Conclusion: pick Turin for a first northern-Italy trip, food culture and value; pick Milan for fashion, nightlife and big-city energy. - Turin: an underrated food capital — birthplace of vermouth, gianduiotto chocolate and the slow food movement — home to the world's second-largest Egyptian museum (Museo Egizio, €15, 30,000+ artefacts) and Baroque palaces with barely any crowds. - Milan: the centre of nightlife, fashion and design — the Duomo, The Last Supper, the Navigli bar district — but pricier and busier. - Cost: a central 3-star in Turin runs €100–140/night vs €180–250 in Milan; lunch €15–18 vs €20–25. - Just 45 minutes apart by high-speed train; overall scores: Turin 47/60, Milan 40/60.