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

Should you visit Porto or Toulon?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Porto and Toulon can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Porto is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Porto travel costs.

Toulon

Toulon is a industrial, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path port city. Toulon is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Toulon travel costs.

Porto and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Toulon?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Porto than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Toulon is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Porto is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Porto different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Porto is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Porto or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Porto or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Porto is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Porto offers plenty to do in the evening. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Porto or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Porto or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Toulon is very good for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Toulon to enjoy the beach. 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.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Porto is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Toulon?

Toulon is a great port city for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Toulon. 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.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Porto or Toulon More Beautiful?

Porto is a well-known 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.

Porto is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city sits beautifully on the water and it has a charming atmosphere.

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 Porto or Toulon Better for Families?

Porto is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Porto is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

Toulon is a family-friendly port city. 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 Porto or Toulon Better for Couples?

Porto 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.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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 Porto or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Porto is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

It's common for backpackers to visit Toulon. 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 Porto or Toulon Better for Students?

Porto is a well-known place for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

Porto is very popular with students. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Porto is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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

Is Porto or Toulon a more walkable city?

Porto and Toulon are very good when it comes to walkability.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Porto?

How long in Porto or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Porto or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Porto than Toulon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 1-2 days is enough time in Toulon.

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

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

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

One day in Porto or Toulon?

Porto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Toulon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this industrial 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 Porto or Toulon?

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Porto or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Porto or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic big city of Porto. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Porto and Toulon, we can see that Porto 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 Porto Expensive? and Is Toulon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Porto or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Porto during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

Porto is cooler than Toulon in the summer. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Porto. In the summer, Porto often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets more rain in July than Toulon. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Toulon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Toulon. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Porto is around the same temperature as Toulon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Porto in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Toulon averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. Porto usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Toulon. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Porto as well as Toulon. Many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Porto is generally a little warmer than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 10°C (50°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Toulon. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Toulon in the Spring?

Both Toulon and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Porto is around the same temperature as Toulon in the spring. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Toulon. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Porto