A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Toulouse vs. Budapest for Food, Backpackers, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Toulouse or Budapest?

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 Budapest 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 relaxed, dynamic, and historic 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a historic, authentic, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Toulouse and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulouse or Budapest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Toulouse, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest is more popular for its big city activities and impressive beauty, while Toulouse is known for its food. Budapest is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine.

How is Toulouse different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Budapest and Toulouse.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Toulouse. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

Toulouse is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Toulouse has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Toulouse or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Toulouse and Budapest.

Many people head to Toulouse for the nightlife scene. 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.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Toulouse or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Both Toulouse and Budapest have superb historic old towns worth visiting.

Toulouse is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Budapest?

If you're looking to go shopping, Toulouse and Budapest both offer plenty of superb 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.

Budapest is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Toulouse or Budapest Better for Families?

Toulouse is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Toulouse is very family-friendly. 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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Toulouse or Budapest Better for Couples?

Both Toulouse and Budapest are superb 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.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Toulouse or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Budapest is a very popular city for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

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

Budapest is a must-visit destination 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.

Budapest has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Toulouse or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Budapest?

In either Toulouse or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest 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 Budapest.

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

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

One day in Toulouse or Budapest?

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.

Budapest is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in Toulouse or Budapest?

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.

Budapest 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 Budapest, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Toulouse or Budapest?

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.

Budapest is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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.

Budapest is a great place to explore. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Toulouse. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Toulouse or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Toulouse in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Toulouse is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 22°C (72°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Budapest. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulouse. Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest during summer. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Budapest. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulouse or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Toulouse during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Toulouse for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Toulouse is a little warmer than Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Toulouse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Budapest. The winter months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

It's quite cold in Budapest in the winter. In the winter, Toulouse is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulouse in January average around 6°C (44°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Toulouse usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during winter. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulouse usually receives more rain than Budapest. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulouse or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Budapest. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Toulouse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Toulouse