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

Should you visit Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a energetic, lively, and charming town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a authentic, historic, and lively city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg and Turin (Torino): Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heidelberg than Turin (Torino). While Turin (Torino) is larger than Heidelberg, Heidelberg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heidelberg is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Turin (Torino) attracts visitors for its museums. Heidelberg is more touristy than Turin (Torino) and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. It is also well known for The Heidelberg Castle. Turin (Torino) is famous for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps.

How is Heidelberg different from Turin (Torino)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Heidelberg
Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a great city for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Heidelberg
Turin (Torino)

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Heidelberg and Turin (Torino) can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Heidelberg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Turin (Torino) makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Heidelberg or Turin (Torino) Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg
Turin (Torino)

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

Heidelberg has plenty to do after the sun goes down. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

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 Heidelberg or Turin (Torino) Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg
Turin (Torino)

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

The old town of Heidelberg is one of the most recognized in the world. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

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


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

Heidelberg
Turin (Torino)

If you're looking to go shopping, Heidelberg and Turin (Torino) both offer plenty of nice spots.

Heidelberg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Turin (Torino) is a great destination for shopping. 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 Heidelberg or Turin (Torino) Better for Families?

Heidelberg
Turin (Torino)

Both Heidelberg and Turin (Torino) are nice family-friendly destinations.

Heidelberg offers lots of family activities. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Turin (Torino) is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Heidelberg or Turin (Torino) Better for Couples?

Heidelberg
Turin (Torino)

Heidelberg and Turin (Torino) both great destinations for a couple.

Heidelberg is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great 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.


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

Heidelberg
Turin (Torino)

For backpackers, both Heidelberg and Turin (Torino) are great places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Heidelberg. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

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.

Is Heidelberg or Turin (Torino) Better for Students?

Heidelberg
Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

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.

Heidelberg is a good town to visit for students. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

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

Heidelberg
Turin (Torino)

Heidelberg and Turin (Torino) both offer great public transit to get you around.

Heidelberg offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation 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 Heidelberg or Turin (Torino) a more walkable city?

Heidelberg
Turin (Torino)

Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable.

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

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

How long in Heidelberg or Turin (Torino)?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg.


  • How many days in Heidelberg or Turin (Torino)? Ideal Length of Stay
    Heidelberg 1-3 
    Turin (Torino) 2-3

One day in Heidelberg or Turin (Torino)?

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

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Turin (Torino), there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Turin (Torino)?

Heidelberg 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Turin (Torino), there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Heidelberg or Turin (Torino)?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. 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), a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Heidelberg or Turin (Torino)?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint town of Heidelberg. 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 place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Heidelberg is €142, 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 Heidelberg and Turin (Torino) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heidelberg 93
    Turin (Torino) 79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heidelberg 186
    Turin (Torino) 158
Compare Hotels in Heidelberg and Turin (Torino)

Looking for a hotel in Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heidelberg 17
    Turin (Torino) 44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

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

  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turin (Torino)

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

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

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

Prices for flights to both Turin (Torino) and Heidelberg 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
    Heidelberg 37
    Turin (Torino) 43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg

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

  • Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598

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.
    Heidelberg 11
    Turin (Torino) 28

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Pure experience: Original Black Forest farmer smoke tour: $6.54
  • Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Heidelberg Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.95
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.54
  • Uncover A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through Time: $11
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11

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
    Heidelberg 17
    Turin (Torino) 8.57

Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Heidelberg:

  • Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295

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 Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg Expensive? and Is Turin (Torino) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Turin (Torino)?

Turin (Torino) has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg 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.