Toulouse: Where To Explore And Stay (+ Map)
By Sam Lee, 2025. Here’s your guide to the six coolest inner-city neighborhoods to explore and stay.
Discover six must-see neighborhoods that are perfect for soaking up key attractions and local vibes. From charming cobblestone streets to hip cafes, each area has its own flavor. Let's just say you won't run out of charming spots in Toulouse!
Where to stay in Toulouse
There are a lot of hotels in Toulouse (but not all are good). Here are six hotels I recommend. Check them out and see what you think. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Aparthotel — A good all-rounder hotel with kitchen facilities and a two-minute walk to Saint-Cyprien Metro.
Hotel SOCLO — This is a city-centre hotel with a seasonal pool near the Compans Caffarelli Metro.
Le Grand Balcon — Overall, a good value hotel in a super central location with quiet rooms.
The Social Hub — A community-focused hotel with full amenities like a gym and a small rooftop pool. It can get a bit noisy (but also fun and social).
Hotel Villa Du Taur— On a pedestrian street just a short stroll from the Place du Capitole, with simple and modern rooms.
La Cour Des Consuls Hôtel & Spa — A charming hotel (comprising 16th and 18th century buildings) and a Michelin-listed restaurant right near Pont Neuf.
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The Les Carmes Quarter
The Les Carmes Quarter is in the heart of the old town. At the center of this lively area, you'll find the iconic Les Carmes covered market, a food-lover's paradise with its unique atmosphere.
The colorful facades and bustling narrow streets guide you to charming little squares. Bars, wine cellars, and restaurants are everywhere, so it’s a good spot for a night out. And with tons of charming (and quiet) side streets, it’s a very good place to stay.
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The Saint-Etienne Quarter
Just a short stroll from the Les Carmes quarter, you’ll find yourself in the sophisticated, bourgeois section of the city center. It’s where you can admire the grand mansion houses that once belonged to Renaissance merchants and the Capitouls, the city’s former rulers.
The magnificent Saint-Etienne Cathedral, located in the heart of this neighborhood, stands as a remarkable architectural treasure, surrounded by winding streets that whisk you back to medieval times. This district is charming (perfect for an Insta photo or three) and is laden with high-end boutiques and art galleries.
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The Bourse-Daurade Quarter
If shopping is your passion, the Course-Daurade Quarter is your spot in Toulouse! Just a stone’s throw from Place du Capitole and the famous Rue Alsace-Lorraine, known for its major stores, the city’s historic commercial district brims with designer boutiques, vintage shops, and concept stores.
At the end of these bustling shopping streets, the lively quaysides of La Daurade (pictured above) offer a stunning view of the Garonne River, turning this area into a nightlife hotspot in Toulouse. Enjoy this bohemian district with a drink on a terrace overlooking the river or a meal at one of its cozy restaurants and cafés.
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The Saint-Aubin Quarter
The Sunday morning artisanal market is what really puts this area on the map. Locals love the laid-back vibe of this part of the city, located between the center and the Canal du Midi. Many don’t know it, but Saint-Aubin is a bit like Toulouse’s version of Montmartre.
Much like the famous Parisian district, the notable Rue de la Colombette has been a free commune since the end of World War II. Artists, artisans, and shopkeepers keep this popular district vibrant and dynamic. The Saint-Aubin church (pictured above), in the heart of the neighborhood, seamlessly blends Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic features, showcasing the lively spirit of the locals.
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Les Chalets Quarter
This charming area, nestled between the town center and the train station, feels like a quaint village within the city and is a favorite among residents. The pace is slower than in other quarters. Watch people go by from the terrace of Café Concorde (pictured above), one of the oldest spots in the city.
There are a few apartment buildings, but the area is mostly full of gorgeous typical houses of the region known as Toulousaines. A bit further along, on Rue des Chalets, you’ll find elegant bourgeois residences, making this one of the quietest and most serene areas in the center.
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The Saint-Cyprien Quarter
No trip to Toulouse is complete without exploring the vibrant and diverse Saint-Cyprien quarter. Once home to the infirm, pilgrims, and exiles on the left bank of the Garonne River, Saint-Cyprien has transformed into a lively and popular district.
It’s a cultural hub, featuring the Prairie des Filtres, a key venue for summer events, the Château d’Eau, a photographic museum, and Les Abattoirs, a museum of modern and contemporary art.
The area also boasts great food options. Plus, the views from this side of the city are simply unbeatable. My travel tip? Head to the Port de Viguerie to admire the architecture of the iconic buildings on the opposite bank, where the name “Ville Rose” truly comes to life!
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