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

Should you visit Brussels 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 Brussels 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.

Brussels

Brussels is a authentic, colorful, and multicultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Brussels and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Toulon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Toulon, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brussels is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Toulon is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Brussels is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brussels 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 Brussels specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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 Brussels or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brussels 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, Brussels makes for a great culinary experience. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

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 Brussels or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Brussels and Toulon.

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

If you're looking for night time activities Toulon has a few options to choose from. 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 Brussels or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Toulon has a few snorkeling spots. 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.

Brussels is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brussels or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a good destination for its beaches. However, Brussels 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.

Brussels is not a beach destination.

Is Brussels or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Brussels 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 Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

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 Brussels or Toulon?

Brussels is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

Toulon is well-known for its shopping. 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 Brussels or Toulon Better for Families?

Brussels 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.

Brussels is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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 Brussels or Toulon Better for Couples?

Brussels 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.

Brussels is a very popular place to visit for couples. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

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 Brussels or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels 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 Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

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 Brussels or Toulon Better for Students?

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

Brussels is very popular with students. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is an unbeatable 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.

Visitors in Brussels can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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

Is Brussels or Toulon a more walkable city?

Brussels and Toulon both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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 Brussels Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Brussels or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Brussels than Toulon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 1-2 days is enough time in Toulon.

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

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

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

One day in Brussels or Toulon?

Brussels is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The port city of Toulon offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brussels or Toulon?

Brussels is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toulon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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.

Toulon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the multicultural big city of Brussels. 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.

Toulon is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

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 Brussels and Toulon, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive? and Is Toulon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Toulon?

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

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 Brussels or Toulon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Toulon. Many travelers come to Brussels 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.

Brussels is cooler than Toulon in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Toulon. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Toulon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Toulon. Many visitors come to Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Brussels is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Toulon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Toulon. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Toulon in the Winter?

Both Toulon and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Toulon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. In January, Brussels is generally much colder than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives less rain than Toulon. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Toulon in the Spring?

Both Toulon and Brussels during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

Brussels is cooler than Toulon in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in April than Toulon. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Brussels