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

Should you visit Taormina or Toulouse?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Taormina and Toulouse can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Taormina

Taormina is a beautiful, exclusive, and opulent town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a historic, vibrant, and friendly 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.

Taormina and Toulouse: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Taormina or Toulouse?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulouse. Although Taormina and Toulouse are popular destinations, Toulouse has more sights and attractions for tourists. Toulouse is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Taormina attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Taormina is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. 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 Taormina different from Toulouse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Taormina
Toulouse

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.


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

Taormina
Toulouse

Toulouse is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Toulouse have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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, Taormina makes for a great culinary experience. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

Is Taormina or Toulouse Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Toulouse

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

The nightlife in Taormina has something for everybody. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

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 Taormina or Toulouse Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Toulouse

Taormina is great for its luxury resorts. However, Toulouse is not a resort destination.

In Taormina, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Toulouse is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or Toulouse Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Toulouse

Taormina is a town with good options for the beach. However, Toulouse is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Taormina. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Toulouse is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Toulouse Better for its Old Town?

Taormina
Toulouse

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

Toulouse is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Toulouse?

Taormina
Toulouse

Toulouse is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

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.

Taormina is a great destination for shopping. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.


Is Taormina or Toulouse Better for Families?

Taormina
Toulouse

Toulouse is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known 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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Taormina or Toulouse Better for Couples?

Taormina
Toulouse

Both Taormina and Toulouse are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Taormina is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

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 Taormina or Toulouse Better for Students?

Taormina
Toulouse

Toulouse is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not popular with students.

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

Taormina is not popular with students.


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

Taormina
Toulouse

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

While Taormina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

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

Is Taormina or Toulouse a more walkable city?

Taormina
Toulouse

Taormina and Toulouse are great when it comes to walkability.

Taormina is a very walkable destination. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Toulouse or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Toulouse?

It's fun to spend time in either Taormina or Toulouse. In our opinion, Toulouse has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Toulouse than Taormina. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Toulouse than Taormina. 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 Taormina. 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 Taormina 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 Taormina or Toulouse? Ideal Length of Stay
    Taormina 2-4 
    Toulouse 2-4

One day in Taormina or Toulouse?

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Taormina or Toulouse?

Taormina is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Taormina, 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 Taormina or Toulouse?

Taormina 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.

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 Taormina or Toulouse?

Taormina is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Toulouse or Taormina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Taormina is €108, while the average daily cost in Toulouse is €125. 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 Taormina and Toulouse in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Toulouse 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Toulouse 134
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Toulouse

Looking for a hotel in Taormina 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 Taormina


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: Taormina Hotel Prices and Toulouse Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    Toulouse 41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina

Also for Taormina, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $41
  • Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.49

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 Taormina or Toulouse?

Prices for flights to both Toulouse and Taormina 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
    Taormina 33
    Toulouse 34

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.
    Taormina 11
    Toulouse 15

Tours and Activities in Taormina

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

  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $606
  • From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $743
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $57
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $106
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $213
  • Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Lovers Tour: 8 Days: $2,668
  • Small Group Tour of Sicily Highlights: 8 Days: $2,668
  • Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $428
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $588
  • Taormina private tour: $160
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $267
  • Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $150

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
    Taormina 8.57
    Toulouse 7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Taormina

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taormina:

  • Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $299

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


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Toulouse?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina 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 Taormina 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 Taormina or Toulouse in the Summer?

Both Toulouse and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Taormina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year.

Taormina is a little warmer than Toulouse in the summer. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, 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 Taormina. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives less rain than Toulouse. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Taormina 27°C (80°F) 
    Toulouse 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Toulouse in the Autumn?

Both Toulouse and Taormina during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Toulouse for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Taormina is a little warmer than Toulouse. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Taormina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Toulouse averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Toulouse. Taormina gets 189 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 Taormina. Taormina usually gets more rain in October than Toulouse. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Taormina 21°C (69°F) 
    Toulouse 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Toulouse in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Toulouse. Many travelers come to Taormina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Toulouse in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Taormina is generally much warmer than Toulouse. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 13°C (55°F), and Toulouse fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Toulouse during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Toulouse receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives more rain than Toulouse. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Taormina 13°C (55°F) 
    Toulouse 6°C (44°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Toulouse in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Toulouse. Many visitors come to Taormina in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Toulouse for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Taormina is a little warmer than Toulouse in the spring. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Toulouse fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. In the spring, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Toulouse. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulouse receives 178 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in April than Toulouse. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Toulouse receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Taormina 16°C (60°F) 
    Toulouse 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Toulouse and Taormina

Taormina Toulouse
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)