Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Toulouse?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Toulouse?
Many travelers spend two to four days in Toulouse during their visit. After all, the vibrant city has plenty to explore such as the restaurant scene, the famous sights and museums, and the historic old town.
Toulouse is located near France's Spanish border and it's the capital of the Occitanie region. It is filled with terra-cota buildings, giving it a nickname of "the pink city". You'll find a beautiful old town with many impressive landmarks and museums.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Toulouse? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Toulouse?
Many visitors choose to spend around three days in Toulouse. This would give you the chance to experience the city's most popular activities and sample the delicious cuisine, wander through the museums, admire the historic sights, and dance the night away. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to four days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the vibrant city.
How to spend 3 days in Toulouse
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Toulouse, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Day Trip to Carcassonne Cite Medievale and Comtale Castle Tour from Toulouse ($36)
- Toulouse Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self Guided Tour ($7)
The culinary scene in Toulouse is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Marché Victor Hugo Small Group Food Tour ($108)
- Initiatory Journey to the Country of Cheese with Tasting ($38)
Toulouse is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef (in English) ($121)
- Toulouse: Private guided walking tour ($203)
- Treasure Outdoor Escape Game in Toulouse Old Town ($8)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Pub Crawl Toulouse ($20)
The public transit in Toulouse is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.
Shopping in Toulouse is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.
Toulouse is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city is full of beautiful architecture and it is divided by the Garonne River.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Toulouse: Private guided walking tour ($203)
Is 4 days enough time in Toulouse?
With four days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Toulouse has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Toulouse as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the restaurant scene, the famous sights and museums, and the historic old town at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
Toulouse, France
How to spend 4 days in Toulouse
With 4 days in Toulouse, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
Perhaps the most famous spot in Toulouse is Basilique Saint-Sernin, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Toulouse?
Five days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Toulouse, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Enjoy the chance to sample the delicious cuisine, wander through the museums, admire the historic sights, and dance the night away on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Toulouse as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
How to spend 5 days in Toulouse
If you have more than 5 days in Toulouse, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Toulouse is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. It's the capital of Occitanie, a southern region in France. The city has a distinctive pink color from its use of terra-cota bricks.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Toulouse.
More Info
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