10 Best Things to Do in Toulouse

Looking for what to do in Toulouse? Affectionately nicknamed “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City) for the warm terracotta hue of its historic brick buildings, Toulouse is one of France’s most enchanting and dynamic urban destinations. As the beating heart of southwestern France, it masterfully blends a rich medieval past—evident in its grand Romanesque basilicas and Renaissance mansions—with a forward-looking identity as Europe’s leading aerospace capital. This unique fusion of heritage and high-tech innovation, combined with a vibrant student population, bustling riverside life, and a world-class culinary tradition, gives Toulouse an irresistible and multifaceted charm.

From exploring the grand Capitole square and its historic landmarks to delving into the wonders of space exploration, strolling along the scenic Garonne River, and indulging in the region’s famous cassoulet, Toulouse offers a deeply satisfying French experience. To help you discover the very best of this sun-drenched city, here are the 10 best things to do in Toulouse to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Explore Capitole Square & the Capitole de Toulouse

The monumental Place du Capitole is the undisputed heart of Toulouse, a vast, pedestrianized plaza that serves as the city’s living room, stage, and ceremonial center. Flanked by elegant arcades housing cafes and shops, the square is dominated by the majestic Capitole building, which houses both the city hall and the Théâtre du Capitole. The building’s 128-meter-long facade is an impressive sight, and visitors can step inside to marvel at the opulent interior.

Highlights include the grand Salle des Illustres with its ceiling paintings and the stunning opera house. The square itself is constantly alive with activity: morning markets, afternoon strollers, street performers, and evening crowds enjoying an apéritif. At night, the entire facade is dramatically illuminated, casting a beautiful glow over the pink brick. It is the essential starting point for any exploration of Toulouse.

2. Visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin

A UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and one of the largest surviving churches of its kind in Europe. Its soaring octagonal bell tower is a city landmark. Step inside to be awed by the vast, solemn nave, the magnificent ambulatory lined with radiating chapels housing precious relics, and the beautiful 12th-century marble bas-reliefs.

The basilica was a major pilgrimage stop, and its scale and design reflect that historic importance. The play of light through its high windows onto the warm stone creates an atmosphere of profound tranquility. A visit here is a journey back to the 11th century and is essential for understanding Toulouse’s religious and architectural significance in medieval Europe.

3. Wander the Garonne Riverfront

The Garonne River is the liquid artery of Toulouse, and its banks offer some of the city’s most picturesque walks and lively social scenes. Start at the iconic Pont Neuf, the city’s oldest bridge, for classic views of the dome of the Hôpital de La Grave. Stroll along the Quai de la Daurade for cafe terraces and views of the river traffic, or head to the grassy Prairie des Filtres, a popular spot for picnics, sunbathing, and evening gatherings.

For a more local vibe, cross to the left bank to the Saint-Cyprien district. The riverfront truly comes alive at sunset, when the pink bricks of the city glow in the warm light, earning Toulouse its famous nickname. A walk along the Garonne connects you to the city’s natural rhythm and provides breathtaking perspectives.

4. Explore Cité de l’Espace

Celebrating Toulouse’s status as the European capital of the aerospace industry, Cité de l’Espace is a world-class theme park dedicated to space exploration. This is far more than a museum; it’s an immersive, hands-on experience. You can walk inside a full-scale replica of the Mir space station, stand next to a genuine Ariane 5 rocket, and experience astronaut training simulators. The park’s planetarium offers stunning shows that transport you across the galaxy, while interactive exhibits explain satellite technology, life in zero-gravity, and the future of Mars exploration.

It’s engaging for all ages, making complex science accessible and thrilling. A visit to Cité de l’Espace offers a fascinating counterpoint to the city’s ancient history, showcasing the cutting-edge innovation that defines modern Toulouse.

5. Visit the Jacobins Convent

Tucked away in the city center, the Convent of the Jacobins is a Gothic gem of exceptional beauty and architectural genius. Founded in the 13th century by the Dominican Order, its exterior is unassuming, but the interior is breathtaking. The single nave leads to the famous “palm tree” vault in the apse—a forest of 22 ribs springing from a single, slender column, creating an effect of astonishing lightness and grace.

The convent also houses the relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas. The serene cloister, with its central garden and double columns, is a perfect oasis of calm. The combination of spiritual weight, architectural daring, and peaceful atmosphere makes the Jacobins one of Toulouse’s most unforgettable and spiritually resonant sites.

6. Discover the Musée des Augustins

Housed in a magnificent former Augustinian monastery, the Musée des Augustins is the city’s fine arts museum and a work of art in itself. The collection is particularly strong in medieval sculpture and religious art from the region, including remarkable Romanesque capitals and Gothic statues salvaged from local churches. The painting galleries feature works from the Renaissance through the 19th century.

The true magic, however, lies in the setting: wandering through the radiant Gothic cloister, its garden a splash of green, and the grand 14th-century church that now serves as a sculpture hall. It’s a place where art and architecture are in perfect harmony, offering a peaceful and enriching cultural interlude.

7. Stroll through Carmes & Saint-Étienne

To experience the quieter, more residential charm of old Toulouse, wander the labyrinthine streets of the Carmes and Saint-Étienne districts. This area is a maze of narrow lanes lined with beautifully preserved Renaissance hôtels particuliers (private mansions), their courtyards often glimpsed through grand arched doorways. The focal point is Place Saint-Étienne, with its elegant fountain and the imposing Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, a fascinating architectural patchwork of styles.

These neighborhoods are filled with independent boutiques, antique shops, and intimate cafes. Getting lost here, away from the main tourist thoroughfares, is the best way to appreciate the intimate scale and lived-in beauty of “La Ville Rose.”

8. Visit the Canal du Midi

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of 17th-century engineering, the Canal du Midi begins (or ends, depending on your perspective) in Toulouse. This tree-lined waterway, conceived by Pierre-Paul Riquet, connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. The stretch near the city is a haven for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, offering a flat, shaded path perfect for a leisurely ride or stroll.

You can also take a relaxing boat cruise to see the canal’s elegant locks and bridges from the water. The port area around the Bassin de l’Embouchure, where the canal meets the Canal de Garonne, is a pleasant spot to relax. The Canal du Midi embodies the elegant, human-scale ambition that characterizes the region.

9. Explore the Victor Hugo Market

For a true taste of Toulousain life, head to the bustling Marché Victor Hugo. This two-story, covered market is a temple to the gastronomy of southwest France. The ground floor is a sensory feast: stalls piled high with seasonal produce, fragrant cheeses, charcuterie (including the famous Toulouse sausage), fresh fish, and pyramids of spices.

The real secret is upstairs: a circle of no-frills, fantastic restaurants where you can take your fresh market purchases to be cooked for you or choose from their daily menus. It’s the best place in the city to sample authentic, hearty dishes like cassoulet or magret de canard in a lively, authentic atmosphere.

10. Enjoy Toulouse’s cuisine & vibrant nightlife

Toulouse is a paradise for food lovers, deeply rooted in the rich culinary traditions of the Occitanie region. The iconic dish is cassoulet, a slow-cooked casserole of white beans, duck confit, and Toulouse sausage. Other must-tries include saucisse de Toulouse, foie gras, and confit de canard. Pair your meal with a robust local wine from Fronton or Gaillac.

As the sun sets, the city’s large student population ensures a dynamic nightlife. The lively Place Saint-Pierre is lined with bars and is a major evening hub. For a more sophisticated evening, the streets around the Capitole and in the Carmes district offer excellent wine bars and restaurants. From hearty market lunches to animated evening apéritifs, indulging in the local culture is a delicious and essential part of the Toulouse experience.