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

Should you visit Edinburgh or Turin (Torino)?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Edinburgh and Turin (Torino) can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a gothic, ancient, and charming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include theater, nightlife, and live music.

Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a lively, beautiful, and authentic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Edinburgh and Turin (Torino): Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
  • Home to the Edinburgh Castle
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
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
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Edinburgh than Turin (Torino). While Turin (Torino) is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Turin (Torino) is known for its food. Edinburgh is more touristy than Turin (Torino) and is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also home to The Edinburgh Castle. Turin (Torino) is popular for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps.

How is Edinburgh different from Turin (Torino)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh
Turin (Torino)

Edinburgh is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Edinburgh on the map. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

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 Edinburgh or Turin (Torino) Better for Theater?

Edinburgh
Turin (Torino)

Edinburgh is notable for its shows and theatre. However, Turin (Torino) is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Edinburgh. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Turin (Torino) is not a theatre destination.

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

Edinburgh
Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Turin (Torino) has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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).

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Turin (Torino) Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh
Turin (Torino)

Edinburgh is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Edinburgh has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

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 Edinburgh or Turin (Torino) Better for Music?

Edinburgh
Turin (Torino)

Edinburgh is renowned for its music scene. However, Turin (Torino) is not a live music destination.

In Edinburgh you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Turin (Torino) is not a live music destination.

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

Edinburgh
Turin (Torino)

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

The old town of Edinburgh is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

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

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

Edinburgh
Turin (Torino)

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

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 Edinburgh or Turin (Torino) Better for Families?

Edinburgh
Turin (Torino)

Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

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 Edinburgh or Turin (Torino) Better for Couples?

Edinburgh
Turin (Torino)

Both Edinburgh and Turin (Torino) are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Edinburgh makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

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.

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

Edinburgh
Turin (Torino)

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

Edinburgh is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

Turin (Torino) is very popular with the backpacker crowd. You'll find hostels around town and easy access to outdoor activities. The city also has great food and a lively atmosphere.


Is Edinburgh or Turin (Torino) Better for Students?

Edinburgh
Turin (Torino)

Both Edinburgh and Turin (Torino) are high quality destinations for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

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.

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

Edinburgh
Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Turin (Torino) can get you to some 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.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

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

Edinburgh
Turin (Torino)

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh on foot. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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 Edinburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Turin (Torino) Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Edinburgh or Turin (Torino)?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Edinburgh and Turin (Torino). With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Edinburgh than in Turin (Torino). Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 2-3 days is enough time in Turin (Torino).

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Edinburgh than Turin (Torino) 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 Edinburgh.


  • How many days in Edinburgh or Turin (Torino)? Ideal Length of Stay
    Edinburgh 2-5 
    Turin (Torino) 2-3

One day in Edinburgh or Turin (Torino)?

In Edinburgh, you'll find nightlife and live music. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Turin (Torino). Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Turin (Torino)?

Edinburgh 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Turin (Torino). This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Turin (Torino)?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Edinburgh. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful city of Turin (Torino). The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Edinburgh or Turin (Torino)?

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the quaint city of Edinburgh. 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.

Turin (Torino) is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Turin (Torino) or Edinburgh?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Edinburgh is £142, while the average daily cost in Turin (Torino) is £135. 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 Edinburgh and Turin (Torino) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Edinburgh £74
    Turin (Torino) £68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Edinburgh £148
    Turin (Torino) £136
Compare Hotels in Edinburgh and Turin (Torino)

Looking for a hotel in Edinburgh 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.

Hotels in Edinburgh


Hotels in Turin (Torino)


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: Edinburgh Hotel Prices and Turin (Torino) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Edinburgh £17
    Turin (Torino) £38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Edinburgh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:


  • Local Bus
    £3.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edinburgh

Also for Edinburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Edinburgh Airport: Bus Transfer: $5.62
  • Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Edinburgh Airport: $28
  • Private Transfer from South Queensferry Port to Edinburgh hotels: $28
  • Private Transfer - Edinburgh Airport(EDI) to Newhaven Cruise Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from Newhaven Port to Edinburgh Airport EDI: $28
  • Private Transfer from Edinburgh Hotels to South Queensferry Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from Edinburgh Hotels to Newhaven Cruise Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from Newhaven Cruise Port to Glasgow Airport: $36
  • Edinburgh Airport: Private Arrival or Departure Transfers: $37
  • Private Airport transfer From or to Edinburgh airport (One way transfer): $39
  • Private One-Way Transfer from Edinburgh to Edinburgh Airport: $41
  • Private Transfer - South Queensferry Port to Glasgow Airport(GLA): $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turin (Torino)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Turin (Torino):

  • Turin Private Transfer from Turin city centre to Turin Airport: $102
  • Turin Caselle Airport to Sestriere/Val Chisone-RoundTrip Transfer: $142
  • Turin Caselle Airport to Courmayeur - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • Turin Caselle Airport to Courchevel La Plagne Round Trip Transfer: $295
  • Turin Caselle Airport to Chamonix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
  • Turin Caselle Airport TRN to Breuil-Cervinia -Round-Trip Transfer: $142
  • Turin Airport to Val d'Isere/Morzine/Avoriaz-Arrival Transfer: $87
  • Turin Airport Private Departure Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfer from Turin City to Milan Airport/City by Sedan: $236
  • Private Direct Transfer From Turin to Milan: $256
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Turin Caselle Airport to Courchevel: $147
  • Departure by Van or Car from Transfer Turin to Turin Airport TRN: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Edinburgh or Turin (Torino)?

Prices for flights to both Turin (Torino) and Edinburgh 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Edinburgh £39
    Turin (Torino) £36
Typical Food Prices in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    £8.50
  • Dinner at Filling Station
    £10
  • Lunch for Two
    £15
  • Sandwich
    £1.85
  • Cheese & bread
    £7.23
  • Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    £25
  • 2 Coffees and Scones
    £5.80
  • Turkish Delight
    £1.40
  • Soup at the Pub
    £5.90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $31
  • Scottish Dinner and Folk Music Experience: $87
  • Edinburgh Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $90
  • 'Scotland meets Sardinia' - 8-course Dinner in Leith, Edinburgh: $110
  • 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour: $116
  • Edinburgh Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $120
  • Edinburgh Food Tour with a Local Foodie Custom & Private: $167

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Edinburgh £20
    Turin (Torino) £24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Edinburgh

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Show Tickets
    £32
  • Movie Tickets for Two
    £12
  • Donation for Storytellers
    £6.00

Tours and Activities in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $3.74
  • Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour: $4.36
  • Audio Tour Royal Mile: del Castillo hasta "The Tron Kirk": $5.34
  • Edinbourgh, Royal mile: walking tour with audio guide: $5.35
  • Edinburgh Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $5.56
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Audio Tour through History of Crime: $7.00
  • Edinburgh Royal mile: Self-guided walking tour: $7.19
  • Must-See In App Audio Tour: $7.61
  • Edinburgh Royal Mile (New Self Guided Tour) : $7.99
  • Harry Potter’s A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Tours and Activities in Turin (Torino)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Turin (Torino) are as follows:

  • "Langhe del Barolo" Private E-bike Tour - Asphalt and Dirt Road: $79
  • 2 Hours Private Guided Tour in Turin Egyptian Museum : $163
  • 2-Hour Private Turin Walking Tour: $136
  • Be a Movie Star Tour for Kids & Families at the Turin National Cinema Museum: $173
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Typical Dining at a Local's Home in Turin: $152
  • Chocolate Tour in Turin for Kids and Families Including Gianduiotto and Bicerin: $147
  • CioccolaTOur, discover the sweet side of Turin tasting the most famous chocolate: $218
  • City Sightseeing Turin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
  • Classic e-bike tour Turin, from the historic center to the hill: $49
  • Custom Guided Tours: $201
  • E-bike tour with aperitif included: $82
  • Entrance ticket with tasting at Casa Martini: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Edinburgh £15
    Turin (Torino) £7.33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Edinburgh

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:


  • Beer & Wine
    £14
  • Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern
    £1.65

Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh

Also in Edinburgh, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Discounts: $11
  • Edinburgh Bar Crawl: 5+ Venues, Free Shots, Free Club Entry: $19
  • Pub Crawl in Edinburgh: $19
  • Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour with "Real-Actors": $25
  • East Lothian: Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting: $26
  • Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery: $28
  • Pickering's Gin Jolly Distillery Tasting Tour: $31
  • Lind & Lime Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting: $31
  • Whisky Tasting and Tales at Summerhall Distillery: $31
  • Pub Crawl 7 Bars with 6 Shots: $31
  • The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: $32
  • Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery: $32

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 Edinburgh and Turin (Torino), we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive? and Is Turin (Torino) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Turin (Torino)?

Turin (Torino) has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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.