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

Should you visit Cadiz 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 Cadiz 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.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a friendly, undiscovered, and historic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon

Toulon is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and real world port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Cadiz and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cadiz or Toulon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulon than Cadiz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toulon is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches, while Cadiz is known for its historical sights. Cadiz is popular for its long-running maritime history and its charming old town. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Cadiz different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Cadiz and Toulon have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cadiz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the oldest city in Europe, there are countless historic sights and monuments to see. Some of the most interesting historic sights include Catedral Nueva, the Arcos de los Blancos, Torre Tavira, and Museo de Cádiz.

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 Cadiz or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Cadiz and Toulon.

Cadiz offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The restaurants are good, but if you don't have reservations you're out of luck. Many restaurants fill up during the peak summer months. If you do have reservations then you can expect fresh seafood including everything from oysters to prawns and even fresh caught fish like Bluefin tuna. Make sure you try the shrimp fritters and papas con choco (cuttlefish and potato stew). Tapas are a great way to sample a number of small local dishes. Also finish your meal off with some churros.

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 Cadiz or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Both Cadiz and Toulon are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cadiz. The nightlife scene is diverse, with both cultural activities and dance clubs to choose from. Whether you're looking for a late night party or a more mellow evening on the town, there are a number of options available.

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 Cadiz or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a moderate port city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cadiz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option 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.

Cadiz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cadiz or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a port city with good options for its beaches. However, Cadiz is not a good port city for the beache.

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.

You can check out the beach in Cadiz. The beaches remain relatively undiscovered on the international level, so you won't have to deal with the crowds that you find at many Spanish beaches. They are urban beaches that make a good place to cool off, but aren't particularly scenic. The beaches are popular with nearby locals, and the atmosphere remains chill and relaxed. While there are many beaches to choose from outside of town, the closest in town beach is La Caleta. It's even been featured in a few Hollywood films such as Die Another Day.

Is Cadiz or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Cadiz 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 Cadiz. The old town offers a patchwork network of cobblestone streets that intertwine plazas, churches, and historic buildings.

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 Cadiz or Toulon?

Both Cadiz and Toulon are superb shopping destinations.

Cadiz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a diverse mix of local boutiques, food markets, shopping centers, and street markets where you can pick up everything from local items to European fashion. If you happen to be in town on a weekend, keep in mind that many shops are only open in the morning on Saturdays and closed all day Sundays.

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 Cadiz or Toulon Better for Families?

Both Cadiz and Toulon are good to visit with kids.

Cadiz is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can splash around, as well as some parks and playgrounds where kids can get their energy out. Outside of town you'll find waterparks and other fun activities as well.

Toulon is a family-friendly port 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 Cadiz or Toulon Better for Couples?

Both Cadiz and Toulon are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cadiz is a nice destination for couples. With its history and beaches, there are many romantic activities that couples can enjoy. Wander around old town and enjoy local cuisine. Visit the historic ruins and take a hike outside of the city.

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 Cadiz or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Cadiz and Toulon are good destinations for backpackers.

Cadiz is a good port city to visit for backpackers. One of the biggest draws to the city is there huge Carnival festival every February. This is a popular time to visit and backpackers will appreciate the lively atmosphere.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Cadiz or Toulon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Cadiz and Toulon offer good public transit options.

Cadiz has a few public transit options. There are five bus lines around town. The buses are comfortable and air conditioned.

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

Is Cadiz or Toulon a more walkable city?

Cadiz and Toulon both are superb when exploring on foot.

Cadiz is very walkable. It is a walkable city that is historic and compact enough to explore on foot. It can be a bit of a walk to get from the old town to the beach though.

Toulon is a very walkable port 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 Cadiz Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Cadiz?

How long in Cadiz or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cadiz or Toulon to fill your time. In our opinion, Toulon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Toulon than Cadiz. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Toulon than Cadiz. 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 Cadiz. 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 Cadiz 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 Cadiz or Toulon?

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

In Toulon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this off-the-beaten-path destination offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Cadiz or Toulon?

Cadiz 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cadiz or Toulon?

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

Toulon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Toulon. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cadiz or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Cadiz. This port 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Toulon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cadiz and Toulon, we can see that Cadiz 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 Cadiz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cadiz 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 Cadiz Expensive? and Is Toulon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cadiz or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cadiz. When comparing the sizes of Cadiz 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 Cadiz 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 Cadiz or Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Cadiz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cadiz in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cadiz is around the same temperature as Toulon in the summer. The daily temperature in Cadiz averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cadiz. Cadiz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon during summer. Cadiz gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cadiz usually receives less rain than Toulon. Cadiz gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cadiz or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon and Cadiz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cadiz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Toulon because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cadiz is a little warmer than Toulon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cadiz in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Toulon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cadiz. In the autumn, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Toulon. Cadiz gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets less rain in October than Toulon. Cadiz gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cadiz or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cadiz and Toulon. The winter months attract visitors to Cadiz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

In January, Cadiz is generally much warmer than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Cadiz average around 13°C (55°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than Toulon during winter. Cadiz gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cadiz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toulon. Cadiz gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cadiz or Toulon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cadiz as well as Toulon. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cadiz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cadiz is a little warmer than Toulon in the spring. The daily temperature in Cadiz averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cadiz this time of the year. In the spring, Cadiz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Toulon. Cadiz gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets less rain in April than Toulon. Cadiz gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Cadiz