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

Should you visit Madrid 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 Madrid 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.

Madrid

Madrid is a authentic, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a authentic, historic, and lively city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Madrid and Turin (Torino): Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


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

You'll generally find more things to do in Madrid than Turin (Torino). Madrid is bigger than Turin (Torino), and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Madrid is better known for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Turin (Torino) is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Madrid is more touristy than Turin (Torino) and is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum. Turin (Torino) is well known for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps.

How is Madrid different from Turin (Torino)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Madrid
Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Madrid offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.


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

Madrid
Turin (Torino)

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Madrid is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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).

Is Madrid or Turin (Torino) Better for Nightlife?

Madrid
Turin (Torino)

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

Madrid has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.

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 Madrid or Turin (Torino) Better for Music?

Madrid
Turin (Torino)

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

In Madrid you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.

Turin (Torino) is not a live music destination.


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

Madrid
Turin (Torino)

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

Madrid is a world class destination for shoppers. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.

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 Madrid or Turin (Torino) Better for Families?

Madrid
Turin (Torino)

Madrid 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.

Madrid is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.

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 Madrid or Turin (Torino) Better for Couples?

Madrid
Turin (Torino)

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

Madrid is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.

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

Madrid
Turin (Torino)

For backpackers, both Madrid and Turin (Torino) are high quality places to visit.

Madrid is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other 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.

Is Madrid or Turin (Torino) Better for Students?

Madrid
Turin (Torino)

Madrid is renowned for students. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Madrid is a great destination for students. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.

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

Madrid
Turin (Torino)

Madrid 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.

Madrid has a great public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

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 Madrid or Turin (Torino) a more walkable city?

Madrid
Turin (Torino)

Madrid 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 Madrid on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.

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

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

How long in Madrid or Turin (Torino)?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Madrid or Turin (Torino)?

Because Madrid is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Madrid or Turin (Torino)?

Madrid 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 Madrid or Turin (Torino)?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. 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.

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 Madrid or Turin (Torino)?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Madrid. 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 Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €136, 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 Madrid and Turin (Torino) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Madrid 77
    Turin (Torino) 79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Madrid 154
    Turin (Torino) 158
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Turin (Torino)

Looking for a hotel in Madrid 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 Madrid


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Madrid 19
    Turin (Torino) 44
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid

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

  • Madrid Barajas Airport: Transfer to/from Atocha Bus Station: $7.48
  • Madrid Barajas International Airport - Private Arrival Transfer: $22
  • Private transfer from Atocha Station to Madrid city center: $22
  • Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer Madrid Airport To Madrid: $27
  • Private transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $29
  • Madrid Barajas Airport Private Transfer To Alcobendas: $32
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Barajas Airport: $40
  • Private Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD): $42
  • Private Transfer From Madrid Barajas Airport to Madrid: $44
  • Private Transfer from Airport to the City of Madrid Round Trip: $48
  • Madrid City Center: Private Transfer to Madrid Airport: $49

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 Madrid or Turin (Torino)?

Prices for flights to both Turin (Torino) and Madrid 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
    Madrid 34
    Turin (Torino) 43
Typical Food Prices in Madrid

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:


  • Coffee
    2.00
  • Ice Cream
    3.00
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    16
  • Croissant
    1.50
  • Lunch at Airport (for 2)
    16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid

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

  • Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $27
  • Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $33
  • Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $33
  • Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $35
  • Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
  • Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $43
  • Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
  • Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $47
  • Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $49
  • San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
  • Traditional Paella & Sangría Workshop & Spanish Dinner in Madrid: $53
  • The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59

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.
    Madrid 34
    Turin (Torino) 28

Tours and Activities in Madrid

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

  • Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.07
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.27
  • History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $4.28
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
  • 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
  • Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
  • Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.35
  • Marvels of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.35
  • Madrid Old Town & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $5.35
  • Ticket Entrance to the Madrid Nougat Museum: $5.35
  • Wonders of Madrid City Walking Tour: $5.35

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
    Madrid 20
    Turin (Torino) 8.57
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:


  • Beer
    5.00
  • Drinks and Tapas (for 2)
    13

Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:

  • Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.62
  • Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
  • Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
  • Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
  • Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
  • Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
  • Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $16
  • Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
  • Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
  • Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
  • Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
  • Wine Tasting Experience: $49

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


Which is Bigger, Madrid or Turin (Torino)?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Turin (Torino). When comparing the sizes of Madrid 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.