A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Turin (Torino) vs. Portofino for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Turin (Torino) or Portofino?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turin (Torino) or Portofino, 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 historic, lively, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Portofino

Portofino is a picturesque, breathtaking, and opulent seaside village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Turin (Torino) and Portofino: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portofino. Although Turin (Torino) and Portofino are both popular with visitors, Portofino has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Portofino is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Turin (Torino) is known for its museums. Portofino is more touristy than Turin (Torino) and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. It is also home to its scenic harbor. Turin (Torino) is popular for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps.

Its scenic harbor

How is Turin (Torino) different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portofino 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 Portofino?

Turin (Torino) is notable for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Portofino specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The village is mostly about soaking up the atmosphere, but you can also visit sights such as Sun Church of St. George and Cervara Abbey.

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

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

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 Portofino. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Is Turin (Torino) or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

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

Portofino has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Most of the nightlife is found around Piazzetta (Oliveri Square) and Molo Umberto I. Happy hours (aperitivo) start around 5pm or 6pm and then as the evening continues, the party often moves to Paraggi Beach.

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 Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is renowned for its resorts. However, Turin (Torino) is not a resort destination.

Portofino offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Known for it's exclusive luxury, there are a number of high end resorts in the area. Popular options include Splendido, Sublimis Boutique Hotel, and Grand Hotel Miramare.

Turin (Torino) is not a resort destination.

Is Turin (Torino) or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Turin (Torino) is not a beach destination.

Portofino has a beach worth visiting. Like much of the Italian coast, the beaches in the area are dramatic and beautiful. They're also rocky and pebbly and can get a bit crowded during the summer months.

Turin (Torino) is not a beach destination.

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

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

Many visitors go to Portofino to see the historical old town. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

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

Is Turin (Torino) or Portofino Better for Hiking?

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

Portofino is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Turin (Torino) is not a hiking destination.

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

Portofino 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 Portofino. The quaint cobblestone streets are lined with high end boutiques that target the opulent jet-setter crowd that frequents Portofino. Much of the shopping is around Martiri dell'Olivetta Square.

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 Turin (Torino) or Portofino Better for Families?

Turin (Torino) is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its kid-friendly 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.

Portofino is not always a place people visit with their families. The town has a picturesque setting and some beautiful pebbly beaches. It's fun for kids to run around the town, explore by kayak, or play in the waters edge.

Is Turin (Torino) or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is renowned for couples. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Portofino has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Set beautifully against the ocean's edge, this famous Italian town makes for a truly romantic holiday. Ogle the mega yachts in the harbor and then wander the charming streets while you soak in the atmosphere.

Turin (Torino) makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Turin (Torino) or Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Turin (Torino) is notable for backpackers. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for backpackers and budget 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.

Portofino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Known for it's high prices, the town isn't particularly popular with the backpacker crowd. It is possible to stay outside of town and head in for a day trip.

Is Turin (Torino) or Portofino Better for Students?

Turin (Torino) is notable for students. However, Portofino 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.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

Turin (Torino) is notable for its public transit. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Portofino. The closet train stations are Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli. You can catch a bus from the Santa Margherita train station. There are also some ferry options.

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

Portofino 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 Portofino on foot. It's easy to walk around the village and then explore the countryside on one of the nearby trails.

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 Portofino Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Turin (Torino) or Portofino?

In either Turin (Torino) or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Portofino than Turin (Torino) because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Turin (Torino), and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

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

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

One day in Turin (Torino) or Portofino?

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.

Portofino might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Portofino?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic 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.

Portofino is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portofino. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A week in Turin (Torino) or Portofino?

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.

Portofino is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Turin (Torino) and Portofino, we can see that Portofino 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 Portofino would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portofino 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 Turin (Torino) Expensive? and Is Portofino Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Turin (Torino) or Portofino?

Turin (Torino) has a larger population, and is about 1640 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Turin (Torino) and Portofino, 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.