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

Should you visit Dresden or Toulon?

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

Should I visit Dresden 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.

Dresden

Dresden is a architectural, cultural, and park-filled 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 real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Dresden and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dresden or Toulon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Dresden than Toulon. Dresden is bigger than Toulon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dresden is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Toulon is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Dresden is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its beautiful palaces, castles, and many landmarks (such as the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semperoper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady). Also, Dresden is famous for Dresden Frauenkirche and The Royal Palace. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Dresden different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dresden. It's rich in culture and baroque architecture. Some of the main sights around town include Dresden Frauenkirche, the Dresden Royal Palace and Museums, the Zwinger and Old Masters Picture Gallery, and the Semper Opera.

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 Dresden or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Dresden and Toulon can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dresden area. The food features a number of Saxon specialties, which are typically hearty and heavy on the meat. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll also appreciate the many sweets that you can find around town. You should make sure you try a Fettbemme (open faced sandwich), Eierschecke (a cake), and Sächsische Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup) while you're in town.

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 Dresden or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Dresden 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.

Dresden offers plenty to do in the evening. Head to Neustadt for the highest concentration of bars and clubs. There's a diversity of trendy clubs and casual bars. Bar hopping is easy as most places are accessible by public transit.

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 Dresden or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dresden 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.

Dresden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dresden or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a popular place for the beach. However, Dresden 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.

Dresden is not a beach destination.

Is Dresden or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Dresden is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Dresden. Much of the city's old town has been rebuilt, but that's not to say it isn't beautiful. The main square and surrounding area are where you'll find the majority of the city's main sights.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dresden or Toulon?

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

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Dresden. Kunsthofpassage Dresden is a network of streets where you'll find crafts, art, and other eclectic items for sale. Prager Strasse is a popular shopping street near old town and Seestrasse is where you'll find all of the trendy brands that are popular throughout Europe. The city also has many shopping malls.

Is Dresden or Toulon Better for Families?

Toulon is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Dresden is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Dresden is not always the best place to visit. It doesn't have quite the abundance of activities for kids that you may find in other Germany cities, but that doesn't mean that kids will be bored. There's the Dresden Zoo, the Dresdner Parkeisenbahn (a small steam rail), and the Saxon Folk Art Museum. Families can also take a guided to of the Transparent Factory, which is owned by Volkswagon and provided information on the manufacturing of automobiles.

Is Dresden or Toulon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Dresden and Toulon make for a notable place to visit.

Dresden is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can explore the old town or walk through one of the city's many parks. The city has many cultural activities. In the new town you'll find many great bars and fascinating restaurants.

Toulon is a nice destination for couples. 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 Dresden or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dresden and Toulon are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dresden. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and the city itself is not particularly expensive.

Toulon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Dresden or Toulon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Dresden and Toulon.

You'll find some public transit in Dresden, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has two major train stations as well as tram and bus lines around town.

While Toulon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Is Dresden or Toulon a more walkable city?

Dresden and Toulon both are great when exploring on foot.

Dresden is a very walkable destination. Particularly in the compact city center you'll find Dresden to be very walkable.

Toulon is very walkable. 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 Dresden Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Dresden?

How long in Dresden or Toulon?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dresden. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Dresden or Toulon?

Dresden 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 Dresden or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dresden. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Dresden or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Dresden. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Dresden and Toulon, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Dresden or Toulon?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Toulon. When comparing the sizes of Dresden 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 Dresden 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 Dresden or Toulon in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Dresden is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dresden in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Toulon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In July, Dresden usually receives more rain than Toulon. Dresden gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dresden or Toulon in the Autumn?

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

In October, Dresden is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Dresden average around 11°C (51°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Dresden usually gets less rain in October than Toulon. Dresden gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dresden or Toulon in the Winter?

Both Toulon and Dresden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dresden 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.

Dresden can get quite cold in the winter. Dresden is much colder than Toulon in the winter. The daily temperature in Dresden averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In January, Dresden usually receives less rain than Toulon. Dresden gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dresden or Toulon in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Dresden is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dresden in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Toulon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Dresden usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Toulon. Dresden gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Dresden