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

Should you visit Aberdeen or Toulon?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Toulon? 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.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a historic, cultural, and architectural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon

Toulon is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and real world port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Aberdeen and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Toulon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Aberdeen than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Aberdeen, Aberdeen has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Aberdeen is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while Toulon is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Aberdeen is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also home to St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Aberdeen different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aberdeen or Toulon?

Aberdeen is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Aberdeen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

Is the Food Better in Aberdeen or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Aberdeen and Toulon can be an enjoyable experience.

Aberdeen offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Aberdeen or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Both Aberdeen and Toulon are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Aberdeen or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a moderate port city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Aberdeen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Aberdeen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Aberdeen or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a popular place for its beaches. However, Aberdeen is not a beach destination.

Toulon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Aberdeen is not a beach destination.

Is Aberdeen or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Toulon?

Toulon is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Toulon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Is Aberdeen or Toulon Better for Families?

Aberdeen is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Toulon is a family-friendly city. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Aberdeen or Toulon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Aberdeen and Toulon make for a good place to visit.

Aberdeen is a nice destination for couples. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Aberdeen or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulon is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Toulon Better for Students?

Aberdeen is very good for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

Aberdeen is a good city to visit for students. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Toulon is not popular with students.

Is Aberdeen or Toulon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Aberdeen and Toulon offer good public transit options.

Aberdeen has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Toulon has some public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Is Aberdeen or Toulon a more walkable city?

Aberdeen and Toulon both are great when exploring on foot.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Toulon is a very walkable city. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

For even more information, also check out Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Toulon?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toulon than Aberdeen 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 Toulon.

One day in Aberdeen or Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The port city of Toulon offers food and shopping. 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 Aberdeen or Toulon?

Aberdeen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Toulon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toulon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Toulon?

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

Toulon is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Aberdeen or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Aberdeen. This city 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.

Toulon is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Aberdeen. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Toulon, 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 Aberdeen or Toulon?

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 Aberdeen or Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Aberdeen is much colder than Toulon in the summer. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during summer. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Toulon. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon and Aberdeen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Aberdeen is much colder than Toulon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aberdeen in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Toulon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets less rain in October than Toulon. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Toulon. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Aberdeen can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Aberdeen is generally much colder than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 3°C (38°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during winter. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Toulon. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Toulon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Toulon. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Aberdeen is much colder than Toulon in the spring. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. In the spring, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Toulon. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Aberdeen