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

Should you visit Zurich 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 Zurich 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.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

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.

Zurich and Turin (Torino): Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Zurich than Turin (Torino). While Turin (Torino) is larger than Zurich, Zurich has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Zurich is more touristy than Turin (Torino) and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster. Turin (Torino) is popular for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps.

How is Zurich different from Turin (Torino)?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Zurich and Turin (Torino).

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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.

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

Both Zurich and Turin (Torino) offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Turin (Torino) has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Zurich or Turin (Torino) Better for Nightlife?

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

Zurich has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Turin (Torino) Better for Music?

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

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Turin (Torino) is not a live music destination.

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

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

The old town of Zurich is one of the most recognized in the world. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

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

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

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

Zurich is a world class destination for shoppers. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Turin (Torino) Better for Families?

Zurich 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.

Zurich is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Turin (Torino) Better for Couples?

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

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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

Turin (Torino) is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Is Zurich or Turin (Torino) Better for Students?

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

Zurich is a great destination for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

Both Zurich and Turin (Torino) offer great public transit options.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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.

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

Zurich 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.

Zurich is a very walkable destination. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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

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

How long in Zurich or Turin (Torino)?

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

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Turin (Torino)?

In Zurich, you'll find nightlife and live music. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Zurich or Turin (Torino)?

Zurich 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 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 Zurich or Turin (Torino)?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Zurich or Turin (Torino)?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Zurich. 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 shopping. 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 lively 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Turin (Torino)?

Turin (Torino) has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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.