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

Should you visit Shanghai or Toulouse?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Shanghai and Toulouse. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a modern, cosmopolitan, and professional port city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a vibrant, friendly, and relaxed 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Shanghai and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Toulouse?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai than Toulouse, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Shanghai is more popular for its museums, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Toulouse is known for its nightlife and historical sights. Shanghai is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also home to The Bund. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine.

How is Shanghai different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Shanghai has many famous sights for visitors. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Toulouse. 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 Shanghai or Toulouse? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Shanghai and Toulouse both to be fantastic destinations.

Eat your way through Shanghai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

For foodies, Toulouse is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 Shanghai or Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Shanghai or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse is notable for its old town. However, Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Toulouse?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai specifically to go shopping. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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 Shanghai or Toulouse Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Toulouse are very good family-friendly destinations.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

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.

Is Shanghai or Toulouse Better for Couples?

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

Shanghai is a great port city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city 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 Shanghai or Toulouse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

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 Shanghai or Toulouse Better for Students?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

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

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

Shanghai 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.

Shanghai offers a very effecient public transportation network. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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

Is Shanghai or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Toulouse both are very good when exploring on foot.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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 Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Toulouse Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Toulouse?

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

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

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

One day in Shanghai or Toulouse?

Shanghai is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Shanghai or Toulouse?

Shanghai 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Shanghai, 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 Shanghai or Toulouse?

Shanghai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Shanghai, 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 Shanghai or Toulouse?

Shanghai is a great place to explore. 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.

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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Toulouse, we can see that Toulouse is more expensive. And not only is Shanghai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shanghai is in Asia and Toulouse is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Shanghai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shanghai 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 Toulouse would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toulouse than you might in Shanghai.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Toulouse?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Toulouse. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Toulouse?

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 Shanghai or Toulouse in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Toulouse. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Shanghai is a little warmer than Toulouse. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Toulouse averages at about 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulouse. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In the summer, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Toulouse. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Toulouse in the Autumn?

Both Toulouse and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

In October, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toulouse during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Toulouse in the Winter?

Both Toulouse and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulouse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. Shanghai is much colder than Toulouse in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Toulouse fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Toulouse. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Toulouse. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Toulouse in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Toulouse. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Toulouse in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Shanghai is a little warmer than Toulouse. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Toulouse averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Shanghai