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

Should you visit Alicante or Toulouse?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Toulouse can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a authentic, vibrant, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a relaxed, dynamic, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Toulouse?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulouse than Alicante, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toulouse is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is known for its beaches. Alicante is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also home to Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Alicante different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alicante or Toulouse?

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Alicante and Toulouse.

Many visitors head to Alicante specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Toulouse can be an interesting and educational experience. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

Is the Food Better in Alicante or Toulouse? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulouse is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Toulouse has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

Alicante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

Is Alicante or Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Toulouse is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

If you're looking for night time activities Alicante has a few options to choose from. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

Is Alicante or Toulouse Better for Beaches?

Alicante is a city with good options for the beach. However, Toulouse is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Alicante. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

Toulouse is not a beach destination.

Is Alicante or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse is well known for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Toulouse. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Alicante has an old town worth visiting. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Toulouse?

Toulouse is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Toulouse is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Alicante has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Is Alicante or Toulouse Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Alicante or Toulouse.

Alicante is a very kid-friendly city. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Toulouse. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

Is Alicante or Toulouse Better for Couples?

Both Alicante and Toulouse are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Alicante frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Toulouse is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

Is Alicante or Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alicante is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Alicante is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Alicante or Toulouse Better for Students?

Alicante and Toulouse are good places to visit for students.

Alicante is popular with students. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

It's common for students to visit Toulouse. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Is Alicante or Toulouse Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Alicante and Toulouse.

You'll find some public transit in Alicante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

While Toulouse offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Alicante or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Toulouse is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Toulouse is a very walkable city. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Alicante Worth Visiting? and Is Toulouse Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Alicante or Toulouse. In our opinion, Toulouse has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Toulouse than Alicante. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Alicante or Toulouse?

The city of Alicante offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Toulouse offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Alicante or Toulouse?

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

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

Five days in Alicante or Toulouse?

Alicante 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.

Toulouse is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Alicante or Toulouse?

Alicante 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 city offers something for everyone.

Toulouse is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Toulouse, we can see that Alicante 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 Alicante Expensive? and Is Toulouse Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Toulouse?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Toulouse, 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 Alicante or Toulouse?

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 Alicante or Toulouse in the Summer?

Both Toulouse and Alicante during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Toulouse in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Alicante is a little warmer than Toulouse. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alicante in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Toulouse averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Toulouse, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the summer, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Toulouse. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in July than Toulouse. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Toulouse in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Toulouse. Many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Toulouse for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 20°C (68°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during autumn. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Alicante usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alicante or Toulouse in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Toulouse. Most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Alicante is much warmer than Toulouse in the winter. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Toulouse fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

In the winter, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Toulouse. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in January than Toulouse. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Toulouse in the Spring?

Both Toulouse and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

In the spring, Alicante is a little warmer than Toulouse. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alicante in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Toulouse averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during spring. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Alicante usually receives less rain than Toulouse. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Alicante