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

Should you visit Geneva or Toulon?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Toulon. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Geneva

Geneva is a diverse, international, and professional city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Geneva and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Toulon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Geneva than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Geneva, Geneva has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Geneva is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Toulon is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Geneva is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also home to The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau). Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Geneva different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Geneva 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 Geneva specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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 Geneva or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Geneva 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, Geneva makes for a great culinary experience. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

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 Geneva or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Geneva or Toulon has a better nightlife scene.

Geneva has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

If you're looking for night time activities Toulon has a few options to choose from. 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 Geneva or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Geneva is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Geneva or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a good destination for its beaches. However, Geneva is not a beach destination.

Toulon offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Geneva is not a beach destination.

Is Geneva or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Geneva is very good for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

Many visitors go to Geneva to see the historical old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

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 Geneva or Toulon?

Geneva is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Geneva is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

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 Geneva or Toulon Better for Families?

Both Geneva and Toulon are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Geneva. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Toulon offers lots of family activities. 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 Geneva or Toulon Better for Couples?

Geneva and Toulon both good destinations for a couple.

Geneva is a nice destination for couples. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

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 Geneva or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulon is a good destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or Toulon Better for Students?

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

Geneva is very popular with students. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Geneva is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Geneva can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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

Is Geneva or Toulon a more walkable city?

Geneva and Toulon both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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 Geneva Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Toulon?

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

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

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

One day in Geneva or Toulon?

Geneva is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Geneva or Toulon?

Geneva is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Geneva or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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 Geneva or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the international big city of Geneva. 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 industrial 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva or Toulon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Toulon. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Geneva is around the same temperature as Toulon in the summer. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In Geneva, it's very sunny this time of the year. Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives more rain than Toulon. Geneva 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 Geneva or Toulon in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Geneva is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Geneva in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Toulon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. In the autumn, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets less rain in October than Toulon. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Toulon in the Winter?

Both Toulon and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Toulon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Geneva can be very cold during winter. In January, Geneva is generally much colder than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 4°C (39°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than Toulon. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Geneva or Toulon in the Spring?

Both Toulon and Geneva during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Geneva because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

Geneva is cooler than Toulon in the spring. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in April than Toulon. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Geneva