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

Should you visit Porto 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 Porto and Toulouse can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a dynamic, historic, and cultural port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a relaxed, dynamic, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Toulouse?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Porto than Toulouse. While Toulouse is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Porto is better known for its big city activities and impressive beauty, while Toulouse is more popular for its shopping. Porto is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira. Toulouse is well known for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine.

How is Porto different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Porto or Toulouse.

Many visitors head to Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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.

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

Both Porto and Toulouse offer amazing local cuisine and restaurants.

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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.

Is Porto or Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Porto and Toulouse.

The nightlife in Porto has something for everybody. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Toulouse offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Porto or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Porto and Toulouse are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Toulouse?

Toulouse is a great city for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Porto or Toulouse Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Porto or Toulouse.

Porto is a very family-friendly destination. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

Toulouse is a very kid-friendly port city. 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 Porto or Toulouse Better for Couples?

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

Porto is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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 Porto or Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

A large number of backpackers visit Porto, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto or Toulouse Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

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

Porto is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Porto offers a very effecient public transportation network. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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

Is Porto or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Porto and Toulouse are superb when it comes to walkability.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Porto?

How long in Porto or Toulouse?

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

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

One day in Porto or Toulouse?

Porto is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Toulouse, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Porto or Toulouse?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Porto or Toulouse?

Porto is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Porto, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Toulouse is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Toulouse. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Toulouse?

Porto 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 port city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Toulouse. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Toulouse?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or Toulouse in the Summer?

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

In July, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulouse. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Toulouse. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Toulouse in the Autumn?

Both Toulouse and Porto during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Porto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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.

Porto is around the same temperature as Toulouse in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Toulouse fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets more sunshine than Toulouse. Porto gets 184 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 Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in October than Toulouse. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Toulouse in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Porto is much warmer than Toulouse. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Toulouse averages at about 6°C (44°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during winter. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Toulouse in the Spring?

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

In April, Porto is generally a little warmer than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than Toulouse. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Toulouse. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Porto