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

Should you visit Toulouse or Girona?

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 Girona 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 vibrant, friendly, and relaxed 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a medieval, ancient, and charming city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Toulouse and Girona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Toulouse or Girona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulouse than Girona, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Toulouse is more popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Girona is known for its historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Girona is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also home to Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Toulouse different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toulouse
Girona

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Girona 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 Girona. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.


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

Toulouse
Girona

Toulouse is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Toulouse, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Girona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Is Toulouse or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse
Girona

Toulouse is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Toulouse offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Toulouse or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse
Girona

Girona is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

The rich history of Girona can be explored in its historical center. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Girona?

Toulouse
Girona

If you're looking to go shopping, Toulouse and Girona both offer plenty of very good 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.

Girona is an extremely popular place for shoppers. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Is Toulouse or Girona Better for Families?

Toulouse
Girona

Toulouse is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Toulouse or Girona Better for Couples?

Toulouse
Girona

Both Toulouse and Girona are very good 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.

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.


Is Toulouse or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulouse
Girona

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

Girona is a good city to visit for backpackers. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

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 Girona Better for Students?

Toulouse
Girona

For students, both Toulouse and Girona are good places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Toulouse. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Girona is a good city to visit for students. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

Toulouse
Girona

Toulouse and Girona both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Toulouse offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.


Is Toulouse or Girona a more walkable city?

Toulouse
Girona

Girona 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.

Girona is a very easy city to get around on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Toulouse or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Toulouse than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Toulouse, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

Families should spend more time in Toulouse than Girona. 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.

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


  • How many days in Toulouse or Girona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toulouse 2-4 
    Girona 1-2

One day in Toulouse or Girona?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toulouse. 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.

The beautiful city of Girona offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Toulouse or Girona?

Toulouse is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

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


Five days in Toulouse or Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

Girona is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

A week in Toulouse or Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Toulouse. 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.

Girona 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Girona or Toulouse?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Toulouse is €125, while the average daily cost in Girona is €140. 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 Toulouse and Girona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toulouse 67
    Girona 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toulouse 134
    Girona 138
Compare Hotels in Toulouse and Girona

Looking for a hotel in Toulouse or Girona? 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 Toulouse


Hotels in Girona


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: Toulouse Hotel Prices and Girona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toulouse 41
    Girona 49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulouse

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

  • Arrival Transfer Toulouse Airport TLS to Toulouse by Car or Van: $41
  • Transfer from BLAGNAC Airport to all other destinations in Toulouse: $53
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse city centre to Toulouse Airport: $66
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse Airport to City centre: $67
  • Private transfer from or to Toulouse Airport: $87
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toulouse to Toulouse Airport TLS in Luxury Van: $92
  • Private transfer your alternative to taxi for your travels: $93
  • Transfer Toulouse to Carcassonne center: $240

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $262
  • Transfer from Barcelona to girona Airport: $196
  • Girona Airport (GRO) to Costa Brava - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Palamós to Barcelona Airport (BNC) Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Toulouse or Girona?

Prices for flights to both Girona and Toulouse 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
    Toulouse 34
    Girona 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toulouse

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

  • No Diet Club - Best food tour in Toulouse !: $52
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $76
  • Traditional Toulouse Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Victor Hugo Market Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $105
  • Marché Victor Hugo Small Group Food Tour: $107

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Girona

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

  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $88
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $91
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $95
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $96
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toulouse 15
    Girona 24

Tours and Activities in Toulouse

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Toulouse.

  • Toulouse : Self-guided Reading Tour: $2.13
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Toulouse : Walking tour with audio guide: $5.29
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Toulouse Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Toulouse's Timeless Splendor: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Toulous: Glory of Occitania Audio Tour: $15
  • Aeroscopia Admission Ticket: $16
  • Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Minibus: $17

Tours and Activities in Girona

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

  • 2h Guided Kayak Tour on the Costa Brava: $44
  • Basic Dali Experience & Costa Brava from Girona or Palamos: $196
  • Cadaqués & Dalí House-Museum day trip from Girona (tickets included): $158
  • Dalí Museum and Costa Brava Small Group Tour from Girona: $152
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
  • Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
  • Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
  • From Dalí Museum and Girona Small Group Tour: $149
  • From Dalí Museum, Cadaqués and Creus Cape Tour: $149
  • Girona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toulouse 7.50
    Girona 9.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Toulouse

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Toulouse:

  • Pub Crawl Toulouse: $20
  • From Toulouse Cite de carcassonne et wine tasting: $530

Sample the Local Flavors in Girona

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

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $82
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $149


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


Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Girona?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Toulouse during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Toulouse is generally around the same temperature as Girona. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 22°C (72°F), and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Girona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Toulouse. In the summer, Toulouse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Girona. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets more rain in July than Girona. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Toulouse 22°C (72°F) 
    Girona 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Girona in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Girona. Many travelers come to Toulouse for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Girona in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Toulouse is around the same temperature as Girona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Girona fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Girona during autumn. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Girona. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Toulouse 15°C (60°F) 
    Girona 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Girona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Girona. Many visitors come to Toulouse in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Toulouse is cooler than Girona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulouse in January average around 6°C (44°F), and Girona averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Toulouse often gets less sunshine than Girona. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in January than Girona. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Toulouse 6°C (44°F) 
    Girona 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Girona in the Spring?

Both Girona and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Toulouse for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Toulouse is generally around the same temperature as Girona. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 12°C (54°F), and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Girona during spring. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Girona. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Toulouse 12°C (54°F) 
    Girona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Girona and Toulouse

Toulouse Girona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 19°C (67°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)