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

Should you visit Geneva 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 Geneva 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.

Geneva

Geneva is a diverse, international, and professional city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a beautiful, authentic, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Geneva and Turin (Torino): Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Geneva than Turin (Torino). While Turin (Torino) is larger than Geneva, Geneva has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Geneva is better known for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Turin (Torino) is more popular for its impressive beauty. Geneva is well known for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. Also, Geneva is famous for The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau). Turin (Torino) is well known for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps.

How is Geneva different from Turin (Torino)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Geneva and Turin (Torino) have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Geneva. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

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 Geneva or Turin (Torino)? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Geneva and Turin (Torino) can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Geneva makes for a great culinary experience. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

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).

Is Geneva or Turin (Torino) Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Geneva or Turin (Torino) has a better nightlife scene.

Geneva has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

If you're looking for night time activities Turin (Torino) has a few options to choose from. 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 Geneva or Turin (Torino) Better for its Old Town?

Geneva is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Turin (Torino) does not have a historic old town.

Geneva offers a nice historic old town area. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

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

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

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

Geneva is a world class destination for shoppers. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

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 Geneva or Turin (Torino) Better for Families?

Both Geneva and Turin (Torino) are notable family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Geneva. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

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 Geneva or Turin (Torino) Better for Couples?

Turin (Torino) is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

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

Turin (Torino) is a great destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Turin (Torino). You'll find hostels around town and easy access to outdoor activities. The city also has great food and a lively atmosphere.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or Turin (Torino) Better for Students?

Geneva and Turin (Torino) are great places to visit for students.

Many students visit Geneva. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Turin (Torino) is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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 Geneva or Turin (Torino) Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Geneva is renowned for its public transit. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Geneva has a great public transit system. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

Visitors to Turin (Torino) can move around easily with public transportation. 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 Geneva or Turin (Torino) a more walkable city?

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

Geneva is a very walkable destination. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored 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 Geneva Worth Visiting? and Is Turin (Torino) Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Geneva or Turin (Torino)?

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

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

One day in Geneva or Turin (Torino)?

Because Geneva is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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 Geneva or Turin (Torino)?

Geneva 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 Geneva or Turin (Torino)?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Geneva or Turin (Torino)?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Geneva. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 historic 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to 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 Geneva and Turin (Torino), we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is Turin (Torino) Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Turin (Torino)?

Turin (Torino) has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Geneva 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.