Things to do in Toulouse

Here’s a list of things to do in Toulouse:

1. Visit the Capitole de Toulouse

• Why: The Capitole is the heart of Toulouse and a symbol of the city’s rich history. Admire its stunning architecture and vibrant square, which often hosts cultural events, performances, and markets.

2. Explore the Basilica of Saint-Sernin

• Why: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this Romanesque basilica is one of the most important churches in France. Its intricate design, impressive scale, and beautiful interior make it a must-visit landmark.

3. Stroll Along the Garonne River

• Why: The Garonne River offers picturesque views of Toulouse. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the banks, or take a boat cruise to admire the city from the water, with iconic landmarks such as the Pont Neuf in view.

4. Discover the Cité de l’Espace

• Why: A fascinating science museum dedicated to space exploration, the Cité de l’Espace features interactive exhibits, real-life spacecraft, and educational activities for both adults and kids, making it a great family destination.

5. Explore the Jardin des Plantes

• Why: This lush botanical garden is perfect for a relaxing afternoon. It’s home to diverse plant species, beautiful sculptures, and a small zoo, offering a peaceful escape within the city.

6. Visit the Musée des Augustins

• Why: One of Toulouse’s premier museums, the Musée des Augustins houses a remarkable collection of fine art, including works from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The building itself, a former monastery, is equally impressive.

7. Wander through the Historic District of Le Quartier des Carmes

• Why: This charming neighborhood is full of narrow streets, boutique shops, cafes, and vibrant markets. It’s an ideal spot for wandering and experiencing the authentic atmosphere of Toulouse.

8. Admire the Toulouse’s Pink City Architecture

• Why: Known as “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City) due to its distinctive terracotta buildings, Toulouse offers a unique architectural charm. Wander through its streets to see the iconic pink façades and historical buildings.

9. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

• Why: For a truly unforgettable experience, take a hot air balloon ride over Toulouse and the surrounding countryside. The views of the city, the Garonne River, and the Pyrenees mountains are breathtaking.

10. Visit the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle

• Why: Located in a grand 19th-century building, this museum showcases fascinating exhibits on natural history, from dinosaurs to local wildlife. It’s educational and fun for visitors of all ages.

11. Tour the Hôtel d’Assézat

• Why: A Renaissance-style mansion, the Hôtel d’Assézat is a stunning example of Toulouse’s architectural heritage. Today, it houses the Bemberg Foundation, with a collection of artwork by renowned artists.

12. Relax in the Parc du Ramier

• Why: This large park offers plenty of green space, walking trails, and beautiful spots for picnics. It’s a perfect location for outdoor activities like jogging, cycling, or simply relaxing by the lake.

13. Enjoy the Markets at Place du Capitole

• Why: The square is not just famous for the Capitole building but also for its vibrant market scene. Whether it’s a food market or a local artisan fair, visiting the markets here gives you a taste of Toulouse’s lively atmosphere.

14. Explore the Canal du Midi

• Why: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Canal du Midi is a beautiful spot for walking or cycling. You can also take a boat trip along the canal to explore the scenic views and picturesque countryside.

15. Discover the Church of the Jacobins

• Why: Known for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere, the Church of the Jacobins is a masterpiece of Gothic design. Don’t miss its impressive vaulted ceilings and the tomb of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

16. Visit the Pont Neuf

• Why: Despite its name, the Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge in Toulouse. It spans the Garonne River and offers fantastic views of the city. It’s a beautiful spot for photos, especially at sunset.

17. Attend the Toulouse International Festival

• Why: If visiting during the summer, the Toulouse International Festival offers a mix of music, dance, and theater performances. The event is one of the city’s cultural highlights and provides an excellent opportunity to experience local and international talent.

18. Sample Local Cuisine at a Boucherie

• Why: Toulouse is famous for its culinary delights, particularly its rich, flavorful sausages and hearty dishes like cassoulet. A visit to a traditional boucherie or local restaurant to sample Toulouse’s specialties is a must for food lovers

Must-have apps for visitors to Toulouse

1. Tisséo

• Purpose: Public transport navigation
• Why: The Tisséo app is essential for getting around Toulouse. It provides real-time schedules, route planning, and updates on buses, trams, and the metro system, making it easy to navigate the city’s public transportation network.

2. Google Maps

• Purpose: Navigation and location services
• Why: Google Maps is a must for exploring Toulouse. It offers walking, driving, and public transport routes, as well as information on restaurants, cafes, shops, and tourist attractions.

3. TripAdvisor

• Purpose: Reviews and recommendations
• Why: TripAdvisor is perfect for finding the best places to visit, dine, and stay in Toulouse. You can read reviews from other travelers and get recommendations for local attractions and restaurants.

4. Toulouse Tourisme

• Purpose: City guide
• Why: The official Toulouse tourism app offers detailed information on local attractions, events, and things to do in the city. It’s perfect for discovering hidden gems and planning your itinerary.

5. La Fourchette (TheFork)

• Purpose: Restaurant reservations
• Why: With Toulouse being a hub of French gastronomy, La Fourchette helps you easily reserve tables at top restaurants, find special offers, and discover new places to eat in the city.

6. VélôToulouse

• Purpose: Bike-sharing service
• Why: Toulouse offers an extensive bike-sharing network. The VélôToulouse app allows you to find available bikes, track your rentals, and locate docking stations to explore the city in an eco-friendly way.

7. Météo France

• Purpose: Weather updates
• Why: Stay informed about the weather in Toulouse with Météo France. The app provides accurate forecasts, helping you plan your day, whether you’re touring the city or enjoying the outdoors.

8. L’Occitane

• Purpose: Shopping and local products
• Why: Known for its connection to the region, L’Occitane’s app lets you explore the brand’s natural skincare products, which are a great souvenir from Toulouse and the surrounding Occitanie region.

9. BlaBlaCar

• Purpose: Carpooling service
• Why: BlaBlaCar connects travelers looking for rides with people offering empty seats in their cars, making it a budget-friendly way to get around Toulouse and explore nearby regions.

10. Spotify or Deezer

• Purpose: Music streaming
• Why: Both of these apps are great for listening to music while exploring Toulouse. Whether you’re strolling along the Garonne River or relaxing at a café, they offer a wide range of local and international music.

11. Le Bon Coin

• Purpose: Classified ads and local finds
• Why: If you’re looking for unique, secondhand items or local deals, Le Bon Coin is a go-to app for browsing everything from furniture to antiques in Toulouse.

12. Pavillon Mémoires de la Mémoire

• Purpose: Local history and memorial guide
• Why: Learn about Toulouse’s rich history, particularly its World War II memorials, with this app, which guides you through important sites related to the city’s past.

13. Toulouse Métropole

• Purpose: Local information and services
• Why: This app provides essential local information, from events and festivals to useful tips about public services and facilities within Toulouse and the surrounding metropolitan area.

14. Parkopedia

• Purpose: Parking locator
• Why: Parkopedia helps you find available parking spaces in Toulouse, saving time and hassle when looking for a place to park your car in busy areas.

15. Museum of Toulouse

• Purpose: Museum guide
• Why: For those visiting the city’s museums, this app provides information about exhibits, events, and current collections, making your visit to places like the Musée des Augustins or the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle more enjoyable.

16. AlloTaxi

• Purpose: Taxi booking service
• Why: Need a ride? AlloTaxi helps you book a taxi in Toulouse with ease. It’s an essential app for getting around the city quickly when public transport isn’t available.

17. Uber

• Purpose: Ride-hailing service
• Why: For a convenient and reliable way to get around Toulouse, Uber is a great option, especially for late-night transport or traveling to less accessible locations.