A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulouse vs. Bordeaux for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Toulouse or Bordeaux?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Toulouse and Bordeaux can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a friendly, relaxed, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a historical, elegant, and charming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulouse or Bordeaux?

Both Bordeaux and Toulouse have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Toulouse is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights, while Bordeaux is known for its impressive beauty. Bordeaux is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine.

How is Toulouse different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bordeaux and Toulouse. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Toulouse or Bordeaux?

Toulouse is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Toulouse offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

Is the Food Better in Toulouse or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Toulouse and Bordeaux offer a number of terrific restaurants to choose from.

Many restaurants in Toulouse have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

Eat your way through Bordeaux, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

Is Toulouse or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Toulouse know how to have a good time. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Toulouse or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse is a great destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Toulouse. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Bordeaux?

If you're looking to go shopping, Toulouse and Bordeaux both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Bordeaux is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Toulouse or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Toulouse is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Toulouse is a very kid-friendly city. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Toulouse or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Both Toulouse and Bordeaux are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Toulouse is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

Bordeaux is a very popular place to visit for couples. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Toulouse or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Bordeaux is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Toulouse or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Bordeaux is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Bordeaux. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Toulouse is a good city to visit for students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Is Toulouse or Bordeaux Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bordeaux is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Bordeaux offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Toulouse or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Toulouse and Bordeaux are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Toulouse is a very walkable destination. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

Bordeaux is very walkable. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Toulouse Worth Visiting? and Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Bordeaux?

In either Toulouse or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Toulouse because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Toulouse, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bordeaux than Toulouse 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 Bordeaux.

One day in Toulouse or Bordeaux?

The city of Toulouse offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful city of Bordeaux offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Toulouse or Bordeaux?

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

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

Five days in Toulouse or Bordeaux?

Toulouse is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

Bordeaux is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bordeaux, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Toulouse or Bordeaux?

Toulouse is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Toulouse and Bordeaux, we can see that Toulouse 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 Toulouse Expensive? and Is Bordeaux Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Bordeaux?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse and Bordeaux, 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 Toulouse or Bordeaux?

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 Toulouse or Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Toulouse for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Toulouse is generally around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 22°C (72°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulouse this time of the year. In the summer, Toulouse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in July than Bordeaux. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Toulouse in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Toulouse is around the same temperature as Bordeaux in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux during autumn. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Toulouse or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Toulouse during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Toulouse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Toulouse is around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulouse in January average around 6°C (44°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Toulouse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Toulouse usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Bordeaux. The spring months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

In April, Toulouse is generally around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 12°C (54°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux during spring. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Toulouse