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

Should you visit Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a character-filled, historic, and quaint town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon

Toulon is a industrial, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Heidelberg and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Toulon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Toulon than Heidelberg. Toulon is bigger than Heidelberg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Toulon is better known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Heidelberg is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. Also, Toulon is famous for The Old Town.

How is Heidelberg different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toulon is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Toulon. 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.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg 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, Heidelberg makes for a great culinary experience. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

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 Heidelberg or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg offers plenty to do in the evening. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

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 Heidelberg or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can 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.

Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Heidelberg or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a good destination for the beach. However, Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Heidelberg or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg 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, Heidelberg offers plenty to see. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

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 Heidelberg or Toulon?

Toulon is a great port city for its shopping areas. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Heidelberg is a great destination for shopping. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Is Heidelberg or Toulon Better for Families?

Both Heidelberg and Toulon are notable family-friendly destinations.

Heidelberg offers lots of family activities. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Heidelberg or Toulon Better for Couples?

Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is a very popular place to visit for couples. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.

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 Heidelberg or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

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 Heidelberg or Toulon Better for Students?

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

Heidelberg is a good town to visit for students. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg is a well-known 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.

Public transit in Heidelberg is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

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

Is Heidelberg or Toulon a more walkable city?

Heidelberg and Toulon are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Heidelberg is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly 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 Heidelberg Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Toulon?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg.

One day in Heidelberg or Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With museums and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path port city of Toulon, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toulon, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Toulon?

Heidelberg 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Toulon, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Five days in Heidelberg or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. 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, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Heidelberg or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming destination of Heidelberg. This town 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg or Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Heidelberg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heidelberg is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heidelberg in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Toulon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heidelberg. In the summer, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Toulon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Toulon. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the autumn for 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 October, Heidelberg is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 12°C (54°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during autumn. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Toulon. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Toulon. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for 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.

Heidelberg can be very cold during winter. Heidelberg is much colder than Toulon in the winter. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in January than Toulon. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Toulon in the Spring?

Both Toulon and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

In the spring, Heidelberg is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heidelberg in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Toulon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during spring. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Toulon. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Heidelberg