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

Should you visit Athens or Toulouse?

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 Toulouse. 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 energetic, historic, and ancient city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a vibrant, friendly, and relaxed city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Toulouse?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens than Toulouse. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Athens is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Toulouse attracts visitors for its shopping. Athens is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Toulouse is famous for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toulouse 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 Toulouse?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Toulouse. 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 Athens or Toulouse? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Toulouse can be an enjoyable experience.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

For foodies, Toulouse is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Is Athens or Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Athens is a world class party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Toulouse has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Athens or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

The rich history of Athens can be explored in its historical center. 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.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Toulouse?

Toulouse 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 Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

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 Toulouse Better for Families?

Both Athens and Toulouse are very good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Toulouse is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Athens or Toulouse Better for Couples?

Toulouse is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

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

Is Athens or Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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 Athens or Toulouse Better for Students?

Athens is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Toulouse is a good city to visit for students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

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

Athens is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Athens offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Athens or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Athens and Toulouse are very good 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Athens?

How long in Athens or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Athens or Toulouse. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Athens due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-4 days is enough time in Toulouse.

Families should spend more time in Athens than Toulouse. 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 Toulouse than Athens. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Toulouse 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 Toulouse?

Athens is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toulouse. 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.

A weekend in Athens or Toulouse?

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Toulouse is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 Athens or Toulouse?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. Don't miss the food, 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 Athens or Toulouse?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Toulouse. 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.

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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Toulouse, 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 Toulouse Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Toulouse?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Toulouse. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Toulouse?

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 Athens or Toulouse in the Summer?

Both Toulouse and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is a little warmer than Toulouse in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Toulouse fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulouse. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Toulouse. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Toulouse in the Autumn?

Both Toulouse and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

In the autumn, Athens is a little warmer than Toulouse. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Toulouse averages at about 15°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Toulouse. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Toulouse. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Toulouse in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Toulouse. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulouse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Toulouse. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Toulouse in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Toulouse. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Toulouse in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Athens is a little warmer than Toulouse in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Toulouse fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Toulouse. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Toulouse. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Athens