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

Should you visit Lisbon or Toulouse?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Toulouse? 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.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a picturesque, colorful, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a friendly, relaxed, and dynamic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Toulouse?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Toulouse. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lisbon is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge. Toulouse is famous for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine.

How is Lisbon different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lisbon has many famous sights for visitors. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Lisbon and Toulouse can be an enjoyable experience.

For foodies, Lisbon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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.

Is Lisbon or Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Lisbon is a world class party destination. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

Toulouse has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Lisbon or Toulouse Better for Music?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Toulouse is not a live music destination.

Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Toulouse is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Toulouse Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a city with good options for the beach. However, Toulouse is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Lisbon. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Toulouse is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

The rich history of Lisbon can be explored in its historical center. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

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 the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Toulouse?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Toulouse is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Is Lisbon or Toulouse Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Toulouse.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Toulouse is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Lisbon or Toulouse Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Toulouse make for a excellent place to visit.

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Couples visit Toulouse frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Lisbon or Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lisbon, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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 Lisbon or Toulouse Better for Students?

Lisbon is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Lisbon. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

Toulouse is a good city to visit for students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

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

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Lisbon has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Lisbon or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Lisbon is a very easy city to get around on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Lisbon or Toulouse. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lisbon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Toulouse.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Toulouse 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 Lisbon.

One day in Lisbon or Toulouse?

Lisbon is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toulouse. 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.

A weekend in Lisbon or Toulouse?

Lisbon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Toulouse 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.

Five days in Lisbon or Toulouse?

Lisbon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lisbon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Lisbon or Toulouse?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lisbon has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Toulouse. This city 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Toulouse?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Toulouse. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Toulouse in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Toulouse. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Toulouse for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Toulouse in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Toulouse fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulouse this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Toulouse. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or Toulouse in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Toulouse. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lisbon is a little warmer than Toulouse. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Toulouse averages at about 15°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Toulouse. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than Toulouse. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Toulouse in the Winter?

Both Toulouse and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

In January, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Toulouse in the Spring?

Both Toulouse and Lisbon during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Toulouse for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Toulouse in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Toulouse fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Toulouse. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Toulouse. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Lisbon