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

Should you visit Kilkenny or Toulouse?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kilkenny and Toulouse can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a active, ancient, and medieval town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a relaxed, dynamic, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Toulouse?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toulouse. Although Kilkenny and Toulouse are both popular with visitors, Toulouse has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kilkenny is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its medieval castle and long running history. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also home to Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Kilkenny different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kilkenny
Toulouse

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Kilkenny and Toulouse.

Many visitors head to Kilkenny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Toulouse can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Kilkenny or Toulouse? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kilkenny
Toulouse

Toulouse is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Toulouse has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Kilkenny has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Kilkenny or Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Kilkenny
Toulouse

Toulouse is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kilkenny has a few options to choose from. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Kilkenny or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny
Toulouse

Kilkenny and Toulouse are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Many visitors go to Toulouse to see the historical old town. 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 the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Toulouse?

Kilkenny
Toulouse

Toulouse is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Toulouse is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Kilkenny has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Is Kilkenny or Toulouse Better for Families?

Kilkenny
Toulouse

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Kilkenny or Toulouse.

Kilkenny is a very kid-friendly town. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Toulouse. 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.

Is Kilkenny or Toulouse Better for Couples?

Kilkenny
Toulouse

Both Kilkenny and Toulouse are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Kilkenny frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

Toulouse is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Kilkenny or Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny
Toulouse

Kilkenny is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Kilkenny is a good town to visit for backpackers. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

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 Kilkenny or Toulouse Better for Students?

Kilkenny
Toulouse

Toulouse is very good for students. However, Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Toulouse is popular with students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Kilkenny
Toulouse

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Kilkenny and Toulouse.

You'll find some public transit in Kilkenny, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses through town.

While Toulouse offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.


Is Kilkenny or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Kilkenny
Toulouse

Kilkenny and Toulouse both are superb when exploring on foot.

Kilkenny is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Kilkenny or Toulouse. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Toulouse due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kilkenny, and 2-4 days is enough time in Toulouse.

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


  • How many days in Kilkenny or Toulouse? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kilkenny 1-2 
    Toulouse 2-4

One day in Kilkenny or Toulouse?

The town of Kilkenny offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Toulouse offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

A weekend in Kilkenny or Toulouse?

Kilkenny is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Kilkenny, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Toulouse 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 Toulouse, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Kilkenny or Toulouse?

Kilkenny 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.

Toulouse is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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.

A week in Kilkenny or Toulouse?

Kilkenny is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Toulouse is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Toulouse or Kilkenny?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kilkenny is €88, while the average daily cost in Toulouse is €125. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kilkenny and Toulouse in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kilkenny 44
    Toulouse 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kilkenny 88
    Toulouse 134
Compare Hotels in Kilkenny and Toulouse

Looking for a hotel in Kilkenny or Toulouse? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Kilkenny


Hotels in Toulouse


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kilkenny Hotel Prices and Toulouse Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kilkenny 21
    Toulouse 41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulouse

Also for Toulouse, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer Toulouse Airport TLS to Toulouse by Car or Van: $41
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toulouse to Toulouse Airport TLS in Luxury Van: $92
  • Private transfer from or to Toulouse Airport: $87
  • Private transfer your alternative to taxi for your travels: $93
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse Airport to City centre: $67
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse city centre to Toulouse Airport: $66
  • Transfer Toulouse to Carcassonne center: $240
  • Transfer from BLAGNAC Airport to all other destinations in Toulouse: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Kilkenny or Toulouse?

Prices for flights to both Toulouse and Kilkenny change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kilkenny 29
    Toulouse 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toulouse

For Toulouse, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • No Diet Club - Best food tour in Toulouse !: $52
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $76
  • Traditional Toulouse Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Victor Hugo Market Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $105
  • Marché Victor Hugo Small Group Food Tour: $107

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kilkenny 15
    Toulouse 15

Tours and Activities in Kilkenny

Here are a few actual costs in Kilkenny for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Best of Kilkenny, two hour walking tour with a qualified guide: $13
  • From Dublin: 5-Day Tour of Ireland's South-East: $1,287
  • Fun Family Walking Tour in Kilkenny: $217
  • Fun Family walking tour in Kilkenny: $426
  • Fun Walking Tour during Christmas in Kilkenny: $533
  • Fun Walking Tour during Christmas in Kilkenny: $271
  • Historical tour of Kilkenny in French.: $13
  • Hurling Tours Ireland - Freshford Experience: $32
  • Hurling Tours Ireland - Kilkenny City Experience: $32
  • Hurling Tours Ireland - O'Loughlin Gaels : $33
  • Kayak and SUP Tours Kilkenny: $27
  • Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours: $21

Tours and Activities in Toulouse

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Toulouse.

  • Toulouse : Self-guided Reading Tour: $2.13
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Toulouse : Walking tour with audio guide: $5.29
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Toulouse Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Toulouse's Timeless Splendor: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Toulous: Glory of Occitania Audio Tour: $15
  • Aeroscopia Admission Ticket: $16
  • Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Minibus: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kilkenny 12
    Toulouse 7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Kilkenny

Also in Kilkenny, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour: $150
  • Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour : $158

Sample the Local Flavors in Toulouse

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Toulouse:

  • Pub Crawl Toulouse: $20
  • From Toulouse Cite de carcassonne et wine tasting: $530


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kilkenny and Toulouse, we can see that Toulouse is more expensive. And not only is Kilkenny much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kilkenny would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kilkenny 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 Toulouse would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toulouse than you might in Kilkenny.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kilkenny Expensive? and Is Toulouse Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Toulouse?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny or Toulouse?

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 Kilkenny or Toulouse in the Summer?

Both Toulouse and Kilkenny during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kilkenny for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Toulouse in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kilkenny is cooler than Toulouse. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kilkenny in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Toulouse averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In Toulouse, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets more rain in July than Toulouse. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kilkenny 15°C (60°F) 
    Toulouse 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Kilkenny or Toulouse in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Toulouse. Many visitors come to Kilkenny in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Toulouse for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Kilkenny is generally cooler than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 11°C (51°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during autumn. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kilkenny usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kilkenny 11°C (51°F) 
    Toulouse 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Kilkenny or Toulouse in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Toulouse. Most visitors come to Kilkenny for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kilkenny is cooler than Toulouse in the winter. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Toulouse fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

In the winter, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets more rain in January than Toulouse. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kilkenny 5°C (41°F) 
    Toulouse 6°C (44°F)

Should I visit Kilkenny or Toulouse in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Kilkenny is cooler than Toulouse. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kilkenny in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Toulouse averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during spring. Kilkenny gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kilkenny usually receives less rain than Toulouse. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kilkenny 8°C (47°F) 
    Toulouse 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Kilkenny

Kilkenny Toulouse
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in) 6°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 5°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)