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

Should you visit Toulon or Barcelona?

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 Toulon and Barcelona can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and real world port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a historic, cultural, and friendly city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Toulon and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Barcelona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona than Toulon, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Barcelona is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Toulon is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling. Barcelona is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also home to Basilica Sagrada Familia. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Barcelona 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 Barcelona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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 Toulon or Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Barcelona 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, Barcelona makes for a great culinary experience. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

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 Toulon or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Barcelona is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

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 Toulon or Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Toulon is not a live music destination.

Barcelona is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Toulon is not a live music destination.

Is Toulon or Barcelona Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a moderate port city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option 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.

Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Toulon and Barcelona are good choices for a beach vacation.

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.

Barcelona has a beach worth visiting. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Is Toulon or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

Barcelona is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Barcelona?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Barcelona is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Toulon is well-known for its shopping. 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 Toulon or Barcelona Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Toulon or Barcelona.

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Barcelona is a family-friendly port city. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Toulon or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Both Toulon and Barcelona are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Toulon is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Toulon or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Barcelona is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

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 Toulon or Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is an unbeatable place for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Barcelona. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Barcelona 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 Barcelona is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

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

Is Toulon or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Toulon is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable port city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Barcelona?

Both Toulon and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Toulon. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Toulon, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

Families should spend more time in Barcelona than Toulon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Barcelona, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Toulon or Barcelona?

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Toulon. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Toulon or Barcelona?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Toulon. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Barcelona is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toulon or Barcelona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the industrial port city of Toulon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Toulon or Barcelona?

Toulon is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Barcelona is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toulon and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. And not only is Toulon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Toulon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toulon 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona than you might in Toulon.

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

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Toulon. When comparing the sizes of Toulon and Barcelona, 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 Toulon or Barcelona?

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 Toulon or Barcelona in the Summer?

Both Barcelona and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Toulon is around the same temperature as Barcelona in the summer. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Toulon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Toulon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Toulon is around the same temperature as Barcelona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Toulon in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Barcelona averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the autumn, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Barcelona. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Barcelona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Barcelona. Most visitors come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Toulon is generally cooler than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 7°C (44°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Toulon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Toulon or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Barcelona. The spring months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

Toulon is around the same temperature as Barcelona in the spring. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the spring, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Barcelona. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Toulon