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

Should you visit Manchester or Toulon?

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 Manchester and Toulon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a dynamic, diverse, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Toulon

Toulon is a industrial, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Manchester and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Manchester or Toulon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Manchester than Toulon, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Manchester is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Toulon is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Manchester is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also home to The National Football Museum. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Manchester different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Manchester
Toulon

Manchester is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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 Manchester or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester
Toulon

Manchester 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, Manchester makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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 Manchester or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Manchester
Toulon

Manchester is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Manchester offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

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.

Is Manchester or Toulon Better for Music?

Manchester
Toulon

Manchester is a well-known place for live music. However, Toulon is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Manchester is very popular with diverse venues. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Toulon is not a live music destination.


Is Manchester or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Manchester
Toulon

Toulon is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Manchester or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Manchester
Toulon

Toulon is very good for its beaches. However, Manchester is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Toulon to enjoy the beach. 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.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is Manchester or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Manchester
Toulon

Toulon is adequate for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Toulon is a good place to visit the old town. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Toulon?

Manchester
Toulon

If you're looking to go shopping, Manchester and Toulon both offer plenty of very good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Toulon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Manchester or Toulon Better for Families?

Manchester
Toulon

Manchester is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Manchester is a very family-friendly place to visit. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Toulon is a family-friendly 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.

Is Manchester or Toulon Better for Couples?

Manchester
Toulon

Manchester 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.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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 Manchester or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester
Toulon

For backpackers, both Manchester and Toulon are good places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Manchester or Toulon Better for Students?

Manchester
Toulon

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

Manchester is very popular with students. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Manchester
Toulon

Manchester 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 Manchester is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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


Is Manchester or Toulon a more walkable city?

Manchester
Toulon

Toulon is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Manchester or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Manchester 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 Manchester, and 1-2 days is enough time in Toulon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Manchester 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 Manchester.


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

One day in Manchester or Toulon?

Manchester is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the industrial port city of Toulon, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toulon, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Toulon?

Manchester 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Toulon, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.


Five days in Manchester or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. 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, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural big city of Manchester. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Toulon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Toulon or Manchester?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Manchester is £184, while the average daily cost in Toulon is £102. 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 Manchester and Toulon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manchester £71
    Toulon £67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manchester £142
    Toulon £134
Compare Hotels in Manchester and Toulon

Looking for a hotel in Manchester 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 Manchester


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: Manchester Hotel Prices and Toulon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manchester £19
    Toulon £6.13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Manchester

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Manchester are as follows:


  • Rail to Airport
    £11
  • Parking in Manchester
    £3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manchester

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

  • 1-Wsy Airport Bus Transfer to/from Leeds: $6.86
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from London: $8.12
  • Southampton Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Manchester: $8.12
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Bucklow Hill: $50
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Adlington (Macclesfield): $52
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Stockport: $52
  • Private Transfer from Eccles to Manchester Airport (MAN): $56
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Eccles: $56
  • Private Transfer from Salford to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Salford Quays to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Trafford Park to Manchester Airport (MAN): $58
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Salford: $59

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 Manchester or Toulon?

Prices for flights to both Toulon and Manchester 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
    Manchester £55
    Toulon £26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manchester

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Hard Rock Cafe Manchester with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $35
  • Private Italian Dinner with a Romantic Night Experience: $63
  • 2 Hours Sicilian Wine Tasting and Dinner at Manchester: $76
  • Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide: $87
  • Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch: $89
  • 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch : $95
  • Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $199

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.
    Manchester £30
    Toulon £11

Tours and Activities in Manchester

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

  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Manchester City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Manchester’s Rebirth and Renewal: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • England's First Industrial City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Private Manchester Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Salford Quays Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Canal & River Cruise: $15
  • City River Tour: $15

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
    Manchester £9.90
    Toulon £12

Sample the Local Flavors in Manchester

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Manchester:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars: $101

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 Manchester and Toulon, we can see that Manchester 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester 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 Manchester Expensive? and Is Toulon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Manchester or Toulon?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Toulon. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester or Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Manchester during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

Manchester is cooler than Toulon in the summer. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manchester 16°C (62°F) 
    Toulon 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Toulon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Toulon. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Manchester is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manchester in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Toulon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Manchester usually receives less rain than Toulon. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manchester 11°C (52°F) 
    Toulon 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Toulon. Many travelers come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Toulon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Manchester. In January, Manchester is generally much colder than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 4°C (39°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Toulon. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manchester 4°C (39°F) 
    Toulon 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Toulon in the Spring?

Both Toulon and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Manchester in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Manchester is much colder than Toulon in the spring. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Manchester usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toulon. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manchester 8°C (46°F) 
    Toulon 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Toulon and Manchester

Manchester Toulon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (69°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)