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

Should you visit Toulouse or Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a historic, charming, and picturesque city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse and Strasbourg: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Toulouse or Strasbourg?

You'll generally find more things to do in Toulouse than Strasbourg. Toulouse is bigger than Strasbourg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Toulouse is better known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Strasbourg is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Strasbourg is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. Toulouse is well known for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. Also, Toulouse is famous for Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Toulouse different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toulouse
Strasbourg

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


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

Toulouse
Strasbourg

Toulouse is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Strasbourg. 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.

Is Toulouse or Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse
Strasbourg

Toulouse is a great city for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Toulouse has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Toulouse or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse
Strasbourg

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg can be explored in its historical center. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

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 Strasbourg?

Toulouse
Strasbourg

If you're looking to go shopping, Toulouse and Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Toulouse or Strasbourg Better for Families?

Toulouse
Strasbourg

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

Toulouse is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Toulouse or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

Toulouse
Strasbourg

Both Toulouse and Strasbourg 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.

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.


Is Toulouse or Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulouse
Strasbourg

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

Strasbourg is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

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 Strasbourg Better for Students?

Toulouse
Strasbourg

For students, both Toulouse and Strasbourg are notable places to visit.

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

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

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

Toulouse
Strasbourg

Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

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


Is Toulouse or Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Toulouse
Strasbourg

Toulouse and Strasbourg are superb 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Strasbourg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Toulouse and Strasbourg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toulouse than in Strasbourg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Toulouse, and 2-3 days is enough time in Strasbourg.

Families should spend more time in Toulouse than Strasbourg. 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 Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg.


  • How many days in Toulouse or Strasbourg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toulouse 2-4 
    Strasbourg 2-3

One day in Toulouse or Strasbourg?

With museums and nightlife around the relaxed city of Toulouse, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Strasbourg 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.

A weekend in Toulouse or Strasbourg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Toulouse, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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


Five days in Toulouse or Strasbourg?

Toulouse, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg?

Toulouse is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

Strasbourg 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 in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg is €138. 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 Strasbourg in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Toulouse or Strasbourg? 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 Strasbourg


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 Strasbourg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toulouse 41
    Strasbourg 44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulouse

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

  • Transfer Toulouse to Carcassonne center: $243
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toulouse to Toulouse Airport TLS in Luxury Van: $93
  • Private transfer from or to Toulouse Airport: $88
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse Airport to City centre: $67
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse city centre to Toulouse Airport: $66
  • Transfer from BLAGNAC Airport to all other destinations in Toulouse: $54
  • Arrival Transfer Toulouse Airport TLS to Toulouse by Car or Van: $42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Strasbourg

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

  • Private Transfer from or to Colmar: $264
  • Strasbourg Private Transfer from Strasbourg city centre to Strasbourg Airport: $82
  • Strasbourg Entzheim Airport - Private Transfer from/to Hotels: $79
  • Private transfer Strasbourg Airport: $59
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Toulouse or Strasbourg?

Prices for flights to both Strasbourg 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
    Strasbourg 44

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 !: $53
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $77
  • Traditional Toulouse Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $105
  • Victor Hugo Market Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $106
  • Marché Victor Hugo Small Group Food Tour: $108

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Strasbourg

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

  • Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $109

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

Tours and Activities in Toulouse

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

  • Aeroscopia Admission Ticket: $17
  • Day Trip to Carcassonne Cite Medievale and Comtale Castle Tour from Toulouse: $35
  • Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Toulouse with Official Tour Guide: $257
  • Private tour of Toulouse in an electric Tuk Tuk: $66
  • Toulous: Glory of Occitania Audio Tour: $15
  • Toulouse : Electric Tuk-Tuk Tour with Photo Stops and Audio: $76
  • Toulouse : Must-see Private Walking Tour: $38
  • Toulouse : Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $9.67
  • Toulouse : Self-guided Reading Tour: $2.16
  • Toulouse E Bike Tour: $50
  • Toulouse E-Bike Tour: $49
  • Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef: $119

Tours and Activities in Strasbourg

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

  • 2-Hour Strasbourg Euro Tour by Segway: $65
  • Alsace Christmas Markets Day Tour from Strasbourg: $149
  • Alsace Wine Odyssey: Full-Day Private Tour from Strasbourg: $2,062
  • Alsace Wine Route Small Group Half-Day Tour with Tasting from Strasbourg: $108
  • Alsace Wine Route Wineries & Tasting Small Group Guided Tour from Strasbourg: $176
  • Alsatian brunch with immersive cellar tour: $39
  • Alsatian tour, tasting and meal - 100% immersive experience: $61
  • Christmas Joy in Strasbourg Walking Tour: $650
  • Gems of Alsace: Private Full-Day Tour from Strasbourg: $2,062
  • Gourmet Bike Tour with a Locals in Strasbourg: $72
  • Guided Walking Tour in Strasbourg between History and Curiosities: $35
  • Immersive cellar tour, tasting and board meal: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toulouse 7.50
    Strasbourg 19

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: $539

Sample the Local Flavors in Strasbourg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Strasbourg:

  • Wine tasting and immersive cellar tour: $20
  • Wine tour, tasting and picnic basket: $39
  • From Medieval Villages & Wine Tasting Day Trip: $119
  • Medieval Villages and Wine Tasting from Strasbourg: $121
  • Wine Tasting Private Tour: $554


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


Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Strasbourg?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Strasbourg. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse 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 Toulouse or Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg in the Summer?

Both Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Toulouse is a little warmer than Strasbourg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toulouse in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Strasbourg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulouse. Toulouse usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during summer. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Strasbourg. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Toulouse 22°C (72°F) 
    Strasbourg 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

Both Strasbourg 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Toulouse is generally a little warmer than Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 15°C (60°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Toulouse often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets more rain in October than Strasbourg. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Toulouse 15°C (60°F) 
    Strasbourg 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Strasbourg in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Strasbourg in the winter. Toulouse is much warmer than Strasbourg in the winter. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 6°C (44°F) in January, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Toulouse usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during winter. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulouse usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Toulouse 6°C (44°F) 
    Strasbourg 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Strasbourg in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Toulouse is a little warmer than Strasbourg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulouse in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Toulouse often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets more rain in April than Strasbourg. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Toulouse 12°C (54°F) 
    Strasbourg 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and Toulouse

Toulouse Strasbourg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 19°C (67°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)