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

Should you visit Kinsale or Toulouse?

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 Toulouse 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 picturesque, colorful, and charming seaside town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a historic, vibrant, and friendly 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kinsale and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
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 Kinsale or Toulouse?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toulouse. Although Kinsale and Toulouse are both popular with visitors, Toulouse has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Toulouse is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kinsale is known for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Kinsale is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also home to Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Kinsale different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toulouse 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 Toulouse?

Kinsale
Toulouse

Toulouse is great for its historical sights. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Toulouse. 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.

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


Is the Food Better in Kinsale or Toulouse? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kinsale
Toulouse

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Kinsale and Toulouse can be difficult as they are each world-class in their own way.

Many restaurants in Kinsale have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Eat your way through Toulouse, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Kinsale or Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Kinsale
Toulouse

Toulouse is great for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Toulouse for the nightlife scene. 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.

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 Toulouse Better for Beaches?

Kinsale
Toulouse

Kinsale is adequate for the beach. However, Toulouse is not a beach destination.

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.

Toulouse is not a beach destination.


Is Kinsale or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Kinsale
Toulouse

Both Kinsale and Toulouse have great historic old towns worth visiting.

Kinsale is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Toulouse. 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 Kinsale or Toulouse Better for Hiking?

Kinsale
Toulouse

Kinsale is a seaside town with good options for hiking. However, Toulouse is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kinsale. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Toulouse is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kinsale or Toulouse?

Kinsale
Toulouse

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

Toulouse is well-known for its shopping. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

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 Toulouse Better for Families?

Kinsale
Toulouse

Toulouse is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Toulouse is very family-friendly. 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.

Kinsale is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Kinsale or Toulouse Better for Couples?

Kinsale
Toulouse

Toulouse is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

Toulouse is a great city 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.

Kinsale is a good seaside town for couples to visit. 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.

Is Kinsale or Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kinsale
Toulouse

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

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

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 Kinsale or Toulouse Better for Students?

Kinsale
Toulouse

Toulouse is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Toulouse. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Kinsale is not popular with students.

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

Kinsale
Toulouse

Toulouse is a 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 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.

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

Is Kinsale or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Kinsale
Toulouse

Toulouse 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.

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

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 Toulouse Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Kinsale?

How long in Kinsale or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Kinsale 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 Kinsale, and 2-4 days is enough time in Toulouse.

Families should spend more time in Toulouse than Kinsale. 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 Kinsale. 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 Kinsale or Toulouse? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kinsale 1-2 
    Toulouse 2-4

One day in Kinsale or Toulouse?

Kinsale is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

In Toulouse, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Kinsale or Toulouse?

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

In Toulouse, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulouse has to offer.

Five days in Kinsale or Toulouse?

Kinsale 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.

Toulouse is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Toulouse?

Kinsale 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 seaside town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulouse. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Toulouse or Kinsale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kinsale is €129, 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 Kinsale and Toulouse in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kinsale 74
    Toulouse 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kinsale 148
    Toulouse 134
Compare Hotels in Kinsale and Toulouse

Looking for a hotel in Kinsale 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 Kinsale


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: Kinsale Hotel Prices and Toulouse Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kinsale 17
    Toulouse 41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulouse

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Kinsale or Toulouse?

Prices for flights to both Toulouse and Kinsale 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
    Kinsale 46
    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.
    Kinsale 5.00
    Toulouse 15

Tours and Activities in Kinsale

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

  • Cobh Evening Ghost Tour: $43
  • Titanic Trail Guided Walking Tour Cobh: $21
  • Visit 16 Sites Key Historical Sites And Experience Cobh Rebel Tours: $27

Tours and Activities in Toulouse

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

  • Aeroscopia Admission Ticket: $16
  • Day Trip to Carcassonne Cite Medievale and Comtale Castle Tour from Toulouse: $35
  • Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Toulouse with Official Tour Guide: $255
  • Private tour of Toulouse in an electric Tuk Tuk: $66
  • Toulous: Glory of Occitania Audio Tour: $15
  • Toulouse : Must-see Walking Tour: $80
  • Toulouse : Self-guided Reading Tour: $2.13
  • Toulouse : Walking tour with audio guide: $5.29
  • Toulouse E Bike Tour: $49
  • Toulouse E-Bike Tour: $48
  • Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef: $118
  • Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef (in English): $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kinsale 16
    Toulouse 7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Kinsale

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

  • (Small Group) Shore Tour from Cork: Blarney Castle & Jameson Distillery: $147

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 comparing the travel costs between Kinsale and Toulouse, 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 Toulouse Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kinsale or Toulouse?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Kinsale 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 Kinsale or Toulouse?

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 Kinsale or Toulouse in the Summer?

Both Toulouse and Kinsale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

In the summer, Kinsale is cooler than Toulouse. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kinsale in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Toulouse averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulouse. Kinsale usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during summer. Kinsale gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Kinsale gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kinsale 16°C (60°F) 
    Toulouse 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Kinsale or Toulouse in the Autumn?

Both Toulouse and Kinsale during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulouse for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kinsale is generally cooler than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Kinsale average around 11°C (52°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Kinsale often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Kinsale gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets more rain in October than Toulouse. Kinsale gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kinsale 11°C (52°F) 
    Toulouse 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Kinsale or Toulouse in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kinsale and Toulouse. Many travelers come to Kinsale for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Toulouse in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kinsale is around the same temperature as Toulouse in the winter. The daily temperature in Kinsale averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Toulouse fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Kinsale usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during winter. Kinsale gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kinsale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Kinsale gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kinsale 6°C (43°F) 
    Toulouse 6°C (44°F)

Should I visit Kinsale or Toulouse in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kinsale as well as Toulouse. Many visitors come to Kinsale in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Toulouse for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Kinsale is cooler than Toulouse. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kinsale in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Toulouse averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Kinsale often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Kinsale gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets less rain in April than Toulouse. Kinsale gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kinsale 9°C (48°F) 
    Toulouse 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Kinsale

Kinsale Toulouse
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 101 mm (4 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)