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

Should you visit Toulon or Split?

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

Toulon

Toulon is a off-the-beaten-path, real world, and industrial port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Split

Split is a fun-filled, budget-friendly, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Toulon and Split: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Toulon or Split?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Split than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Split, Split has more sights and attractions for tourists. Split is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and big city activities, while Toulon attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Split is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also well known for Diocletian's Palace. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toulon
Split

Split 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 Split specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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 Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulon
Split

Split 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, Split makes for a great culinary experience. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

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 Split Better for Nightlife?

Toulon
Split

Split is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Split is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

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 Split Better for Resorts?

Toulon
Split

Split is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Toulon is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Split. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Toulon is not a resort destination.


Is Toulon or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon
Split

Split is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its diving and snorkeling.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Split. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

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 Split Better for Beaches?

Toulon
Split

Split is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beache.

Split is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

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.

Is Toulon or Split Better for its Old Town?

Toulon
Split

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

Many visitors go to Split to see the historical old town. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

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 Split?

Toulon
Split

Both Toulon and Split 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.

Split is well-known for its shopping. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

Is Toulon or Split Better for Families?

Toulon
Split

Split 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.

Split is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Split Better for Couples?

Toulon
Split

Split is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Split has plenty to offer. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

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 Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulon
Split

Split is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Split is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Split Better for Students?

Toulon
Split

Split is a well-known place for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

Split is very popular with students. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Toulon
Split

Both Toulon and Split 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.

Split has some public transit options. There are bus services that will help you get around town.


Is Toulon or Split a more walkable city?

Toulon
Split

Toulon and Split both are high quality 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.

Split is a very walkable port city. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Split?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Toulon or Split? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toulon 1-2 
    Split 2-4

One day in Toulon or Split?

In Toulon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this off-the-beaten-path 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Split. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Toulon or Split?

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.

Split is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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 Split?

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 Split. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the off-the-beaten-path 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Split. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Split or Toulon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Toulon is €119, while the average daily cost in Split is €109. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Toulon and Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toulon 79
    Split 73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toulon 158
    Split 146
Compare Hotels in Toulon and Split

Looking for a hotel in Toulon or Split? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Toulon


Hotels in Split


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Toulon Hotel Prices and Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toulon 7.14
    Split 14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Toulon:

  • Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille Provence Airport: $116
  • Private Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille city Hotels: $116

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

Also for Split, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Diocletian's Palace & Trogir Old Town with Transfer: $15
  • Split Airport (SPU) to Cruise Port of Split - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Cruise Port of Split to Split Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Split Hotels to Cruise Port of Split - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Split Airport Taxi Transfers > Split City Area: $28
  • Split Airport Taxi Transfers > Split City Area: $32
  • Luxury private transfer: Split airport to Split: $35
  • Luxury private transfer: Split to Split airport: $35
  • Airport Private Transfer from Split: $36
  • Airport Private Transfer to Split : $37
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Marina Aci Trogir : $40
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Slatine (Island Ciovo): $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Toulon or Split?

Prices for flights to both Split and Toulon change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Toulon 30
    Split 23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toulon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Toulon.

  • Culinary Heritage Guided Walking Food Tour: $101
  • Toulon Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $103

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

For Split, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Small Group Food Tour: $37
  • Homemade Dinner under the Stars in Split: $85
  • Food Tour in Split ( Small Group): $96
  • Vegan Food tour of Split with local gastronomy: $101
  • Split Cooking Class - Afternoon Edition Shared Activity: $190
  • Private Authentic Wine & Food tour from Split: $239
  • Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour Split: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toulon 13
    Split 3.71

Tours and Activities in Toulon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Toulon are as follows:

  • Guided Tour in Port & Old City: $54
  • Ile de Porquerolles: VIP tour et déjeuner Fondation Carmignac: $216
  • Private Heritage Walking Tour in Toulon: $177
  • Provence Abbey of Thoronet Entrance Ticket: $9.76
  • Toulon Private Tour: $277
  • Little Train Ticket: $9.58

Tours and Activities in Split

For Split, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.38
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.38
  • Emanuel Vidović Gallery Entrance Ticket: $6.38
  • Entry Ticket to the Cellars of Diocletian's Palace: $8.51
  • Sightseeing Split's Roman Ruins: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Roman Ruins Sightseeing Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Split's Old Town and Marjan Hill: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Split's Old Town and Marjan Hill: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.31
  • Klis Fortress GOT and Olive Museum Entry Tickets: $11
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toulon 14
    Split 7.95

Sample the Local Flavors in Toulon

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toulon:

  • Cellar Visit & Bandol Wine Tasting (in French): $13
  • Horse riding in the vineyards of Ramatuelle + wine tasting: $97

Sample the Local Flavors in Split

Also in Split, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Krka Waterfalls & Swimming & Wine tasting: $24
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $26
  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $29
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $38
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split: $39
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $46
  • Krka Waterfalls and wine tasting Tour from Split or Trogir : $46
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian's Palace: $53
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian’s Palace: $54
  • Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $70
  • Blue Lagoon & Wine tasting - 3 islands tour: $98
  • Vineyard Wine Tasting Experience with a Sea view from Split: $100


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


Which is Bigger, Toulon or Split?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Toulon and Split, 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 Split?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Toulon or Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Toulon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Toulon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Toulon is cooler than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toulon in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Split averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the summer, Toulon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in July than Split. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Toulon 24°C (75°F) 
    Split 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Toulon or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Split. Most visitors come to Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Split because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Toulon is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 16°C (61°F), and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split 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 Split during autumn. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Toulon usually receives more rain than Split. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Toulon 16°C (61°F) 
    Split 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Toulon or Split in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Split. The winter months attract visitors to Toulon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Split this time of year.

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

In the winter, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Split. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in January than Split. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Toulon 7°C (44°F) 
    Split 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Toulon or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Toulon is cooler than Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulon in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Split during spring. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulon usually receives less rain than Split. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Toulon 13°C (56°F) 
    Split 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Split and Toulon

Toulon Split
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 11°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)