How to Spend 2 Days in Toulouse

With two days in Toulouse, you’ll have enough time to sample local culture and discover the city’s atmospheric neighborhoods and museums. Plan ahead to maximize your time, look for tours that visit multiple attractions, and invest in a 24- or 48-hour Toulouse Pass to save on admission fees. Here’s how to spend two days in Toulouse.

Day 1: Explore the Ville Rose

Morning: A hop-on-hop-off-bus tour is a convenient way to take in all the main sights of the Pink City (Ville Rose). Jump off to admire the historic landmarks of Place du Capitole, see the magnificent Basilica of Saint Sernin, or enjoy a walking tour of the Left Bank, home to the Hospital des Graves and the Raymond VI Gardens.

Afternoon: This afternoon, sample regional delicacies such as Toulouse sausage and violet jam at the Victor Hugo Market, Toulouse’s main market hall, then head to the Galeries Lafayette department store nearby to enjoy the views from its top-floor observation deck—arguably the best in the city. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Saint-Étienne and Les Carmes, where you can browse antique shops and boutiques or enjoy a coffee at one of the terrace cafés.

Night: Take to the water this evening with a scenic dinner cruise along the Garonne River, passing landmarks including the New Bridge (Pont Neuf) and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Daurade. For a comprehensive tour, choose a cruise that also explores part of the Midi Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 2: Family-Friendly and Cultural Toulouse

Morning: Dedicate this morning to exploring Space City (Cité de l'Espace), one of Toulouse’s most visited attractions. Book skip-the-line tickets to experience highlights including a life-size replica of the Ariane 5 rocket, a moonwalk simulator, and a re-creation of an International Space Station.

Afternoon: This afternoon, head to the Natural History Museum, another fun destination for families that’s right next door to the botanical garden (Jardin des Plantes). Alternatively, art lovers should check out the Augustinian Museum (Musée des Augustins), the Fondation Bemberg, and Les Abattoirs (Toulouse’s modern-art museum, housed in a former slaughterhouse). Safe money with a Toulouse Pass if you’re planning to visit a number of museums.

Night: Tuck into a bowl of hearty cassoulet at one of the city’s top restaurants, then top off your visit at the wine bar of your choice—the N°5 Wine Bar is among the most renowned—or sample the nightclubs along Jean-Jaurès to experience Toulouse nightlife.