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

Should you visit Toulon or Naples?

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

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Naples

Naples is a colorful, fascinating, and historic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Naples?

You'll generally find more things to do in Naples than Toulon. Naples is bigger than Toulon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Naples is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Toulon is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Naples is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. Also, Naples is famous for Piazza del Plebiscito. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Naples 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 Naples specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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 Naples? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Naples 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.

Naples has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Naples 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.

Naples offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Naples Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Naples Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Naples is not a beach destination.

Toulon has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Toulon or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Naples 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 Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

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 Naples?

Both Toulon and Naples are excellent 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.

Naples is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Toulon or Naples Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Toulon or Naples.

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.

Naples is a family-friendly port city. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Toulon or Naples Better for Couples?

Naples 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.

Naples is a very popular place to visit for couples. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

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 Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples 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 Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

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

Naples is a good city to visit for students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Naples 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 Naples is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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 Naples a more walkable city?

Toulon and Naples both are excellent 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.

Naples is a very walkable port city. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Naples?

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

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

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

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

One day in Toulon or Naples?

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

Naples is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Naples?

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.

Naples 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 Naples?

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 Naples. 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the off-the-beaten-path 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 colorful big city of Naples. 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 in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Naples?

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

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 Naples in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Naples. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Naples. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 24°C (75°F), and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Naples this time of the year. In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Naples during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Naples. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Naples. Many travelers come to Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Naples in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Toulon is around the same temperature as Naples in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°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 Naples. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Toulon usually gets less rain in October than Naples. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Naples in the Winter?

Both Naples and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Toulon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Toulon is cooler than Naples. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulon in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Naples averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Naples during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. In January, Toulon usually receives less rain than Naples. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Toulon during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Naples because of the activities around the city.

In April, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Naples. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 13°C (56°F), and Naples fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the spring, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Naples. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in April than Naples. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Toulon