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

Should you visit Kinsale or Toulon?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kinsale and Toulon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a colorful, charming, and quaint seaside town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Toulon

Toulon is a industrial, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Kinsale and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kinsale or Toulon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kinsale. Although Kinsale and Toulon are popular destinations, Kinsale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kinsale is very popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Toulon attracts visitors for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Kinsale is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. It is also well known for Charles Fort. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Kinsale different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Kinsale and Toulon.

Kinsale offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

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 Kinsale or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kinsale 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.

Kinsale has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

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 Kinsale or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Toulon is a port city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

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.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Kinsale or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kinsale 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.

Kinsale is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kinsale or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a port city with good options for the beache. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for the beach.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Toulon. 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.

The beach in Kinsale is worth checking out. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Is Kinsale or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

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 Kinsale or Toulon Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kinsale. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kinsale or Toulon?

Toulon is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Kinsale or Toulon Better for Families?

Both Kinsale and Toulon are nice to visit with kids.

Kinsale offers lots of family activities. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

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 Kinsale or Toulon Better for Couples?

Both Kinsale and Toulon are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kinsale makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Toulon is a good seaside town 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 Kinsale or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Kinsale and Toulon are nice places to visit.

Kinsale is a good seaside town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Kinsale or Toulon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Toulon is a port city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Toulon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Kinsale or Toulon a more walkable city?

Toulon is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town 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.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable seaside town. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Kinsale?

How long in Kinsale or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kinsale or Toulon to fill your time. In our opinion, Toulon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Toulon than Kinsale. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Toulon than Kinsale. 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 Kinsale. 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 Kinsale 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 Kinsale or Toulon?

Kinsale might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Toulon, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Kinsale or Toulon?

Kinsale is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Toulon, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulon has to offer.

Five days in Kinsale or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kinsale. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 is a great place to explore. 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 Kinsale or Toulon?

Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This seaside 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulon. 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 Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Kinsale or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Kinsale 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 Kinsale 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 Kinsale or Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Kinsale during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kinsale in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Kinsale is generally much colder than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Kinsale average around 16°C (60°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kinsale often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Kinsale gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Kinsale gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kinsale or Toulon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kinsale and Toulon. Most visitors come to Kinsale for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Toulon because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Kinsale is cooler than Toulon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kinsale averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. Kinsale usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during autumn. Kinsale gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Toulon. Kinsale gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kinsale or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kinsale as well as Toulon. The winter months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

In the winter, Kinsale is around the same temperature as Toulon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kinsale in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Toulon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Kinsale often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Kinsale gets 60 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun.

Kinsale receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kinsale usually gets more rain in January than Toulon. Kinsale gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kinsale or Toulon in the Spring?

Both Toulon and Kinsale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Kinsale is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Kinsale average around 9°C (48°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Kinsale usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during spring. Kinsale gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kinsale usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toulon. Kinsale gets 55 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 Kinsale