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

Should you visit Bruges 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 Bruges 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.

Bruges

Bruges is a beautiful, historic, and charming city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. 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.

Bruges and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bruges or Toulon?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bruges than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Bruges, Bruges has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bruges is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Toulon is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Bruges is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Also, Bruges is famous for Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Bruges different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bruges 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 Bruges specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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 Bruges or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bruges is a well-known 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bruges makes for a great culinary experience. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

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 Bruges or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Bruges and Toulon.

If you're looking for night time activities Bruges has a few options to choose from. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Bruges or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Bruges is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bruges or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a good destination for the beach. However, Bruges 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.

Bruges is not a beach destination.

Is Bruges or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Bruges 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, Bruges offers plenty to see. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

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 Bruges or Toulon?

Toulon is great for its shopping areas. Also, Bruges 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.

Bruges is a great destination for shopping. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Is Bruges or Toulon Better for Families?

Both Bruges and Toulon are notable family-friendly destinations.

Bruges offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

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 Bruges or Toulon Better for Couples?

Bruges is a well-known place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Bruges is a very popular place to visit for couples. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

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 Bruges or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bruges. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

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

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

While Bruges offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

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 Bruges or Toulon a more walkable city?

Bruges 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 Bruges on foot. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

Toulon is a very walkable city. 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 Bruges Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Bruges?

How long in Bruges or Toulon?

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

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

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

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

One day in Bruges or Toulon?

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

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 Bruges or Toulon?

Bruges 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.

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 Bruges or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bruges. 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.

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 Bruges or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Bruges. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the real world 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Bruges or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Bruges 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 Bruges 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 Bruges or Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Bruges during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bruges for 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, Bruges is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bruges in July average around 17°C (63°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 Bruges. In the summer, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Bruges gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Bruges gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Toulon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bruges and Toulon. Many visitors come to Bruges in the autumn for 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, Bruges is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Bruges average around 12°C (54°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during autumn. Bruges gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bruges usually receives less rain than Toulon. Bruges gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bruges or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bruges as well as Toulon. Most visitors come to Bruges 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.

Bruges can be very cold during winter. Bruges is much colder than Toulon in the winter. The daily temperature in Bruges averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Bruges often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Bruges gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun.

Bruges usually gets less rain in January than Toulon. Bruges gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bruges or Toulon in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Bruges is much colder than Toulon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bruges in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Toulon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Bruges usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during spring. Bruges gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bruges usually receives less rain than Toulon. Bruges gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Bruges