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

Should you visit Toulon or Kotor?

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

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a peaceful, remote, and dramatic coastal town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Toulon and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Kotor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kotor. Although Toulon and Kotor are both popular with visitors, Kotor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kotor is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Toulon is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Kotor is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also home to The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral). Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toulon is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Toulon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Toulon or Kotor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kotor 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.

Kotor has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Toulon is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Toulon has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Toulon or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a moderate coastal town for its resorts. However, Toulon is not a resort destination.

Kotor has a few resort options worth checking out. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Toulon is not a resort destination.

Is Toulon or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its diving and snorkeling.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

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.

Is Toulon or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Toulon and Kotor 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.

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Toulon or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor 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, Kotor offers plenty to see. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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 Toulon or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Kotor specifically for its hiking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Kotor?

Toulon is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Toulon or Kotor Better for Families?

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

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.

Kotor is a family-friendly port city. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Toulon or Kotor Better for Couples?

Kotor 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.

Kotor is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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 Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor 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 Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Toulon is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Toulon or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor 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 Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Toulon or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Toulon, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

One day in Toulon or Kotor?

In Toulon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this industrial destination offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kotor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Toulon or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

Toulon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Toulon. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kotor. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the industrial destination of Toulon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Kotor?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Toulon and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Kotor. The summer months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

Toulon is cooler than Kotor in the summer. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Kotor. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Kotor. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the autumn, Toulon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Toulon usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the winter for the cuisine.

In January, Toulon is generally a little warmer than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 7°C (44°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Kotor during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, Toulon usually receives less rain than Kotor. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Toulon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Toulon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Toulon is around the same temperature as Kotor in the spring. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the spring, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Kotor. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Toulon usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Toulon