If you are trying to decide between Turin or Genoa, you have to decide between the mountains and the sea. Both cities have incredible history and architecture. Here is the ultimate comparison between Turin or Genoa.
Table of Contents
Turin or Genoa?
Turin
Turin sits just to the south of the Alps and is in the northwest corner of Italy. It is the 4th largest city in Italy with nearly 900,000 residents. It is known for its spectacular square and many world-class museums. Sitting adjacent to the Alps, the 2006 Winter Olympics were held here. Today, it is known for its economic strength and being home to the headquarters of Fiat and Alfa Romeo. The most famous Italian football club, Juventus, is also located in Turin
Genoa
Genoa has been one of the most important port cities in the Mediterranean for centuries. It has been nicknamed Superba or “the proud one” due to its rich history and historic landmarks. One of the oldest banks in the world, Bank of Saint George, was founded in Genoa in 1407. Situated between the Apennine Mountains and the sea, Genoa has an impressive setting as well. Some of the most picturesque seaside villages in Italy are located just outside of the city. Genoa is also the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.
Places to See
Turin
Royal Palace of Turin was built in the 16th century. It is known for its baroque architecture.
Palazzo Madama is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the middle of Genoa.
Mole Antonelliana is the most prominent and famous building in Turin. It is now the National Museum of Cinema. It is believed to be the tallest museum in the world.
Parco Valentino is a large park in Turin that has many landmarks to see like the botanical gardens and the Baroque Castle.
Piazza San Carlo is one of the most historic and popular plazas in the city.
Genoa
Piazza De Ferrari is the main square in Genoa. It is famous for the large fountain in the middle.
San Lorenzo Cathedral is a Catholic church that is the seat for the Archbishop of Genoa.
Royal Palace Museum was built in 1655 and was turned over to the state in 1919.
Genoa Harbor is one of the best places to explore in Genoa.
Castelletto is a part of Genoa that overlooks the city.
Food
Turin
Turin is the capital of the Piedmont region of Italy which is known around the world for being home to the white truffle. The white truffle is one of the most sought after foods in the world as well as one of the most expensive. Agnolotti is a dish similar to ravioli and is one of the most popular foods in the Piedmont region. Turin is where solid-form chocolate was originated so you will want to try some local chocolates during your time here.
Genoa
Genoa was where pesto originated which is why it is included in many of the dishes here. Focaccia is a flatbread seasoned with olive oil and salt along with other toppings. Focaccia is extremely popular in Genoa. The city is known for having spectacular so if you visit here you need to go to some authentic restaurants owned by Genoese locals.
Getting Around
Turin
The center of the city is extremely walkable so you can see many of the city’s attractions on foot. The only part of the city that not accessible by cars is the historic city center. You can use the app WeTaxi to hail taxis. There are many forms of public transportation here. You can use buses, trams, city trains, and the subway. You can buy a one-day pass for the public transport system for just 5 Euros.
Genoa
The metro and the system of buses are the most popular ways to get around the city. Once you are in the center of the city, it becomes extremely walkable. The center of the city is full of narrow streets where cars can’t even drive down so there are a large number of pedestrian walkways. Another popular way to explore the city is to rent a scooter or a Vespa. If you rent a scooter you can also drive down the beautiful coastline just outside the city.
Nightlife
Turin
There are many options for those who are looking for nightlife in Turin. If you are looking for bars and pubs, then you will probably want to check out the Piazza Vittoria Veneto and Piazza Savoia areas. If you want to go to the clubs, then the San Salvario neighborhood is the place to go. Turin has 9 universities so there are many students going out at night. San Salvario is known to be the part of the city that university students flock to at night making it one of the liveliest parts of town.
Genoa
There many institutions of higher education in Genoa which is a big reason why the nightlife is so lively. Bars and pubs are scattered throughout the city. With an abundance of smaller bars, bar hopping is a popular thing to do as the night progresses. If you want to go clubbing, you will find most of the clubs outside of the city center. Some of the best clubs can be found closer to the Port of Genoa.
Day Trips
Turin
Le Langhe is an area in Piedmont that is known for its wines, cheeses, and truffles.
Aosta is a small town directly north of Turin that is known for its Roman ruins.
Ceresole is a scenic mountain area north of Turin. It is a great place to explore the mountains.
Genoa
Cinque Terre is one of the most picturesque coastal towns in the world. It is only 1.5 hours from Genoa.
Portofino is another beautiful coastal town. It is only 45 minutes away from Genoa.
Priamar Fortress is in the seaside city of Savona. It is less than an hour down the coast from Genoa.
Milan and Nice are only a few hours away from Turin and Genoa so you may want to consider visiting either of these two beautiful cities if you have the time.
Overall
When deciding between Turin or Genoa you have to know that both cities are worth visiting. The simplest way for you to decide is to choose between the mountains or the sea. Obviously, if you have enough time you should try to hit both cities.