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

Should you visit Toulon or Pamplona?

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 Pamplona 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a laid-back, historic, and elegant 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 Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Pamplona?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pamplona than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Pamplona, Pamplona has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pamplona is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and big city activities, while Toulon attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pamplona is more touristy than Toulon and is known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also well known for The Running of the Bulls Festival. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Toulon and Pamplona have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Pamplona offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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

Pamplona 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, Pamplona makes for a great culinary experience. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

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 Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

Pamplona 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.

Pamplona offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

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 Pamplona Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Pamplona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Pamplona Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a popular place for the beache. However, Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Toulon is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Is Toulon or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Pamplona to see the historical old town. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

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 Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Pamplona is a popular spot for hiking. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Pamplona?

Toulon is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Toulon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Toulon or Pamplona Better for Families?

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

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.

Pamplona is a family-friendly port city. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Is Toulon or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Both Toulon and Pamplona 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.

Pamplona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Toulon or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamplona 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 Pamplona. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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 Pamplona Better for Students?

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

Pamplona is a good city to visit for students. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Both Toulon and Pamplona 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.

Pamplona has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Toulon or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Toulon and Pamplona both are great 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.

Pamplona is a very walkable port city. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Pamplona?

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

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

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

One day in Toulon or Pamplona?

The port city of Toulon offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pamplona. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Toulon or Pamplona?

Toulon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toulon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Pamplona 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 Pamplona?

Toulon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Toulon is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Pamplona. This city 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Pamplona?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Toulon and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?

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 Pamplona in the Summer?

Both Pamplona and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Pamplona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and Toulon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Toulon because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

In October, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 16°C (61°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the autumn, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Toulon usually gets less rain in October than Pamplona. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Pamplona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Pamplona. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Toulon is cooler than Pamplona in the winter. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Toulon usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Pamplona. Many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Pamplona in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Toulon is around the same temperature as Pamplona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulon in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Pamplona averages at about 12°C (54°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 Pamplona. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Toulon usually gets less rain in April than Pamplona. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Toulon