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

Should you visit Toulon or Bari?

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 Bari can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a industrial, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Bari

Bari is a authentic, local, and cultural port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Toulon and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Bari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bari. Although Toulon and Bari are roughly the same size, Bari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bari is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Toulon is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and impressive beauty. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. Also, Bari is famous for San Nicola.

How is Toulon different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bari 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 Bari?

Bari 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 Bari specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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 Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari is an unbeatable 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.

Bari has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bari Better for Nightlife?

Bari 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.

Bari offers plenty to do in the evening. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

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 Bari Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can 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.

Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Bari Better for Beaches?

Toulon and Bari are notable 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.

Bari has a beach worth visiting. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is Toulon or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari 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 Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

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 Bari?

Toulon is a great port city for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Toulon or Bari Better for Families?

Bari is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Bari is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Toulon is a family-friendly port city. 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 Toulon or Bari Better for Couples?

Both Toulon and Bari are notable 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.

Bari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Toulon or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari 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 Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Bari Better for Students?

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

Bari is very popular with students. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Both Toulon and Bari offer notable public transit options.

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

Bari has some public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Toulon or Bari a more walkable city?

Toulon and Bari both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Bari is a very walkable port city. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Toulon and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bari than in Toulon. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Toulon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

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

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

One day in Toulon or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Toulon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Toulon or Bari?

Toulon is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bari is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toulon or Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Toulon. This port city offers something for everyone. 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 Bari. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Toulon or Bari?

The real world port city of Toulon offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Bari. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Toulon. When comparing the sizes of Toulon and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Toulon or Bari in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Bari. Many visitors come to Toulon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Bari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 24°C (75°F), and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the summer, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Bari. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in July than Bari. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Toulon is cooler than Bari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Bari during autumn. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Toulon usually receives more rain than Bari. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Toulon or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Toulon during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Toulon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In the winter, Toulon is cooler than Bari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulon in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Bari averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Bari. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets more rain in January than Bari. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Bari in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Bari. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 13°C (56°F), and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Bari during spring. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulon usually receives more rain than Bari. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Toulon