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

Should you visit Volterra or Turin (Torino)?

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

Should I visit Volterra or Turin (Torino)? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Volterra

Volterra is a historic, charming, and medieval town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, 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.

Volterra and Turin (Torino): Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Volterra than Turin (Torino), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Volterra is better known for its food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Turin (Torino) is more popular for its nightlife. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. Also, Volterra is famous for The Roman Theater. Turin (Torino) is well known for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps.

How is Volterra different from Turin (Torino)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Volterra and Turin (Torino) have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Volterra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

Many visitors head to Turin (Torino) specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Volterra or Turin (Torino)? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volterra 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, Volterra is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

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 Volterra or Turin (Torino) Better for Nightlife?

Turin (Torino) is a popular place for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Turin (Torino) has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Volterra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

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

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

The old town of Volterra is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

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

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

Shopping is a popular activity in both Turin (Torino) and Volterra.

Volterra is a great destination for shopping. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Volterra or Turin (Torino) Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Volterra or Turin (Torino).

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Volterra. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

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 Volterra or Turin (Torino) Better for Couples?

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

Volterra has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

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

Turin (Torino) is well known for backpackers. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Volterra is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

Is Volterra or Turin (Torino) Better for Students?

Turin (Torino) is well known for students. However, Volterra 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.

Volterra is not popular with students.

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

Turin (Torino) is well known for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

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

Volterra 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 Volterra on foot. Most people explore the town 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 Volterra Worth Visiting? and Is Turin (Torino) Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Volterra or Turin (Torino)?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Volterra and Turin (Torino). With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Turin (Torino) than in Volterra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volterra, and 2-3 days is enough time in Turin (Torino).

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Turin (Torino) than Volterra 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 Volterra or Turin (Torino)?

Volterra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The beautiful city of Turin (Torino) offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Volterra or Turin (Torino)?

Volterra 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.

Turin (Torino) is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Turin (Torino), a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Volterra or Turin (Torino)?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volterra. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Turin (Torino) is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Volterra or Turin (Torino)?

Volterra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Volterra and Turin (Torino), we can see that Turin (Torino) is more expensive. And not only is Volterra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Volterra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Volterra 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 Turin (Torino) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Turin (Torino) than you might in Volterra.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Volterra Expensive? and Is Turin (Torino) Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Volterra or Turin (Torino)?

Turin (Torino) has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Volterra 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.