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

Should you visit Galway 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 Galway 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.

Galway

Galway is a lively, friendly, 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.

Galway and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Toulon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galway than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galway is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Toulon is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Galway is popular for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. It is also home to The Galway Market. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Galway different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Galway and Toulon have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Galway is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

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 Galway or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Galway and Toulon can be an enjoyable experience.

Galway offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

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 Galway or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Galway 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.

Galway offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

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 Galway or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Galway is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Galway or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a port city with good options for its beaches. However, Galway 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.

Galway is not a beach destination.

Is Galway or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

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

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Toulon?

Toulon is notable for shopping. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Toulon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Galway. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Is Galway or Toulon Better for Families?

Both Galway and Toulon are good to visit with kids.

Galway is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

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 Galway or Toulon Better for Couples?

Both Galway and Toulon are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Galway is a nice destination for couples. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day 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 Galway or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

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 Galway or Toulon Better for Students?

Galway is very good for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

Galway is a good city to visit for students. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Both Galway and Toulon offer good public transit options.

Galway has a few public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

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

Is Galway or Toulon a more walkable city?

Galway and Toulon both are superb when exploring on foot.

Galway is very walkable. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

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 Galway Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Galway?

How long in Galway or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Galway or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Galway than Toulon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Galway, and 1-2 days is enough time in Toulon.

Families should spend more time in Toulon than Galway. 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 Galway. 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 Galway 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 Galway.

One day in Galway or Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Galway. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Galway or Toulon?

Galway 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 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.

Five days in Galway or Toulon?

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

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

A week in Galway or Toulon?

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

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Galway and Toulon, we can see that Galway 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 Galway Expensive? and Is Toulon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Galway or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Galway 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 Galway 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 Galway or Toulon in the Summer?

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

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

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Galway usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during summer. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Galway usually receives more rain than Toulon. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Galway or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon and Galway during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Galway 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, Galway is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Galway 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, Galway often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. Galway usually gets more rain in October than Toulon. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Toulon. The winter months attract visitors to Galway 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, Galway is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 6°C (42°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during winter. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Galway usually receives more rain than Toulon. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Galway or Toulon in the Spring?

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

Galway is cooler than Toulon in the spring. The daily temperature in Galway 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, Galway often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Toulon. Galway gets 52 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 Galway