A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Turin (Torino) vs. Lake Garda for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

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.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a scenic, playful, and fun lake. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Turin (Torino) and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lake Garda. Although Turin (Torino) and Lake Garda are both popular with visitors, Lake Garda has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lake Garda is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Turin (Torino) is known for its museums. Lake Garda is more touristy than Turin (Torino) and is popular for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. It is also home to Sirmione. Turin (Torino) is popular for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps.

How is Turin (Torino) different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Turin (Torino)
Lake Garda

Turin (Torino) is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.


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

Turin (Torino)
Lake Garda

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Turin (Torino) and Lake Garda.

Dining out in Turin (Torino) is an experience not to be missed. 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).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lake Garda. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Is Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Turin (Torino)
Lake Garda

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

Lake Garda has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

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 Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Turin (Torino)
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is notable for the beach. However, Turin (Torino) is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Lake Garda. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Turin (Torino) is not a beach destination.


Is Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Turin (Torino)
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Turin (Torino) is not a hiking destination.

Lake Garda is a popular spot for hiking. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Turin (Torino) is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda?

Turin (Torino)
Lake Garda

Both Turin (Torino) and Lake Garda are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Turin (Torino) to go 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Lake Garda. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Is Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Turin (Torino)
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is renowned 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.

Lake Garda is an amazing family-friendly lake to visit. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

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 Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Turin (Torino)
Lake Garda

Turin (Torino) and Lake Garda are both very good to visit as a couple.

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.

Lake Garda makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

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

Turin (Torino)
Lake Garda

Turin (Torino) is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers 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.

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Is Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda Better for Students?

Turin (Torino)
Lake Garda

Turin (Torino) is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake Garda is not popular with students.

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.

Lake Garda is not popular with students.


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

Turin (Torino)
Lake Garda

Both Turin (Torino) and Lake Garda offer very good public transit options.

The public transit in Turin (Torino) can get you to most 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.

Visitors to Lake Garda can move around easily with public transportation. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

Is Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Turin (Torino)
Lake Garda

Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is a very walkable destination. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get 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 Turin (Torino) Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Garda Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lake Garda due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Turin (Torino), and 2-4 days is enough time in Lake Garda.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lake Garda than Turin (Torino). You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda 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).


  • How many days in Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda? Ideal Length of Stay
    Turin (Torino) 2-3 
    Lake Garda 2-4

One day in Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda?

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.

In Lake Garda, you'll find museums and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda?

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.

Lake Garda is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Garda. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lake of Lake Garda. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Turin (Torino)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Turin (Torino) is €157, while the average daily cost in Lake Garda is €166. 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 Turin (Torino) and Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Turin (Torino) 79
    Lake Garda 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Turin (Torino) 158
    Lake Garda 168
Compare Hotels in Turin (Torino) and Lake Garda

Looking for a hotel in Turin (Torino) or Lake Garda? 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 Turin (Torino)


Hotels in Lake Garda


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: Turin (Torino) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Turin (Torino) 44
    Lake Garda 66

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: $104
  • Turin Private Transfer from Turin Airport to City centre: $104
  • Turin Caselle Airport to Sestriere/Val Chisone-RoundTrip Transfer: $144
  • Turin Caselle Airport to Sestriere/Val Chisone - Arrival Transfer: $72
  • Turin Caselle Airport to Courmayeur - Arrival Private Transfer: $89
  • Turin Caselle Airport to Courchevel La Plagne Round Trip Transfer: $299
  • Turin Caselle Airport to Chamonix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $144
  • Turin Caselle Airport TRN to Breuil-Cervinia -Round-Trip Transfer: $144
  • Turin Caselle Airport (TRN) to Breuil-Cervinia - Arrival Transfer: $72
  • Turin Airport to Val d'Isere/Morzine/Avoriaz-Arrival Transfer: $89
  • Turin Airport to Val d'Isere Morzine Avoriaz Round-Trip Transfer: $177
  • Turin Airport Private Departure Transfer: $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda

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

  • Sirmione to Orio al Serio Airport (BGY)-Departure PrivateTransfer: $67
  • Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $111
  • Sirmione Resorts to Marco Polo Airport-Departure Private Transfer: $128
  • Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $131

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

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Turin (Torino) 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
    Turin (Torino) 43
    Lake Garda 42

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: $65
  • Turin Guided Food Tour with Chocolate and Wine Tasting: $70
  • Turin, food tour, taste our tradition.: $86
  • Chocolate and Sweets Tour Turin - I EAT Food Tours & Events: $88
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Castagneto Po with Show Cooking: $94
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Nebbiuno with cooking demo: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Feisoglio with Show Cooking: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Grugliasco with Show Cooking: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Leinì with Show Cooking: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lessona with Show Cooking: $94
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Merana with cooking demo: $94
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Casale Monferrato with Show Cooking: $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda

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

  • 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $67
  • Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Turin (Torino) 28
    Lake Garda 30

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: $80
  • 2 Hour Dome of Saint Gaudenzio Novara Guided Tour with Ticket : $19
  • 2 Hours Private Guided Tour in Turin Egyptian Museum : $165
  • 2-Hour Private Turin Walking Tour: $111
  • 2-hour Turin guided small group walking tour: $49
  • Baroque Secrets Tour: $50
  • Baroque Turin: Explore Piazza Castello on a Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.22
  • Be a Movie Star Tour for Kids & Families at the Turin National Cinema Museum: $176
  • Best of Turin Full Day Guided Tour with Royal Palace, Duomo & Mole Antonelliana: $276
  • Best of Turin Walking Tour with Royal Palace and Egyptian Museum: $139
  • Bike tour in the historic center of Turin and Valentino Park: $48
  • Canyoning Experience in Sorba River: $72

Tours and Activities in Lake Garda

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

  • Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium: Open Date Entry Ticket: $9.80
  • Lake Garda Mini Cruise: Sirmione Peninsula: $13
  • A single ticket for the three museums - duration 30 days: $14
  • Hotel Villa Cariola Pool Entry Ticket: $21
  • From San Felice del Benaco: Islands Boat Tour: $27
  • Sunset Tour in Sirmione : $28
  • Tour in the Winery and tasting: $33
  • Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $38
  • MORNING CRUISE WITH YOGA & RELAX ON HISTORICAL SAILBOAT: $38
  • Lazise: Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience: $42
  • Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
  • Winery Tour and Tasting of Garda Wines in Lazise: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Turin (Torino) 8.57
    Lake Garda 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Turin (Torino)

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Turin (Torino):

  • 2 Hours Guided Tour and Wine Tasting in the Heart of Roero: $22
  • Unique wine tasting at the Winery of the Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta: $33
  • Tour of the Historical Cellars and Wine Tasting in Turin: $35
  • Wine Tour and Tasting with the Producer in the Monferrato-Classic: $42
  • Monferrato (Asti province): Barbera Wine Tasting Experience: $43
  • Wine Tasting near Royal Palace of Turin: $47
  • Wine Tour and tasting in the Monferrato - Premium: $48
  • Sommeliers Secrets Wine Tasting in Downtown Turin: $53
  • Monferrato (Asti): Wine Tour with light lunch picnic in the vineyards: $55
  • Langhe and Piedmont Wine Tasting: $61
  • Langhe Barolo and Barbaresco Wine Tasting : $99
  • Cesarine: Turin Wine Tasting & Food Pairing with an Expert : $121

Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda

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

  • Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $24
  • Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
  • Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
  • Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
  • Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
  • Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
  • Lake Molveno and Grappa Distillery Tour with Tastings: $83
  • E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $89
  • E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $89
  • Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $91
  • Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $100


When comparing the travel costs between Turin (Torino) and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Turin (Torino) Expensive? and Is Lake Garda Expensive?.