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

Should you visit Bristol or Toulon?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Toulon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

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

Bristol and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Toulon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bristol than Toulon. Bristol is bigger than Toulon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bristol is better known for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Toulon is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Bristol is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. Also, Bristol is famous for The Bristol Harbour. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Bristol different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bristol 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 Bristol specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

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 Bristol or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Bristol is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Toulon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Bristol or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Bristol is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Bristol offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

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 Bristol or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bristol 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.

Bristol is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bristol or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a port city with good options for the beach. However, Bristol is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Toulon. 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.

Bristol is not a beach destination.

Is Bristol or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is adequate for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Toulon is worth visiting. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Toulon?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bristol and Toulon both offer plenty of superb spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

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.

Is Bristol or Toulon Better for Families?

Both Bristol and Toulon are notable to visit with kids.

Bristol offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Bristol or Toulon Better for Couples?

Both Bristol and Toulon are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bristol is a good city for couples to visit. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

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 Bristol or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulon is a port city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Toulon is a good port city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Toulon Better for Students?

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

Bristol is a good city to visit for students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Bristol and Toulon both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Bristol offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

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

Is Bristol or Toulon a more walkable city?

Bristol and Toulon are superb when it comes to walkability.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

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 Bristol Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bristol or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bristol 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 Bristol, and 1-2 days is enough time in Toulon.

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

Couples should spend more time in Toulon than Bristol. 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 Bristol 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 Bristol or Toulon?

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

In Toulon, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bristol or Toulon?

Bristol 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.

In Toulon, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulon has to offer.

Five days in Bristol or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bristol. 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 great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bristol or Toulon?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulon. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Toulon?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Toulon. When comparing the sizes of Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol or Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Bristol during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bristol in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bristol is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bristol in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Toulon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Toulon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Toulon. Most visitors come to Bristol for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Toulon because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bristol is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 13°C (55°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In October, Bristol usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toulon. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bristol or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Toulon. The winter months attract visitors to Bristol because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

Bristol is cooler than Toulon in the winter. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in January than Toulon. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Toulon in the Spring?

Both Toulon and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bristol is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bristol in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Toulon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Bristol usually receives less rain than Toulon. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Bristol