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

Should you visit Toulon or Bilbao?

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

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Toulon and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao. Although Toulon and Bilbao are about the same size, Bilbao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bilbao is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Toulon attracts visitors for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Bilbao is more touristy than Toulon and is known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also well known for The Guggenheim Museum. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bilbao 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 Bilbao specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

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 Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulon is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Toulon. 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.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Toulon or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao 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.

Bilbao offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

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 Bilbao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Toulon has a few snorkeling spots. 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.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a good destination for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Toulon offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Toulon or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is very good for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

Many visitors go to Bilbao to see the historical old town. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

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 Bilbao?

Both Toulon and Bilbao are high quality shopping destinations.

Toulon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Bilbao is well-known for its shopping. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Is Toulon or Bilbao Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Toulon or Bilbao.

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.

Bilbao is a family-friendly port city. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

Is Toulon or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Both Toulon and Bilbao are nice 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.

Bilbao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Toulon or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Toulon and Bilbao are nice destinations for backpackers.

Toulon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Toulon or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is very good for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

Bilbao is a good city to visit for students. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao 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 Bilbao is fairly effecient and thorough. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

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 Bilbao a more walkable city?

Toulon is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable port city. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Bilbao?

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

Families should spend more time in Toulon than Bilbao. 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.

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

One day in Toulon or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toulon. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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

A weekend in Toulon or Bilbao?

Toulon 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.

Bilbao 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.

Five days in Toulon or Bilbao?

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

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

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Bilbao. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Toulon. When comparing the sizes of Toulon and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?

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 Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Bilbao. Many visitors come to Toulon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Toulon is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toulon in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Bilbao. 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 Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 16°C (61°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the autumn, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Toulon usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Toulon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

Toulon is cooler than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In January, Toulon usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Toulon during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Toulon is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulon in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the spring, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Toulon usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Toulon