A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Toulouse for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Toulouse?

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 Orkney Islands and Toulouse can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a serene, tranquil, and natural archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a relaxed, dynamic, and historic 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands 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
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Toulouse?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulouse. Although Orkney Islands and Toulouse are popular destinations, Toulouse has more sights and attractions for tourists. Toulouse is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Orkney Islands attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. Toulouse is famous for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also well known for Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Orkney Islands different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Toulouse?

Orkney Islands
Toulouse

Toulouse is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Toulouse specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.


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

Orkney Islands
Toulouse

Toulouse is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Orkney Islands makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

Is Orkney Islands or Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Orkney Islands
Toulouse

Toulouse is great for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Toulouse Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands
Toulouse

Orkney Islands is great for the beach. However, Toulouse is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Orkney Islands attract visitors from all over. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Toulouse is not a beach destination.


Is Orkney Islands or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Orkney Islands
Toulouse

Toulouse is great for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Toulouse Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands
Toulouse

Orkney Islands is great for hiking. However, Toulouse is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Toulouse is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Toulouse?

Orkney Islands
Toulouse

Toulouse is great for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Orkney Islands or Toulouse Better for Families?

Orkney Islands
Toulouse

Toulouse is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Toulouse. 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.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Orkney Islands or Toulouse Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands
Toulouse

Both Orkney Islands and Toulouse are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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 Orkney Islands or Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands
Toulouse

Orkney Islands is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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 Orkney Islands or Toulouse Better for Students?

Orkney Islands
Toulouse

Toulouse is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands
Toulouse

Orkney Islands and Toulouse both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Orkney Islands offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

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

Is Orkney Islands or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Orkney Islands
Toulouse

Toulouse is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.


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

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Toulouse?

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

Families should spend more time in Toulouse than Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands. 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.

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


  • How many days in Orkney Islands or Toulouse? Ideal Length of Stay
    Orkney Islands 3-7 
    Toulouse 2-4

One day in Orkney Islands or Toulouse?

The beautiful archipelago of Orkney Islands offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

In Toulouse, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Toulouse?

Orkney Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Toulouse?

Orkney Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Orkney Islands, 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Orkney Islands or Toulouse?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. This archipelago offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Toulouse. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Toulouse or Orkney Islands?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Orkney Islands is £128, while the average daily cost in Toulouse is £107. 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 Orkney Islands and Toulouse in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orkney Islands £60
    Toulouse £57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orkney Islands £120
    Toulouse £114
Compare Hotels in Orkney Islands and Toulouse

Looking for a hotel in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands


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: Toulouse Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orkney Islands £56
    Toulouse £35

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 Orkney Islands or Toulouse?

Prices for flights to both Toulouse and Orkney Islands 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
    Orkney Islands £34
    Toulouse £29

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.
    Orkney Islands £27
    Toulouse £13

Tours and Activities in Orkney Islands

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

  • From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour: $275
  • Semi Private Tour - Orkney and Kirkwall : $246

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
    Orkney Islands £6.43
    Toulouse £6.42

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

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



When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Toulouse in the Summer?

Both Toulouse and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Toulouse in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Toulouse in the summer. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Toulouse fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulouse. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orkney Islands 12°C (54°F) 
    Toulouse 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Toulouse in the Autumn?

Both Toulouse and Orkney Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Toulouse for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Orkney Islands is much colder than Toulouse. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Toulouse averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in October than Toulouse. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orkney Islands 9°C (48°F) 
    Toulouse 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Toulouse in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Toulouse. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Orkney Islands can be very cold during winter. In January, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Orkney Islands 4°C (39°F) 
    Toulouse 6°C (44°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Toulouse in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Toulouse. The spring months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Toulouse in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Toulouse fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in April than Toulouse. Orkney Islands gets 56 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
    Orkney Islands 6°C (43°F) 
    Toulouse 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands Toulouse
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 9°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 19°C (67°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in) 20°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)