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

Should you visit Southampton or Toulouse?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Toulouse? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Southampton

Southampton is a dynamic, up-and-coming, and waterfront port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse

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

Southampton and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Toulouse?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulouse than Southampton, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Southampton is popular for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also home to Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Southampton different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toulouse is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Toulouse offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Southampton. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

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

Toulouse is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Southampton area. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

Is Southampton or Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Toulouse has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Southampton. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Is Southampton or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse is a great city for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Toulouse?

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

Toulouse is well-known for its shopping. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Many visitors go to Southampton to go shopping. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Is Southampton or Toulouse Better for Families?

Toulouse is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Toulouse is very family-friendly. 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.

Southampton is a family-friendly place to visit. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

Is Southampton or Toulouse Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Toulouse make for a excellent place to visit.

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

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 Southampton or Toulouse Better for Students?

Toulouse is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Southampton is not popular with students.

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

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

Toulouse is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

While Toulouse offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Public transit is generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Toulouse is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its ease of walking around.

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

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Southampton or Toulouse. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Toulouse due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 2-4 days is enough time in Toulouse.

Families should spend more time in Toulouse than Southampton. 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 Southampton. 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 Southampton 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.

One day in Southampton or Toulouse?

The port city of Southampton offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Toulouse. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Toulouse?

Southampton 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 Southampton, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Toulouse. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Southampton or Toulouse?

Southampton is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

The vibrant city of Toulouse offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Toulouse?

Southampton 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Toulouse. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Southampton and Toulouse, we can see that Southampton 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 Southampton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Southampton 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 Southampton Expensive? and Is Toulouse Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Toulouse?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Southampton. When comparing the sizes of Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton or Toulouse in the Summer?

Both Toulouse and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Southampton in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Toulouse for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Southampton is cooler than Toulouse. Typically, the summer temperatures in Southampton in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Toulouse averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulouse. Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during summer. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Southampton usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Southampton or Toulouse in the Autumn?

Both Toulouse and Southampton during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Southampton is generally cooler than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 12°C (53°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 161 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets more rain in October than Toulouse. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Toulouse in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Toulouse. The winter months attract visitors to Southampton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

The weather in Southampton can be very cold. Southampton is cooler than Toulouse in the winter. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Toulouse fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Toulouse during winter. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Southampton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toulouse. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Southampton or Toulouse in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Toulouse. The natural beauty are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Toulouse for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Southampton is cooler than Toulouse. Typically, the spring temperatures in Southampton in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Toulouse averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Toulouse. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in April than Toulouse. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Southampton