles, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zurich is more popular for its nightlife, music, and shopping, while Arles is known for its museums. Zurich is more touristy than Arles and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster. Arles is popular for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Zurich different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Zurich offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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

Both Zurich and Arles offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Arles has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Zurich or Arles Better for Nightlife?

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

Zurich is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Arles Better for Music?

Zurich is well known for its music scene. However, Arles is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Arles is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the first-rate old town areas in both Zurich and Arles.

The rich history of Zurich can be explored in its historical center. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Arles has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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 Zurich or Arles?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Zurich is a world class destination for shoppers. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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

Is Zurich or Arles Better for Families?

Zurich is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Zurich is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Arles Better for Couples?

Zurich and Arles both high quality destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zurich is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

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 Zurich or Arles Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

Arles is not popular with students.

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

Zurich 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 Zurich. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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 Zurich or Arles a more walkable city?

Zurich and Arles both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Zurich or Arles to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Zurich than Arles because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arles.

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Arles?

In Zurich, many people enjoy the live music and food that this liberal destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Arles. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Zurich or Arles?

Zurich is a fun place to experience. In Zurich, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Zurich or Arles?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Zurich. 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 shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the compact destination of Arles. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Arles, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive? and Is Arles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Arles?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Arles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Arles. Many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zurich is cooler than Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles this time of the year. In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Arles. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Arles. Many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Zurich is generally cooler than Arles. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Arles. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Arles. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Arles in the Winter?

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

Zurich can be very cold during winter. Zurich is much colder than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Arles. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In the spring, Zurich is cooler than Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Arles. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Arles. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Zurich