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

Should you visit Bath or Toulon?

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 Bath and Toulon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bath

Bath is a historical, beautiful, and architectural spa town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon

Toulon is a off-the-beaten-path, real world, and industrial port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bath and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bath or Toulon?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bath than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Bath, Bath has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bath is more popular for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Toulon is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Bath is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums. It is also home to The Historic Roman Baths. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

The Historic Roman Baths

How is Bath different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bath 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 Bath that are not to be missed. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

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 Bath or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bath. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Toulon. 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 Bath or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Both Bath and Toulon have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bath. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.

Toulon has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Bath or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bath is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to 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.

Bath is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bath or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is very good for its beaches. However, Bath is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Toulon to enjoy the beach. 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.

Bath is not a beach destination.

Is Bath or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Bath 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 Bath. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

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 Bath or Toulon?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Bath and Toulon.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bath. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.

Toulon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Bath or Toulon Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Bath or Toulon.

Bath is a family-friendly spa town. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Toulon. 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 Bath or Toulon Better for Couples?

Bath is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Bath has plenty to offer. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

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 Bath or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bath and Toulon are both good destinations for backpackers.

Bath is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

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 Bath or Toulon Better for Students?

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

Bath is very popular with students. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Bath and Toulon.

Bath has some public transit options. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.

You'll find some public transit in Toulon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Is Bath or Toulon a more walkable city?

Bath is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Bath on foot. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to explore on foot.

Toulon is a very walkable spa town. 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 Bath Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Bath?

How long in Bath or Toulon?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bath 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 Bath.

One day in Bath or Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bath. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Toulon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bath or Toulon?

Bath is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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.

Toulon is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bath or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bath. Don't miss the museums, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the industrial destination of Toulon. This port city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bath or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Bath. This spa town 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.

The off-the-beaten-path port city of Toulon offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in 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 Bath and Toulon, we can see that Bath 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 Bath would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bath 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 Bath Expensive? and Is Toulon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bath or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bath. When comparing the sizes of Bath 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.