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

Should you visit Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a historic, beautiful, and collegiate university town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. 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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Cambridge and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cambridge or Toulon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulon than Cambridge, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toulon is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Cambridge is known for its museums, food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cambridge is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. 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 Cambridge different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cambridge 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 Cambridge specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

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 Cambridge or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cambridge 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, Cambridge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

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 Cambridge or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

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

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cambridge. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

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 Cambridge or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cambridge 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.

Cambridge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cambridge or Toulon Better for Beaches?

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

Cambridge is not a beach destination.

Is Cambridge or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a decent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Toulon is a good place to visit the old town. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cambridge or Toulon?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Cambridge and Toulon.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

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 Cambridge or Toulon Better for Families?

Both Cambridge and Toulon are good family-friendly destinations.

Cambridge is a family-friendly university town. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

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 Cambridge or Toulon Better for Couples?

Cambridge 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.

Cambridge is a very popular place to visit for couples. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

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 Cambridge or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cambridge and Toulon are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Cambridge or Toulon Better for Students?

Cambridge is an unbeatable place for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Cambridge. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

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

Cambridge has some public transit options. There is a regional bus service that operates through 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 Cambridge or Toulon a more walkable city?

Cambridge 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 Cambridge on foot. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

Toulon is a very walkable university 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 Cambridge Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Cambridge?

How long in Cambridge or Toulon?

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

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

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

One day in Cambridge or Toulon?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Toulon. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Cambridge or Toulon?

Cambridge 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Toulon. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cambridge or Toulon?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the real world port city of Toulon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cambridge or Toulon?

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

Toulon is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Cambridge or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cambridge. When comparing the sizes of Cambridge 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.