10 Best Things to Do in Toulouse

The elegant Capitol Square (Place du Capitole) is the heart of Toulouse and one of the city’s most photographed spots. Surrounded by many chic cafés and restaurants, this 12th-century square is a popular spot for people-watching among locals and visitors alike.

Capitol Square is a great starting point for your stroll around the Old Town. Here you take in the atmosphere of a grand and stylish square and the beautiful houses around it. The striking 420 ft-long façade of the Capitole, Toulouse's city hall is a neoclassical masterpiece. Built with Toulouse's characteristic pink brick, it’s one of the photogenic stars on this beautiful square.

The picturesque Old Town of Toulouse sits just southwest of the Place du Capitole and stretches along the right bank of the Garonne River. The narrow, gobbled streets invite you to explore the quaint houses here painted in warm peach hues. These colors gave the city its nickname, la Ville Rose (literally ‘the pink city’).

During your stroll, you can stop by some of Toulouse’s famous landmarks such as Notre-Dame de la Daurade Basilica and the Pont-Neuf. Or visit one of the many museums in this quaint neighbourhood, to fully take in the down-to-earth atmosphere of Toulouse.

The magnificent Garonne river flows 373 miles from northern Spain to the Atlantic Ocean near Bordeaux, passing through the heart of Toulouse. One of the best ways to enjoy this spectacular water way and the view of the city is to book a sightseeing tour on a barge that slowly cruises along the river.

Your journey takes you through the historical parts of the city and along the adjoining Canal du Midi which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To make the cruise even more enjoyable, you can pamper yourself with a cruise that includes a lunch aboard the boat or that stops at an elegant restaurant on the banks of the Garonne River.

Located 3.5 miles southeast of the Toulouse city center, Space City (la Cité de l’Espace) takes you on a memorable journey through our universe. The 250 interactive and immersive exhibits offer rare glimpses to the origins of our home galaxy, the Milky Way, the Earth and the cosmos.

You can step into the replica of the Mir space station, observe the surface of the Moon through a large telescope, and explore the solar system in a planetarium. This fascinating cross between a museum and a theme park is a family-friendly must-visit. Audio tours in English are available. You can reach Space City by car, public transport or bike from Toulouse city center.

The Muséum de Toulouse is an amazing natural history museum where you'll find a collection of more than 2.5 million items. Some the items date back to the formation of the Earth. The permanent exhibition is divided into different themes and spaces ranging from fossils, rocks, and minerals to a wall of skeletons and the secrets of the origins of our home planet.

Many of the artifacts on display here originate from France, though you'll find some artifacts from all over the world. Among these relics, there are Neolithic axes, tombs, and even a necklace from the Bronze Age. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful botanic garden just behind the museum.

The trendy Saint-Cyprien neighbourhood is known for its snug grocery stores and restaurants dedicated to exotic products and foods from all over the world. The Saint-Cyprien covered market is a great place to look for unique souvenirs or hunt for bargains. Les Abattoirs, the modern arts museum, is must-visit for all art lovers.

If you need a bit of fresh air, walk along the Garonne River, just south of the Pont-Neuf, and make your way to the beautiful park of Parc de la Prairie des Filtres. Then just sit back, open your picnic basket, and enjoy your lunch served with a healthy dose of nature and lovely scenery.

The medieval Basilica of Saint-Sernin is known for the relics of 128 saints and a thorn said to have come from the Crown of Thorns. The basilica dates back to the 11th century and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the Route of Santiago de Compostela in France. Architecture buffs appreciate this masterpiece of Romanesque architecture which is one of the most famous religious edifices in Toulouse.

This stunning basilica is located just north of the Place du Capitole in the center of Toulouse. The visit of the basilica is free. There’s a small fee to get into the crypt. Take a jumper as it can be rather chilly down there.

Stade Toulousain is the famous professional rugby union club based in Toulouse and one of the most successful rugby teams in Europe. If you love rugby, the best time to visit this versatile city is during the Top 14 season, between August and June.

Book your ticket to a Stade Toulousain match in advance and go cheer the team to victory at Stade Ernest-Wallon, the home ground of Stade Toulousain. The ambience at their matches is as festive, friendly and unforgettable. You can reach the stadium from the city centre in 15 minutes by car or bike or in 40 minutes by public transport.

For foodies, Victor Hugo Market (Marché Victor Hugo) tops any bucket list with its vast selection of food stalls and restaurants. Located just a 5 minutes’ stroll from the Place du Capitole, this stunning covered market offers the finest products of the region.

Here you can sample authentic local dishes and wines at the cool bars and restaurants on the second floor. The food stalls sell premium fresh products such as fish, meats, and cheeses. If you’re planning a picnic, head to this historic market first to find the perfect products for your al fresco lunch.

The popular Place Saint-Pierre is home to Toulouse’s nightlife and a great selection of lively bars. Located on the right bank of the Garonne River, this historic square is where students love to meet and where to go if you want to party until dawn. The picturesque square is surrounded by spectacular architecture and it’s only a walking distance away from Saint Pierre bridge, one of the best spots to view Garonne river at sunset.

If you want to meet locals and enjoy drinks and snacks in laidback bars, check out Chez Tonton that serves Pastis by meter, Pub Saint-Pierre famed for its amazing cocktails or La couleur de la Culotte with great in-house DJs.