A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulon vs. Strasbourg for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Toulon or Strasbourg?

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

Toulon

Toulon is a industrial, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a impressive, quaint, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon and Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Strasbourg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Strasbourg. Although Toulon and Strasbourg are both popular with visitors, Strasbourg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Strasbourg is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Toulon is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Strasbourg is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. It is also home to The Strasbourg Cathedral. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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 Strasbourg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Strasbourg 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, Strasbourg makes for a great culinary experience. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

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 Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

Both Toulon and Strasbourg are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Toulon or Strasbourg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Strasbourg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can 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.

Strasbourg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Strasbourg Better for Beaches?

Toulon is very good for its beaches. However, Strasbourg is not a beach destination.

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.

Strasbourg is not a beach destination.

Is Toulon or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg 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, Strasbourg offers plenty to see. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

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 Strasbourg?

Both Toulon and Strasbourg are very good 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.

Strasbourg is well-known for its shopping. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Is Toulon or Strasbourg Better for Families?

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

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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly port city. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Toulon or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

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 Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Toulon and Strasbourg are good 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 Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Toulon or Strasbourg Better for Students?

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

Strasbourg is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

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 Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Toulon and Strasbourg both are very good 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.

Strasbourg is a very walkable port city. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Strasbourg?

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

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

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

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

One day in Toulon or Strasbourg?

With museums and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path port city of Toulon, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toulon, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Strasbourg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Toulon or Strasbourg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Toulon, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg?

Toulon, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Toulon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Strasbourg. 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 Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Strasbourg?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Strasbourg. When comparing the sizes of Toulon and Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Strasbourg. The summer months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year.

Toulon is a little warmer than Strasbourg in the summer. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Strasbourg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the summer, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 240 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in July than Strasbourg. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

Both Strasbourg and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Toulon is a little warmer than Strasbourg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Toulon in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during autumn. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Toulon usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Toulon or Strasbourg in the Winter?

Both Strasbourg and Toulon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Strasbourg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Strasbourg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Toulon is generally much warmer than Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 7°C (44°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets more rain in January than Strasbourg. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Strasbourg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Strasbourg. Many visitors come to Toulon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Strasbourg for the natural beauty during these months.

Toulon is a little warmer than Strasbourg in the spring. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during spring. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulon usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and Toulon