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

Should you visit Dover or Toulon?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and Toulon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a breathtaking, iconic, and rustic town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Toulon

Toulon is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and real world port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dover and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Toulon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Toulon than Dover, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Toulon is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Dover is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dover is more touristy than Toulon and is known for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. Also, Toulon is famous for The Old Town.

How is Dover different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Dover or Toulon.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dover. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

Toulon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Dover or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dover and Toulon both to be notable destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dover area. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Is Dover or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Toulon is very good for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a moderate port city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dover 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.

Dover is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dover or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is very good for the beach. However, Dover is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Toulon to enjoy the beach. 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.

Dover is not a beach destination.

Is Dover or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a moderate port city for its historic old town charm. However, Dover does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Toulon is worth visiting. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Toulon Better for Hiking?

Dover is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Dover is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Toulon?

Toulon is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Toulon. 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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Toulon Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Toulon.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Toulon is a family-friendly town. 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 Dover or Toulon Better for Couples?

Dover 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.

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

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 Dover or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dover and Toulon are notable destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Dover or Toulon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Toulon is very good for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town 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 Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Toulon a more walkable city?

Toulon is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Dover?

How long in Dover or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dover or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dover than Toulon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-2 days is enough time in Toulon.

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Toulon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic 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 Dover or Toulon?

Dover 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 Dover or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dover. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Dover or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the natural destination of Dover. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 real world 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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle 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 Dover and Toulon, we can see that Dover 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 Dover would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dover 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 Dover Expensive? and Is Toulon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dover or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

In the summer, Dover is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dover in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Toulon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dover. Dover usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives more rain than Toulon. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon and Dover during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dover is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 12°C (54°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Dover often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in October than Toulon. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Toulon. Many travelers come to Dover for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dover. Dover is much colder than Toulon in the winter. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

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

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Toulon. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Toulon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dover as well as Toulon. Many visitors come to Dover in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Dover is much colder than Toulon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dover in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Toulon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. In the spring, Dover often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Toulon. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Dover