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

Should you visit Toulouse or Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza 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 dynamic, historic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a authentic, cultural, and historical city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse and Zaragoza: 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 Zaragoza?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Toulouse than Zaragoza. While Zaragoza is larger than Toulouse, Toulouse has more sights and attractions for tourists. Toulouse is very popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Zaragoza attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Zaragoza is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene. Toulouse is famous for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also well known for Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Toulouse different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Toulouse
Zaragoza

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.


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

Toulouse
Zaragoza

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Toulouse is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zaragoza. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Is Toulouse or Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse
Zaragoza

Toulouse is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Toulouse has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Toulouse or Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse
Zaragoza

Both Toulouse and Zaragoza have high quality 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 Zaragoza. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.


Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Zaragoza?

Toulouse
Zaragoza

If you're looking to go shopping, Toulouse and Zaragoza both offer plenty of high quality 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.

Zaragoza is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

Is Toulouse or Zaragoza Better for Families?

Toulouse
Zaragoza

Toulouse is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Toulouse is known to be 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.

Zaragoza is a family-friendly city. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

Is Toulouse or Zaragoza Better for Couples?

Toulouse
Zaragoza

Both Toulouse and Zaragoza are high quality 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.

Zaragoza is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.


Is Toulouse or Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulouse
Zaragoza

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

Zaragoza is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young 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 Zaragoza Better for Students?

Toulouse
Zaragoza

For students, both Toulouse and Zaragoza are nice places to visit.

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

Zaragoza is a good city to visit for students. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

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

Toulouse
Zaragoza

Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams around the city.

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


Is Toulouse or Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Toulouse
Zaragoza

Toulouse and Zaragoza are high quality 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.

Zaragoza is very walkable. The city center is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Zaragoza?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Toulouse and Zaragoza. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toulouse than in Zaragoza. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Toulouse, and 1-3 days is enough time in Zaragoza.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Toulouse or Zaragoza? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toulouse 2-4 
    Zaragoza 1-3

One day in Toulouse or Zaragoza?

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

The beautiful city of Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza?

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.

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


Five days in Toulouse or Zaragoza?

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.

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza?

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.

Zaragoza 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 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza is €126. 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 Zaragoza in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toulouse 67
    Zaragoza 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toulouse 134
    Zaragoza 130
Compare Hotels in Toulouse and Zaragoza

Looking for a hotel in Toulouse or Zaragoza? 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 Zaragoza


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 Zaragoza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toulouse 41
    Zaragoza 23

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 Zaragoza

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zaragoza:

  • Private transfers Airport-hotel Zaragoza.: $66
  • Zaragoza Private Transfer from Zaragoza Airport to City centre: $66
  • Zaragoza Private Transfer from the city centre to Zaragoza Airport: $66
  • Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) to Zaragoza Downtown hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) to Zaragoza Downtown hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Zaragoza Downtown hotels to Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Toulouse or Zaragoza?

Prices for flights to both Zaragoza 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
    Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza

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

  • Midday Market Tour and Spanish Cooking Class: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toulouse 15
    Zaragoza 35

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 Zaragoza

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

  • Complete tour + wine and tapas: $202
  • Evening traditional tapas walking tour in old Zaragoza center: $104
  • Haft-day Winery tour from Zaragoza: $158
  • Kayaking in Fluvial EcoTourism with ebroNAUTAS: $44
  • Midday Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Old Town of Belchite: $102
  • Midday market and tapas tour of Zaragoza: $104
  • Monumental Walking Tour in Old Town of Zaragoza: $93
  • Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Belchite Old Town: $104
  • Olive Oil and Winery Tour from Zaragoza City: $164
  • Private custom tour with a local guide Zaragoza: $49
  • Zaragoza - Historic Walking Tour: $320
  • Zaragoza : Aquarium entry ticket: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toulouse 7.50
    Zaragoza 14

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 Zaragoza

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

  • Wine Tasting and Tapas: $102
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas in the ancient Town of Zaragoza: $104


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


Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Zaragoza?

Zaragoza has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Toulouse. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse and Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza in the Summer?

Both Zaragoza and Toulouse during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Toulouse for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zaragoza because of the family-friendly experiences.

Toulouse is cooler than Zaragoza in the summer. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Zaragoza, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Toulouse. In the summer, Toulouse often gets less sunshine than Zaragoza. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 344 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets more rain in July than Zaragoza. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Toulouse 22°C (72°F) 
    Zaragoza 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Zaragoza in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Zaragoza. The autumn months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zaragoza this time of year.

In the autumn, Toulouse is cooler than Zaragoza. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Toulouse in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Toulouse usually receives less sunshine than Zaragoza during autumn. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Toulouse usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Toulouse 15°C (60°F) 
    Zaragoza 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Zaragoza in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Zaragoza. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zaragoza for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Toulouse is generally cooler than Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 6°C (44°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Toulouse often gets less sunshine than Zaragoza. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 131 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets more rain in January than Zaragoza. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Toulouse or Zaragoza in the Spring?

Both Zaragoza and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Toulouse for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Zaragoza in the spring for the natural beauty.

Toulouse is cooler than Zaragoza in the spring. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Zaragoza. Toulouse usually receives less sunshine than Zaragoza during spring. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulouse usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Toulouse 12°C (54°F) 
    Zaragoza 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Zaragoza and Toulouse

Toulouse Zaragoza
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 19°C (67°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 26 mm (1 in)