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

Should you visit Cardiff or Toulon?

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

Should I visit Cardiff or Toulon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a green, industrial, and up-and-coming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cardiff and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Toulon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cardiff. Although Cardiff and Toulon are about the same size, Cardiff has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cardiff is very popular for its big city activities, while Toulon attracts visitors for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping. Cardiff is more touristy than Toulon and is known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe. It is also well known for The Cardiff Castle. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Cardiff different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Cardiff and Toulon.

Cardiff offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Toulon. 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 Cardiff or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulon is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Toulon. 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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Cardiff or Toulon has a better nightlife scene.

Cardiff has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

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 Cardiff or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cardiff or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a popular place for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Toulon is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Cardiff or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

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.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Toulon?

Toulon is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Cardiff or Toulon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Toulon.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cardiff. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Toulon offers lots of family activities. 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 Cardiff or Toulon Better for Couples?

Toulon is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Cardiff or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulon is a popular place for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Toulon Better for Students?

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

Cardiff is a good city to visit for students. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Toulon is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or Toulon a more walkable city?

Toulon is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Toulon is a very walkable port city. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

For even more information, also check out Is Cardiff Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Toulon?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Cardiff. 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 Cardiff or Toulon?

Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. 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 Cardiff or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the up-and-coming destination of Cardiff. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Toulon?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Toulon. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Toulon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Toulon. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cardiff is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 17°C (63°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during summer. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Toulon. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cardiff or Toulon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Toulon. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Cardiff is cooler than Toulon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cardiff averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. In the autumn, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Cardiff gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cardiff usually gets more rain in October than Toulon. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Toulon in the Winter?

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

Cardiff can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cardiff is much colder than Toulon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cardiff in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Toulon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during winter. Cardiff gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cardiff usually receives more rain than Toulon. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cardiff or Toulon in the Spring?

Both Toulon and Cardiff during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cardiff is generally much colder than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 9°C (48°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets less rain in April than Toulon. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Cardiff