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

Should you visit Granada or Toulouse?

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

Should I visit Granada or Toulouse? 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.

Granada

Granada is a cultural, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a friendly, relaxed, and dynamic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Toulouse?

You'll generally find more things to do in Toulouse than Granada. Toulouse is bigger than Granada, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Toulouse is better known for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Granada is more popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Granada is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Toulouse is well known for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. Also, Toulouse is famous for Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Granada different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Granada or Toulouse?

Granada is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Granada has many famous sights for visitors. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Toulouse. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

Is the Food Better in Granada or Toulouse? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulouse is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Toulouse is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Both Granada and Toulouse have excellent vibes after the sun sets.

Granada has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

The people in Toulouse know how to have a good time. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

Is Granada or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Granada is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

The rich history of Granada can be explored in its historical center. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Toulouse. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Is Granada or Toulouse Better for Hiking?

Granada is great for hiking. However, Toulouse is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Granada for the hiking trails. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Toulouse is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Toulouse?

Toulouse is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Toulouse Better for Families?

Toulouse is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Toulouse is a very family-friendly destination. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Toulouse Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Toulouse make for a excellent place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Couples visit Toulouse frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

Is Granada or Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Granada. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Granada or Toulouse Better for Students?

Granada is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Granada. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Toulouse is a good city to visit for students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Is Granada or Toulouse Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Granada and Toulouse.

Granada has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

You'll find some public transit in Toulouse, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Granada or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Granada and Toulouse are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

Toulouse is a very walkable city. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Toulouse Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Granada?

How long in Granada or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Granada or Toulouse. In our opinion, Granada has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Granada than Toulouse. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada than Toulouse 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 Granada.

One day in Granada or Toulouse?

The beautiful city of Granada offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Toulouse, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Granada or Toulouse?

Granada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Granada, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Toulouse, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulouse has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Toulouse?

Granada is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Toulouse is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Granada or Toulouse?

Granada is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulouse. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Toulouse?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada and Toulouse, 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 Granada or Toulouse?

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 Granada or Toulouse in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Toulouse. Many visitors come to Granada in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Toulouse for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Granada is generally a little warmer than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulouse this time of the year. In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Toulouse. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Toulouse in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Granada as well as Toulouse. Most visitors come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Granada is a little warmer than Toulouse in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Toulouse fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Toulouse. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Toulouse. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Toulouse in the Winter?

Both Toulouse and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Granada because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

In the winter, Granada is much warmer than Toulouse. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Toulouse averages at about 6°C (44°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Toulouse in the Spring?

Both Toulouse and Granada during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulouse for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Granada is generally a little warmer than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than Toulouse. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in April than Toulouse. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Granada