Toulouse is one of the liveliest cities in southwest France, full of color, charm, and energy. Nicknamed the Pink City for its warm-toned stone architecture, it sits between beaches, mountains, and the scenic Dordogne Valley. If you love French food, vibrant markets, beautiful buildings, and stylish shops, you’ll feel right at home here!
There’s plenty to see and do, so I recommend spending at least a weekend here. But even with just a day, Toulouse is well worth the stop. If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss my guides on Toulouse’s best neighborhoods (must read when looking for accommodation), tours, day trips, and festivals — they’ll help you make the most of your stay.
Explore Toulouse: Top Things to See and Do in the Pink City
1. Stroll Through the Old Town
Before you dive into museums or attractions, take a stroll through Toulouse’s old town—the heart of the Pink City. The center is small and easy to cover on foot. The pinkish bricks and cobbled streets create a magical and warm atmosphere. The area boasts charming streets, beautiful houses, restaurants, bookstores, and more. Take your time to discover the Renaissance and Neoclassical architecture and the liveliness of this endearing district. You don’t really need to follow any route here, just get lost in the red/pink streets and let the city charm you.
Tip: The city center gets busy on weekends, so try to explore on a weekday for a more relaxed experience. Want to dive deeper? A walking or cycling tour is a fantastic way to learn the city’s hidden stories and history. Here you can check out my personal recommendations for tours or more options on Get Your Guide.
2. Place du Capitole
The beating heart of Toulouse is Place du Capitole, a beautiful square lined with lively cafés and home to the 18th-century City Hall. Inside, you’ll find ceremonial chambers decorated with stunning murals that reflect the city’s rich past. Don’t miss the painted ceilings of the Galerie des Arcades!
Bonus tip: Climb the staircase to the Salle des Illustres, a hidden gem showcasing 19th-century Toulouse art. Floor-to-ceiling murals, sculptures, and paintings create a breathtaking tribute to the city’s artistic legacy.
3. Discover Toulouse’s Architecture and Landmarks
Toulouse’s architectural beauty extends beyond the old town. Walk along grand boulevards like Boulevard d’Alsace-Lorraine or Boulevard de Metz for a glimpse of impressive buildings that showcase the city’s elegant style.
Some highlights include:
- The majestic Cloître des Jacobins (Couvent des Jacobins), a peaceful monastery with its high columns and colorful stained glass windows, will leave you in awe. Its most famous feature is the stone “palm trees” on the ceiling.
- The beautiful Basilica of Saint Sernin, one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The Hôtel d’Assézat is a beautiful 16th-century Renaissance mansion, now home to the Bemberg Foundation’s impressive art collection.
4. Explore Victor Hugo Market
Anytime I travel to a new city in France, I start my day with the main market. It’s the beating heart of the city; the gastronomic epicenter where you can discover all the local specialties and where local chefs come to get inspiration and ingredients for their daily menu. That’s exactly the case in Toulouse. For food lovers, the Victor Hugo Market is a must-visit!
On the ground floor, you’ll find locals shopping for fresh cheese, seafood, wine, and more. It’s a great place to grab some treats for a picnic or enjoy a casual drink with charcuterie.
Don’t leave without heading to the second floor—some of Toulouse’s best regional restaurants are up there, serving dishes made from market-fresh ingredients. Pro tip: Arrive before 12:15 PM, as the restaurants fill up fast.Food Tour Alert: Want a guided experience? Take a food tour with Jessica for an insider’s look (and taste!) of the market’s best.
Book the tour here
5. Visit the Japanese Garden
Need a break from city life or want to cool down in nature when it gets too hot in the streets? Head to the peaceful Japanese Garden in Compans-Caffarelli Park. This serene space offers beautifully landscaped greenery, perfect for a quiet stroll or a picnic on a sunny day.
6. Discover Toulouse’s Street Art Scene
Toulouse has a vibrant, growing street art scene with colorful murals tucked all around the city. Top spots include Rue Pont de Tounis (near the Centre occitan des musiques et danses traditionnelles) and Rue Gramat in the north of the city center. New works pop up often, and if you’re keen to dive deeper, you can even join a guided street art tour to uncover hidden gems.
7. Cycle Along the Canal du Midi
With the Garonne river and the canal du midi running through the city, Toulouse is a great destination for boat or cycling trips. Rent a bike and cruise along the scenic Canal du Midi, another UNESCO-listed gem. The flat paths are perfect for all cycling levels, and it’s a beautiful way to enjoy Toulouse’s natural surroundings.
Bike Rentals: CycloLibre city bikes and Evadeo Cycles.
8. Try a Guinguette in the Summer
During the warmer months, Toulouse comes alive with guinguettes, charming open-air bars and restaurants set on boats along the Garonne River and other scenic spots. These laid-back venues often have live music and a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best guinguettes to try for great views and atmosphere are: Les pêcheurs de sable, Racines, and La Centrale.
9. Try a Food Tour & Taste Cassoulet
Toulouse is known for its cassoulet, a hearty stew of beans, duck, and sausage originally from nearby Castelnaudary. Wondering where to try it? Check out this local foodie tour that’ll let you taste this regional specialty, among many other amazing dishes.
10. Visit Halle de la Machine
One of Toulouse’s most unique attractions, Halles des Machines is an exhibition space featuring massive mechanical creatures, including a giant Minotaur and a moving spider. It’s an incredible blend of art and engineering that will leave you in awe. La Halle de la Machine belongs to a theater group that built all the funny and ridiculous machines themselves.
At first glance, the whole place looks overwhelming, full of what seems like useless machinery. That’s why you must follow one of the guides, hear the stories behind the machines, and see how they operate. You can get tickets here.
11. Explore the Hip Carmes & Saint-Étienne Neighborhoods
For a taste of local life, wander through the young, hip Carmes and Saint-Étienne districts. These areas are filled with trendy boutiques, lively cafés, and picturesque streets perfect for strolling. It’s one of the coolest parts of Toulouse, with a mix of history and modern charm.
12. See an Art Exhibition at Les Abattoirs
Les Abattoirs, Toulouse’s contemporary art museum housed in a former slaughterhouse, hosts rotating exhibitions featuring both local and international artists. If you’re an art lover, this museum is well worth a visit. The building itself adds to the museum’s unique atmosphere. See what exhibitions are currently presented on their website.
13. Experience the Sunday Market at Marché de Saint Aubin
For a true local experience, visit Marché de Saint Aubin on Sunday mornings. This bustling market offers cheese from the Pyrenees, next to local honey and jam producers; a farmer selling only apples next to a huge stall of olives and spices; freshly ground coffee, local desserts, and a huge variety of saucisson; and the list goes on and on.. It’s a great way to soak up the Toulouse atmosphere while tasting some local specialties. Read more about Toulouse’s best markets in this article.
14. Sip Specialty Coffee in Toulouse’s Trendy Cafés
Toulouse has a buzzing specialty coffee scene—perfect for a relaxed break between sightseeing. Top picks include Allegory Coffee Bar near Place du Capitole, Le Café Cerise by the Garonne, and Kopi Café Shop in the Carmes district. Each one serves up great coffee with a cool, cozy vibe. See more chic Toulouse coffee shops in my article.
15. Explore the Space Museum
Toulouse is home to Cité de l’Espace, one of the most impressive space museums in Europe. But in such a beautiful city, there is so much to do outdoors that I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this museum. Unless 1) You’re a space geek, 2) You have kids who like space stuff 3) You have more than 2 days to visit 4) It’s raining outside. You’ll find life-sized rockets, immersive exhibits, and even a planetarium. It’s a great experience for both kids and adults, bringing the wonders of space closer to Earth.
16. Take a Boat Tour
See Toulouse from a different perspective by taking a boat tour on the Garonne River or Canal du Midi. Companies like Bateaux Toulousains offer relaxing cruises that showcase the city’s landmarks from the water. It’s a peaceful and scenic way to experience Toulouse.
For a more scenic experience, you can take a metro to Ramonville-Saint-Agne (a town near Toulouse) and join the amazing cruises offered by Catefifi.
17. Discover Toulouse’s Love for Violets and Pastel
Toulouse is known for two unique symbols: violets and pastel (woad). You’ll find violet-scented products in local shops, from soaps to liqueurs. Pastel, a plant used historically for blue dye, has a deep connection to Toulouse’s history, and you can still find pastel-based products in specialty stores.
18. Hang Out at Halles de la Cartoucherie – Food, Art & Fun
A cool new spot in Toulouse, Halles de la Cartoucherie is a creative and cultural space featuring food stalls, exhibitions, and live performances. It’s a great place to hang out, try local food, and enjoy Toulouse’s artistic side.
19. Step Into Toulouse’s Natural History Museum
One of the largest museums of its kind in France, the Toulouse Natural History Museum is packed with fascinating exhibits on nature, science, and archaeology. It’s a perfect indoor activity for a rainy—or overly sunny—day.
Bonus tip: After exploring the museum, take a break at Le Moaï, the on-site café and restaurant. Its leafy terrace, nestled among centuries-old trees and wandering peacocks, is a hidden gem. The food is fresh, local, and full of creative flair—ideal for a relaxed lunch or just a coffee in a unique setting.
20. Visit the Aeroscopia Museum
A must-see for aviation enthusiasts, Aeroscopia showcases Toulouse’s deep connection to the aerospace industry. Explore legendary aircraft like the Concorde and learn about the city’s aviation heritage. It’s fun for both older kids and adults.
21. Play an Urban Game
For something different and a fun outing with older kids, try an urban escape game in Toulouse! Companies like Granhòta Games offer interactive city adventures where you solve puzzles and uncover secrets around the city. It’s a fun way to explore Toulouse’s streets while engaging in a unique activity.
Beyond Toulouse: Great Day Trips and Nearby Gems to Discover
22. Take a Day Trip to Albi
Just an hour’s drive from Toulouse, Albi is a charming town like no other. With stunning red-brick architecture and the breathtaking Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, it’s home to centuries of history and art. The town’s medieval streets and picturesque riverside make it a fantastic day trip. Here’s my full guide on what to see and do in Albi.
How to get there: You can take a train or a guided tour from Toulouse – you can choose between a small group or a private tour.
23. Take a Day Trip to Carcassonne
Toulouse is really central and a great base for day trips if you’re staying for a longer period of time. Just an hour away, Carcassonne is a medieval fortress city straight out of a fairy tale. The UNESCO-listed citadel offers breathtaking views, cobblestone streets, and plenty of spots to enjoy a traditional lunch.
How to get there: You can take a train or a guided tour from Toulouse – you can choose between a small group or a private tour.
15. Wine Tasting in Gaillac
If you love wine, you’re in luck! Toulouse is located just next to one of the oldest wine regions in the world, Gaillac. The city itself has a beautiful center with restaurants, cute houses, and stunning architecture, and it is very pleasant for strolling around.
It’s located an hour’s drive or a 45-minute train ride from Toulouse, and this region is known for its historic vineyards and unique grape varieties. You can do a tasting at many of the wineries, and some even have scenic picnic areas where you can enjoy a bottle with a view. One that I really enjoyed on one of my last visits was Chateau Lastours.
25. Dine or Attend an Event at Château de la Garrigue
For a more refined experience, consider visiting Château de la Garrigue, a stunning estate offering fine dining, concerts, and special events. Whether you go for a meal or just to admire the grounds, it’s a unique place to experience near Toulouse.
What to read Next?
The best areas to stay in Toulouse
The Best hotels in Toulouse
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*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂
