Turin or Milan? That was the question I asked myself when planning a trip through northern Italy. Both cities are known for their history and culture—but in very different ways.
As someone who prefers to travel slowly, I wanted to know which one would suit my style better. I’ll share my personal experience visiting both cities to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your next Italian getaway.
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First Impressions: The Vibe of Turin and Milan
I arrived in both cities by train, and the contrast between them was clear from the start. Milan’s Central Station is grand, busy, and full of movement—especially during Fashion Week. The city buzzed with people in statement outfits, photographers chasing the next shot, and a general air of urgency as I started to explore the streets.
While it was exciting to witness that kind of energy, it felt a bit too fast for me. The crowds, the noise, and the pace made it hard to settle in and feel present.
Turin was different. When I arrived, the station was calmer, and the city greeted me with a slower pace. I was too early to check into my apartment, so I wandered into Caffè Platti, a historic café with polished wood, crisp linens, and locals lingering over coffee. I ordered high tea and let myself ease into the quiet charm of the city.
It was in that moment, sitting alone with a view of the streetcar tracks and Art Nouveau buildings, that I knew Turin would suit me better.
Turin vs Milan on Cultural Identity and History
When it comes to culture and history, both cities tell very different stories. Milan wears its modern edge proudly. It’s a city of sharp lines, high fashion, and business suits, where history often hides behind glass storefronts.
Still, it has its moments—the Duomo is undeniably impressive, and seeing da Vinci’s Last Supper was a quiet highlight in all the fashion week noise.
Turin, on the other hand, wears its past on its sleeve. There’s a certain dignity to the city, shaped by its royal roots and the legacy of the House of Savoy. Grand boulevards, palaces, and old-world cafés seem frozen in time.
It’s also home to Italy’s National Cinema Museum and famous for its chocolate heritage, which felt like a cultural experience all on its own. For someone who travels to connect with the past, Turin offers a more interesting history.
Turin or Milan: Art, Architecture and Museums
In Milan, the art scene is bold and world-famous, but often comes with a price—both in euros and in patience. I booked my ticket weeks in advance just to see The Last Supper, and while it was worth it, the whole experience felt tightly managed.
The architecture in Milan didn’t stand out to me. Aside from the dramatic spires of the Duomo, much of the city felt uniform—modern glass buildings alongside older stone structures that all blended together. There wasn’t much variety or contrast to make the streets feel visually interesting.
Turin offered a quieter kind of beauty. Its Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings felt lived-in, not staged, and I found myself looking up constantly—at ornate balconies, painted ceilings in cafés, even tiled entryways.
Turin’s museums were equally rewarding, but without the stress. The Egyptian Museum was surprisingly vast and uncrowded, and the National Cinema Museum inside the Mole Antonelliana was one of the most unique I’ve visited—it’s as much about the experience as the exhibits. A hidden gem? The Galleria d’Arte Moderna. I wandered in one afternoon and stayed for hours.
Milan or Turin: Who Has the Better Food & Dining Scene?
Food is one of the ways I connect most deeply with a place, and both cities offered their own take on Italian cuisine.
In Milan, I tried the famous risotto alla Milanese, bright with saffron and rich with butter, and it was just ok—but the pace felt rushed, and the service was efficient. There were plenty of international options, but I wasn’t looking for sushi or Thai—I wanted something rooted.
Turin felt like an invitation to linger. Its cafés were cozy, and there were many of them, serving perfect espressos and delicate pastries without trying too hard. One of my favourite memories was an aperitivo that turned into dinner, sitting on a quiet terrace with a glass of Barolo and a plate of vitello tonnato.
The flavours of the Piedmont region—earthy, hearty, and subtle—felt more like comfort food that we crave when travelling. I didn’t just eat well in Turin—I ate slowly, and that made all the difference.
Day Trips and Surrounding Areas of Milan and Turin
One of the best parts of staying in either city is how easy it is to escape them—just for a little while. From Milan, I took the train north and found myself by the shores of Lake Como in under an hour. The contrast was exactly what I needed from urban energy to mountain-backed calm. Although I didn’t go, Lake Maggiore and Bergamo are just as accessible.
Verona is also an easy and rewarding day trip from Milan—walkable, full of Shakespearean charm, and just far enough to feel like you’ve stepped into a different pace of life.
Turin’s surroundings are quieter and more rural. You can visit the Alps and the Langhe wine region, which is said to be as beautiful as Tuscany—rolling hills, vineyards, and hazy light. I didn’t go because the only option was to have a car or go on a group tour.
Milan definitely has the edge, as its location gave me more choices to hop on the train and be in inviting places within the hour.
Milan vs Turin: Which City Is Best For?
If you’re someone who values a slower pace, historic charm, and experiences that feel rooted in tradition, Turin might be the better fit. It’s ideal for travellers who enjoy lingering in elegant cafés, exploring grand boulevards without crowds, and diving into local culture.
Milan, on the other hand, is a great choice for those who thrive in bigger cities and enjoy a fast-moving, stylish setting. If you love design, fashion, and having access to a wide range of day trips, Milan delivers. It’s a city that balances its cultural highlights with a modern, international edge.
As for me, Turin was my personal favourite. I felt more at ease there—more connected to the city, and more able to take things slow without the crowds.
Final Verdict: Turino or Milano
For me, Turin was the more interesting city to visit—the kind of place I’d happily return to. It had depth, personality, and a pace that invited me to slow down and stay awhile. That said, I recognize that Milan makes a better base if your goal is to explore more of northern Italy. Its connections to lakes, nearby cities, and fast trains make it incredibly convenient for a broader itinerary.
I’m genuinely glad I visited both. Milan is worth seeing, especially if you’re drawn to fashion, design, and day trips—but in the end, it was Turin that stole my heart.
Once you’ve decided between these two cities and you’re ready to plan your trip, bookmark this page as it will have every article you’ll need—including itineraries, top things to see and do, and where to stay to help you make the most of your visit.
