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

Should you visit Toulon or Girona?

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 Girona 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 beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a beautiful, colorful, and medieval city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Toulon and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Girona?

Both Girona and Toulon have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Toulon is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Girona attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Girona is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Girona 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 Girona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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 Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Girona 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, Girona makes for a great culinary experience. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona Better for Nightlife?

Toulon is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Toulon or Girona Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a moderate port city for its diving and snorkeling. However, Girona 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.

Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Girona Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a good destination for the beache. However, Girona 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.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Toulon or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Girona is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Girona offers plenty to see. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

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 Girona?

Both Toulon and Girona 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.

Girona is well-known for its shopping. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Is Toulon or Girona Better for Families?

Toulon is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Toulon or Girona Better for Couples?

Girona is a well-known place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Toulon or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Toulon and Girona 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 Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Toulon or Girona Better for Students?

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

Girona is a good city to visit for students. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Both Toulon and Girona offer nice 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.

Girona has some public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Toulon or Girona a more walkable city?

Girona is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Girona on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Girona or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Toulon or Girona to fill your time. In our opinion, Girona has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Girona than Toulon. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Toulon or Girona?

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 quaint destination of Girona. 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 Girona?

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.

Girona 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 Girona?

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 Girona. 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 Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the industrial 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 charming destination of Girona. This 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toulon and Girona, we can see that Girona 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 Girona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Girona 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 Girona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Girona?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Toulon and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Toulon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Toulon is around the same temperature as Girona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toulon in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Girona averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Girona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Girona during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Girona. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona and Toulon during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Girona because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the autumn, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Girona. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets more rain in October than Girona. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Girona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Girona. 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 Girona this time of year.

Toulon is cooler than Girona in the winter. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Toulon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Girona during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulon usually receives more rain than Girona. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Girona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Girona. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Toulon is around the same temperature as Girona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulon in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Girona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the spring, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Girona. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Girona and Toulon