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

Should you visit Kiel or Toulon?

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

Should I visit Kiel or Toulon? 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.

Kiel

Kiel is a waterfront, maritime, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Kiel and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Toulon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Kiel than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Kiel, Kiel has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kiel is very popular for its big city activities, while Toulon attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Kiel is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. It is also well known for The Kiel Castle. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Kiel different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Kiel and Toulon.

Kiel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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.

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

Both Kiel and Toulon offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Kiel. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Toulon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Kiel or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Kiel and Toulon.

Kiel has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

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 Kiel or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kiel or Toulon Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Kiel and Toulon are nice choices.

Kiel is a good option for a beach vacation. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Many people head to Toulon to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Kiel or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

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.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Toulon?

Toulon is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Toulon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Kiel or Toulon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kiel or Toulon.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kiel. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

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 Kiel or Toulon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Kiel and Toulon make for a nice place to visit.

Kiel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Toulon is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Kiel or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulon is a popular place for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Kiel or Toulon Better for Students?

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

Kiel is a good city to visit for students. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Toulon is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Toulon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Kiel or Toulon a more walkable city?

Toulon is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Toulon is a very walkable port city. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Kiel Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Toulon?

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

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

One day in Kiel or Toulon?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Toulon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Kiel or Toulon?

Kiel 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Kiel or Toulon?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the industrial destination of Toulon. This port city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kiel or Toulon?

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

The authentic port city of Toulon offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Kiel 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 Kiel 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 Kiel or Toulon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Toulon. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kiel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kiel is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 16°C (61°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In Kiel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kiel usually receives more rain than Toulon. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kiel or Toulon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Toulon. Many travelers come to Kiel for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Toulon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Kiel is much colder than Toulon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. In the autumn, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets less rain in October than Toulon. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Toulon in the Winter?

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

Kiel can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Kiel is much colder than Toulon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiel in January average around 0°C (33°F), and Toulon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during winter. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kiel usually receives less rain than Toulon. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kiel or Toulon in the Spring?

Both Toulon and Kiel during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Kiel is generally much colder than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Kiel average around 7°C (44°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

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