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

Should you visit Athens or Toulon?

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 Athens and Toulon. 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.

Athens

Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon

Toulon is a industrial, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Athens and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Toulon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Toulon. Athens is bigger than Toulon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Toulon is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Athens is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is an unbeatable 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Athens has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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 Athens or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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 Athens or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling 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.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Athens or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a good destination for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Toulon offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Athens is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

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 Athens or Toulon?

Toulon is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Toulon. 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.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Toulon Better for Families?

Athens 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.

Athens is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens or Toulon Better for Couples?

Athens and Toulon both notable destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Toulon is a nice destination for couples. 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 Athens or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Athens or Toulon Better for Students?

Athens is a well-known place for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

Athens is very popular with students. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Athens is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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

Is Athens or Toulon a more walkable city?

Athens and Toulon are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Toulon is very walkable. 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 Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Athens?

How long in Athens or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Toulon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Toulon.

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

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

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

One day in Athens or Toulon?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toulon. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Toulon?

Athens is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Toulon 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.

Five days in Athens or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. 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 Athens or Toulon?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Toulon. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Toulon?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Toulon. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Toulon?

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 Athens or Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Toulon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Athens is a little warmer than Toulon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Toulon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Toulon in the Autumn?

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

In October, Athens is generally a little warmer than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Toulon. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Toulon in the Winter?

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

Athens is much warmer than Toulon in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Toulon. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Toulon in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Athens is a little warmer than Toulon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Toulon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Toulon. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Athens