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

Should you visit Toulouse or Volterra?

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 Volterra 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Volterra

Volterra is a cultural, historic, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Toulouse and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Toulouse or Volterra?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Toulouse than Volterra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Toulouse is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Volterra is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Volterra is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. 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 Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toulouse
Volterra

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Volterra 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 Volterra. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.


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

Toulouse
Volterra

Both Toulouse and Volterra 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 Volterra, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

Is Toulouse or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse
Volterra

Toulouse is well known for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Toulouse is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Volterra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Is Toulouse or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse
Volterra

Volterra 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 Volterra can be explored in its historical center. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

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 Volterra?

Toulouse
Volterra

Toulouse is well known for shopping. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Toulouse is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Volterra. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Is Toulouse or Volterra Better for Families?

Toulouse
Volterra

Toulouse is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Toulouse is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Volterra offers lots of family activities. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

Is Toulouse or Volterra Better for Couples?

Toulouse
Volterra

Volterra is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Volterra is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

Toulouse is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.


Is Toulouse or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulouse
Volterra

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

Volterra is a good town to visit for backpackers. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

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 Volterra Better for Students?

Toulouse
Volterra

Toulouse is a popular place for students. However, Volterra is not popular with students.

Toulouse is popular with students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Volterra is not popular with students.

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

Toulouse
Volterra

Toulouse is a popular place for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Toulouse, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.


Is Toulouse or Volterra a more walkable city?

Toulouse
Volterra

Volterra 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.

Volterra is a very easy town to get around on foot. Most people explore the town on foot.

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 Volterra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Volterra?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Toulouse or Volterra to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Toulouse than Volterra 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 Volterra.

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

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


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

One day in Toulouse or Volterra?

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.

Volterra is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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 Volterra?

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.

Volterra is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Volterra, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Toulouse or Volterra?

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.

Volterra 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.

A week in Toulouse or Volterra?

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.

Volterra 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 town 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Volterra 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 Volterra is €101. 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 Volterra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toulouse 67
    Volterra 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toulouse 134
    Volterra 122
Compare Hotels in Toulouse and Volterra

Looking for a hotel in Toulouse or Volterra? 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 Volterra


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 Volterra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toulouse 41
    Volterra 4.29

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volterra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Volterra:

  • Private Transfer from San Gimignano to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $248

Is it cheaper to fly into Toulouse or Volterra?

Prices for flights to both Volterra 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
    Volterra 36

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 Volterra

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

  • Buffet dinner at the farm: $49
  • Dining experience at a local's home in San Gimignano with show cooking: $93
  • Volterra - Olive oil tasting with lunch with lunch or dinner: $112
  • Pizza Cooking Class: $112
  • Fresh Pasta Cooking Class: $112
  • "Hands in dough" Cooking Class with Lunch: $120
  • Tuscan Cooking Class: $126
  • Tuscany: Wine Tasting Lunch or Dinner: $128
  • Winery Cave Dinner & Tasting in Tuscany - Romantic & Lovely : $137
  • Fiorentina Steak Dinner & Wine Tasting: $164
  • Cooking class, wine tasting and 2500 year old granaries: $175
  • Cooking Classes in Tuscany among the Chianti Vineyards: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toulouse 15
    Volterra 11

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 Volterra

Here are a few actual costs in Volterra for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cesani Wine Experience: $33
  • Chianti and Castle Small Group Tour from San Gimignano: $93
  • Discover Volterra with Licensed Tour Guide: $214
  • Private Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Wine, Evo Oil & Meal: $69
  • Private Tour in San Gimignano: $150
  • Private Tour: San Gimignano Walking Tour: $207
  • Private walking tour in San Gimignano with a local licensed guide: $218
  • San Gimignano Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $293
  • San Gimignano, Volterra, St Galgano Abbey small group tour: $149
  • Truffle Lunch & Hunting Experience in San Gimignano: $180
  • Tuscany: Volterra Truffle Hunting Experience: $203
  • Volterra - Archeotour by e-bike with tasting: $187

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toulouse 7.50
    Volterra 16

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 Volterra

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Volterra:

  • San Gimignano: Chianti wine tasting : $33
  • Casa Emma Wine Tasting : $34
  • Gourmet Wine Tour San Gimignano Wine Tasting - San Quirico Winery: $36
  • 5 Wine Tastings in San Gimignano: $60
  • Lunch with Wine Tasting: $60
  • "Gourmet" Wine Tasting at Cesani's: $66
  • Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $71
  • Vineyard Walk & Wine Tasting in Tuscany: $115
  • Brunello Wine Tasting from San Gimignano: $130
  • Exclusive evening wine tasting at organic winery : $218
  • Chianti e-bike tour from Florence with wine tasting: $284
  • Private Excursion: Volterra & San Gimignano+wine tastings: $289


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Toulouse and Volterra, we can see that Toulouse is more expensive. And not only is Volterra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Volterra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Volterra 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 Volterra.

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


Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Volterra?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse and Volterra, 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 Volterra?

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 Volterra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Volterra. Many travelers come to Toulouse for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Volterra in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Toulouse is around the same temperature as Volterra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toulouse in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Volterra averages at about 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volterra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulouse this time of the year. In the summer, Toulouse often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets more rain in July than Volterra. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Toulouse 22°C (72°F) 
    Volterra 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Volterra in the Autumn?

Both Volterra 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 Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Toulouse is generally around the same temperature as Volterra. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 15°C (60°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Toulouse usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Volterra. In October, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Volterra. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Toulouse or Volterra in the Winter?

Both Volterra 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Volterra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Toulouse is cooler than Volterra in the winter. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 6°C (44°F) in January, and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Toulouse often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in January than Volterra. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Toulouse 6°C (44°F) 
    Volterra 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Volterra in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Toulouse is around the same temperature as Volterra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulouse in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Volterra averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Toulouse usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during spring. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Volterra. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Volterra and Toulouse

Toulouse Volterra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 19°C (67°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (74°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)