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

Should you visit Toulon or Rijeka?

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 Rijeka 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a slow-paced, coastal, and accessible town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Rijeka?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Rijeka than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Rijeka, Rijeka has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Rijeka is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Toulon is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Rijeka is more touristy than Toulon and is known for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. Also, Rijeka is famous for Trsat Castle. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Toulon and Rijeka have notable 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.

Rijeka offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Toulon and Rijeka can be an enjoyable experience.

Toulon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Rijeka has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Toulon or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Rijeka 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.

Rijeka offers plenty to do in the evening. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

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 Rijeka Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a moderate port city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Toulon is very good for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

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.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is Toulon or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a moderate port city for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Toulon is worth visiting. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Rijeka?

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Toulon. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Toulon or Rijeka Better for Families?

Rijeka is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Rijeka is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Toulon is a family-friendly port city. 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.

Is Toulon or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Both Toulon and Rijeka are notable 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.

Rijeka makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Toulon or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Toulon and Rijeka are notable 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 Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Toulon or Rijeka Better for Students?

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

Rijeka is a good town to visit for students. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Both Toulon and Rijeka offer notable 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.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Toulon or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Toulon is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Rijeka?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toulon than Rijeka 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 Toulon.

One day in Toulon or Rijeka?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rijeka. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Toulon or Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka. 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 Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the real world 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 coastal destination of Rijeka. This town 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toulon and Rijeka, we can see that Toulon is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Rijeka?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Toulon and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Rijeka. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Toulon during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Toulon is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the autumn, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rijeka. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Rijeka. Many travelers come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Toulon is a little warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulon in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Rijeka averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rijeka. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Rijeka. Many visitors come to Toulon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 13°C (56°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°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 Rijeka. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Toulon