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

Should you visit Cologne or Toulouse?

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

Should I visit Cologne or Toulouse? 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.

Cologne

Cologne is a accessible, vibrant, and colorful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a friendly, relaxed, and dynamic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cologne and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cologne or Toulouse?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cologne than Toulouse. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cologne is very popular for its christmas markets and big city activities, while Toulouse attracts visitors for its food and historical sights. Cologne is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. It is also well known for The Cologne Cathedral. Toulouse is famous for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine.

The Cologne Cathedral

How is Cologne different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cologne or Toulouse?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Cologne or Toulouse.

Cologne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.

Many visitors head to Toulouse specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

Is the Food Better in Cologne or Toulouse? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulouse is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Toulouse is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.

Is Cologne or Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Cologne and Toulouse.

Cologne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.

Many people head to Toulouse for the nightlife scene. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

Is Cologne or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse is well known for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Toulouse. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.

Is the Shopping Better in Cologne or Toulouse?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Toulouse and Cologne.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cologne. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Is Cologne or Toulouse Better for Christmas?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Toulouse does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Cologne is a top place to visit during Christmas. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Toulouse does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cologne or Toulouse Better for Christmas Markets?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Toulouse does not offer Christmas markets.

The active Christmas markets during the holiday season make Cologne very popular during this season. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.

Toulouse does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Cologne or Toulouse Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cologne or Toulouse.

Cologne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.

Toulouse is a very family-friendly destination. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

Is Cologne or Toulouse Better for Couples?

Toulouse is well known for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Toulouse frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

Cologne is a nice destination for couples. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.

Is Cologne or Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cologne is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Cologne is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Cologne or Toulouse Better for Students?

Cologne is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Cologne. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.

Toulouse is a good city to visit for students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Is Cologne or Toulouse Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cologne is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Cologne has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Cologne or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Cologne and Toulouse both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Cologne is a very walkable destination. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.

Toulouse is very walkable. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Cologne Worth Visiting? and Is Toulouse Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Cologne?

How long in Cologne or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Cologne or Toulouse. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Toulouse due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cologne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Toulouse.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cologne than Toulouse 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 Cologne.

One day in Cologne or Toulouse?

Cologne is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Toulouse, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Cologne or Toulouse?

Cologne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cologne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Toulouse, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulouse has to offer.

Five days in Cologne or Toulouse?

Cologne 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.

Toulouse is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Cologne or Toulouse?

Cologne 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 city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulouse. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cologne and Toulouse, we can see that Cologne is more expensive. And not only is Toulouse much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Toulouse would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toulouse 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 Cologne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cologne than you might in Toulouse.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cologne Expensive? and Is Toulouse Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cologne or Toulouse?

Cologne has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Toulouse. When comparing the sizes of Cologne and Toulouse, 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 Cologne or Toulouse?

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 Cologne or Toulouse in the Summer?

Both Toulouse and Cologne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cologne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Toulouse for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cologne is cooler than Toulouse in the summer. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Toulouse fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Toulouse, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in July than Toulouse. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Toulouse in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Toulouse. Most visitors come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cologne is cooler than Toulouse. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cologne in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Toulouse averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during autumn. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toulouse. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cologne or Toulouse in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Toulouse. The winter months attract visitors to Cologne because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

The weather in Cologne can be very cold. In January, Cologne is generally much colder than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 3°C (37°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

In the winter, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in January than Toulouse. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cologne or Toulouse in the Spring?

Both Toulouse and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulouse for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Cologne is cooler than Toulouse in the spring. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Toulouse fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives less rain than Toulouse. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Cologne