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

Should you visit Istanbul or Toulon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Toulon, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a historic, diverse, and beautiful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Istanbul and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Toulon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Toulon, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Toulon is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Istanbul is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Istanbul different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Istanbul 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 Istanbul that are not to be missed. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

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 Istanbul or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Istanbul is an unbeatable 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.

Istanbul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

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 Istanbul or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Istanbul 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.

Istanbul offers plenty to do in the evening. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.

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 Istanbul or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Istanbul is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Istanbul or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Toulon has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul 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, Istanbul offers plenty to see. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

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 Istanbul or Toulon?

Both Istanbul and Toulon are excellent shopping destinations.

Istanbul is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

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 Istanbul or Toulon Better for Families?

Istanbul 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.

Istanbul is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

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 Istanbul or Toulon Better for Couples?

Istanbul 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.

Istanbul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

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 Istanbul or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul 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.

Istanbul is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

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 Istanbul or Toulon Better for Students?

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

Istanbul is very popular with students. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Istanbul 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 Istanbul can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

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

Is Istanbul or Toulon a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Toulon both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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 Istanbul Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Istanbul or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Istanbul than Toulon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-2 days is enough time in Toulon.

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

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

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

One day in Istanbul or Toulon?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

The port city of Toulon offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Istanbul or Toulon?

Istanbul is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Istanbul or Toulon?

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

Toulon is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

A week in Istanbul or Toulon?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Toulon is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Toulon?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Toulon. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Toulon in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Toulon. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

In the autumn, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Toulon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Toulon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Toulon. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Toulon. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Istanbul is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Toulon. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Toulon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Toulon. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Toulon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Toulon in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°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, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Toulon. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Istanbul