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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Toulon?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Toulon? 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.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a vibrant, high energy, and bustling city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon

Toulon is a off-the-beaten-path, real world, and industrial port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Toulon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki than Toulon. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Toulon attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also well known for The Monument of Rotonda. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Thessaloniki different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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 Thessaloniki or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Thessaloniki 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, Thessaloniki makes for a great culinary experience. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

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 Thessaloniki or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Thessaloniki offers plenty to do in the evening. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. 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 Thessaloniki or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Toulon. 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.

Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a popular place for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

Toulon is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is Thessaloniki or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a decent place to visit for its old town. However, Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Toulon?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Thessaloniki and Toulon.

Thessaloniki is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Toulon. 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.

Is Thessaloniki or Toulon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Toulon.

Thessaloniki is a family-friendly city. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Toulon. 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 Thessaloniki or Toulon Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Toulon make for a nice place to visit.

Thessaloniki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

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 Thessaloniki or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Thessaloniki or Toulon Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

Thessaloniki is very popular with students. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Thessaloniki and Toulon.

Thessaloniki has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

You'll find some public transit in Toulon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Is Thessaloniki or Toulon a more walkable city?

Toulon is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Toulon is a very walkable port city. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Thessaloniki Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thessaloniki or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Thessaloniki than Toulon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Toulon.

Families should spend more time in Toulon than Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki than Toulon 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 Thessaloniki.

One day in Thessaloniki or Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Toulon, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this authentic port city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Toulon?

Thessaloniki 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.

Toulon is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the real world destination of Toulon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Toulon?

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

Toulon is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Toulon?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Toulon. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Toulon?

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 Thessaloniki or Toulon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Toulon. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Toulon. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Toulon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Toulon. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Toulon in the Winter?

Both Toulon and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Thessaloniki is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Toulon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Toulon. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Toulon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Toulon. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Toulon. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Toulon. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Thessaloniki