A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Basel vs. Turin (Torino) for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Basel or Turin (Torino)?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Turin (Torino), this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Basel

Basel is a historic, cultural, and museum-filled city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a historic, lively, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel and Turin (Torino): Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Turin (Torino)?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Basel than Turin (Torino). While Turin (Torino) is larger than Basel, Basel has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Basel is more popular for its historical sights and shopping, while Turin (Torino) is known for its food. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town. It is also home to The Kunstmuseum Basel. Turin (Torino) is popular for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps.

How is Basel different from Turin (Torino)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Turin (Torino) and Basel. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Basel or Turin (Torino)?

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Basel and Turin (Torino).

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Turin (Torino). The city boasts a number of museums including The Egyptian Museum, Museo Nazionale del Cinema, and Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile. Other landmarks include the Royal Armory, The Cathedral and the Holy Shroud, and Palazzo Madama.

Is the Food Better in Basel or Turin (Torino)? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Turin (Torino) is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Turin (Torino). The region has been credited with being the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement. The dishes often use locally made ingredients and there are very diverse flavors and recipes. Local favorites include antipasto misto, risotto ai funghi (mushroom risotto), and carne cruda (beef tartare).

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Turin (Torino) Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Basel and Turin (Torino).

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Turin (Torino). There's a good nightlife scene that includes everything from bars to dance clubs. Via Po is one of the city's main bar hopping streets. For a more relaxed night out head to Via Garibaldi which has a number of restaurants and cocktail bars.

Is Basel or Turin (Torino) Better for its Old Town?

Basel is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Turin (Torino) does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Turin (Torino) does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Turin (Torino)?

Basel is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Turin (Torino). The city has everything from high end shopping to local boutiques. For the best luxury shopping head to Via Roma. Via Garibaldi is another popular pedestrian street that has many shops and restaurants.

Is Basel or Turin (Torino) Better for Families?

Basel is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Basel is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

Turin (Torino) is a family-friendly city. If the kids need to stretch their legs, head to Valentino Park. For kid-friendly museums, check out The Cinema Museum The Egyptian Museum, or the Museum of Car. It's also fun to take a ride of the historic tram.

Is Basel or Turin (Torino) Better for Couples?

Turin (Torino) is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Turin (Torino) is a very popular place to visit for couples. With grand squares, beautiful architecture, and excellent cuisine, couples will enjoy every minute of their trip to Turin. The city is also near the Alps, so outdoor adventure isn't far away.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Turin (Torino) Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Turin (Torino) is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Turin (Torino) is a great city to visit for backpackers. You'll find hostels around town and easy access to outdoor activities. The city also has great food and a lively atmosphere.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Basel or Turin (Torino) Better for Students?

Basel and Turin (Torino) are both superb destinations for students and younger travelers.

Basel is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Students come from all over to stay in Turin (Torino). It's relatively easy to find study abroad opportunities to the area. The city's atmosphere is diverse and fun with many activities that the student population can enjoy.

Is Basel or Turin (Torino) Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Basel and Turin (Torino) offer superb public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

The public transit in Turin (Torino) can get you to most places easily. The public transit system is operated by Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (GTT) and includes one metro line, nine tram lines, and a number of bus lines.

Is Basel or Turin (Torino) a more walkable city?

Basel is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Basel on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

Turin (Torino) is somewhat walkable. While the city is large, the city center is generally compact and walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Turin (Torino) Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Turin (Torino) or Basel?

How long in Basel or Turin (Torino)?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Basel and Turin (Torino). In our opinion, Basel has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Basel than Turin (Torino). In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 2-3 days is enough time in Turin (Torino).

Families should spend more time in Basel than Turin (Torino). Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Basel, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Turin (Torino) than Basel. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Turin (Torino) that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Turin (Torino) than Basel if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Turin (Torino).

One day in Basel or Turin (Torino)?

In Basel, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Turin (Torino), many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Basel or Turin (Torino)?

Basel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Turin (Torino). For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Turin (Torino)?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Turin (Torino) is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Turin (Torino). Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Turin (Torino)?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Basel. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Turin (Torino). Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basel and Turin (Torino), we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Turin (Torino) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Turin (Torino) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Turin (Torino) and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel than you might in Turin (Torino).

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Basel Expensive? and Is Turin (Torino) Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Basel or Turin (Torino)?

Turin (Torino) has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel and Turin (Torino), keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.