Explore Turin on a Budget

Elegant and sophisticated, Turin looks every inch the royal capital it once was, but you don’t have to spend a queen’s ransom to enjoy it.

The city’s food and accommodation offerings cater to every budget. While hotel prices may spike during business fairs and cultural events, they rarely reach the levels of Italy’s better-known destinations even during peak spring and autumn months. Here’s how to experience Turin without breaking the bank.

Cheapest Way of Getting to Turin

If you’re flying from Europe, you should be able to find decent fares to Turin. Low-cost carriers serve Turin’s Caselle airport from cities across the continent as well as other Italian airports. From Caselle, a shuttle bus (€7) runs into the city center.

Alternatively, you could fly into Bergamo’s Orio al Serio airport or Milan’s Malpensa, both of which are about a two-hour bus ride away.

Moreover, Turin is well connected by rail, with trains running to/from Rome and cities across northern Italy, as well as destinations in France. The city’s main rail station is Stazione Porta Nuova, located just a 10-minute walk from Piazza San Carlo and the historic center.

Best Neighborhoods for a Budget Stay

The lively Salvario district is a great choice for budget travelers. Its vibrant, multicultural atmosphere is packed with affordable bars, clubs, and accommodation options. Other recommended areas include Vanchiglia and Aurora, which are burgeoning neighborhoods filled with hip energy and wallet-friendly accommodations.

Save on Public Transportation; Explore the Center on Foot

You don’t need to spend much on transport if you stay in the city center. You’ll have the main sights on your doorstep, along with an array of bars, cafes, restaurants, and trattorias.

Public transport is only necessary if you venture outside the center or wish to explore further afield. Single tickets for buses and trams cost €1.70 or you can choose from a selection of travel passes, costing €4/€7.50/€10 for 24/48/72 hours.

Tour the City for the Price of a Tram Ticket

If time is limited and you desire a quick overview of the city, consider taking tram number 7. This service includes several of Turin’s top sights and costs only €1.70, the price of a regular public transport ticket. However, please note that service may be subject to current restrictions.

Check Out the Churches for Free

Feast your eyes on fine art in Turin’s churches. Most are free to enter and many feature impressive art and architecture. Examples include the baroque Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo and the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battisti, the city’s Renaissance cathedral.

Visit Museums Gratis on the First Sunday of the Month

Time your visit well and you won’t have to spend anything to tour Palazzo Reale and the Musei Reali, which are free on the first Sunday of each month. Make sure to plan ahead, as some museums may require you to book tickets in advance.

Join the Locals in the Park

Enjoy Turin’s green parks at no cost. On the west bank of the River Po, Parco Valentino is an ideal spot for locals to stroll, jog, and cycle. Moreover, at its southeastern end, you’ll find the Castello del Valentino, once a Savoy royal residence, along with the kid-friendly Borgo Medievale.

Stock Up on Picnic Staples at the Market

When shopping for provisions, make a beeline for Porta Palazzo market. You will encounter plenty of food stalls, allowing you to grab items like a panino (bread roll) filled with sliced meat or cheese, along with fresh, seasonal fruit for a delicious dessert.

Find Fixed-Price Lunch Menus and Money-Saving Dinner Deals

Many of Turin’s restaurants, cafes, and trattorias offer fixed-price lunch menus typically ranging from €10–15, often including a choice of primo (a pasta or rice dish) and/or secondo (a meat or fish dish), plus water and coffee.

In the evening, you can save by enjoying an apericena, served in cafés across the city from around 6pm to 8 or 9pm, offering a drink selection and a variety of dishes for around €8–15.

Drink Coffee Like a Local

Enjoy an espresso by standing at the bar, which is a customary practice in Italy. This approach not only allows you to feel like a local but also saves you money, as prices typically increase for seated coffee orders.

Fill Up on Water for Free

Stay hydrated by filling up at any of the hundreds of green water fountains located throughout the city. Known as torèt (meaning “little bulls” in the Piedmont dialect), these fountains are easy to spot and offer fresh drinking water.

A Guide to Daily Costs in Turin

Hostel room: €25–30
Basic room for two: €50–70
Public transport ticket: €1.70
Museum admission: €5–15
Bicerin (classic Turin hot chocolate drink): €3.50–7.50
Gelato: €2.50–5
Apericena: €8–15
Dinner for two: €25–30
Cocktail at a bar: €5–15