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

Should you visit Marbella or Toulouse?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Toulouse, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a high energy, ritzy, and glamorous resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a dynamic, historic, and vibrant 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Marbella and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Toulouse?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Marbella than Toulouse. While Toulouse is larger than Marbella, Marbella has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Toulouse is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities. Marbella is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also home to Plaza de los Naranjos. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine.

How is Marbella different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toulouse is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Toulouse can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Toulouse is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Toulouse is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

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

Marbella is a world class party destination. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Toulouse Better for Music?

Marbella is great for its music scene. However, Toulouse is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Marbella draws a good crowd. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Toulouse is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Toulouse Better for Resorts?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Toulouse is not a resort destination.

Marbella is a world class resort vacation destination. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Toulouse is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Toulouse Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Toulouse is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marbella is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Toulouse is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Toulouse Better for Beaches?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Toulouse is not a beach destination.

Marbella is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Toulouse is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to Toulouse to see the historical old town. 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.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Toulouse?

Marbella 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 Marbella specifically to go shopping. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Toulouse Better for Families?

Marbella and Toulouse are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Marbella is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Toulouse is known to be 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 Marbella or Toulouse Better for Couples?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Marbella is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Toulouse is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Marbella or Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Marbella is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

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 Marbella or Toulouse Better for Students?

Toulouse is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Toulouse. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Marbella is not popular with students.

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

Toulouse is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Marbella and Toulouse are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Marbella or Toulouse. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Marbella due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 2-4 days is enough time in Toulouse.

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

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

One day in Marbella or Toulouse?

The beautiful resort town of Marbella offers shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

The city of Toulouse offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Marbella or Toulouse?

Marbella is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marbella, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Marbella or Toulouse?

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

Toulouse 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.

A week in Marbella or Toulouse?

Marbella is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort town offers something for everyone.

Toulouse 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 city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Toulouse?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Toulouse in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Toulouse. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulouse for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Marbella is a little warmer than Toulouse. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Toulouse averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulouse this time of the year. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Toulouse. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marbella or Toulouse in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Toulouse. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Toulouse in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

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

Marbella usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Toulouse. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Toulouse in the Winter?

Both Toulouse and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marbella in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Toulouse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Marbella is much warmer than Toulouse in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Toulouse fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marbella usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marbella or Toulouse in the Spring?

Both Toulouse and Marbella during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Marbella is a little warmer than Toulouse. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Toulouse averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Toulouse. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Toulouse. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Marbella