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

Should you visit Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a vibrant, gothic, and ancient city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for museums, theater, and nightlife.

Toulon

Toulon is a off-the-beaten-path, real world, and industrial port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Edinburgh and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Toulon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Toulon. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Toulon attracts visitors for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Edinburgh is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also well known for The Edinburgh Castle. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Edinburgh different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is an unbeatable 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Edinburgh that are not to be missed. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

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 Edinburgh or Toulon Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a well-known place for theatre. However, Toulon is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Toulon is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Edinburgh or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulon is a port city with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh offers plenty to do in the evening. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

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 Edinburgh or Toulon Better for Music?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Toulon is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh is a world class music destination. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Toulon is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling 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.

Edinburgh is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Edinburgh or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a port city with good options for the beache. However, Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is not a beach destination.

Is Edinburgh or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Edinburgh offers plenty to see. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

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 Edinburgh or Toulon?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Edinburgh and Toulon.

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

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.

Is Edinburgh or Toulon Better for Families?

Edinburgh is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Edinburgh is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

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 Edinburgh or Toulon Better for Couples?

Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

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 Edinburgh or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Edinburgh is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

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 Edinburgh or Toulon Better for Students?

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

Edinburgh is very popular with students. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Edinburgh and Toulon.

Edinburgh has some public transit options. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if 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.

Is Edinburgh or Toulon a more walkable city?

Edinburgh is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Edinburgh on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

Toulon is a very walkable city. 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 Edinburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Edinburgh or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Edinburgh than Toulon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 1-2 days is enough time in Toulon.

Families should spend more time in Edinburgh than Toulon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Edinburgh, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Edinburgh than Toulon 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 Edinburgh.

One day in Edinburgh or Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Edinburgh. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Toulon. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Toulon?

Edinburgh 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Toulon. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the industrial port city of Toulon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the vibrant destination of Edinburgh. 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.

Toulon is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Toulon?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Toulon. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Toulon?

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 Edinburgh or Toulon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Toulon. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Edinburgh for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Toulon because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Edinburgh is much colder than Toulon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Toulon. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Toulon in the Winter?

Both Toulon and Edinburgh during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

The weather in Edinburgh can be very cold. In the winter, Edinburgh is much colder than Toulon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Toulon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in January than Toulon. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Toulon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Toulon. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Edinburgh is generally much colder than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Edinburgh usually receives less rain than Toulon. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Edinburgh