Last Updated on July 10, 2026

This Toulouse Bucket list is a fun way to explore the French city, preparing yourself for your Toulouse trip and checking off the things you have already seen!

Toulouse has a vast amount of things to do and see. Depending on the time you have to visit, you need to pick the most enjoyable things based on your interest. Can you tick them all off? Make sure to save this list for your trip to Toulouse!

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Toulouse

Known as ‘Pink City’ or ‘Space Capital’ of France, Toulouse is made of buildings tinted in pink and earthy tones. Lodged in the banks of the Garonne River and the Canal du Midi, it’s France’s fourth-largest city and one that still goes unnoticed in Southwestern France. The balmy climate and friendly locals give Toulouse an inviting ambiance. To me it’s a pleasant city with a laid-back vibe.

Toulouse Bucket List – Attractions to see and visit

You’ll be amazed at what there is to see and visit in Toulouse: countless churches, museums, and gardens. Toulouse is just an incredible city. I have listed what I think are the top attractions to see if you are short on time. I’ve also include some fun activities! These are all perfect to do within a 2 or 3 days visit.

• Enjoy a free walking tour in Toulouse. The perfect activity to start your time in Toulouse! Explore all the free options!
• Explore Toulouse by private electric tuk-tuk. Discover the city’s highlights in a fun and eco-friendly way while riding through charming streets and iconic sights with your own local guide. More info here!
• Cycle through Toulouse on a bike adventure: Explore more of the “Pink City” with ease as you ride along scenic routes, discover landmarks, and uncover local favorites. For example go on an e-bike trip!
• Visit the UNESCO-listed Basilique Saint-Sernin (location), one of the most important and magnificent churches on the “Chemin Saint Jacques” medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. It’s free to visit.
• Relax at the quiet city oasis of the Dominican monastry: Couvent des Jacobins (location) and enjoy the wonderful views of the southern-French Gothic architecture. You can buy an entree ticket via the official website of the monastry.
• Explore the square ‘Place du Capitole’ (Capitole de Toulouse), one of the key emblems of Toulouse (come one Wednesdays for the lively market) and don’t forget to watch the modern paintings adorning the ceiling of the arcade directly across the square from the town hall building.
• Watch opera or ballet at Theatre du Capitole (location), a magnificent opera house located in the administration building of city hall. Visit the official website for more information about current shows.
• Geek out over the scale replicas of actual spacecraft outside at the Cité de l’Espace (location), a museum all about space exploration. Save time and buy an e-ticket in advance.
• Hop on the open-top minibus and enjoy a sightseeing and audio-tour.

• Look down at koi carp, turtles and frogs in Jardin Japonais (location), a Japanese Garden with a bright red cartwheel bridge, stone garden and tea pavilion.
• Walk or ride on the towpath next to the waters of Canal du Midi, a 240-kilometer-long UNESCO waterway.
• Take a boat tour on the river Garonne as it passes by some of Toulouse’s most photogenic monuments, including the L’Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques, Pont Neuf, Port de l’Embouchure  and the Hôpital de La Grave.
• Photograph the Pont Neuf Bridge in Toulouse at night (location). It’s the city’s oldest bridge and especially worth a visit during the night.
• Explore the Jardin Royal and the Jardin des Plantes in the beautifully planted historic park Grand Rond (location).
• Watch a rugby game at Stade Toulousain (location). Visit the official website for all the events.

Food Bucket List Toulouse

If you are a bit of a foodie, Toulouse is the place to be. Make sure to sample the hearty specialties, like cassoulet (meat and bean stew) and duck pâté. Also save room for dessert and traditional sweets like Gâteau du Fénétra and crystallized violet candies.

• Try Cassoulet (meat and bean stew), a delicious casserole, including duck, goose, and pork products like Toulouse sausages and skin. It’s cooked down in a terracotta dish with haricot beans accompanied by red wine.
• Eat some duck pate.
• Enjoy a traditional dessert like Gâteau du Fénétra, a tart made with apricots, candied lemons, and almond meringue.
• Visit Xavier (location) and buy the best cheese from Toulouse.
• Join a local food tour in Toulouse. Eat your way around the city and sample authentic French delicacies while discovering the stories, traditions, and flavours behind the cuisine. It’s always my favorite thing to do when exploring new towns!

• Head to Le Bibent (location)on Place du Capitol and enjoy a quick meal.
• Taste the candied violettes or try violet tea with a bit of violet honey or violet syrup.
• Taste your way through the Toulouse countryside. Join a gourmet walking tour near Toulouse and discover local flavors, regional specialties, and delicious hidden food spots. More info here!

Day Trips from Toulouse

• Go on a day trip to Albi and Cordes-sur-Ciel. Explore two charming medieval gems near Toulouse, from Albi’s impressive cathedral to the hilltop village of Cordes-sur-Ciel with its breathtaking views. Check availabilty here!
• Visit the fairytale city of Carcassonne. Step back in time on a day trip to this medieval fortress city, complete with ancient walls, towers, and incredible views.

Conclusion

As you can see, the city of Toulouse has a vast list of things to see and do. Do you know any other fun Toulouse things to see or do that I should include in this list? Let me know!

Save for later!

This article is part of the GPSmyCity iOS app. You can download it, read this article offline and obtain travel directions (by foot, car or bicycle) to the places mentioned in this article. Click here to download it.

Pin this bucket list for later!