Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Arles?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Arles?

Many visitors spend one to two days in Arles during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This town offers a number of attractions to explore, including the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the restaurant scene, and the beautiful scenery.

Arles is located on the Rhône River in Provence. It is famous as an inspiration for paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and it is filled with Roman ruins and fascinating history. Today the town regularly hosts plays and concerts that visitors can enjoy.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Arles? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is 3 days enough time in Arles?

Three days is more than enough time to see everything that Arles has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the restaurant scene, and the beautiful scenery at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend 3 days in Arles

Arles is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the town's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. 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 absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Arles is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Arles: 2-Hour Private Walking Tour ($202)

Arles is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. This small city is famous for inspiring works by Vincent Van Gogh.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Arles: 2-Hour Private Walking Tour ($202)

Public transit in Arles is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Don't miss L'Amphithéâtre Romain during your trip to Arles, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

This town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is 4 days enough time in Arles?

Four days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Arles. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. You could also use Arles as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

Arles, France Arles, France

How to spend 4 days in Arles

With 4 days in Arles, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.

Shopping in Arles is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Arles.

Is 5 days enough time in Arles?

Five days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Arles at your own pace to experience the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the restaurant scene, and the beautiful scenery. Then you can use this spot as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.

How to spend 5 days in Arles

If you have more than 5 days in Arles, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.

After you've explored most of Arles, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Arles.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Arles, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

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