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

Should you visit Cork 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 Cork 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.

Cork

Cork is a youthful, energetic, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. 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.

Cork and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cork or Toulon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cork than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Cork, Cork has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cork is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Toulon is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Cork is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer. It is also home to The Blarney Castle and Stone. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Cork different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cork 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 Cork specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

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 Cork or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cork 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, Cork makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

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 Cork or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Cork is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Cork offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

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 Cork or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a moderate port city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cork 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.

Cork is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cork or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a port city with good options for its beaches. However, Cork is not a beach destination.

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.

Cork is not a beach destination.

Is Cork or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a moderate port city for its historic old town. However, Cork 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.

Cork does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cork or Toulon?

Both Cork and Toulon are superb shopping destinations.

Cork is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

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 Cork or Toulon Better for Families?

Both Cork and Toulon are good to visit with kids.

Cork is a family-friendly place to visit. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

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 Cork or Toulon Better for Couples?

Cork 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.

Cork is a very popular place to visit for couples. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

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 Cork or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Cork and Toulon are good destinations for backpackers.

Cork is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

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 Cork or Toulon Better for Students?

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

Cork is very popular with students. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Toulon is a port city with good options for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Is Cork or Toulon a more walkable city?

Toulon is notable for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Cork?

How long in Cork or Toulon?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toulon than Cork 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 Cork or Toulon?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Toulon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Cork or Toulon?

Cork 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.

Toulon is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Cork or Toulon?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Toulon. This port city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cork or Toulon?

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

The real world port city of Toulon offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cork or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Cork. When comparing the sizes of Cork 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 Cork 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 Cork or Toulon in the Summer?

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

Cork is much colder than Toulon in the summer. The daily temperature in Cork averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Cork usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during summer. Cork gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cork usually receives more rain than Toulon. Cork gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cork or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon and Cork during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cork for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Toulon because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cork is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cork in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Toulon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Cork often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Cork gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

Cork usually gets more rain in October than Toulon. Cork gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cork or Toulon in the Winter?

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

In January, Cork is generally around the same temperature as Toulon. Daily temperatures in Cork average around 6°C (43°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Cork usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during winter. Cork gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cork gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cork usually receives more rain than Toulon. Cork gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cork or Toulon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cork as well as Toulon. The activities around the city are the main draw to Cork this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cork is cooler than Toulon in the spring. The daily temperature in Cork averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. In the spring, Cork often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Cork gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Cork usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Toulon. Cork gets 55 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 Cork