Solo Travel / Solo Travel In France / Things To Do In Toulouse / …

How To Spend 24 Hours In Toulouse

Author's Avatar

Written by David Mason | 29th Jan 2024

TLDR: Explore Toulouse in 24 hours, a city known for its unique pink terracotta architecture, aerospace industry, and lively student population. Ideal for solo travelers, Toulouse offers an intriguing mix of historical landmarks, cutting-edge space exploration centers, and a dynamic culinary scene.

Highlight

Visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and a key stop on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route.
Explore Cité de l’Espace, a space-themed adventure park and educational exhibit about space and the conquest of space.
Stroll along the Garonne River and through the historic city center, admiring the distinctive pink brick buildings.
Sample the local cuisine, including dishes like cassoulet, in the city’s many bistros and markets.

About Toulouse

Toulouse, located in the Occitanie region, is France’s fourth-largest city with a population of about 479,000. Often referred to as “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City) due to the color of its unique architecture, Toulouse has a rich history that dates back to Roman times.

The city is a major center for the European aerospace industry, home to Airbus headquarters and other aerospace engineering companies. This industry’s presence has fostered a technologically advanced and forward-thinking environment in the city.

For solo travelers, Toulouse offers a blend of historical exploration and insight into modern technological advancements. Its large student population, due to the presence of several universities and engineering schools, contributes to the city’s lively and youthful atmosphere.

Spending a day in Toulouse allows travelers to experience a city that skillfully combines its historical heritage with a strong focus on future technologies. It’s an ideal destination for those interested in exploring a unique French city with both historical charm and a contemporary, innovative edge.

Where to Sleep In Toulouse

Toulouse, known as ‘La Ville Rose’ due to its distinctive pink terracotta buildings, offers a variety of accommodation choices. Budget travelers can find a comfortable stay at friendly hostels like La Petite Auberge de Saint-Sernin, located in the heart of the city and close to the Basilica of Saint-Sernin. For a more upscale experience, consider hotels in the Capitole area, such as the Grand Hotel de l’Opera, which is well-placed for exploring the city’s main squares and riverside.

Getting to and From Toulouse

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport provides both international and domestic connections, making the city easily accessible. Toulouse Matabiau railway station is the main hub for trains, offering links to various French cities and beyond.

Travel Tip: Much of Toulouse’s charm can be discovered on foot, especially in the historic center where landmarks like the Capitole and the Garonne River are located. The city also has a reliable public transportation system, including buses and a metro, for exploring further afield.

Budgeting for 24 hours in Toulouse

Experiencing Toulouse’s unique atmosphere and historical landmarks can be done on different budgets. Here’s a suggested budget:

Accommodation: Hostels like La Petite Auberge de Saint-Sernin offer beds from €20 to €35. Hotels in central locations range from €70 to €130.
Hostel Recommendations:
- La Petite Auberge de Saint-Sernin: Known for its central location and friendly staff. Prices typically range from €20-€40 per night.
- Friendly Auberge: Offers a comfortable stay with good amenities. Similar pricing to La Petite Auberge.
Transportation: A day pass for public transport is around €5.50, suitable for navigating the city.
Food and Drink: Start with a French breakfast at a local café for €4 to €8. Toulouse’s dining scene offers regional specialties like cassoulet for €15 to €30.
Attractions / Entertainment: Visit the Saint-Sernin Basilica and the Cité de l’Espace. For nightlife, the Saint-Pierre district hosts popular bars and clubs such as Chez Tonton and Le Purple.
Miscellaneous: Set aside €15 to €40 for additional expenses like local pastries or a cruise on the Garonne River.

Total Estimated Budget: A day in Toulouse typically ranges from €60 to €150, offering an opportunity to explore its historical beauty, indulge in local gastronomy, and enjoy the city’s dynamic nightlife.

1 Day In Toulouse Itinerary

Morning

Start your day at Place du Capitole, the main square in Toulouse, home to the city hall and marked by the iconic Occitan Cross. Explore the nearby galleries, which house luxury restaurants and hotels. For a French breakfast, visit Les Frères Chapelier Boulangerie or Boulangerie Marguerite in Rue Gambetta for a delicious Chocolatine, a regional variation of the Pain au Chocolat. After breakfast, head to the Jacobins Covent, a 13th-century Dominican convent known for its impressive Gothic architecture.

Start your day at the Capitole de Toulouse, the city’s heart with impressive facades. Entry: Free.
For breakfast, head to The Winter Garden, known for its vegetarian options and cozy ambiance. Budget: €5-€10.

Lunch

For lunch, the Victor Hugo Market offers a variety of local delicacies. This bustling market is home to over 80 stalls featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, and fish. You can also find bakeries, cheese shops, and charcuteries. Many of the city’s top restaurants are located upstairs in the market, so it’s a great place to enjoy a meal.

For an affordable meal, try Le Petit Vasco, known for its regional dishes. Average lunch cost: €10-€15.
After lunch, explore the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entry: Free, with a fee for the crypt and tower.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the Canal du Midi or visit the Cité de l’espace, an amusement park dedicated to space exploration. The Cité de l’espace is known for its interactive and educational activities, including a replica of the Ariane 5 rocket. Alternatively, explore the Musée des Augustins, a museum set in a 14th-century convent, housing an impressive collection of fine art and sculpture .

Check out the Musée des Augustins, home to fine arts and sculptures. Entry fee: €5.
For a light bite, enjoy a pastry or coffee at a café in the Daurade district. Budget: €3-€7.

Evening

Evenings in Toulouse can be spent in the charming medieval quarter of Carmes, with its vibrant streets lined with red, pink, and orange buildings. This area is great for shopping, antiquing, and dining, offering numerous cafes, bars, tapas bars, and restaurants. For dinner, there are a variety of eateries where you can enjoy local and Spanish-influenced cuisine.

For dinner, consider dining at Michel Sarran for an upscale culinary experience. Dinner budget: €30-€60 per person.
Post-dinner, take a stroll along the Garonne River or through the charming streets of the city.

Night

Toulouse’s nightlife is lively and diverse. The Saint-Pierre Bridge and Square is a popular spot, known for its numerous bars with unique names, offering a bustling atmosphere for students and locals alike. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a drink and experience the vibrant nightlife of Toulouse.

Start your night with drinks at Fat Cat, a popular bar known for its lively atmosphere. Drink prices: €6-€12.
For clubbing, visit Purple Lounge, offering a range of music genres. Located near Place Saint-Pierre. Entry fee: €10-€15.

Departure Morning

On your departure morning in Toulouse, enjoy a quiet start.

Have breakfast at a local café in the Saint-Georges district. Budget: €5-€10.
If time allows, take a final walk in the Jardin des Plantes.

Depart from Toulouse with memories of its historical sites, delicious food, and enjoyable nightlife.

Where Next?

After discovering Toulouse, with its unique pink terracotta architecture, the historic Place du Capitole, and its role as a European aerospace hub, your French adventure can lead to further discoveries. The medieval city of Carcassonne, a short journey away, offers a step back in time with its well-preserved citadel and ancient walls. Alternatively, the city of Albi, featuring the impressive Toulouse-Lautrec Museum and the Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, provides a deep dive into regional art and history. Each destination near Toulouse highlights the diverse history and scenic charm of the Occitanie region. For more explorations in France, consider our ’24-hour guides’ series, or seek new adventures on the Hostelworld app, your companion for discovering the rich landscapes and cities of Southern France.

Sources

Toulouse Tourist Office: https://www.toulouse-visit.com/

Other Places to Go In France