Which place is cheaper, Turin (Torino) or Bilbao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bilbao or Turin (Torino)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bilbao and Turin (Torino). We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Bilbao
Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.
Turin (Torino)
Turin (Torino) is a beautiful, authentic, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Bilbao and Turin (Torino): Pros and Cons
Bilbao
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Turin (Torino)
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
Is there more to do in Bilbao or Turin (Torino)?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Bilbao than Turin (Torino). While Turin (Torino) is larger than Bilbao, Bilbao has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bilbao is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Turin (Torino) is known for its food and impressive beauty. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum. Turin (Torino) is popular for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps.
How is Bilbao different from Turin (Torino)?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Turin (Torino) and Bilbao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bilbao or Turin (Torino)?
Bilbao
Turin (Torino)
Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Bilbao and Turin (Torino).
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bilbao. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.
Turin (Torino) offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Bilbao or Turin (Torino)? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Bilbao
Turin (Torino)
Turin (Torino) is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.
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).
Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.
Is Bilbao or Turin (Torino) Better for Nightlife?
Bilbao
Turin (Torino)
Bilbao is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.
Bilbao has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.
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 Bilbao or Turin (Torino) Better for its Old Town?
Bilbao
Turin (Torino)
Bilbao is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Turin (Torino) does not have a historic old town.
Bilbao offers a nice historic old town area. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.
Turin (Torino) does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Turin (Torino)?
Bilbao
Turin (Torino)
Bilbao 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 Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.
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 Bilbao or Turin (Torino) Better for Families?
Bilbao
Turin (Torino)
Both Bilbao and Turin (Torino) are good family-friendly destinations.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bilbao. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.
Turin (Torino) offers lots of family activities. 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 Bilbao or Turin (Torino) Better for Couples?
Bilbao
Turin (Torino)
Turin (Torino) is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Couples visit Turin (Torino) frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.
Bilbao is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.
Is Bilbao or Turin (Torino) Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Bilbao
Turin (Torino)
Turin (Torino) is well known for backpackers. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.
Is Bilbao or Turin (Torino) Better for Students?
Bilbao
Turin (Torino)
Turin (Torino) is well known for students. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Many students visit 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.
It's common for students to visit Bilbao. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.
Is Bilbao or Turin (Torino) Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Bilbao
Turin (Torino)
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bilbao and Turin (Torino).
Public transit in Bilbao can get you to some places easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.
Many visitors use the public transit system in Turin (Torino). 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 Bilbao or Turin (Torino) a more walkable city?
Bilbao
Turin (Torino)
Bilbao and Turin (Torino) both are good when exploring on foot.
Bilbao is a somewhat walkable place. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.
Turin (Torino) is a somewhat walkable city. While the city is large, the city center is generally compact and walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Bilbao Worth Visiting? and Is Turin (Torino) Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Turin (Torino) or Bilbao?
How long in Bilbao or Turin (Torino)?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bilbao and Turin (Torino). In our opinion, Turin (Torino) has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Turin (Torino) than Bilbao. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Couples should spend more time in Turin (Torino) than Bilbao. 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 Bilbao 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).
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How many days in Bilbao or Turin (Torino)? Ideal Length of StayBilbao 2-3Turin (Torino) 2-3
One day in Bilbao or Turin (Torino)?
In Bilbao, you'll find nightlife and shopping. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Turin (Torino). But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Bilbao or Turin (Torino)?
Bilbao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.
Turin (Torino) is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Bilbao or Turin (Torino)?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Turin (Torino). Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Bilbao or Turin (Torino)?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Bilbao. 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.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Turin (Torino). This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBilbao €137Turin (Torino) €157
The average daily cost (per person) in Bilbao is €137, while the average daily cost in Turin (Torino) is €157. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bilbao and Turin (Torino) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBilbao €72Turin (Torino) €79
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBilbao €144Turin (Torino) €158
Compare Hotels in Bilbao and Turin (Torino)
Looking for a hotel in Bilbao or Turin (Torino)? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bilbao Hotel Prices and Turin (Torino) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bilbao €26Turin (Torino) €44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Private One way Airport Transfer Bilbao Airport to from Bilbao: $33
- Private transfer from Bilbao City Center to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $33
- Private transfer from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City Center: $33
- Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $45
- Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $60
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
- Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
- Private one way arrival OR departure transfer in Bilbao from/to airport: $67
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $70
- Private Transfer on arrival and departure in Bilbao: $72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turin (Torino)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Turin (Torino):
- Departure Private Transfer from Turin City to Turin Airport TRN by Luxury Van: $60
- Departure by Van or Car from Transfer Turin to Turin Airport TRN: $50
- Private Arrival Transfer from Turin Caselle Airport to Courchevel: $147
- Private Direct Transfer From Turin to Milan: $256
- Private Transfer from Turin City to Milan Airport/City by Sedan: $236
- Turin Airport Private Departure Transfer: $60
- Turin Airport to Val d'Isere/Morzine/Avoriaz-Arrival Transfer: $87
- Turin Caselle Airport TRN to Breuil-Cervinia -Round-Trip Transfer: $142
- Turin Caselle Airport to Chamonix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
- Turin Caselle Airport to Courchevel La Plagne Round Trip Transfer: $295
- Turin Caselle Airport to Courmayeur - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
- Turin Caselle Airport to Sestriere/Val Chisone-RoundTrip Transfer: $142
Is it cheaper to fly into Bilbao or Turin (Torino)?
Prices for flights to both Turin (Torino) and Bilbao change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBilbao €45Turin (Torino) €43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
- Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $134
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $134
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $197
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Turin (Torino)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Turin (Torino).
- Bolognese a la Mode | Online Cooking with Chef Abram | Italy: $64
- Turin Guided Food Tour with Chocolate and Wine Tasting: $69
- Turin, food tour, taste our tradition.: $85
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Castelnuovo Belbo with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining experience at a local's home in Nebbiuno with cooking demo: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Leinì with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lessona with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Casale Monferrato with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Casaleggio Boiro with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cella Monte with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Alessandria with Show Cooking: $93
- Turin Mix Aperitivo & Street Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bilbao €29Turin (Torino) €28
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $4.28
- Bilbao Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.48
- VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
- Bilbao Confidential Tour: Industrialists and Bourgeois: $13
- 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $15
- Tour of the Great Villas in Getxo and Hanging Bridge: $16
- Bilbao tour: $17
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $18
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $20
- Bilbao Historical Small Group Tour : $28
- Walking tour of Bilbao with pintxo and drink: $31
- Private Kayak Tour along the Getxo Coast and Hanging Bridge: $34
Tours and Activities in Turin (Torino)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Turin (Torino) are as follows:
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Turin: $8.72
- Turin Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
- Luci d'Artista City Tour: $20
- City Sightseeing Turin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
- Entrance ticket with tasting at Casa Martini: $22
- Private Tour in the Cellar and Tasting of Langhe Wines: $27
- Historical Turin Tour and Historical Locations: $27
- Turin Egyptian Museum Entry Ticket Including Special Exhibits: $27
- MONFERRATO UNESCO WALKING EXPERIENCE - Guided tour: $27
- Outlet Best Shopping Mall Tour: $28
- Turin Highlights Small-group Walking Tour: $38
- Magic Turin Evening Tour: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBilbao €21Turin (Torino) €8.57
Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
- Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
- Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $79
- Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $80
- Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $187
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $240
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $241
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $246
- Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $246
Sample the Local Flavors in Turin (Torino)
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Turin (Torino):
- Tour of the Historical Cellars and Wine Tasting in Turin: $35
- Wine Tour and Tasting with the Producer in the Monferrato-Classic: $41
- 2 Hour Courtyard Aperitivo in Turin with Wine Tasting: $47
- Wine Tasting near Royal Palace of Turin: $49
- Cesarine: Turin Wine Tasting & Food Pairing with an Expert : $119
When comparing the travel costs between Bilbao and Turin (Torino), we can see that Turin (Torino) is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bilbao Expensive? and Is Turin (Torino) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Turin (Torino)?
Turin (Torino) has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.