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

Should you visit Potsdam 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 Potsdam and Toulon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a historic, accessible, and compact city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Potsdam and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Potsdam or Toulon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toulon than Potsdam. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toulon is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Potsdam attracts visitors for its museums, food, and small town charm. Potsdam is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. It is also well known for The Old Town.

How is Potsdam different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Potsdam 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 Potsdam specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

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 Potsdam or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Potsdam 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, Potsdam makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a diverse restaurant scene, although the city is quite small. There are international restaurants as well as local venues where you can try 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 Potsdam or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Potsdam and Toulon.

Potsdam has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city is not far from Berlin, so head in to Germany's nightlife capital for the most famous clubs and venues. In the town of Potsdam there are cocktail bars and breweries that make for a mellow and relaxed evening.

If you're looking for night time activities Toulon has a few options to choose from. 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 Potsdam or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Potsdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Toulon has a few snorkeling spots. 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.

Potsdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Potsdam or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is very good for the beache. However, Potsdam 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.

Potsdam is not a beach destination.

Is Potsdam or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for its old town. However, Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

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.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Toulon?

Toulon is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Potsdam has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Is Potsdam or Toulon Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Potsdam or Toulon.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Potsdam. There are a number of playgrounds around town as well as several beaches by lakes that are fun for kids. Another highlight for families is a visit to Babelsberg Film Studios.

Toulon offers lots of family activities. 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 Potsdam or Toulon Better for Couples?

Both Potsdam and Toulon are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Potsdam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Exploring the city and soaking up the sights is the best way for couples to enjoy their time. There are some nice hotels and restaurants in the area that make for a great date night.

Toulon is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Potsdam or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Potsdam and Toulon are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Potsdam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

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

Potsdam 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 Potsdam is fairly effecient and thorough. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

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

Is Potsdam or Toulon a more walkable city?

Potsdam and Toulon both are very good when exploring on foot.

Potsdam is a very walkable city. It's a smaller, compact city that can mostly be explored on foot.

Toulon is a very walkable destination. 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 Potsdam Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Potsdam or Toulon to fill your time. In our opinion, Toulon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Toulon than Potsdam. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Potsdam or Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Potsdam. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Toulon, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Potsdam or Toulon?

Potsdam 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.

In Toulon, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulon has to offer.

Five days in Potsdam or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Potsdam. 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 great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Potsdam or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Potsdam. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulon. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam 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 Potsdam or Toulon?

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 Potsdam or Toulon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Toulon. The summer months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

In July, Potsdam is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 19°C (66°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In Potsdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during summer. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Potsdam usually receives more rain than Toulon. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Potsdam or Toulon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Toulon. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Potsdam is much colder than Toulon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 10°C (51°F) in October, and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. In the autumn, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in October than Toulon. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Potsdam or Toulon in the Winter?

Both Toulon and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Potsdam. In the winter, Potsdam is much colder than Toulon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Potsdam in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Toulon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during winter. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Toulon. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Potsdam or Toulon in the Spring?

Both Toulon and Potsdam during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Potsdam is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 9°C (48°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in April than Toulon. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Potsdam