A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisse vs. Toulon for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Lisse or Toulon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Lisse or Toulon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisse

Lisse is a colorful, picturesque, and stunning town. You'll find world class beauty in Lisse as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Lisse travel costs.

Toulon

Toulon is a industrial, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path port city. Toulon is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Toulon travel costs.

Lisse and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisse or Toulon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lisse. Although Lisse and Toulon are popular destinations, Lisse has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lisse is very popular for its impressive beauty, while Toulon attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping. Lisse is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its stunning flowers and iconic tulip fields. It is also well known for the Keukenhof Gardens. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Lisse different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toulon and Lisse. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lisse or Toulon?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Lisse and Toulon.

Lisse offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of museums in the area, like the Museum de Zwarte Tulp (Museum of the Black Tulip), which showcases the history and art of the Dutch flower-growing industry, including exhibits on tulips, bulbs, and floral culture. And, of course, there's the Keukenhof Gardens, which is the main draw to the area during the spring season and one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Toulon. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

Is the Food Better in Lisse or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Lisse and Toulon both to be nice destinations.

Lisse has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town has a variety of food options, from traditional Dutch snacks to international cuisine. Local cafes and restaurants often serve classic Dutch dishes, such as poffertjes (mini pancakes) and bitterballen (fried meatballs), perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. In Keukenhof Gardens you'll find food stalls, trucks, and a cafe, but they can get crowded during peak times.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Toulon area. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Lisse or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Lisse and Toulon.

If you're looking for night time activities Lisse has a few options to choose from. Most people don't think about nightlife when they visit town but there's a surprising number of thinks to do like cozy bars and charming cafes. Visitors can enjoy live music, great drinks, and a friendly atmosphere, especially in the town's central areas.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Lisse or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lisse is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Lisse is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lisse or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a popular place for the beach. However, Lisse is not a beach destination.

Toulon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Lisse is not a beach destination.

Is Lisse or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is adequate for its old town. However, Lisse does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Lisse does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisse or Toulon?

Toulon is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

Toulon is well-known for its shopping. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Many visitors go to Lisse to go shopping. The town offers a range of shopping opportunities, especially in its charming town center. You’ll find boutique stores, gift shops, and specialty shops selling local products, such as Dutch cheeses, flowers, and souvenirs.

Is Lisse or Toulon More Beautiful?

Lisse is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Lisse as well. Most visitors come for the Keukenhof Gardens, which are a breathtaking spectacle, renowned for their vibrant and meticulously arranged displays of millions of tulips and other flowers. The gardens are designed with picturesque pathways, tranquil ponds, and themed flower beds, making it feel like a living painting in every corner.

Toulon is a beautiful place to visit, too. Located on the French Riviera, you won't be disappointed by the beauty. Despite being less touristy than many nearby towns, there is still plenty to see and do.

Is Lisse or Toulon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisse or Toulon.

Lisse offers lots of family activities. The Keukenhof Gardens has a few things to keep the kids entertained, like a play area and boat rides. Some kids will also enjoy seeing the millions of colorful tulips and other flowers. For a more interactive experience, families can head to the Flowerstrip, where children can explore local farms and see how flowers are grown. Also near town is Lisse is the Duinrell theme park, which has thrilling rides and a water park that’s perfect for a family day out.

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Lisse or Toulon Better for Couples?

Lisse is a well-known place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Lisse is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy this area, especially during the spring when the Keukenhof Gardens come alive with vibrant tulip fields and flower displays. There are also boat rides through the nearby canals, surrounded by beautiful countryside. A visit to the nearby Keukenhof Castle provides a charming atmosphere, with its elegant gardens and tea room. perfect for relaxing together. Couples can also explore the local flower fields by bike.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Lisse or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Lisse and Toulon are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lisse. The entrance fee to Keukenhof Gardens can be a bit pricey, but there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy nearby, like cycling through the beautiful tulip fields or exploring the nearby countryside. Budget accommodations, such as hostels or guesthouses, can be found in Lisse or in nearby towns like Leiden, offering affordable options for travelers.

Toulon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

Is Lisse or Toulon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lisse and Toulon both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Lisse offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel from Schiphol Airport and elsewhere in the country to Keukenhof Gardens. It's best to book your tickets in advance.

Toulon has a few public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Is Lisse or Toulon a more walkable city?

Toulon is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Toulon is a very walkable port city. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

Lisse is a somewhat walkable town. Many visitors bike through the tulip fields outside of the Keukenhof Gardens. You could walk, but you'll cover more ground with a bicycle.

For even more information, also check out Is Lisse Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Lisse?

How long in Lisse or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lisse or Toulon to fill your time. In our opinion, Toulon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Toulon than Lisse. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toulon than Lisse 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 Toulon.

One day in Lisse or Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lisse. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Toulon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lisse or Toulon?

Lisse is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lisse or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisse. 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.

Toulon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Toulon. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lisse or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the stunning destination of Lisse. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Toulon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisse and Toulon, we can see that Lisse is more expensive. And not only is Toulon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Toulon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toulon 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 Lisse would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisse than you might in Toulon.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisse or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lisse. When comparing the sizes of Lisse and Toulon, 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 Lisse or Toulon?

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 Lisse or Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Lisse during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lisse this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lisse is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 17°C (62°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisse. In the summer, Lisse often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Lisse gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Lisse gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisse or Toulon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisse and Toulon. Many travelers come to Lisse for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Toulon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Lisse is much colder than Toulon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. Lisse usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during autumn. Lisse gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisse usually receives less rain than Toulon. Lisse gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisse or Toulon in the Winter?

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

Lisse can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lisse is much colder than Toulon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisse in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Toulon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Lisse often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Lisse gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets less rain in January than Toulon. Lisse gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisse or Toulon in the Spring?

Both Toulon and Lisse are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lisse for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Lisse is generally much colder than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 8°C (46°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. Lisse usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during spring. Lisse gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisse usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toulon. Lisse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Lisse