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

Should you visit Mainz 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 Mainz 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.

Mainz

Mainz is a charming, beautiful, and peaceful town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Toulon

Toulon is a off-the-beaten-path, real world, and industrial port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Mainz and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town


Is there more to do in Mainz or Toulon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulon than Mainz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toulon is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Mainz is known for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Mainz is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Mainz different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mainz
Toulon

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Mainz or Toulon.

Mainz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's an old university town with a number of historical sights. Check out the Church of St. Stephan, Mainz Cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Seafaring.

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Mainz or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mainz
Toulon

Mainz is a well-known 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Mainz makes for a great culinary experience. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve local food. There are also wine taverns where you can sample the local wines and dine of regional specialties.

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 Mainz or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Mainz
Toulon

Toulon is a port city with good options for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Mainz. It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Is Mainz or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mainz
Toulon

Toulon is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mainz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to 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.

Mainz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Mainz or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Mainz
Toulon

Toulon is a port city with good options for its beaches. However, Mainz is not a beach destination.

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.

Mainz is not a beach destination.

Is Mainz or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Mainz
Toulon

Mainz 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 Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

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 the Shopping Better in Mainz or Toulon?

Mainz
Toulon

Toulon is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Toulon. 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.

Mainz offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the boulevard of Am Brand near the cathedral for some of the town's best shopping. There are shops that line the street and it's a nice area to walk around.


Is Mainz or Toulon Better for Families?

Mainz
Toulon

Toulon is a port city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Toulon is a family-friendly port city. 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.

Mainz doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy the Gutenburg Museum and the outdoor spaces where they can run around. There's also a nice old town that everyone will have fun exploring.

Is Mainz or Toulon Better for Couples?

Mainz
Toulon

Mainz is a well-known place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Mainz is a very popular place to visit for couples. Located on the Rhine River, this scenic setting is popular for river cruises. The town is nice to explore on its own, or you can hop around and take in several of the German river towns. You can also sit at outdoor cafes and sip local wine.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Mainz or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mainz
Toulon

Mainz and Toulon are both good destinations for backpackers.

Mainz is a good town to visit for backpackers. The town is popular with river cruises but you'll also find a hostel or two where budget travelers can save some money and 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 Mainz or Toulon Better for Students?

Mainz
Toulon

Mainz is a well-known place for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

Mainz is very popular with students. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Mainz
Toulon

Mainz is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Mainz is fairly effecient and thorough. There are regional trains that make it easy to use Mainz as a base to explore the area, or you could visit Mainz as a day trip from another nearby town.

Toulon has some public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Is Mainz or Toulon a more walkable city?

Mainz
Toulon

Mainz is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Mainz on foot. The town is easily explored on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Mainz?

How long in Mainz or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Mainz or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Mainz than Toulon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Mainz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Toulon.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mainz than Toulon 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 Mainz.


  • How many days in Mainz or Toulon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mainz 2-4 
    Toulon 1-2

One day in Mainz or Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Mainz. 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.

In Toulon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this industrial destination offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Mainz or Toulon?

Mainz 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Mainz or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mainz. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Toulon. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Mainz or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Mainz. This 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Toulon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Toulon or Mainz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mainz is €142, while the average daily cost in Toulon is €119. 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 Mainz and Toulon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mainz 74
    Toulon 79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mainz 148
    Toulon 158
Compare Hotels in Mainz and Toulon

Looking for a hotel in Mainz or Toulon? 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 Mainz


Hotels in Toulon


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: Mainz Hotel Prices and Toulon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mainz 37
    Toulon 7.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Toulon:

  • Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille Provence Airport: $117
  • Private Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille city Hotels: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Mainz or Toulon?

Prices for flights to both Toulon and Mainz 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
    Mainz 41
    Toulon 30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toulon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Toulon.

  • Culinary Heritage Guided Walking Food Tour: $102
  • Toulon Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mainz 33
    Toulon 13

Tours and Activities in Mainz

For Mainz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Romantic Old Town Self-guided Discovery Tour: $8.45
  • Guided tour in Mainz on the Rhine in german and english: $21
  • Mainz Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Tour: $22
  • 2-Hour Advent Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine: $22
  • Crime-Tour - Escape Game: $42
  • Self-Guided Urban Adventure Game: $43
  • Urban Adventure Game in Mainz with an app: $43
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $51
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Mainz E-Bike City Tour: $74
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Mainz: $82
  • Guided Hotrod City Starter Tour: $95

Tours and Activities in Toulon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Toulon are as follows:

  • Guided Tour in Port & Old City: $55
  • Ile de Porquerolles: VIP tour et déjeuner Fondation Carmignac: $217
  • Private Heritage Walking Tour in Toulon: $178
  • Provence Abbey of Thoronet Entrance Ticket: $9.81
  • Toulon Private Tour: $278
  • Little Train Ticket: $9.62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mainz 22
    Toulon 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Toulon

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toulon:

  • Cellar Visit & Bandol Wine Tasting (in French): $13
  • Horse riding in the vineyards of Ramatuelle + wine tasting: $97


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

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


Which is Bigger, Mainz or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Mainz. When comparing the sizes of Mainz 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 Mainz 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 Mainz or Toulon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mainz as well as Toulon. Many visitors come to Mainz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Mainz is cooler than Toulon in the summer. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mainz this time of the year. In the summer, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Mainz gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Mainz gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mainz 19°C (66°F) 
    Toulon 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon and Mainz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Mainz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Toulon because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Mainz is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mainz in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Toulon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during autumn. Mainz gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Mainz usually receives less rain than Toulon. Mainz gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Toulon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Toulon in the Winter?

Both Toulon and Mainz during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Mainz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

The weather in Mainz can be very cold. In January, Mainz is generally much colder than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Mainz average around 2°C (35°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Mainz often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Mainz gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun.

Mainz usually gets less rain in January than Toulon. Mainz gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mainz 2°C (35°F) 
    Toulon 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Mainz or Toulon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mainz and Toulon. The natural beauty are the main draw to Mainz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Mainz is cooler than Toulon in the spring. The daily temperature in Mainz averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. Mainz usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during spring. Mainz gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mainz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toulon. Mainz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mainz 11°C (51°F) 
    Toulon 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Toulon and Mainz

Mainz Toulon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)