turin travel tips

Top Things To Do In Turin (Italy Travel Guide)

From tucking into incredible food and drink (including truffles and Barolo), to enjoying stunning orange-roofed cityscapes, and exploring historic palaces and museums, there are plenty of things to do in Turin, Italy.

Fanfare please! Lonely Planet crowned Italy’s Piedmont region as its No.1 Best In Travel region.

Despite Italy being one of my favourite countries, I’d never been to this region. I had three days in Turin, and couldn’t wait to explore all that the city had to offer.

Where Is Turin, Italy?

Turin, or Torino to the natives, is in a unique location, at the base of the Alps in the northwestern corner of Italy. The Swiss and French borders are close by, and it’s a few hours from the coast at Genoa.

Being so close to the borders, Turin has experienced some interesting relationships with its neighbours, as well as its southern Italian counterparts. On this map I’ve marked all the spots I’d recommend visiting, so save this link and treat me as your personal tour guide once you arrive in the city!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Turin?

Turin makes a great city break all year round. Winters are reasonably dry but chilly with average temperatures around 3 degrees. Summers are lovely, but can get pretty warm, with highs around 27 degrees. Usually I’d recommend springtime or early summer, but it’s worth noting that May tends to be the rainiest month, followed by August. I’d recommend visiting Turin in June or September.

I visited in September and the weather was lovely. It’s one of the driest months and temperatures still tend to be between 18-21 degrees. As you’ll see from my photos, it was warm enough to walk around without a jacket during the daytime, and there was plenty of sunshine and blue skies.

While I could go into tonnes of detail about all the amazing and unusual things to do in Turin, I wanted to help by giving an overview of my favourite experiences from my time there.

Lots of people visit Turin for 24 or 48 hours, so in this Turin guide I’ll show you where to go to uncover the city’s history and art, where to sample the local cuisine, where to go shopping in Turin, plus show you the best views and teach you about the all-important aperitivo!

So come with me as I show all the exciting things to do in Turin!

Enjoy The Best View Of Turin At Mont Des Capucins  

Before visiting Turin I’d seen beautiful photos of the city with the snowy Alps in the background. While many travel guides will suggest you take the lift up Mole Antonelliana, I’d recommend heading to Mont Des Capucins. Just the other side of the River Po, this is THE spot to get the view of the entire city (Mole Antonelliana included) with that stunning mountain backdrop.

Tuck Into The Local Pasta I n  Turin, Italy

There are plenty of Piedmontese delicacies to sample, but you absolutely HAVE to try the city’s fresh pasta. On my first night I enjoyed a delicious bowl of agnolotti – a Piedmontese style of ravioli filled with roasted meat and served in a sauce called sugo d’arrosto (similar to a tasty gravy).

You’ll also see ‘plin’ on menus across Turin, which is a smaller type of ravioli, in a pinched shape. Plus there’s tajarin – delicate ribbons of fresh egg pasta, similar to tagliatelle.

Try it at Casa Broglia , Via Torquato Tasso, 13, 10122 Torino.  

Sample Black And White Truffles In Truffle Season  In Turin, Italy

The Piedmont region is famous for this delicacy! Not far away is Alba, a town synonymous with truffles. In fact there’s a whole festival dedicated to the indulgent delicacy every October and November. I was desperate to squeeze some truffle eating into my Turin trip, but I knew that this would come at a price.

Solferino, one of the city’s top restaurants, serves a tasty ravioli del plin topped with grated black truffle for 15 EUR. For those visiting during white truffle season, you can order off their special menu, with dishes starting at 30 EUR that include a generous table side grating of white truffle!

Try it at Risorante Solferino , Piazza Solferino, 3/B, 10121 Torino.

Learn About Egyptian History At Museo Egezio (Egyptian Museum Turin)

This museum is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Turin, and showcases the largest collection of Egyptian artefacts outside of Cairo. With 24 human mummies, an important statue of Ramses II and the intact tomb of Kha and Merit, it’s a fascinating place to learn about ancient civilisations.

Address: Museo Egizio , Via Accademia delle Scienze, 6, 10123 Torino  

TOP TIP There are sometimes long queues at Museo Egezio, so I’d 100% recommend booking a skip-the-line ticket in advance. Click here to check latest prices. 

Try Bicerin – Turin’s Most Famous Drink

Looking for a sweet pick me up after a busy day of exploring? Then head to Turin’s oldest cafe, Caffe Al Bicerin, and order the drink of the same name. Bicerin is a combination of espresso, chocolate and cream or whole milk. While you’ll find the drink on menus across Turin, they’ve been serving them here since the 18 th Century.

Stepping foot in the historic café is just like going back in time, with flicking candles on the tables and wood panelling adorning the walls. One glass will set you back over 6 EUR but you have to try it so you know what the fuss is about!

Try it at Caffe Al Bicerin , Piazza della Consolata, 5, 10122 Torino.  

Admire The Baroque Architecture Of Palazzo Real And Palazzo Madama  I n  Turin, Italy

I loved wandering through Turin’s beautiful skinny streets, getting lost in the maze of archways, tiny restaurants and boutiques. Every now and then I emerged at a beautiful piazza like Piazza San Carlo. One of the most striking was Piazza Castello, home to some of the city’s most impressive and important historic buildings.

Palazzo Reale is the former royal palace, constructed in the 16 th Century, and now preserved as a museum and gallery of ancient art. Meanwhile, moments away is Palazzo Madama, a design of Italian architect Filippo Juvarra, and where you’ll now find the Turin City Museum of Ancient Art.

Also close by is the famous Chapel of the Holy Shroud, where you’ll find the Shroud of Turin – a piece of linen bearing an image of a man, which some believe is Jesus of Nazareth.

Explore Italy’s Liberty Architecture  

As a total contrast, around twenty minutes away from Piazza Castello you’ll reach a part of the city with some incredible Art Nouveau architecture (known as The Liberty Style in Italy). I discovered this part of the city on a free Turin walking tour with local Daniele, who was full of interesting information.

Eat Like A King For Under 10 Euros

A few of you have asked me “Is Turin expensive to visit?” Well… no! It can be if you dine at gourmet restaurants night after night, but this is a city you can enjoy on a budget too.

It turns out this is a city that LOVES a set lunch! Most restaurants offer a set menu for 10 EUR, or single courses for 5-6 EUR. It was amazing value, and a great opportunity to try items I might not have thought of ordering otherwise. So what does 10 EUR get you? A pasta dish, a main course plus bread, water and a coffee.

Try it at Fiori e Caffe, Via Milano, 16, 10122 Torino and Trattoria Caprese, Via del Carmine, 2, 10122 Torino

Shop For Fresh Produce At Porta Palazzo Market

Turin’s main market happens to also be the biggest open-air market in the whole of Europe. I LOVED it! It was so much fun weaving in and out of the stalls and looking at the local produce, which included everything from fennel and colourful tomatoes, to herbs, green veg and citrus fruits straight from Sicily.

There was also cheese, ham, raw meat, clothes, flowers, and a whole heap of random things too! It was a really fun place to spend the morning, and it’s definitely one of my top free things to do in Turin. It’s also a short walk from Porta Palatina – Turin’s famous city gates.

Address: Porta Palazzo Market , Piazza della Repubblica, 10152 Torino. Open til 2pm.

Marvel At Mole Antonelliana

What an incredible building! The tower of Mole Antonelliana is visible all over Turin, and has become the landmark of the city. It was initially designed as a synagogue, but was later updated as a monument to national unity. For a small fee you can take the lift up to the 85m platform for views of the city. Just next to it, you’ll find the National Cinema Museum.

Address: Mole Antonelliana, 10124 Turin, Torino  

Enjoy Turin’s Modern Art Scene  

Turin is a really arty, cultural city, so I’d definitely add a gallery or two to your list if you have time. GAM is the modern and contemporary art gallery in the city. There were a few exhibitions on when we visited, one showing Turin’s artists over the decades, while another highlighted artists throughout the last few hundred years, with some of the most fun pieces by Andy Warhol and Lichtenstein.  

Address: Galleria Civica d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea , Via Magenta, 31, 10128 Torino

Experience Turin’s Aperitivo Scene  

Looking for fun things to do in Turin? Well, in Turin, an aperitivo isn’t just a drink, it’s a social occasion! As with Milan, ‘appy hour’ is big in Turin, with many bars offering a drink plus buffet access for a set price. Some are better than others, so it’s definitely worth having a look around until you find one serving things you fancy.

One of the best we found was at Caffe Lobelix where we paid 12 EUR for a cocktail and unlimited access to an enormous constantly-replenishing buffet, that included tasty meatballs, broccoli, roast aubergine, cod with peppers, fried potatoes, mozzarella and tomato salad and plenty more. If you fill up somewhere like this, you can save your Euros to spend on chocolate to take home! If you only have one night in Turin – this is an experience you just have to have!

Try it at Caffe Lobelix, Piazza Savoia, 4, 10122 Torino

Visit Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile

Cars and Turin go hand in hand – in fact the T in FIAT is for Turin! So if you’re a petrol head, definitely find time to visit Turin’s famous automobile museum. It has a collection of around 200 cars from 80 different car brands, so there’s plenty to look at!

Enjoy Turin’s Shopping Scene  

In terms of shopping in Turin, the city has a mix of everything. Wander along pedestrianised Via Garibaldi (the city’s most famous shopping street) and you’ll find brands you know and love. Then there are the picturesque gallerias – elegant covered shopping streets, generally housing high-end brands. Personally I loved venturing off the beaten track and exploring the independent boutiques on Turin’s tiny side streets. That was when I discovered Muta – a jewellery store run by two talented jewellery makers, who use interesting materials and geometric shapes in their work.

Address: Muta, Via San Domenico, 18/e, 10122 Torino

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

Chocolate and Turin go way back! Along with bicerin, the city has made a name for itself with its delicious hazelnut chocolates called gianduja. You’ll see the chocolates for sale across the city, but THE place to go is Guido Gobino. In fact, you can’t travel to Turin and not try it!

That choc-hazelnut combo might sound more familiar in its form as the spread, Nutella, and interestingly the history of Nutella also starts nearby. Invented in nearby Alba by Pietro Ferrero, it started off with the name Giandujot, before being renamed Nutella by the mid-1960s. I’ve heard you can still visit the original factory, and some of the surrounding area smells like Nutella too – sounds like a reason to take a day trip from Turin!

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, add GROM to your list too. It’s where you’ll find the best gelato in the city, and with several branches across Turin, you’re never far away from your next ice cream.

Enjoy Pizza In Turin Where The Locals Eat

Well, you can’t come to Italy and not have a pizza! I booked a lovely little apartment in the city centre and asked the owner where to eat in Turin. The owner recommended Ristorante Sicomoro , saying it’s where she goes every Sunday for a big family lunch. Well, when a local recommends a pizza place, you know it must be the real deal!

I enjoyed lunch there on my final day in Turin, and can confirm that the pizza was absolutely incredible!! I can’t say whether it’s the best pizza in Turin as I didn’t try any others… but I’d return in a heartbeat to eat it again!

Address: Ristorante Sicomoro, Via Stampatori, 6, 10122 Torino

Check out what happened when I went to Seville – Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel No.1 City for 2018.

Where to stay in turin.

There are plenty of hotels in Turin, but personally I preferred the charm and character of the city’s apartments.

I stayed at Suite Bellezia , a beautifully decorated one-bedroom apartment in a historic building, right in the heart of the city. It was moments from all the main Turin attractions, and was a really comfortable base for my time in the city. Plus, host Carlotta gave me lots of recommendations for the best things to do in Turin, places to eat and plenty of real local tips!

I hope you’ve enjoyed my Turin travel blog. A big thanks to Lonely Planet for introducing me to the gorgeous region of Piedmont. As always, all opinions are my own.

Looking to travel around the region? How about travelling from Milan to Turin, or adding Turin to a road trip through northern Italy ? 

Enjoyed this post? Pin it for later…

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

9 thoughts on “Top Things To Do In Turin (Italy Travel Guide)”

Fantastic guide, thanks so much for sharing! I’m really hoping to get to Turin this year…I’ve travelled to so many places in Italy but this one region has remained elusive. And I am always up for a set lunch too 🙂

Thanks Kristen – it’s such a gorgeous city. I hope you have a lovely time if you make it there. And yes, I’m a sucker for a great set lunch too!

Thank You SO MUCH! My kids and I will be traveling to Italy in 2 weeks, and Turin was not in our itinerary until today. I do not know much about Turin except the soccer team Juventus through my son. YES, we are going there because of the Juventus match on August 14. We have only one full day to tour the city. Now I have your tips to go by.

Hi Agnes – so happy you found my blog! There’s tonnes to do in Turin so I’m sire you’ll have a great day out there. Try some truffle if you get the chance!

Great guide and info. Definitely going …!!!!

Thanks Cloe I am an original “turineis” (local native) living now abroad Italy and appreciated very much your local guide that brought me back to the place I belonging. Grazie, thanks well done.

Hi I enjoyed the article What airport would you recommend that’s near Turin

You can fly into Turin-Caselle Airport, which is just outside the city centre.

Grazie for this! Leaving in a few days to vacation in Turin – we live in Aix-en-Provence, France. Thanks for this guide, Chloe!!

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An insider's guide to Turin, Italy's most tasteful city-break destination right now

By Luke Abrahams

The beauty of Turin is that it’s all about the niche. Yes, there are grand boulevards, ancient ruins, grand coffee shops festooned with chandeliers, world-leading museums and household brands that pierce Italy’s borders (hello Fiat and Lavazza) but look beyond the obvious and you’ll quickly realise there’s no other city in Italy quite like it.

At first glance, Piedmont’s capital looks more like a romanticised ode to  Paris . Explore the ultra-moody streets, however, and you’ll get an authentic dose of Italy. Extraordinary royal palazzi, avant-garde galleries, bookstores, chiselled gardens, and miles upon miles of baroque architectural masterpieces – and then there are the restaurants. Slow food and top-notch wines are the real deal and every decent restaurant in the city is consistently booked up. In short, there’s not one palazzo, courtyard, street, shop, or institution left untouched by this city’s infectious drive for its epicurean, historic and deeply artistic personality.

It might not have the grand  hotels of Rome , the stylish finesse of  Milan , or the Renaissance splendour of  Florence , but it has plenty of soul. There’s a charm to this city’s grit. It feels lived in, loved, respected… It's a picture of real Italian life, Disney-fied Amalfi-mania aside. What you see is what you get. Here are the best things to do, from eats to museums and the buzzing galleries in between.

The best hotels in Turin

Grand Hotel Sitea

The city’s grand dame hotel is its most storied. Opened in 1925, it remains Turin’s only historic grand hotel and is a member of the Locali Storici d’Italia, an age-old institution that brings all of Italy’s most esteemed hotels, restaurants, and cafés together. Despite being hidden away on a quiet pedestrianised road, the hotel is plonked in the centre of all the action. The Via Roma (home to all the big Italian fashion houses), the bustling Piazza San Carlo, Museo Egizio and all the big royal palaces are all within easy walking distance. Think grand coffered ceilings, Art Deco chandeliers, 16th-century pastoral paintings and a charming patio running riot with tortoises. Rooms are classically designed and are generously spacious for the area with antique prints, furniture and polished parquet floors. Bathrooms? Marble-clad, of course. Elsewhere there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant plating up Piedmontese culinary traditions – if you need a drink, hit up the sexy American Bar. Though pomp through and through, it’s all very relaxed and utterly unpretentious – the staff make sure of it.

Address: Grand Hotel Sitea, Via Carlo Alberto, 35, 10123 Torino TO, Italy

NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina  

Set inside a light and airy 20th-century palace, the movie-chic design here (think scalloped couches and starlet-ready mirrors) marries effortlessly well with the palazzo’s high baroque features: long splendid hallways, imposing arches and mosaic floors. Digs are all furnished in creams, blues and a dash of rose. The best come with views eyeing the city rooftops and all are kitted out with hardwood floors, Lavazza coffee machines (the coffee house hails from Turin) and cedar-style furniture. Up top, the rooftops dazzle with all their sprawling panoramas of grand city icons and the neighbouring Alps, plus the little herb garden loaded with home-grown rosemary, thyme and oregano is a sweet addition.

Address: Hotel NH Piazza Carlina, P.za Carlo Emanuele II, 15, 10123 Torino TO, Italy

Airbnb Turin

Turin is not known so much for its hotel scene (hence the very slim list) which is why most visitors – especially out-of-town Italians – go hyper-local and rent a place on Airbnb . Turin has caught on to the growing trend of the rental market, giving rise to a colossal number of hosts in the city who are now able to offer guests everything from insurance to nifty concierge services. Hit up any listing in Centro, especially in and around the Via Roma, Piazza Castello, Via Po, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi and the Via Pietro Micca. Expect courtyard digs with great views, delicious nearby eats and lots of free advice a lá Torinese. 

The best things to do in Turin

Museo Egizio  

By Jessica Burrell

By Clodagh Kinsella

By Tabitha Joyce

By Cass Farrar

The city’s Egyptian museum makes the British Museum green-eyed with jealousy. Its collection is dramatically larger; its research is globally revered, and its sheer size is dizzying. Split over four mammoth levels, the galleries were established way back in 1824 from the collection of artefacts French General Consul, Bernardino Drovetti, amassed during his travels through  Egypt . The headliner comes courtesy of the Tomb of Kha, a tomb for a tomb builder to the pharaohs that dates all the way back to 3,500 BC. Elsewhere interactive displays explore all sorts of questions while other rooms chronicle remarkably well-preserved anthropomorphic sarcophagi, plus furniture, food, statues and sculptures. 

Address: Museo Egizio, Via Accademia delle Scienze, 6, 10123 Torino TO, Italy Website: museoegizio.it  

Balon Flea Market  

If you’re a sucker for vintage steals and antiques that pack in a history lesson cue the Grand Balon,  Europe’s  greatest flea market. Italians far and wide have been flocking to the Porta Palazzo every second Sunday since 1985 to get their hands on all sorts of fine Italianate steals. Think retro furniture, toys, lace, linens, art, ceramics, old cameras, books and oodles of contemporary crafts. There are well over 300 stalls to peruse that spill out onto the streets – Lanino, Mameli, Canale Carpanini and Borgo Dora – and exhibitions (yes, it’s that much of a big deal) inside the Cortile del Maglio. If it all sounds a bit much, don’t worry as there are plenty of guided tours designed to whizz you through the highlights from dawn to dusk. 

Address: Via Vittorio Andreis 14, 10152 Torino  Website: balon.it  

Palazzo Madama  

Napoleon was so enamoured by this place he took it as his official Turin residence when he annexed the city in 1802. It’s easy to see why: stained glass windows, long, cavernous hallways and perhaps one of the most breathtaking marble staircases on the planet. The original palazzo rose to the ground in 1003 but much of the beauteous Baroque façade you see today is the work of Italian architect, engraver and goldsmith Filippo Juvarra. He was the man behind some of Turin’s greatest architectural masterpieces, from the castle of Rivoli to the Palace of Venaria. Nowadays you’ll find fine mediaeval-to-modern decorative arts, porcelain, plates and religious art draped all over its walls. The café also dons excellent views over the Piazza Reale and if you head to the third floor, you’ll eye panoramic views of the city, the  mountains  and beyond from the sturdy tower of the ancient castle.  

Address: Palazzo Madama, P.za Castello, 10122 Torino TO, Italy Website: palazzomadamatorino.it  

Palazzo Reale  

Next door to the Palazzo lies one of Turin’s greatest assets, its royal palace. Guarded by the statues of the mythical twins Castor and Pollux, who according to superstitious legend watch over the magical sacred and diabolical borders of the city, this is a regal, and now  UNESCO-listed , retreat, originally built in the 16th century. Focus on the Galleria Sabauda to eye the personal art collection of the Savoy monarchs. The 400-year-old stash includes works from Van Dyck, Rubens, Veronese and Rembrandt and is almost as impressive as all the Greek and Roman archaeological treasures held in the Museo di Antichità and the dazzling frescoed armoury hall – the palace’s Kodak moment. A stroll through the gardens designed in 1697 by André Le Nôtre (the man behind the gardens at  Versailles ) north and east of the palace is also non-negotiable. 

Address: Palazzo Reale, Piazzetta Reale, 1, 10122 Torino TO, Italy Website: museireali.beniculturali.it

Mole Antonelliana (Museo Nazionale del Cinema)

Over the years, Mole Antonelliana has become the undisputed symbol of Turin and even features on the Italian two-cent coin. When construction began in 1862 it was intended to pop up as a synagogue but, despite its religious intentions, was never once used as a place of worship. Now the 167m tower is home to the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, one fine museum exploring Turin’s longstanding relationship with the movies over the years. For 360 views, take the elevator to the viewing deck but be warned, lines and wait times can be very long, especially at weekends, so get there as early as possible.

Address: Mole Antonelliana, Via Montebello, 20, 10124 Torino TO, Italy Website: museocinema.it  

Parco del Valentino  

It’s all about the long walks in this glorious stretch of park straddling the banks of the mighty river, Po. Massive  villas , grand residences, and the Castello del Valentino (another royal Savoy palace) are just some of the highlights here to explore, along with the Botanical Gardens, the Torino Esposizioni and Underground Pavilion Complex and the Borgo Medievale, an open-air museum mimicking the late-medieval architecture of the  Piedmont region . As with any grand park in Italy, there’s also a rather opulent fountain in the form of the very striking Fontana dei 12 mesi (Fountain of the Months) which comes to life day and night with a dazzling waterworks show that spins off each of its allegorical marble statues. 

Address: Parco del Valentino, Corso Massimo d'Azeglio, 10126 Torino TO, Italy Website: comune.torino.it  

Basilica di Superga

There’s a romantic ending to this basilica in the sky. Built in 1706 under the direct order of Vittorio Amedeo II the shrine was built to honour the Virgin Mary when Turin was saved from besieging French and Spanish armies. Built on top of a surrounding hill, it’s the final resting place of the Savoy family (Italy’s former royals) whose overtly lavish tombs make for excellent sightseeing. The view from up here is also simply astounding, as is the dome.

Address: Strada Basilica di Superga, 73, 10132 Torino TO, Italy Website: basilicadisuperga.com

Reggia di Venaria Reale

Travel a little further out of the city and day trip to Reggia di Venaria Reale, the Unesco-listed Baroque palace of The Savoys and Italy’s extremely grand answer to its very own Château de Versailles. Rescued from ruin by a €235 million 10-year-long restoration project, it’s one of the largest royal residences in the world originally designed as a glorified hunting lodge in 1675 by Carlo Emanuele II. The permanent exhibition runs a colossal 2km in length, chronicling the 1000-year history of the House of Savoy alongside numerous temporary pop-ups and regular live concerts. Expect 1600 square metres of exquisite wall and ceiling frescoes, gorgeous ornamental gardens, walloping columns, glistening marble floors and rooms laced with silverware and paintings from the likes of Rubens and Van Dyck. The major highlight? The Grand Gallery.

Address: La Venaria Reale, Piazza della Repubblica, 4, 10078 Venaria Reale TO, Italy Website: lavenaria.it  

The best restaurants and bar in Turin

Farmacia del Cambio

Well before  Stanley Tucci  made the place famous in his show  Searching for Italy , this place is and always has been a Turin institution. There are never-ending lines throughout the day. Farmacia del Cambio began life as, you guessed it, a pharmacy that housed all sorts of potions and apothecaries hidden away in ancient ceramics. Many of the original features – chandeliers, furniture and more – survive to this day in a bistro, ice cream parlour, pastry shop and bar wow on loop. Must-try sweet-tooth treats include the tre ciccolati, an exceedingly rich orb of chocolate mouse and the crubix, smooth custard encased inside some seriously stodgy pastry. The bicerin – a Turin native drink made of espresso, hot chocolate, and milk – is a must-try, too. 

Address: Farmacia Del Cambio, Piazza Carignano, 2, 10123 Torino TO, Italy Website: delcambio.it  

Magazzino 52

Warehouse 52, a stellar local haunt brought to life by friends Diego, Graziano and Dario is all about their united love affair with snacks and booze. The food is Med-inspired at heart, but the boys don’t forget their roots, with a particular emphasis on Piedmontese traditions. Think tagliolini with rabbit livers and Piedmontese pork bacon with soy sauce. More than 1,000 bottles of wine stock the walls from the local Piedmont hills to  Tuscany , Burgundy and Rhone. Drink at the table, or simply ask to take one home. 

Address: Magazzino 52, Via Giovanni Giolitti, 52/A, 10123 Torino TO, Italy Website: magazzino52.it  

Luogo Divino

You come, you eat, you drink, you leave – that’s the in-your-face philosophy at Luogo Divino. Small plates rule Remo Girardi’s menu with pantry greens, veggies, cheeses, catch of the days and shellfish making up much of the seasonal nosh on offer. The risotto is a must (it’s prepared differently according to the season) as is the taleggio fondue with cabbage and croutons. Wines are served by the glass and it’s best to let the team choose for you.

Address: Luogo Divino, Via S. Massimo, 13, 10123 Torino TO, Italy Website: luogodivino.com  

Turin’s chicest ode to Asia-Peruvian fusion is Azotea, a cocktail bar that's quite literally the definition of Instagram: sexy low-lit walls, a dash of floral art and ivy-festooned holes in the walls. The concept is very much in tune with the boundless stakes of the nikkei world and brings together the many flavours and aromas of Peruvian cuisine and Japanese culinary expressionism. It all sounds very intense, but it works and in a refreshingly non-snooty kind of way. Go for chef Alexander Robles tasting menu (it changes all the time) with a drinks pairing – the tropical Negroni is the standout tipple.

Address: Azotea, Via Maria Vittoria, 49/B, 10123 Torino TO, Italy Website: azoteatorino.com  

Quiet and super relaxed, Razzo is all about shining a light on young talent in a contemporary shiny space. Chef Niccolo Giugni uses a few suppliers in the hope that his dishes will inspire you to learn more about where your food is coming from. The bulk of the tasting menu uses ingredients simply, while the wine list draws on a curated selection of producers that puts unknown Italian and worldwide vineyards on the map. There’s also a little shop where you can take truffles, foie gras and more home, too. 

Address: Razzo, Via Andrea Doria, 17/F, 10123 Torino TO, Italy Website: vadoarazzo.it  

Ristorante Circolo dei Lettori

The grand dame of Turin’s restaurant scene delivers its ethos of introducing new punters to the delights of traditional Piedmontese cuisine. Chef Stefano Fanti adds a hint of modernity in his facelift of seasonal ingredients. The menu is long, so we suggest you go for the Piedmont tasting menu to relish in all the region's delights. Expect fassone raw veal tartare with hazelnut mayo; gnocchi with a ragout of rabbit and amaretto; and pink calf with Monferrina tuna sauce, plus Piedmont pickles. The arty rooms decorated by Felice Vellan are also picture-pretty.

Address: Ristorante Circolo dei Lettori, Via Giambattista Bogino, 9, 10123 Torino TO, Italy Website: instagram.com

Pasticceria Venier

You go here for one thing and one thing only – pudding. Our main tip is to get here as early you can to snap up the Chantilly and an Umbertini before they sell out.

Address: Pasticceria Venier, Via Monte di Pietà, 22, 10122 Torino TO, Italy

The best shops in Turin

Verdelilla Torino

Hidden away on the Via Assietta you’ll stumble upon Verdelilla. Fashion is owner Silvia Reinhold's main game but among the stylish racks there’s a load of stylish shoes , jewels and sparkling dangling accessories too.  

Address: Verdelilla Torino, Via Assietta, 17, 10128 Torino TO, Italy Website: verdelilla.it  

Confetteria Stratta

Opened in 1836, this chocolate shop remains one of Turin’s most legendary to this day. Artisanal gianduiotto – Piedmont’s most famous slab of cocoa first made during Napoleon’s regency – is the must-buy speciality filled with bite-sized hazelnuts. 

Address: Stratta, P.za S. Carlo, 191, 10123 Torino TO, Italy Website: stratta1836.it  

Galleria Subalpina

The work of architect Pietro Carrera, Galleria Subalpina is the one-stop shopping arcade for all those who love a dash of art, fine wines and vintage prints. The star of the show is Galleria Gilibert, a deluxe bookstore specialising in rare literary totems, old-school posters, globes and maps. It’s also home to Caffè Baratti, one of Turin’s most famous cafés.

Address: Galleria Subalpina, Galleria Subalpina, 16, 10123 Torino TO, Italy

Kristina Ti Store Torino

Go here for niche, up-market and limited edition goods courtesy of Turin native Cristina Tardito. The store is all about ready-to-wear fine fabrics that glamourise ultra-feminine pieces designed to make a statement. 

Address: Kristina Ti Store Torino, Via Maria Vittoria, 18, 10123 Torino TO, Italy Website: kristinati.com  

Bagni Paloma

This concept store masterminded by Alessandra Rolle is hidden away in a converted garage in Via dei Mille. Everything you see on the walls and the floor is for sale. There’s also a cosy lounge where you can meet locals and sip hipster cups of coffee, too. 

Address: Bagni Paloma, P.za Cavour, 2, 10123 Torino TO, Italy Website: bagnipaloma.it  

The bookstalls on the Via Po

Sometimes it feels like there are more bookstores and  libraries  in Turin than there are actual people. Bookworms should shimmy down the Via Po (one of the city’s oldest streets) and check out the book stalls. Treasures include vintage bound classics, novellas, mini-histories and hardbacks devoted to some of the most stunning world maps you’ll ever see.

Via Roma and Piazza San Carlo

All the big brands are on this street/piazza mash-up from Vuitton to Ferragamo, Armani and Hermès, but ditch the names for Galleria San Federico. The small mall is a master lesson in Art Nouveau (the Luxe cinema speaks for itself) and there are oodles of indies selling everything from pendants to bracelets and watches throughout its stunning marble concourse. 

The Best of Turin

27 Things To Do in Turin, Italy – Travel Tips From a Local

Turin stole my heart! It took me only seven days in the city to want to move from Thailand here. There are so many amazing things to do in Turin that just one (or two) holiday trips wouldn’t be enough. So I packed my bags and embraced the charms of Turin, Italy, and I loved it!

I’m telling you that so you know you are about to discover a unique destination. And I’m sure this list of what to do in Turin will guide you to the best of the city.

Why is Turin so special?

Turin is a cultural and business hub loved and revered for its mind-blowing architecture and delectable cuisine. It might not be among Italy’s top ten most popular destinations but I believe this is a good thing.

There is a misconception that Turin is only an industrial city, home of the Fiat and Juventus Football Team.

These are just two of the many things you can experience in Turin. The city has a royal past, breathes art, and it’s a place where you can have the full Italian experience, from food to design, art, history, wine, and nature.

If you are on the fence about adding Turin to your Italian trip, here are 10 reasons to visit Turin ASAP . 

By the end of this guide, you will probably need to re-plan your Turin itinerary to stay more days in the city and the Piedmont region.

Are you in a hurry? Here are 5 essential Turin Travel Tips:

• Our favorite hotels in Turin are the 5-star Principi di Piemonte Hotel and the budget-friendly B&B IL SOGNO .
• Here are the Royal Palaces you must visit .
• Must-do tours in Turin: Egyptian Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour , Royal Palace Entry Ticket and Guided Tour , and Turin: 2-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour .
• Get your Turin City Card and save on attractions, activities, and transportation. 
• Weather and the best time to visit Turin .

Unmissable things to do in Turin, Italy

I was having trouble deciding on how to start this list. Should I list the attractions in Turin by popularity or from the least known? So I chose to write from my heart.

I’m sharing all the places I loved to visit in Turin and attractions I visited more than once. These places will give you a sense of the entire city and why I consider Turin one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Before we start, it is good to know that our things to do in Turin guide is divided into sections:

• Turin’s attractions, what to see and visit
• Experiences you can have in Turin
• Turin Travel Tips

Turin attractions and places to visit

These iconic Turin attractions are essential to include on your itinerary. Places and landmarks that play a crucial role in the history and culture of the city. They are:

1 – Royal Palace of Turin and Royal Armory

I’m sure you will be awed by the history and beauty of the royal complex with two UNESCO heritage sites in only one place.

The Palazzo Reale Torino – Royal Palace of Turin – was built by the House of Savoy in the 16th century and has many important attractions within its walls.

You will spend two to three hours wandering around the Royal Apartments, admiring the throne hall, exploring the Royal Library and the Royal Armory, and relaxing in the gardens.

The Armeria Reale (Royal Armory) is one of my favorite places in Turin. When visiting it, take your time to admire the walls and ceilings, you will understand why I like it so much. 

The Royal Armory is considered one of the most important weapon museums in the world and the rooms where the artifacts are displayed are a work of art worth visiting.

Before your visit read our Turin Royal Palace and Armory Guide here

• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 7 pm Closed on Mondays There are different opening times for the Royal Library (Monday – Friday, 8 am – 7 pm, and Saturday 8 am – 2 pm).
• Recommended tour: Royal Palace Skip-the-line Ticket and Guided Tour  

2 – Palazzo Madama

Palazzo Madama is the first of many historic buildings in Turin. It houses the city’s museum of ancient art, it is home to collections of the Museo Civico d’Arte Antica.

While you can easily see the outside beauty of the building and move on, the true glory lies inside. You will agree with me once you see it, especially the staircase.

Palazzo Madama is one of the many outstanding royal residences and palaces to visit in Turin – click on the link to see the full list.

• Opening hours: Wednesday – Monday, 10 am – 6 pm Closed on Tuesdays

3 – Turin Egyptian Museum

Did you know Turin is home to the world’s oldest Egyptian museum with a collection of over 26,000 Egyptian artifacts? It has from beautiful artifacts to mummies and papyri, the Torino Museo Egizio offers an unparalleled journey into an ancient civilization.

We have been here twice, and after entering the museum, I felt like I was back in a time of Pharaohs, mummies, and statues.

Visiting the museum is a wonderful learning experience for kids and adults. We wrote a comprehensive guide about how to visit the Turin Egyptian Museum . You can read it to plan your trip, and you can also book your tickets in advance , to save time and avoid queues. 

• Opening hours: Monday 9 am – 2 pm Tuesday – Sunday 9 am – 6:30 pm
• Recommended Tour: Turin Egyptian Museum Small Group Guided Tour

4 – Porta Palazzo

You should visit Porta Palazzo early in the morning if you fancy fresh sweet peaches, carnation red tomatoes, and the frenzy of a good food market. We get our fruits and veggies weekly here and have memorable experiences.

Mercato Di Porta Palazzo is the biggest open-air market in Turin and one of the biggest in Europe. You can easily reach it from Piazza Castello, and on the way stop to admire the impressive Porta Palatina .

The market is divided into segments. On one side are the stalls selling the best fruits and veggies you find in Italy. On the other side of the square are clothing, footwear, and houseware sellers.

The buildings surrounding the open-air market are dedicated to a specific type of food. There is the fish market, the meat, cold cuts and bakery, the dry food and grains market, and a modern building called the Torino Mercato Centrale – Turin Central Market.

Torino Central Market is the perfect place to try zero km food and some of the traditional dishes from the Piedmont region. Go for lunch or happy hour and thank me later.

• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7 am – 2 pm Saturday – 7 am – 7 pm Closed on Sundays

5 – Mole Antonelliana and the National Museum of Cinema

When I say that Turin is beautiful, I’m not exaggerating. Even after visiting the Royal Palace and Palazzo Madama, I’m sure you will be mesmerized by the beauty and size of the Mole Antonelliana building. 

The Mole tower is a symbol of Turin and you can see it from almost everywhere. One of the coolest things to do in Turin is to visit the building and go all the way up for panoramic views of the city surrounded by the Alps.

The best part is that before reaching the top of the needle tower, you can get lost in the history of cinema. Once a building that should have been a synagogue, the Mole Antonelliana nowadays houses the Museo Nazionale Del Cinema (National Museum of Cinema) which tells the story of Italian cinema, Hollywood, and much more.

• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday 9 am – 7 pm Saturday – 9 am – 10 pm Closed on Tuesday
• Get your tickets in advance on the National Museum of Cinema’s official website .

6 – MAUTO – Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile

The history of Turin is intertwined with the car industry. Think of FIAT, Lancia, Pininfarina, and Abarth, they are all connected to Turin. So why not discover the history of this automobile legacy through an interactive museum packed with cool cars and unique models?

MAUTO, short for Museum of Automobile of Turin has nearly 200 cars from vintage steam wagons to sleek modern rides. It’s like a history lesson on wheels, showing how these incredible machines have evolved over the years.

You get to see the actual Fiat that starred in “The Italian Job” film, and classic models from Alfa Romeo and Lancia. Plus, they have special sections dedicated to racing, design, and even the social impact of cars.

I enjoyed the museum a lot even not being a car enthusiast. Rob, my husband, was thrilled to see so many incredible cars. 

Together with the Museum of Cinema and Egyptian Museum, the Automobile Museum of Turin is one of the best things to do in Turin with kids or families. Don’t miss it.

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am – 7 pm Monday – 10 am – 2 pm Closed on Tuesday
• Get your tickets in advance on the Mauto website .
• Recommended Tour: Torino Fiat Lingotto District Tour with Museum Entry & Wine .

Local Tip: you can visit most of the Turin attractions mentioned in this guide using the Turin + Piedmont Card . 

The card gives free access to famous museums, palaces, points of interest in Turin, and discounts on events and services. For those planning to visit more than 3 attractions/museums in Turin, it’s a money-saving option. You can choose the card from 2 up to 5 days.

7 – Turin Cathedral and the Holy Shroud

The holy shroud is a major attraction in Turin and countless people travel to marvel at the religious relic. It is housed in Turin Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist . Built from 1491–1498, the cathedral is a masterpiece and a must-visit during your Turin travels.

The Shroud of Turin is a linen cloth that outlines the image of a man who many claim to be Jesus of Nazareth. 

It doesn’t matter if you are religious or not, visiting the Shroud of Turin is quite an experience. But before going here, read our Turin Shroud guide , it tells everything you need to know about the Jesus Christ shroud’s history, authenticity, and how to visit it.

• Opening hours: Daily from 7 am – 12 pm and 3 pm – 7 pm
• Recommended Tour: Private Tour on The Path of The Holy Shroud

8 – Explore the streets of Quadrilatero Romano and try the Bicerin

The Quadrilatero Romano is one of Turin’s oldest areas, where you can find from Roman ruins to the most beautiful palaces and churches.

The narrow streets of the historic center are a labyrinth filled with local restaurants, cozy cafés, ice cream shops, and local designs. 

The area is busy day and night. Check the small streets off Garibaldi Street (the main pedestrian street) and find local cafes and bars.

While in the area find your way to Caffé Al Bicerin . This is the birthplace of the Bicerin drink, and If you like coffee, chocolate, and a dose of history, you’ll love it. It’s a small coffee shop that usually has a queue of people waiting to be sited, but it’s worth waiting. It’s a Turin icon. 

After 5 pm most of the cafes and bars start serving the traditional aperitivo, the perfect opportunity to try the local wine and drinks paired with local delicacies like cheese, cold cuts, and chips and meet locals.

• Opening hours: 24 hours daily

9 – Wander around Piazza San Carlo and nearby streets 

As one of the main city squares in Turin, it’s busy day and night and you must visit at different times to see its beauty.

Laid out in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Baroque-style square has earned a reputation for being a stage for historical and social events, and from here you can reach many famous places in Turin like: 

• Palazzo Carignano – one of the most important baroque palaces in Turin, it has two different facades, and you can walk through its courtyard. Inside is the National Museum of the Risorgimento which tells the history of the Italian unification. You might not want to add another museum to your Turin trip, but the inside of the palace is marvelous and worth seeing. I loved it!
• Turin Galleries – Turin city center hides many gems called Galleria, which are masterpieces of architecture turned into shopping areas. My favorites are Galleria Subalpina and Ga lleria San Federico (where you can visit Lux Cinema). Pin them on your Google Maps to not forget to visit.
• Via Roma & Via Giuseppe Luigi Lagrange – these two streets are the shopping heart of Turin. Here you can find local Italian designs, fast fashion, art galleries, chocolate shops, historical cafes, and more. Walk these streets up and down and when you are tired stop at one of the historic coffee houses (Turin produces incredible coffee and has amazing cafes), or try a hot chocolate another local specialty.
• Recommended Tours: Turin 2-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour and Turin Historical Walking Tour by Night

10 – San Lorenzo Church

Also known as the Royal Church of Saint Lawrence, San Lorenzo is a Baroque-style church adjacent to the Royal Palace of Turin. Known for its breathtakingly adorned cupola, the sanctuary is an architectural gem.

Built by architect Guarino Guarini from 1668 to 1687, the plain facade leads to a gorgeous interior. When I visited it for the first time I didn’t expect such a beautiful place, it’s so unique, yet many visitors ignore it. 

• Opening hours: Weekdays 7:30 am – 12 pm, 3:30 pm – 7 pm Holidays 9 am – 7:30 pm

11 – Monte dei Cappuccini

Are you looking for stunning views of Turin? Then put on your comfy shoes and head to Monte dei Cappuccini. This hill is just 325 meters above the city and rises beside the River Po , another must-visit place in Turin. 

Why it’s so special? Along with the great views from the city adorned by the Alps, you can also visit the Church of Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini built in the late 16th century with a beautiful Baroque interior. 

If you have time, go and visit the Museo Nazionale della Montagna “Duca degli Abruzzi” . It’s a museum about mountaineering and the Italian pioneers. It’s a small museum, with incredible stories and amazing views.

We love to go to Monte dei Cappuccini for sunset. Our ritual was to grab a takeaway pizza and a few beers and climb up the hill. It’s the best way to end a good day in Turin, trust me.

• Opening hours: The hill is open 24 hours daily. 

12 – Parco Del Valentino

You can’t say you traveled to Turin if you didn’t visit Parco Del Valentino. It’s an oasis of 5000,00m² in the heart of the city alongside the River Po, and spending an afternoon here is one of the top things to do in Turin.

It’s where we go for a run or to cycle, where we meet friends, do picnics, through parties and it’s our beach during Summer. But I truly love it during autumn, when all the leaves turn yellow and red, and the park looks like a fairytale place.

But Parco Del Valentino is more than a green space, there you will find the Castello del Valentino (another royal palace), the stunning Fontana dei 12 Mesi (an opulent 19th-century fountain), the Botanical Garden of Turin, and stroll around the Borgo Medievale an incredible medieval village construed for the General Italian Artistic and Industrial Exhibition 1884.

If you want to relax, do like the Torineses, grab a drink and a sandwich in one of the many kiosks along the park, and sit on the grass and enjoy life.

• Opening hours: 24 hours daily.

13 – EATALY Torino

It’s time to talk about food, and one of my favorite places to eat in Turin is EATALY. You might have already heard about it, it’s like a shop/shopping mall selling only Italian products. They have stores worldwide, but you might not know that EATALY is from Turin. 

You heard it right, this concept store started in Turin and you can buy and try the best Italian Piemont local products here.

Go to EATALY for lunch, dinner, afternoon snack, or brunch, you can eat incredible pizzas, seafood, steaks and fresh salads, all made with locally sourced ingredients and paired with outstanding wines and coffee. 

The best part is that here you can buy tons of ingredients to take home, cans of tuna, packs of olives and pasta, bottles of sparkling wine, chocolates, and more. You probably need to buy one more suitcase too, but this is not a problem, right?!

• Opening hours: Daily – 8 am to 11 pm.

14 – GreenPea Torino

Just beside EATALY is the GreenPea, you will notice the interesting modern building. It’s the first ever green retail shopping in Italy. Imagine an oasis of sustainable and eco-friendly goods, from clothes to cars, houseware, furniture, games, cosmetics and more.

The building is sustainable and you will find a surprise on the rooftop. You can fill up your tammy at the restaurant or relax your soul at the spa, both on the GreenPea top floor. 

The spa has an incredible infinity pool overlooking the city, it’s amazing. For those looking to pamper themselves the Otium Lounge Bar & Spa is a good option, also check out QC Termetorino .

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 10 am to 8 pm.

15 – Fiat Pista at Lingotto

This is one of the coolest things to do in Turin, at least for me. Seriously, where else in the world will you be able to walk on a piste where they tested cars, and the piste is on top of a building overlooking the city? 

The building used to be a FIAT factory and the cars were tested on the rooftop piste of the building. Nowadays, the building is a shopping mall, has two hotels and the famous testing piste is an open-air garden with bars and restaurants and a Pinacoteca.

it’s another perfect place in Turin for sunset drinks. Come here before the sun goes down to visit the piste, walk around, and sit for a nice cocktail. 

Side note, the Fiat Pista is located in front of EATALY and the GreenPea, you can visit these 3 Turin attractions on the same day or afternoon. 

• Opening hours:

Fiat Caffè – Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 7 pm.

La Pista Restaurant – Monday to Saturday 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

16 – San Salvario drinks and food

We talked about drinks at Fiat Pista, so I feel the need to tell you that one of the best areas in Turin to have an aperitivo is San Salvario.

It’s a neighborhood between Valentino Park and The Porta Nova train station. It’s known for its cool bars, unique restaurants and parties. The streets can be messy sometimes, but it’s where you can mingle with locals and try really tasty food and delicious drinks.

We like Locanda Clandestina for aperitivo, DDR for great drinks and burgers. Scannabue restaurant is always full, and Naples – Antica Pizzeria e Friggitoria is a must-try. Have fun and thank me later!

Do you want to take your food experience to another level?

Then check out these food tours in turin:, 17 – basilica of superga.

One more beautiful church with incredible views. The Basilica of Superga is one of the top places to visit in Turin because of its architecture and location, on the top of a hill overlooking the city.

The Basilica of Superga opened to service in 1731and it’s a great example of Baroque-Classicism architecture. It is a good place to go with family and kids as you can combine history, nature and a lovely ride on a vintage tram.

To get here you have 3 options: hike for a couple of hours through a natural park, get a bus, or take the vintage tram. We went here by tram and bus, the hike is still on our Turin to-do list.

The tram journey is great fun and sets the mood to visit the church, climb to the Dome, and explore the Royal Apartments and Royal Tombs. But the best part of this experience is the breathtaking views you can have from Turin.

• Opening hours: The opening hours change according to the seasons, I recommend you check the official website before planning your visit.

18 – Juventus Stadium

Football fans are crazy about Juventus, and many travel to Turin only to visit the stadium or watch a match here.

If you have never heard of them no problem, we wrote a Juventus Football Team & Stadium Guide , read it before traveling to Turin.

But why I’m talking about Juventus? The team all-seater football stadium, known as Allianz Stadium (since July 2017), is an architectural symbol of contemporary Turin and one of the most visited places in the city.

You can do a guided torus in the stadium and stop at the Juventus shop to buy souvenirs and the team shirts.

• Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10:30 am – 6 pm Saturday, Sunday, festivities 10:30 am – 7:30 pm
• For more info about the stadium visit click here .

Experiences and what to do in Turin that is unique

19 – turin underground tour.

Turin’s underground tunnels and cellars are a unique part of the city’s history. Above ground, you can admire baroque and neoclassical architecture, however, 15 meters below the surface you can find the mysteries that lie below these buildings.

Here is an interesting tour that will take you to places no tourists can access themselves. The Underground Turin Walking Tour is a must if you are curious about secret tunnels under the city’s citadel, royal ice depots beneath Porta Palazzo, and a WWII air raid shelter.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Cost: Approximately €35
• Take note: Not suitable for people who struggle with claustrophobia
• Book this experience here .

20 – Turin Local Food Tour

Give your tastebuds an experience to remember for life and join a food tour to try the best of Piedmont cuisine. A foodie walking tour in Turin is a fantastic way to sample local food while discovering the city’s beauty.

While you can put together your own list of must-visit restaurants in Turin (we already mention a few places in this guide), it’s much easier to book a guided food tour and enjoy the moment.

Let the local guide navigate you to the best spots to taste traditional dishes while learning about the history of the flavors. From Gianduiotto, Bicerin, a variety of local cheeses, and other traditional tastes. Don’t forget to try Vitello Tonato, one of my faves. 

• Cost: Approximately €120
• Take note: Come with an empty belly!
• Click here for the Best Turin Food Tour .

21 – Chocolate Tour in Turin

If you like chocolate, even if just slightly, take your time to explore the flavors of Turin chocolate history and culture, you won’t regret it. 

Did you know Turin’s first chocolate store opened in 1678? The chocolate was brought to Turin by the royal families and since then the city’s chocolatiers have been experimenting with high-quality cocoa, local ingredients, and refined techniques, making Turin chocolate one of the best in the world.

A walking chocolate tour in Turin is a fun activity for the whole family by adding historical context to the indulgent flavors and then walking off the calories between stops. Just make sure to try one (or many) giandujotto or gianduja chocolate.

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Cost: Approximately €75
• Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and read our Turin Chocolate Guide here to know the best chocolates to try doing and after the tour.
• Book your Turin Chocolate Tour here.

22 – Bike Tour in Turin

If you’re an active traveler who enjoys moving and shaking when visiting a new destination, then a bike tour is a great way to enjoy Turin on a sunny day.

Rent a bike and pedal your way through the historic streets, stopping at the attractions that tickle your fancy.

You can also book with a guide who will add golden nuggets of information about the city’s history, culture and lifestyle. By the end of the tour, you’ll find yourself thinking “Time flies when you’re having fun”.

• Cost: Approximately €32
• Take note: If cycling on a hot day, make sure you pack enough water and a hat is a good idea.
• Book your Turin bike tour here

23 – Tour Turin Wine Region

The Piedmont region is home to the world-famous Barolo wine, so if you have an extra day in Turin I suggest you visit the Barolo wine region. The tour will take you to enchanting rolling green hills, iconic Italian buildings, and world-class wine tastings.

Beyond the delicious food and wine tasting, the experience will give you insight into the centuries-old winemaking techniques of the region. 

You can drive to the Barolo region by yourself and book a visit to a local winery, if you plan to do this, read our guide to car rental in Turin . 

Another option is to book an organized tour, so you don’t need to worry about transportation, planning the route, booking visits and driving. Because who wants to drive after an Italian wine tasting?

• Duration: Full day
• Cost: Approximately €625
• Take note: The organized experience is not suitable for children under the age of 18
• Book your day trip to the Barolo wine region here

24 – Embark on a Magic Turin Tour

As an ancient city, Turin is clouded in mystery and stories. In fact, the city has a magical history that goes back in time. Expect to learn about ancient burial sites, the relationship between white and black magic, and the sinister architecture that remains present in the city today.

• Cost: Approximately €59
• Take note: This is a small group activity that is limited to 10 people
• The tour we did and loved: Magic Turin Tour – Black Magic and Dark Arts

25 – Combo – Turin Cinema Museum, Mole Antonelliana, and Bus Tour

Visiting the Turin Cinema Museum and the Mole Antoneliana building are must-do things in Turin, add them to a bus tour with a long list of sightseeing stops and you get a fun way to explore the city in a few hours or a day. 

The Torino hop-on hop-off bus visits most of the city’s famous attractions and it can be a good way to get around when you don’t want to walk. So think of it as a means of transportation that will take you to the best landmarks. 

• Duration: Valid for 24 hours or 48 hours
• Cost: Approximately €48
• Note: Skip-the-line admission is valid for different times depending on the option that you select
• Book the combo tour Mole Antonelliana & Cinema Museum + Bus Tour here.

26 – Dance at Kappa FuturFestival

This is my precious travel tip for those who love a good party, just like me! In July, summer, Turin became the Italian epicenter for electronic music. Kappa FuturFestival is a 3-day music festival with international DJs, Italian names, and a vibe that will be hard to find somewhere else. I love it!

It’s a big festival so it demands planning, from booking your tickets in advance to choosing the right accommodation for you and your party friends. Don’t worry, we take the Torino Kappa Festival so seriously that we wrote an article about it, read it here: Kappa FuturFestival Guide .

27 – Go ski near Turin

Are you visiting Turin between late November and early April? Then you can add skiing or snowboarding to your list of things to do here.

People often get surprised by this day trip suggestion because they don’t know you can go to the Alpes using public transportation directly from the Turin train station. How cool is that?

And no problem if you don’t have your ski gear with you. You can rent it all and have fun at the slopes. 

You can find all the information you need to plan this outdoor adventure on our Guide to the best Ski Resorts near Turin . Where to go, how to get to the mountains, and even where to sleep, in case you decide to spend a night there. 

• Duration: it can be done as a day trip from Turin
• Cost: it depends on where you are going and transportation
• Note: if you are using public transportation, then go to Bardonecchia which has a direct train from Turin. If you rent a car you can choose any ski resort near Turin. 

Turin Travel Tips – Essential

I know this guide of things to do in Turin was a big one, so I will try to be very practical in this travel tips section. 

I’ll drop all the important articles, guides, and things you need to know to plan your tip here. So you can click and read one at a time and choose what is more relevant to your trip.

Where to stay in Turin?

The city has many hotels, guesthouses and hostels. You can choose by location, your budget, or your travel style. 

If you are in Turin for only a few days, I suggest you stay close to the city center. But if you are staying more than 3 nights, then accommodation in the outskirts or residential neighborhoods can give you a more local feeling and it might be cheaper. 

We know choosing accommodation is a big deal, so here is our list of the best hotels in Turin for any budget and traveler , click, read, and choose yours.

How to get to Turin?

Turin is connected with the world with an international Airport – Torino Caselle Airport, by train regular and highspeed arriving at Porta Nuova or Porta Sussa stations, and by buses.

For the best flights to Turin, check out Skyscanner .

For trains, your best option is to search on Trenitalia , Italo , or the rail company of the European country you are in. 

For buses, I like to search on Bookaway . They compare buses and trains, you can read travelers’ reviews, and book in advance safely. 

Here is a complete guide on how to get to Turin (to be published), and if you are coming from Mila you must read this: best ways to travel from Milan to Turin .

That’s all! I hope you liked this guide to the best things to do in Turin, I wrote it with my heart because I truly love this city. And I’m sure that after your visit you will agree that Turin is one of the most beautiful Italian cities.

Plan your trip to Turin easily:

• Book your hotel in Turin here.
• Here are the best tours in Turin we choose for you.
• Save money on attractions and get your Turin City Card here.
• All the info about getting to Turin and around is here .
• Book your car rental here .
• Get your travel insurance with HeyMondo or SafetyWing .

Visit Turin: Top 20 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in turin: the 20 best places to visit + highlights.

Turin, in Italy , is a former industrial city that was completely redesigned for the 2006 Olympics. It’s now one of the most pleasant Italian cities to visit!

Just like other more visited Italian cities such as Rome or Venice , Turin clearly deserves to be visited for a weekend or a few more days.

With its world-class museums such as the National Cinema Museum and National Automobile Museums, royal residences , magnificent squares and churches you will find in Turin everything that makes Italy charming.

In order to help you plan your stay , I have created this guide of the best things to do in Turin. You will find all the activities and points of interest you need to see during your stay in town!

And at the end of the article, I will give you itineraries to visit Turin in 1, 2, 3 or 4 days as well as a list of the best accommodations in town depending on your budget.

So, what are the best places to visit in Turin? Where to stay? Let’s find out!

1. Piazza Castello

2. palazzo reale, 3. palazzo madama, 4. the cinema museum / mole antonelliana, 5. palazzo carignano, 6. museo egizio (egyptian museum), 7. piazza san carlo, 8. museo dell’automobile, 9. cattedrale di san giovanni battista, 10. porta palatina, 11. mercato di porta palazzo, 12. santuario della consolata, 13. parco del valentino, 14. borgo medievale de torino, 15. castello del valentino, 16. piazza vittorio veneto, 17. chiesa della gran madre di dio, 18. monte dei capuccini, 19. villa della regina, 20. basilica of superga, 1 day in turin, 2 days in turin, 3 days in turin, 4 days in turin, where to stay in turin, where to eat in turin, my impressions of turin, you’re traveling in italy these articles will help you, visit turin: the 20 must-see attractions.

Before starting my list of the top things to see in Turin, I’ll give you THE best tip to visit the city and save money: purchase the Torino + Piemonte card.

Depending on the duration of your stay in Turin, you can choose the 1, 2, 3 or 5 days version. They will grant you access to almost all cultural sites free of charge and to promotional offers for some of them.

it costed me 35€ for 3 days. As museum entrance fees are all around 10€, it was really worth it, as I didn’t have to pay a single euro for all the visits I did!

The card’s validity time will begin the first time you will use it.

If you visit your first museum on Monday at 2 pm., you can use the card until 2pm on Thursday for a 3-day card. This card isn’t a “skip the line” ticket.

You can buy the 2 days card here   and the 3 days card there .

Let’s start with the famous Piazza Castello square and the historical monuments surrounding it. You simply can’t miss it during your stay in Turin, as it’s where some of the must-see monuments like the palazzo Madama or the Palazzo Reale are located.

In summer, this square is also popular for its refreshing water jets or as a great place to enjoy a good Italian ice cream. There are numerous gelateria (ice cream shops) around the square and in the nearby streets.

On the other side of Piazza Castello , where the towers of the Palazzo Madama are located, you can see the First World War mermorial , in tribute to Emanuele Filiberto, 2nd Duke of Aosta.

The main entrance of the Palazzo Reale is on Piazza Castello. Built in 1646, it served as a royal residence until 1865. Today, you can visit various sections of the palace:

• The king’s apartments, with gilded luxurious decoration everywhere.
• The Royal Library and its 200,000 books, including masterpieces such as the self-portrait or the Codex on the Flight of Birds by Leonardo da Vinci.
• The Royal Armory and its impressive collection of stuffed horses with their armored riders.
• The galleria Sabauda, which exhibits paintings from the 14th century to the 20th century
• The Royal gardens (free entrance)

This magnificent palace is clearly a must-see during your stay in Turin. I really loved the Royal Armory, it’s the most impressive I have seen to date.

Another palace located on Piazza Castello is the palazzo Madama, a building with an atypical architecture. It was first a medieval castle before becoming a palace with a baroque façade!

Inside, there is the  Turin City Museum of Ancient Art, housing a nice collection of ceramics, drawings and sculptures. During the visit, you can go in the small garden to admire the walls and towers of the palace from the inside .

In addition to the museum, the highlight of the visit is for sure the stunning view from the top of the towers!

By taking the elevator or the stairs, you will reach the top of the tower and will be able to admire a very nice panorama of the city of Turin and its iconic monument: the Mole Antonelliana. I tell you more about it just below!

Located in the Mole Antonelliana , the National Museum of Cinema is for many the best museum of the city. Very few people know this: Turin is the birthplace of Italian cinema! It’s no wonder that the city needed to have an amazing museum dedicated to the 7th art.

The exhibitions are very well done and retrace the history of cinema with all kinds of objects, from the first cameras to the helmets of the Star Wars saga.

In the huge main room, cinema seats are even arranged to watch movies displayed on 2 giant screens on the ceiling.

But if so many people visit the museum, it’s above all for its unique attraction: the panoramic elevator with transparent walls that will take you to the Mole platform. The perfect place to enjoy a 360° view of Turin.

Be patient because the waiting line is often several hours long! But it’s really a unique experience to live during a stay in Italy.

if you want to take the elevator, you will need to pay an additional fee to the museum entrance. The Torino card gives you a discount.

All the information about Turin Cinema museum is on the official site.

If you don’t take the Torino Card, I recommend you to buy the Skip the line tickets for the Cinema Museum + panoramic elevator . You will save a lot of time!

The Carignan Palace is the third palace-museum to visit, after the Palazzo Reale and the palazzo Madama. It houses the Italian Risorgimento Museum and presents the history of Italy through numerous texts, documents, films and superb paintings.

Don’t miss the hall where the first Italian parliament met.

Just behind the Carignan Palace , at the entrance of the Risorgimento museum , you can also see the Carlo Alberto square , with the equestrian statue of Charles Albert of Sardinia . This square is very photogenic thanks to the beautiful facade of the museum in the background.

As in every squares of Turin, you will also find food and drinks there.

You’re going to Turin?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Turin on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Turin.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Turin, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Turin!

Not far from the Carignan Palace is one of Turin’s greatest museums. With its 4 floors and numerous exposition rooms, this recently renovated Egyptian museum is the second largest in the world, after the one in Cairo!

The collection includes statues, sarcophagi and mummies, so you can immerse yourself in ancient Egypt for at least 2 hours.

If you don’t purchase the Torino Card and want to visit the museum, you should buy skip the line tickets in advance by clicking here .

And if you want to learn everything aout Ancient Egypt, you should definitely book this guided tour in English. It’s just perfect!

To book it, simply click on the button below:

Piazza San Carlo (San Carlo Square) is one of Turin’s main squares. This large and elegant square is my favorite in the city.

With its arcades, its 2 twin churches (the church of Santa Cristina and the San Carlo Borromeo church) and the equestrian statue of Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, it’s extremely photogenic! Under the arcades, you can go shopping or have a coffee in one of the peaceful coffee shops. No noise, it’s a pedestrian only area.

The Piazza San Carlo also often hosts cultural events.

The Automobile Museum is the other famous museum in Turin. According to The Times magazine, it’s one of the 50 best museums in the world.

With nearly 200 cars from 80 different brands ranging from steam cars to the latest models, the museum presents one of the world’s finest collections of rare vehicles.

The Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista is the main church of Turin. It’s especially famous for housing the holy shroud, that is said to have enveloped the body of Christ. Its authenticity is of course questioned, but this does not prevent visitors from rushing into the cathedral.

It should be noted, however, that the relic rests under a watertight seal and is covered by a sheet, so you won’t have the pleasure to admire it.

Porta palatina, located not far from the cathedral and the palazzo Reale , was one of the 4 entrances of Turin during the Roman period.

The building is composed of a central door with 2 entrances for chariots, 2 pedestrian entrances dating from the Roman period and 2 towers with battlements added during the medieval period.

It’s one of Turin’s oldest monuments.

The Porta Palazzo market is located close to the Porta Palatina and occupies almost all the piazza della Repubblica, which is almost 50,000 square meters. It’s the largest open-air market in Europe.

With about 1,000 stalls, you can find everything: fruit and vegetable, deli meats, cheese, but also clothes, pots, pans and all sorts of household items. And all this at very attractive prices, especially for food!

The Santuario della Consolata ( Church of the Virgin of the Consolation ) , a masterpiece of Baroque art, is one of the oldest churches in Turin.

In its bell tower, you can find the largest bell in Piedmont and a saint is buried there. The sanctuary is especially devoted to the worship of the Virgin Mary, with a procession and ceremony dedicated to her every year in June.

Spreading over 42 hectares, the Valentino Park is a popular picnic or stroll spot for Turinese families. For you it will be an opportunity for a nice walk in the shades , or along the Po river. Perfect to enjoy a bit of freshness!

Don’t miss the Fontana di Dodici Mesi (Fountain of the Twelve Months) and the Arco del Valentino there.

The medieval village of Turin is located in the heart of Valentino Park. It was created in 1884 for the general Italian exhibition that took place in Turin. It recreates the atmosphere of a typical 15th century Piedmontese town: you can see a drawbridge, craft shops and even a chapel.

You can also visit the fortress , a reconstruction of a Seigneurial residence. Inside, you can see the weapons room, the dining room, the kitchens and undergrounds housing the prison.

Built in 1620 by Duke Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy, the Valentino castle today houses the University of Architecture and isn’t open to visitors.

When walking in the park, you will however be able to admire the outside facade and walk around it. The facade on the city’s side is inspired from French castles while the one overlooking the river, all in red bricks, is Italian style architecture.

Another beautiful place to see in Turin: the Vittorio Veneto square . It offers a very nice view of the river, the Gran Madre di Dio church and Turin surrounding hills.

It’s also the ideal place for an ”aperitivo” or a meal in one of the good restaurants located on the square.

The Gran Madre di Dio Church was built in tribute to Victor Emmanuel I, for his victory over Napoleon in 1814.

It was built in neoclassical style , directly inspired from the pantheon of Rome. The interior is entirely dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with bas-reliefs depicting her life.

Anecdote : the Holy Grail would be buried outside the church, between the two statues representing Faith and Religion.

On the right side of the Gran Madre di Dio church, you can take the road leading to the Monte dei Capuccini. The hill’s name comes from the fact it was given to the Capuchins by the house of Savoy to build a church and a convent.

At the top, you will find the most famous view of Turin and enjoy a beautiful scenery overlooking the city and the Alps on the horizon. You can also enter the Santa Maria Church, and visit the recently renovated Museo della Montagna .

Don’t hesitate to do it, especially if you have the Torino card: you will not pay anything and you will have access to the roof panoramic terrace for an even better view of the city.

The Villa della Regina (Queen’s villa in english) is worth a visit, especially for its great location on a hill overlooking the city and the Po river. A great place to admire a beautiful view of Turin

It was built in 1615, following the Roman model, to serve as a residence for Savoyan queens .

To see inside: the magnificent Chinese cabinet and the main living room featuring frescoes and paintings. It’s also famous for its amphitheatre-shaped garden with a beautiful fountain, small waterfalls, the vineyard (still in activity) and the panorama of the city.

You can see it from afar when walking in Turin: the 670m heigh hill with the basilica di Superga built at the top catches the eye. From there, the view over the city and the Alps is breathtaking!

To get there, I advise you to go by car or by funicular for a more typical experience. If you want to go up there on foot, no problem, but I’m warning you, the climb will not be easy!

The basilica is remarkable for its huge circular facade with a dome . Inside there is the crypt with the House of Savoy king’s tombs as well as those of princes and princesses.

You can also go up a narrow spiral staircase to access the balcony at the top of the dome and enjoy a view of the surrounding hill.

The basilica is also sadly famous for the tragedy that took place there in 1949. The plane that carried the Turin football team (Torino football club), crashed on the hill, demolishing a part of the convent.

Since then, a funerary monument has been erected and Turinese people come to visit it every year on the anniversary of the tragedy.

If you only have one day in Turin,   you have 2 options:

Take a stroll through the city and admire the monuments from the outside:

• Discover the historical centre, from San Carlo Square to Castello Square , around the palazzo Reale and the palazzo Madama .
• Then head to the the Vittorio Veneto square to cross the bridge, passing in front of the church of Gran Madre di Dio and climbing the Monte dei Capuccini for a panoramic view of Turin.
• Stroll in the Valentino park, the medieval village and along the Po river.

Focus on the 2 or 3 main attractions of Turin. I would suggest:

• Palazzo Reale
• The cinema museum  and the  Mole Antonelliana
• Or the Museo dell’Automobile if you are a car lover.
• When you arrive in Turin or on your departure, you should go to the basilica of Superga and at the Monte dei Capuccini to enjoy the view of the city.

If you will be in Turin for 2 days, it is worth taking the Torino Card. Here is my suggested itinerary.

• Start with Piazza San Carlo and its 2 twin churches, go up to Piazza Castello , stopping at the San Federico gallery on the left of Via Roma.
• Visit the Palazzo Reale with its armoury and royal library
• Lunch break
• Visit the Cinema Museum located in the Mole Antonelliana . You will have the possibility to take the panoramic elevator.
• Go to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, cross the Emanuele I bridge and admire the church of the Gran Madre di Dio,  go up the hill to the Monte dei Capuccini.

Second day:

• Start the day by going to the Catedrale di San Giovanni Battista, where the Shroud of Turin is located.
• Go through Porta Palatina to reach the piazza della repubblica and the market . It’s open every morning.
• End the morning with a visit to the Consolata sanctuary
• Visit the Palazzo Carignano and its Risorgimento museum
• Visit Turin’s Egyptian museum and immerse yourself in the Egyptian civilization.

For the beginning of your 3 days stay in Turin, take the program of the first 2 days.

• Visit the Museo dell’Automobile
• Relaxing afternoon in the Valentino park with a walk along the river and the visit of Turin medieval village.
• Climb up to the basilica of  Superga, a jewel of baroque architecture.

In 3 days in Turin, you’ve had time to discover the main points of interest.

For this fourth day, you can visit the other museums of the city as it has no less than 40 museums. 4 days in Turin can also be a good choice if you travel with your family, as the pace will necessarily be slower.

An excellent idea for this 4th day can be to go on a day trip to Milan , less than 1 hour away by express train. One day in Milan is enough to see the 3 main attractions of the city: the cathedral of Milan, the Vittorio Emanuel II gallery and the Sforza castle.

If you plan to visit Milan, you should read my article: The 10 best things to do in Milan .

• Attic Hostel Torino : Youth hostel located about 15 minutes walk from the Palazzo Reale. Bed in dormitory from 24€. Strong points: welcoming managers, location, cleanliness and comfort of the rooms.
• Torino 1854 Affittacamere : Located 700 meters away from the Egyptian museum, this hotel is brand new. Colorful and comfortable double room from 65€ per night. Strong points: its excellent location, quiet and close to the city centre, the modernity of the hotel. It’s the best value for money in Turin!
• Matteotti 25 : Located at 10 minutes on foot from the Egyptian Museum. Large modern and bright room from 95€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: its location, the copious breakfast.
• NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina: Located in the historical center of Turin. Elegant and comfortable double room from 200€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: The friendly abd very helpful staff, the interior design, the perfect quietness, the amazing breakfast and the ideal location to visit Turin on foot. The view from the terrace is also amazing! It’s the best choice for a luxury stay in Turin!

If you prefer to rent a full apartment to get more space and be able to cook a bit, I highly suggest you to have a look at Apart Hôtel Torino . They are located at 500 meters from Valentino Park. The apartments are modern, well equipped and the interior design is amazing. Starting at only 100€ per night. The best apartments in town!

• Porto di Savona : Located on the Vittorio Veneto square, this restaurant offers typical Piedmontese cuisine at an affordable price. I had a great time and I highly recommend the gorgonzola gnocchi, they melts in the mouth and are just delicious. Everything is home made, pasta and desserts. Booking is strongly recommended.
• La Taverna dei Mercanti : Located in a street adjacent to the Consolata sanctuary, amazing typical Piedmontese dishes. Very warm welcome from the boss. After diner drink offered at the end of the meal.
• Pescheria Ristorante Gallina : Located in front of the market, on the piazza della Repubblica. This fish shop-restaurant offers dishes based on fresh and succulent fish. Fixed menu for lunch at 15€ including dish + bottle of water + glass of wine + service. Reservations are not possible.

Visiting Turin was a beautiful discovery and a nice surprise. The museums have all been recently renovated, so they are modern, very well done and impressive.

The royal residences are also magnificent and very well maintained.

We can see that the city of Turin has invested in tourism while respecting as much as possible its history and highlighting its cultural heritage.

And, of course, as everywhere in Italy, the food is super good!

And you, what do you plan to visit during your stay in Turin?

Italy travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Italy : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Italy are listed there.

• The 20 Best Things to do in Italy – All the must-see places!
• Cinque Terre: The definitive guide to plan your visit
• Florence: The 27 best things to do and must-see attractions
• Milan: The Top 15 things to do in the city and around
• Pisa: Top 21 must-see attractions + Tips
• Rome: The 25 best things to do and see
• Siena: Top 20 best places to visit
• Turin: The 20 must-see attractions
• Venice: The 31 best things to do (+ Tips)
• 2 days in Florence
• 3 days in Florence
• 4 days in Florence
• 5 days in Florence
• 2 days in Milan
• 3 days in Milan
• 4 days in Milan
• 2 Days in Rome – How to visit Rome in 48h
• 3 Days in Rome – The best itinerary to visit Rome in 72h
• 4 Days in Rome – The best places to visit in 4 days
• 5 Days in Rome – How to spend 5 days in Rome
• 6 Days in Rome – The ultimate Itinerary + Where to stay
• One week in Rome – The perfect 7-day itinerary
• 2 Days in Venice – An Epic 48h itinerary
• 3 Days in Venice – The perfect 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Venice – Itinerary + Best Things to do + Tips
• Where to stay in Milan? My guide to the best areas and hotels for a perfect stay
• Where to stay in Rome? – The definitive guide of the best areas!
• Where to stay in Venice? My selection of the best hotels and districts for an epic stay
• Omnia Card: The definitive guide
• Colosseum: The 7 best skip the line tickets
• Trevi Fountain: History, Secrets and Facts
• Rome’s Hidden Gems : The Definitive Guide with 17 secret spots!
• The 20 Best museums in Rome – With all my best tips!
• Rome in May: The definitive guide to plan your visit: weather, things to do, itineraries and more!
• Rome in June: Guide + All my best tips

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 2 comments.

Hi Vincent,

First of all, thank you for your city guide, it’s very detailed and will allow me to easily prepare my stay in Turin.

However, there is something I am still not sure about: I will be in Italy for 3 weeks in September and I am hesitating between staying 3 days in Turin and 2 in Milan or the contrary.

What would you recommend?

You’re welcome, I am very happy my guide of Turin is helping you to prepare your trip!

About Turin and Milan, it’s a question I hear quite often, and the answer can be a bit surprising to some people: There is actually more things to do in Turin than in Milan. Thus, my suggestion would be to spend 3 days in Turin and 2 in Milan. It would be the perfect duration to see each city’s best places to visit.

Enjoy your stay in Italy!

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TURIN TRAVEL GUIDE AND THINGS TO DO

Turin (Torino) is an underrated but surprisingly elegant city and a perfect tourist destination for any traveller, as it combines a great historic centre with beautiful architecture and it’s a great base for visits to the Piedmont region (Piemonte).

This travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Turin by showing you the best attractions , things to do and places to visit including a tourist map , photos and an itinerary with day trip suggestions.

INTRODUCTION TO TURIN

Why visit TURIN

Turin is the capital of Piedmont , located in the northwest of Italy, close to the Italian Alps.

Turin is an elegant city with beautiful Baroque architecture , first-class museums and a great base to explore the surrounding towns and countryside of Piedmont .

Turin is most famous for its car industry (Fiat) and Juventus football team as well as the splendid Savoy palaces .

Best sights to visit include the Royal Palace , Molle Antonelliana , Palazzo Madama and the Egyptian Museum .

Turin is also famous for the Shroud of Turin, a linen cloth that some believe bears the image of Jesus Christ, which has been kept in Turin’s cathedral.

BEST TIME TO VISIT TURIN

The best time to visit Turin for the best weather is during the summer , late spring or early autumn , as it is warm and mostly sunny, although there is always a chance of thunderstorms. However, I will probably avoid July and August , as these months can get quite hot and busier with tourists.

Autumn is a lovely time to visit Turin if you want to enjoy the city dressed in its autumn colours.

April, May, early June, September or early October are probably the best months for sightseeing and day trips and you can enjoy the sights with comfortable temperatures and lesser crowds.

However, for a city break, Turin is a fine destination any time of the year, even in winter if you don’t mind the cold. During the winter months, it can be combined with snow activities in one of the nearby ski resorts in the Alps.

HOW LONG TO STAY IN TURIN

Two to three days will be more than enough to cover most of the major sights at a relaxed pace, You can explore key landmarks, visit a couple of museums, and experience the city’s atmosphere.

Turin is surrounded by picturesque areas like the Piedmont wine regions and the Alps. If you’re interested in exploring beyond the city, you would need to stay longer for at least another 2 to 3 days.

WHERE TO STAY IN TURIN

The best place to stay is in the city centre (centre storico) of Turin with all the major sights within walking distance. This area offers a mix of historic architecture, shopping streets, and cultural sites.

However, accommodation in the centre can be very expensive, so a cheaper alternative is to stay closer to the Porta Nuova or Porta Suza Train Stations , a bit further away but still within 20-25min walking distance and easily accessible by metro. These locations are great if you want to explore the surrounding area by public transport.

Best hotels in Turin

• Grand Hotel Sitea : The luxury 5-star hotel is located in the centre of Turin, behind Piazza San Carlo.
• Principi di Piemonte : A luxurious hotel situated in the heart of Turin
• Hotel NH Collection Torino Santo Stefano : Fantastic central location and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic city views.
• Turin Palace Hotel : This elegant and contemporary hotel is set opposite Porta Nuova Train Station
• Hotel NH Piazza Carlina : Beautifully renovated palazzo with rooftop terraces in the heart of the city
• Hotel Victoria Torino : A great choice in the city centre
• Hotel NH Torino Lingotto Congress : NH Torino Congress is set in the former FIAT car factory, a bit further from the city centre but easily accessible by metro
• Hotel Diplomatic : A good and more affordable choice close to Porta Susa Train Station
• DUPARC Contemporary Suites : Spacious suites located next to Parco Del Valentino
• DoubleTree by Hilton Turin Lingotto : A design hotel in a restored car factory close to a metro stop.

Click here to check and compare prices on accommodation for the whole city of Turin.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Entry requirements/visa.

No visas are required for visits up to 90 days for most nationalities.

EU citizens only need a photo ID to enter Italy. Citizens from the rest of Europe, the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Canada only need a passport . For full details check this website .

Opening hours

Shops : 9am –1pm & 3pm-7.30pm Monday to Saturday

Banks : 8.30am–1.30pm Monday to Friday

Restaurants : 12am–3pm & 7pm-11pm

Turin is generally a safe city, but it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas, like shopping centres and train stations.

Travel Insurance

It’s always recommended to get travel insurance before you travel even if a destination like Turin shouldn’t pose any safety concerns. Better to be fully covered in case in case of an accident, medical emergency or flight delays.

SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for the cheapest options.

Turin has a  moderately continental climate, with cold, damp winters and hot summers.

January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 3°C and July is the warmest month (July) with an average temperature of 23°C.

Winter months can be very cold and often foggy, while summer months can be quite hot.

The wettest period is late spring (May is the wettest month), and autumn. However, thunderstorms can occur in summer as well.

More information regarding the weather and average temperatures can be found here .

Travel Gear

For more information on travel gear and what to pack click here .

Italian is the official language, which evolved from Latin . Most people speak some English.

Basic words:

• Hello – Ciao
• Goodbye – Arriverdecci
• Yes = Si
• Thank you = Grazie
• You’re welcome = Prego
• Please = Per favore
• Excuse me = Mi scusi
• Good morning = Buongiorno
• Good evening = Buona sera
• Good night = Buona notte

The currency is the euro ( € ). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s worth having some cash with you as some small shops might not accept cards. It’s also worth carrying some coins for public transport and parking machines.

The best option to get local currency is through an ATM, but it is worth checking for any extra charges.

Italy is cheaper than most of Western Europe, particularly public transport is very affordable.

Electricity

Italy’s power plugs and sockets are of type C & F (with two round pins) and less often type L . The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Internet/Mobile Phone

To avoid roaming charges, you can buy a local SIM card in one of the shops of either Vodafone, Tim, Windtre & Iliad (the main mobile providers) in the city centre. It is easy and affordable, but you will need to carry your passport or proof of ID.

Airalo is also a good alternative as it provides access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards) for over 200 countries. Travellers can download and install a digital data pack and get free internet without roaming charges.

However, Airalo is compatible with only the latest mobile phones

HOW TO GET TO TURIN

Turin Airport ( Torino Airport ) is connected to a few European countries, like the UK, France, Spain & Poland. There are mainly low-cost airlines operating, like Ryanair & Volotea, so flights can be quite affordable, even in the summer months.

Getting from/to the airport

Torino Airport is located  16 km to the north of Turin city centre  and can be easily reached by car, taxi or bus in 25 minutes via the  Turin – Torino Airport motorway link .

There is a bus service (line 268) that connects the airport with the Turin city centre stopping at the main train stations (Porta Nuova Station & Porta Susa). The daily bus service is scheduled every 15 minutes and the bus ride takes 35-50min. Ticket: €7.50. More information can be found here .

There is also a train connection between the airport and Venaria and then a connection to Turin Porta Susa train station by the SF2  bus line.

There are also taxis available outside the Arrivals Terminal, but the cost is considerably more expensive about €30 euros.

Alternatively, you can also rent a car in one of the rental offices at the airport. The airport is the best place to book if you haven’t done it before you arrive. However, booking a car is not really recommended if you only stay in Turin, unless you are planning to do day trips to the surrounding countryside.

Turin is well connected with a good road network , bus and trains to the rest of Italy. Bus and train travel in Italy is very affordable and a good option if you want to explore nearby towns.

Rome2Rio is a good website for checking prices & times on train and bus travel .

HOW TO GET AROUND TURIN

I would only recommend hiring a car if you would like to explore the surrounding Piedmonte Area as part of your visit to Turin without having to rely on the public transport timetables. The best place to rent a car is the airport if you haven’t done it before you arrive.

Car rental average price is €30-50 per day . Better to book in advance before your travel for the best deals. Also in high season, there might be low availability and the prices can be much higher if you leave it until you arrive. Check the link below to book and compare car rental prices.

Parking is restricted in the city centre and it is only allowed along streets with blue lines. There are various paid car parks in the city centre.

Trains are run by Trenitalia and connect Turin with the rest of Italy. You can buy tickets at train stations or through this website . Prices are relatively cheap.

The public transport service is provided by  GGT , which includes buses, trams and a metro line that connects Porta Susa with Porta Nuova Train Station and Lingoto. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines located at metro stops, newsagents and on the bus.

You can find information regarding renting a bike in Turin on this website .

Torino & Piemonte Card

For those who want to discover the entire city of Turin, there is a card, the Torino & Piemonte Card , which offers free admission to the most important museums and exhibitions in Turin , including the castles, fortresses and Royal Residences in Piemonte., such as the Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madam, Museo Egizio, Museo del Cinema and many others. In addition, you’ll receive reduced ticket entry on the main tourist services of Tourin: City SighSeeing open bus, panoramic lift in the Mole Antonelliana, boats on river Po, Sassi – Superga rack tramway, and the Venaria Express shuttle bus. In addition, the Turin Card gives you discounted travel on buses within the city. It can be purchased at the ticket offices of monuments and museums, at the IAT office in Piazza Bra, at newsagents and tobacconists’ shops in the city centre. The card is available in two versions:  24 hours at the price of 20€ and  48 hours at the price of 25 €.

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK IN TURIN

There are many good Italian restaurants in the heart of Turin. The selection below covers restaurants that offer typical Piedmontese cuisine.

Also, Turin is famous for its historic cafes that offer great sweets and the famous Turin drink, the Bicerin .

In restaurants, a service charge is often included in the bill. Italians generally do not tip and tipping is not expected, but it is always appreciated.

Also, be aware that restaurants usually close after lunch and most of them open after 7 pm for the evening meal.

Best cafes and restaurants in Turin

• Ristorante Del Cambio
• Le Vitel Etonnè
• La via del sale
• Porto di Savona
• Taberna Libraria
• Baratti & Milano
• Caffe Mulassano
• Caffe Al Bicerin
• Caffe San Carlo
• Caffe Torino
• Caffe Fiorio

You can check the location of these restaurants on this map .

Local Specialities

• Vitello tonnato : Classic Piedmontese starter of thin-cut slices of veal with tuna sauce
• Agnolotti del plin : A type of stuffed pasta (similar to ravioli) traditionally filled with veal
• Brasato al Barolo : Braised veal in Barolo wine
• Panna cotta : The famous pudding made of sweetened cream and vanilla
• Bonet : A famous Piedmontese dessert made of chocolate and amaretti cookies
• Bicerin : Typical drink from Turin made of coffee, chocolate and cream

TURIN THINGS TO DO

BEST attractions

1. Piazza Castello

Piazza Castello is a central and historic square of Turin and serves as a focal point for both locals and tourists.

It is surrounded by Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama . To the southwest of Piazza Castello, you’ll find the Teatro Regio , Turin’s main opera house.

It is the best spot to appreciate Turin’s architecture and a must-visit for any tour of the city.

2. Royal Palace of Turin (Palazzo Reale)

The Royal Palace of Turin has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. It was the residence of the House of Savoy, the ruling family of the Kingdom of Sardinia, and served as the royal palace for many years.

Today, the Palazzo Reale complex houses several museums and buildings including:

• the Royal apartments with amazing ceilings, furnishings and tapestries.
• the Royal Armoury which contains a magnificent collection of arms and weaponry beautifully displayed
• Galleria Sabauda which contains an amazing collection of art over 4 floors from Medieval times to the 17th century (mainly paintings but also some archaeological finds)
• The Royal Gardens which are free to visit
• Chapel of Holy Shroud (Cappela della Sacra Sindone)

This incredible palace is a must and I would recommend to give at least 2-3 hours for your visit, as there are so many things to see.

3. Molle Antonelliana

Molle Antelliana is the signature landmark of the city It is a splendid Baroque tower, built in the 19th century by Alessandro Antonelli that now houses the Cinema Museum and includes a lift to the top of the structure that offers panoramic views over the city. Museo del Cinema beautifully displays memorabilia and information about the history of cinema.

You can combine a combined ticket for both the museum and the lift but it’s good to book your ticket in advance for the lift during high season.

This a good view but if you don’t want to pay for the expensive ticket you can even enjoy an also impressive view over the city from Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini for free.

4. Palazzo Madama

Palazzo Madama is located on the main square and contains some beautifully decorated rooms as well as a collection of medieval art and antiquities from Ancient Greece and Rome. It is worth it for the beautiful view from the top of the main square and the Royal Palace.

5. Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista is a huge Renaissance cathedral located in Piazza San Giovanni and contains beautiful statues and paintings. It also contains one of the most famous religious relics – the Holy Shroud. that dates from the 12th century. However, only a replica is on display.

There is also a separate bell tower that is open only on specific days and offers good views.

6. Shroud of Turin

The Shroud of Turin (Holy Shroud) is a linen cloth that bears the image of a man, which some believe to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. The cloth is kept in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

The authenticity of the Shroud has been a subject of debate and controversy for many years. In 1988, radiocarbon dating was performed on a sample taken from the Shroud. The results indicated a medieval origin, leading to scepticism about its authenticity. However, there has been ongoing debate about the accuracy of the dating due to contamination concerns.

For many Christians, the Shroud of Turin is a revered object, and they see it as a possible relic connected to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The Catholic Church has neither officially endorsed nor rejected the authenticity of the Shroud.

The Shroud is rarely displayed to the public due to preservation concerns. However, occasionally, it has been exhibited for special occasions (eg 2015), drawing pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

At the cathedral, an enlarged copy of the image of the man’s face from the Shroud is on display and you can get more information about the research done on the Shroud at Museo della Sindone (Museum of the Shroud), which exhibits finds, documents and images related to the history of the Shroud of Turin.

It’s important to note that opinions on the Shroud of Turin vary widely, and its authenticity remains a matter of faith for many, rather than established scientific fact. The Shroud continues to be a topic of interest, and research into its origins and characteristics continues.

7. Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio)

The Egyptian museum in Turin is one of the most significant museums of Egyptian antiquities in the world.

It houses an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt, including statues, mummies, jewelry, papyri, and everyday objects that offer insights into various aspects of ancient Egyptian life.

8. Palazzo Carignano

Carignano Palace is a beautiful Baroque building with a brick facade. It has two parts, one that shows a few elegant state rooms and the other that houses the Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano, which tells the story of unification and includes the impressive parliament hall. You need to buy separate tickets to see both.

9. Via Roma

This is Turin’s main street connecting Piazza Castello with Piazza San Carlo and Statione Porta Nuova. It is closed to traffic and is lined with elegant shops and arcades.

10. Piazza San Carlo

Piazza San Carlo is another beautiful square surrounded by baroque buildings and the churches of Santa Christina and San Carlo. The square is famous for its society cafes and the stylish shopping arcade of Galleria San Federico.

11. Pinacotecca Agneli

Located on the roof of the former Fiat factory this small museum displays art from the 18th century to modern times.

12. Parco del Valentino

This park by the river is the biggest central park and contains the Castello del Valentino, home to Polytechnic University and Borgo Medievale, a complex of medieval buildings, built in the 19th century and free to enter. The view from the other side of the river is worth it.

13. MAUTO-Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile

This museum displays a great collection of Italian cars through the years.

14. Basilica of Superga

This church is located to the east of Turin on a hill that provides great views over the distant city. It is accessible by tram and then a funicular.

It is a fine baroque church with a beautiful facade, dome and bell towers. the interior contains some fine paintings and underneath there is a mausoleum that houses the tombs of the Savoy Kings.

15. Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini

This is probably the best viewpoint of Turin, only a short uphill walk from Piazza Vittorio Veneto after you cross the river.

16. Villa della Regina

A nice little palace up on the hill with beautiful gardens and nice views over Turin. The interior rooms are not as impressive, but worth the visit if you have spare time in the city,

BEST DAY TRIPS

1. sacra di san michele.

This is an abbey complex that looks like a castle, founded in 1AD. It is perched on a rock and provides amazing views from its terrace over the valley and surrounding mountains. The abbey can be reached by climbing a number of steps from the ticket office. It houses the main church that has some interesting paintings and frescoes but the highlight is the views from the top.

It is located above the nice village of Sant’Ambrogio di Torino, about 30km from the city of Turin. It is difficult to get there without private transport, particularly during the winter months. There is a bus from Aviglana from May to September or you can hike the very steep hill from the village of Sant’Ambrogio (1h 20min – difficult hike but well-paved route). The village is accessible by frequent trains from Turin. If you don’t have your own transport you can use a settle bus service .

It can be combined with a visit to the pretty village of Avigliana.

2. Avigliana

Avigliana is a small medieval town located next to a lake and it’s a beautiful spot for a day trip from Turin. It has a castle at the top of the hill ( Castello di Avigliana) that provides beautiful views towards the town, the two lakes and the surrounding countryside. There are two main piazzas (Santa Maria & Conte Rosso) with some attractive medieval buildings. The Avigliana Lake is a bit further away from the town but it’s worth going for a walk (20min from the old town).

Avigliana can be reached by 30min train ride from Turin and the old town is about 15min uphill walk from the train station.

Visiting Avigliana can be combined with a visit to Sacra di San Michele, especially if you have a car but also possible with public transport.

Venaria Reale is located here. This royal complex contains a beautiful palace (Reggia di Diana) and gardens as well as La Mandria Castle & park. Venaria has also a beautiful historic centre with Piazza dell’Annunziatta as the focal point. Accessible by bus from the city.

TURIN TOURIST MAP

You can click on the map below for the location of the best sights and places to visit in Turin.

TURIN ITINERARY

It is worth staying in Turin for 3 days if you want to explore it and combine it with day trips to the surrounding region. The following itinerary includes things to do for 3 days . Overnight stay in Turin.

• Start your tour from  Piazza Castello .
• Visit Palazzo Real and its Royal Museums and Gardens .
• Continue your visit to Palazzo Madama .
• Visit the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist and Porta Palatina .
• Lunch at Porta Palazzo with its open-air market
• Visit the Egyptian Museum .
• Optional visit to Palazzo Carignano & the National   Museum of Italian Risorgimento .
• Take a stroll on Via Roma and Piazza San Carlo .
• Visit one of the historic cafes (e.g. Caffè San Carlo) to try the drink Bicherin .
• Take a stroll at Via Po and pass through  Piazza Vittorio Veneto .
• Cross the river and climb to  Monte dei Cappuccini  to enjoy the best view of the city
• Visit the iconic Mole Antonelliana and the National Cinema Museum and take the lift to the top for panoramic views over the city
• Optional visit to Basilica of Superga to admire more distant views over the city.
• On your return, take a stroll in  Valentino Park , with its  Castle  and the  Middle Age Village . 
• If you have extra time you can visit the National Automobile Museum or Pinacotecca Agneli with its modern art. 
• Visit Sacra di San Michelle and the village of Avigliana in the morning.
• In the afternoon you can visit Venaria Reale to enjoy this huge palace and gardens.

TURIN PHOTOGRAPHY

You can check the best photographs from Turin here .

Here is a list of the best viewpoint locations in Turin where you enjoy great views .

• Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini
• Mole Antonelliana
• Torre Campanaria del Duomo di Torino
• Palazzo Madama
• Villa della Regina
• Basilica of Superga
• Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli
• Borgo Medievale Viewpoint

You can check these viewpoints’ locations and the best photo spots on the island on the following map .

TURIN ACTIVITIES & TOURS

Barolo wine tasting.

Barolo Wine Tasting in Langhe area : This is a half-day tour (5h) private guided tour of the Barolo Region that includes tour of the hamlet of Borolo and Marchesi di Barolo winery. a stop at Belvedere di la Morra for an incredible view of the countryside and a visit to Montezemolo winery in La Morra for a sample of the wine. Price: €499.

Barolo Wine and Food Tasting at Piedmont Region Winery : This is a guided tour of Sobrero Vini winery in the village of Castiglione Falletto of the Barolo Region that includes a tasting of 7 different prestigious wines accompanied by local food. You need to have your own transport to get there. Price: €55.

Turin Walking Tour

Turin: 2-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour is a small group walking tour that lasts for 2h to explore the streets of Turin’s historic centre including piazzas, churches, and the main market with a knowledgeable local guide. Price: €39.Take a 2-hour walking tour to get to know Turin with an expert local guide.

Turin Food Tour

Turin Food Tour – Do Eat Better Experience is a small group tour that lasts 3.5h to get a taste of Turin’s culinary culture on a food and walking tour led by a guide. Price: €95.

Food Walking Tour with tastings : Experience the sweets and drinks of Turin and the whole Piedmont region with an insightful walking tour and a visit to a historic cafe. Price: €29.

Sacra di San Michele Tour

Half-Day Medieval Sacra di San Michele Tour is a half-day trip (5h) to one of the most beautiful abbeys in Europe that provide stunning views of the valley and mountains of the Italian Alps.. Price: €45 

More information about excursions & tours in Turin can be found here .

VIRTUAL TOUR OF TURIN

Check the following video slideshow to get further inspiration to visit Turin 🙂

WHAT TO BUY IN TURIN

Turin offers a diverse range of shopping experiences, from high-end fashion to unique artisanal products. Here are some of the best places for shopping in Turin:

• Via Roma: Via Roma is one of Turin’s main shopping streets, known for its high-end fashion boutiques, designer stores, and international brands.
• Via Garibaldi: This pedestrian street is lined with shops and boutiques, offering a mix of international brands and local shops. It’s a popular destination for both fashion and accessories.
• Via Po: Via Po is another iconic shopping street in Turin. It features a variety of shops, including clothing stores, bookshops, and cafes.
• Quadrilatero Romano: The Quadrilatero Romano is a historic district in the city centre, known for its narrow streets filled with boutiques, jewellery shops, and artisanal stores. It’s a great place to find unique and handmade items.
• Porta Palazzo Market: Porta Palazzo is one of the largest open-air markets in Europe. It offers a wide range of products, including fresh produce, clothing, accessories, and household items. The Balôn flea market, held nearby on Saturdays, is also worth exploring.
• Eataly Turin Lingotto: Eataly is a famous Italian marketplace dedicated to high-quality food and beverages. It’s a fantastic place to shop for local and regional products, including artisanal pasta, olive oil, and wine.
• Via Lagrange: Via Lagrange is a street known for its trendy shops, including fashion boutiques, concept stores, and design shops.
• Outlets in the Surrounding Areas: Turin is close to several outlets where you can find discounted items from well-known brands. The Torino Outlet Village, for example, is located a bit outside the city and offers a range of fashion, accessories, and home goods.

Turin offers a variety of unique and locally made products that make for great souvenirs or gifts. Here are some things you might consider buying in Turin:

• Chocolate and Gianduja: Turin is famous for its chocolate, and you can find high-quality chocolates and pralines in various shops. Gianduja, a delicious chocolate and hazelnut paste, is a local speciality and is often used in chocolates.
• Wines from Piedmont: Piedmont is renowned for its wines, including Barolo, Barbaresco, and Asti Spumante.
• Truffles: Piedmont is also famous for its truffles. You can find truffle-infused products such as truffle oil, truffle salt, or even whole truffles in the local markets.
• Artisanal Pasta: You can buy handmade pasta, especially types traditional to the region, as a culinary souvenir.
• Bicerin Glasses: Consider buying the special glasses used for serving Bicerin as a unique souvenir.
• Ceramics and Pottery: Turin has artisanal shops selling beautiful ceramics and pottery.

FURTHER READING

Some websites for more information about Turin :

• Tourism Torino : The official tourist website of Turin.

Some good travel guides to buy before your visit to Turin :

• DK Eyewitness Turin Travel Guide : A great guide about Turin and its environs but has not been updated since 2005.
• Lonely Planet Italy (Travel Guide) : The essential guide for Italy that includes information about Turin and the surrounding area.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

• Flights : I always use Skyscanner as my first choice as it’s so easy to use and you can search best deals by month. Google Flights . is another very good search engine.
• Accommodation : I always use Booking.com as my first choice, as it offers a great choice of accommodation at affordable prices and it’s so easy to use. Airbnb is a great alternative to find out homes and apartments to rent by real homeowners. HotelsCombined is one of the best search engines to check deals from different websites.
• Car Rental : I always check Skyscanner for the cheapest car rental options. Discover Cars is also a good and easy-to-use website with great prices.
• Public Transport : Rome2Rio is a good website for checking prices & times on train and bus travel.
• Day Trips & Tours : Viator provides the most comprehensive list of day trips and you can book directly with them. GetYourGuide is also a great place to search for tours & activities to do.
• Travel Insurance : SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.
• Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, and at no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping this site running and ad-free.

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10 Tips for Traveling to Turin, Italy

Turin, Italy has all the makings of a great European destination. An impressive role in Italy’s history, a picturesque location near the Alps, and a lovely river running through it. Yet somehow, this large city in northwest Italy is not a typical stop for tourists to the country. This all piqued my interest in Turin, so I had to visit during my time exploring northern Italy. Today, I’m sharing my tips for your own visit to the first capital of the united Italy and the current capital of the Piedmont region. Enjoy!

Brush Up on Some Italian

Before landing in Turin, or Torino, as the Italians call it, you’ll definitely want to have some basic Italian in your arsenal. Unlike other large cities such as Rome, Florence , or Venice , Turin is not touristy. At all. There isn’t a single proper hostel in the city (not counting the one in someone’s attic), and I didn’t feel I saw any other tourist my entire time there. I probably did, but they didn’t stick out.

That all being said, you’ll want to brush up on your Italian skills. You’ll likely be fine at museums and popular places to eat, but try to learn the basic greetings, questions, and menu items in Italian to make life easier . I love Duolingo’s free mobile app version for this.  I’ll usually start a language a couple weeks before arriving to a new destination.

Restaurants Aren’t Open All Day

When I arrived in Turin in the middle of a bright, sunny day, it felt like a ghost town. Every business’s shutters were shut. It looked like the whole city was shut down! (It didn’t help that every shutter was graffitied.) But after a day in Turin, I started realizing all the restaurants and cafes were on a certain time schedule. Around 12:00 – 1:30pm for lunch, and around 7:00pm – 10:00 or later for dinner . Once I realized this, I reacted accordingly. I stopped by a grocery store for breakfast foods and snacks , and I made sure to eat a large lunch.

Pro tip : This time schedule is actually quite common in non-touristy Italian cities (like Genoa and Bologna). It’s only the touristy destinations that open most of the day, like in the US.

Have a Bicerin

Love coffee? Love hot chocolate, too? Then Turin is the place for you. It’s the birthplace of bicerin, a traditional hot drink of espresso, chocolate, and milk layered in a glass . You can’t leave Turin without trying this drink! Two popular spots to enjoy it are Caffe Al Bicerin and Cafe Torino . I went to Caffe Al Bicerin and can report back that the ambiance inside is so cozy.

Head to Monte dei Capuccini for Sunset

Did you really visit Turin if you didn’t see that view? The one in all the photographs and brochures? Jokes aside, the iconic view over Turin from Monte dei Capuccini is really gorgeous and absolutely worth the short uphill trek from the city center . This is the closest thing to a touristy spot in Turin, but you should have no problem getting an unobstructed view. You can see all the way to the Alps, which had bits of snow when I went in early September! I recommend going during sunset, but anytime of day is worth it.

See the Mole Antonelliana

The Mole Antonelliana is the landmark of Turin. It was originally meant to be a synagogue, but ended up as a monument. Inside the Mole Antonelliana is the National Museum of Cinema, as well as an elevator to the top of the building for panoramic views over Turin. You can purchase tickets for €8, plus €1.50 if bought in advance on the official site . 

Expect Turin to Look a Little Grunge

Especially when businesses have their graffiti-covered shutters closed between lunch and dinner, Turin can look a little grungy. It’s an industrial city, and it shows in some areas . It’s nothing to be concerned about, but just a heads up in case you’re used to Italian destinations like Florence, for example. Simply take the same precautions you would anywhere else, like not flashing valuables unnecessarily and trying not to walk alone after dark.

Strut Down Via Roma

Parts of Turin look a little grunge, but other parts carry on Turin’s elegant past. You can definitely feel Turin’s impressive history while strolling between huge columns on Via Roma, a posh shopping street running between Piazza Castello and Piazza Carlo Felice. This area is also the historical center of Turin, so definitely don’t miss it.

Hang out in Piazza San Carlo

The Piazza San Carlo is halfway down the Via Roma. It’s home to two historical cafes, the San Carlo and Caffè Torino, as well as two churches, the Chiesa San Carlo and  theChiesa Santa Cristina. This beautiful and large square stood out to me during my time in Turin, so I definitely recommend spending some time walking through here.

Grab Dinner in Piazza Vittorio Veneto

The Piazza Vittorio Veneto is a large, bustling square lined with several cafes and restaurants along its edge. It boasts a lovely view of the Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio over the Po River, making it the perfect spot to wind down after a day of exploring Turin. It’s also very close to that viewpoint I mentioned earlier , so depending what time sunset is, you might want to time these together.

Wear Bug Repellent at Parco del Valentino

Walking along Po River and checking out the Fontana di Dodici Mesi , Arco del Valentino , and Borgo Medievale de Torino in Turin’s Parco del Valentino is a great way to get away from the strong city vibes. But make sure to wear bug repellant! Even if you’re wearing all long sleeves like I was, those pesky bugs might find their way onto your ankles and wrists. You’ve officially been warned!

Overall, I get why Turin is no Rome or Florence . But it’s a pretty cool spot if you’re curious to see “the real” Italy – one where locals, and not tourists, prevail.

What Do You Think?

Do you have any questions on my time in Turin, Italy? Have you ever been to Turin? What did you think? I know I barely scratched the surface in my two days there, so I’d love some Turin travel tips for my return. Let me know in the comments below!

Save These Tips on Pinterest to Return to Later

Further Reading...

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10 comments.

Wow it sounds like such an amazing destination! And authentically Italian for anyone looking more into that.

That Travelista

Yes, it was nice to explore a place without crowds!

Guided by Destiny

I miss Italy so much! I hadn’t looked much into Turin, but my goal for the coming years is to visit places that are less heard of. I love that you said you didn’t feel like you saw any tourists and you feel like you got a real taste of Italy. I will definitely be adding it to my list!

Aw, yay! Glad to hear that, and I hope you enjoy it when you visit!

I love the idea of going somewhere not as crowded and getting maybe a better sense of the culture. Thank you for sharing! I have yet to go to Italy, but i’ll definitely be saving this for when I do.

Yes, I really do feel that you get a more complete sense of a culture by getting a bit off the beaten path!

A wonderful guide to a less visited city. Just the kind of place I love in Italy. I would love to try a bircerin.

Thanks, Karen! 🙂

Sarah Camp | In Search of Sarah

Oh how I miss Italy!! I’ve always wanted to get to Turin after our first trip to Italy in 2017. Saving this for when we can visit. I miss my Italian coffees!

I miss Italy so much, too!! It’s one of the first places I will head post-pandemic.

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That travelista.

What are you looking for?

How to spend 3 days in turin {2024 travel guide}.

I knew that, after an amazing budget trip to Rome , I wanted to go back to Italy for my birthday simply because I love the country, and I had a look at various destinations that would fit within my budget, and I stumbled across Turin.

I don’t judge a place based on its “tourist” attractions etc, but I did have a nosy at what Turin could offer me and I found enough to at least right my own short Turin city guide.

They have a world renowned Egyptian museum as Italy invested lots of money in collecting Egyptian pieces so they now house some fantastic items. This excited me, being a bit of an Egyptian fanatic.

After that, I saw it was surrounded by the Swiss Alps (North Italy), had some beautiful viewing points, beautiful architecture, beautiful parks and it’s the chocolate capital of Italy …..what more could I want? I had made my decision, Torino was for me!

So here is how I got on, and my in-depth guide on how to spend 3 amazing days in Turin ...

Travellerspoint

Accommodation in Turin

According to a study in November 2022, Turin is the second-most expensive city to stay in a hotel in Italy.

Looking for non-hotel accommodations can be a great way to save some money!

Since we have a sign-up deal that gets you £30 off with Airbnb , we decided to take advantage of our own offer and find an apartment in the centre of Turin.

I like being close to as much as possible, as public transport is a hassle. We found a gem of an apartment in the centre of Torino, literally walking distance to absolutely everything. It was a one bedroom cosy apartment, equipped with food, coffee machine, and a balcony where I could enjoy an Italian coffee in the morning…bliss.

Price? £101 with £30 discount for three nights.  

Day 1 in Turin

We arrived in Turin at around 8.30pm, so too late for sightseeing, but still time for dinner and drinks. Our Airbnb hosts gave us some great recommendations for the trip, and one of them was a pizza place that was cheap but supposedly delicious. We decided to venture here since it was just around the corner. The pizza…oh my god. They stuff the crust with ricotta cheese and it was amazing. Brad and I shared a pizza as we can never seem to manage one on our own!

We washed the pizza down with 2 litres of sparkling wine…yes you read that correctly…two litres. It was so good, Brad was finishing one glass at a time! We became boozy as the night evolved and we had lots of fun, and ended the evening in the restaurant with Limoncello shots. I don’t shot it though, I sip like a liqueur since it’s so delicious.

On our return to our apartment, Brad had previously mentioned we were right next to an Irish bar….and since I was a little tipsy, I offered to buy us a cocktail each! We entered the Irish bar, and as far as Irish bars go, this one was good- great atmosphere, and they rang a bell when they found out I was Irish!

We had two cocktails for 6 euro each, and they were so strong they tipped my drunk level over the edge. The remainder of the night was a blur, but I had fun, and the best part? Everything cost us 20 euro each…including 4 euro tip.

Day 2 in Turin

We started the day with a hangover. I forced Bradley to go to the shops to buy milk and juice so I could make some coffee. We had a bite to eat and got ready to sightsee! We decided we would follow the main “tourist” routes to explore a little first.

I picked up my own Italian coffee maker and then as we were strolling down the road, low and behold, what was in front of us…an Amsterdam Chips!

Now if you are reading this blog for the first time, you won’t know how awesome they were in Rome , but they were amazing, so we got a little over excited and ordered a “family” size, and as you can see, they are massive, so we didn’t finish them. Eyes bigger than our belly syndrome, but at 4 euros each, you can’t really complain too much.

We strolled along the streets and came to a lovely bridge that had some fantastic views along the River Po, it was a beautiful sight, and then I decided I would like to go up the glass elevator in the Museum of Cinema as it boasts stunning views of all of Turin.

We queued for around 1 hour, and Bradley felt a little ill on the ride up the elevator, (it is quite sketchy), but we were then greeted with a stunning panoramic view of Turin. Snow settled on the tops of the alps and surrounded this beautiful city.

It was a wonderful moment, and I do appreciate a wonderful view. The cost was 8 euro for an adult, and 6 euro for a student (I have an international student card). You could opt to go into the actual cinema museum too, which I have to admit did look fantastic (you go through it in the elevator), but I was happy to save my money for the Egyptian museum.

That evening we had our first experience of Aperitivo. This is where you pay a set fee of around 7-11 euro (don’t go higher than this or you are getting scammed), for a drink, whether it’s a cocktail, wine, beer or soft drink (all the same price), and you get access to unlimited buffet food! Different restaurants will offer different food, but the one we choose had pasta, pizzas, tapas, salad, the works! They usually run from 6 pm to 9 pm, but ours ran until 10 pm.

Day three in Turin

Day three was my birthday! I woke up to the apartment decorated with balloons and birthday decorations, and importantly…presents! I had decided that for my birthday I would like to go to the Egyptian Museum and have a picnic in the beautiful Valentino Park.

Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio)

The entrance is 15 euro for an adult, and it's open from 9 am to 6 pm. The peak is probably from lunch time onwards. This place is amazing- you can opt for a short 60-minute tour or a full 120-minute tour, I went for the latter as I love history! The museum was filled with antique items, rich history and interesting mummies. It was super fascinating, and I highly recommend it.

Half way through the tour there is a coffee shop which does cheap (obviously since it’s Italy) but yummy coffee to help give you a burst of energy! The tour is done on individual handsets which you can set to the language you desire - bring headphones if you don’t want to hold the handset like a phone!

Valentino Park

Filled with water fountains, green fields, lakes and pretty surroundings, I thought Valentino park would be the perfect setting for me to have a birthday picnic. It was a warm day as well, so I imagined it would be busy- which it was! We packed sandwiches filled with mozzarella, salami and tomatoes, made little mozzarella and parma ham tapas, hand cut crisps, and a 375ml bottle of good Italian prosecco! 

I packed a towel as a blanket and a packet of cards to play, and we hit the road. It took approximately 30 minutes to walk there, but there's lots of atmosphere, and you can choose to take the “shopping” route, which we did this on the way back, or the “scenic” route.  We found a spot under a tree and enjoyed our picnic…it was the perfect birthday setting.

The evening of my birthday…disaster struck

It was around 8 pm and I was checking Bradley and me into our flights online, and I suddenly realised I hadn’t seen my passport. I searched in the apartment, I got Bradley to search, but after an hour, there was no passport. Yes, the worst had happened, I lost my passport in Italy.

4 months in South America…not a problem…three days in Italy..a problem. I had to go to the police station to file a missing passport report which took around two hours, and then needed to contact the relevant embassies to try and get me out of the country.

To say it was stressful was an understatement, but once we had finished at the police station at around 11 pm, we went in search for a restaurant to try and salvage what was left of my birthday! One lasagna, bottle of wine, and large Limoncello later, I felt calmer.

I did get home in the end….but as a tip, just make sure you file a police report straight away, and always carry a backup copy of your passport (a photocopy), or your driving licence as another form of identification.

We were meant to spend the day exploring Milan before our evening flight, but because of what happened, I had to spend the day trying to get out of the country, so there was no time for sightseeing- I did get to spend 8 hours in the airport though….

So there you have it; Turin was a wonderful place in Italy, and I highly recommend it if you want authentic Italy, without the tourist price tag.

No one was trying to rip you off, and that was nice just being able to choose places based on what they looked like, rather than what their menu prices were (we are budget backpackers after all).

Hopefully you may find some inspiration from my short Turin city guide, just don't lose your passport like I did! If you have been to Torino before let me know what you thought!

For more help planning your Italy trip, be sure to check out ...

• Best Car Rentals in Italy
• Best Luxury Hotels In The Dolomites
• Venice On A Budget
• The Best Things To Do In Verona
• Rome On A Budget

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15 Best Things to Do in Turin: Your Complete Turin Travel Guide

I believe you are here because you want to know what are the best things to do in Turin. Good news! You are in the right place. And I want to take you beyond, so you are fully prepared for your trip and know all the essentials to put together your itinerary for Turin. 

Turin is the capital city of Piedmont in northern Italy , known for its refined architecture and cuisine. However, this is a very industrial area of Italy. Italians say that Piedmont is a perfect place for work, but what about tourism? Is Turin worth visiting?

Turin is one of the most artistic Italian cities with its historical palaces and shops. 

It offers glamour, vintage cafes, a great food scene, one of the most famous parks in Italy, a lot of museums, and exquisite palaces. So if you ask me, yes, Turin is worth visiting. Especially if you enjoy city breaks away from tourist hotspots.

In this article, I will share the best things to do in Turin and a lot of useful information to make your planning even easier.

At the end of the article, you can find a one-day itinerary for Turin that includes most of the things from this list. I can guarantee that after reading this article, you will be ready for your trip to Turin.

*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

15 best things to do in Turin

Now, that you know all the practical information about Turin, it’s time to talk about the best things to do in Turin. I have included a few fun activities, food experiences, main attractions, museums and the most beautiful palaces in entire Italy.

I am sure that every single one of you will find something interesting and exciting in this of the best things to do in Turin. Let’s get to it!

Try Bicerin at Caffè Platti

Turin is the city of chocolate, so, a lot of the specialties of the Piedmont capitals are sweets. One of my favorites is Bicerin, and there is no better place for you to try than Caffè Platti.

Caffè Platti was opened in 1870 and since then, it has been one of the most beloved places by the people of Turin. The place has served people like Luigi Einaudi, the first president of the Republic, Senator Giovanni Agnelli, and Cesare Pavese.

The aristocratic interiors will catch your attention. Here you will find crystal chandeliers, large mirrors refined in gold, a majestic wood bar, and the stucco ceilings decorated with gold are just the beginning of a wonderful experience. I’m sure you are tempted to visit already!

Bicerin is not the only specialty that this fancy place offers. Try one of their croissants or taste their delicious pastries and make your experience even sweeter.

RELATED : 5 Authentic Experiences in Piedmont

Visit one of the famous museums: the Egyptian museum, car museum, cinema museum, or Lavazza museum

Turin is a city of museums. Are you passionate about old civilization and archeology? Or maybe you are more into modern history? When you visit Turin, you will find all the museums you need. Here are the 4 best museums in Turin.

The Egyptian Museum is the real institution of the city. It houses one of the largest collections of Egyptian antiquities, with more than 30,000 artifacts.

It is considered the second most important Egyptology collection in the world, after the Egyptian Museum of Cairo. If you are a history lover, you simply must include this in your Turin guide.

The Car Museum (MAUTO) has a collection of almost 200 cars and it’s one of those things to see in Turin to get in touch with the culture of Italy.

If you didn’t know this already, Turin is the birthplace of Fiat and Lancia. That’s why it is considered the Italian capital of car production. Here you will learn the history of the iconic Fiat 500 and other classics like Alfa Romeo and Ferrari.

The symbol of Turin, which you can see on the Italian 2 cents coins – Mole Antonelliana – hosts the Museum of Cinema. It houses pre-cinematographic optical devices such as magic lanterns, earlier and current film technologies, stage items from early Italian movies, and other memorabilia.

You can also ride a panoramic lift, with transparent glass walls, where you can have a breathtaking 360 panorama of Turin.

Museo Lavazza is another way to discover the soul of Turin and the entire Italy. It is one of the most recent museums in the city and if you ask me one of those cool things to do in Turin. Here you can learn about the coffee culture and how the Italian coffee industry developed through the years.

Take a photo of The Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista

The Duomo of Turin is the main church of the city. The church is built next to a bell tower and it is one of the best photo spots in Turin. 

When you visit the Duomo, don’t miss the Chapel of the Holy Shroud. The Shroud of Turin is a religious relic believed by many to be the burial shroud of Jesus of Nazareth.

In addition to the Shroud, you will also find the tomb of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925). Turin native, a fun-loving, avid athlete, devout Catholic, and benefactor of the poor, called the “Saint for the youth of the Third Millennium.” Several royal consorts and princesses are buried here.

RELATED : Complete Milan Itinerary: How to Spend 3 days in Milan

Find Porta Palatina

Porta Palatina is a Roman Age city gate. The Palatine Gate represents the primary archaeological evidence of the city’s Roman phase and it is approximately 30 meters tall.

There you can walk in an archeological garden and discover one of the best-preserved gates of the Roman Age gates in all of Italy. In the park, you can also find the ruins of the Roman theatre of the city.

Adding Porta Palatina to your Turin itinerary will make you discover an alternative side of the Piedmont capital. And it’s another great photo spot in Turin.

Go shopping in the area of Piazza San Carlo

Piazza San Carlo is one of Turin’s main squares and it’s a wonderful example of Baroque style. In this big square, you can find two “twin” churches – the church of San Carlo Borromeo and the church of Santa Cristina, the statue of Emanuele Filiberto, and fancy palaces and porticoes. 

Under the porticoes, you will find some of the best shops in Turin. Loads of luxury brands together with local ateliers and boutiques. We all know how much Italians love fashion, so this is something that you shouldn’t miss. 

The square is also hosting big social events for the city, making it the heart and soul of Turin. Between a boutique and another one find the Porta del Diavolo, a wooden door rich in details. It is one of the most popular photo spots in Turin.

RELATED : Cinque Terre Travel Guide: All You Need to Know Before Visiting Cinque Terre

Explore the gastronomy of Piedmont in Turin

Everyone knows that Italy is a country of food. Every region has its delicacies and famous dishes and Piedmont is not an exception.

The most famous Turin dish is definitely the Bagna Cauda which literally means “hot sauce”. It’s prepared with garlic, anchovies, and olive oil and it is used as a dip for vegetables.

Vitello Tonnato is a dish of cold, sliced veal covered with a creamy, mayonnaise sauce that has been flavored with tuna. It is served chilled or at room temperature. 

While Bagna Cauda is naturally an autumn-winter dish, Vitello Tonnato is perfect for summer. At the same time, it is a classic dish for Christmas.

Agnolotti al Plin are the Piedmontese version of Ravioli. They can be stuffed with vegetables or meat. It is typically eaten with the sauce of roasted meat, but you can also taste them with butter and sage.

Bonet in the Piedmontese dialect means hat. It is the most famous dessert in Piedmontese cuisine. It consists of a chocolate pudding with a delicate rum flavor, and it’s covered in caramel and amaretti.

Another institution in Turin and Piedmont is the wine culture. I already talked about the best wine experience in Piedmont in another article, so click here if you want to know more . But keep in mind, a meal in Turin can’t be complete without a glass of Barbera, Barolo, Roero, or Barbaresco.

See the most important palaces – Palazzo Reale di Torino, Palazzo Madama, Palazzo Carignano

Your Turin itinerary can be really complete only when you visit at least one of its palaces. These are hands down the most beautiful palaces in Turin, so make sure you discover at least one of these gems.

Palazzo Reale di Torino is located in the heart of Turin in Piazza Castello. It was designed by the Baroque architect Filippo Juvarra. Inside, the palace will surprise you with its aristocratic design, a huge private collection of paintings, and the Armeria Reale – a collection of weapons. It will take you 2 hours to visit this palace.

Palazzo Madama is another of those places to see in Turin. Just like the facade of the Royal Palace, Filippo Juvarra is once again the architect who designed the Palazzo Madama. It was the first Senate of the Kingdom of Italy and takes its traditional name from the embellishments it received under two queens of the House of Savoy. Nowadays it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Palazzo Carignano is a historical building in the center of Turin, which houses the only Museum of the Risorgimento in Italy. It was a private residence of the Princes of Carignano. Just like Palazzo Madama, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The curvy, baroque facade is the most distinctive part of the palace.

Inside the Museum of Risorgimento, you can learn about the history of the unification of Italy.

RELATED : One Day in Portofino: Perfect Itinerary and Best Things to Do in Portofino

Try the best local chocolate at Baratti & Milano and visit Galleria Subalpina

If someone asked me: what is your favorite cafe in Italy? My answer will be undoubtedly the Baratti Milano. This historical cafe was established in 1858 and t is the birthplace of the chocolate candy Cremino.

Once you step inside, you will be surrounded by a regal atmosphere. You will admire Cristal chandeliers, golden silk curtains, precious marble and woods, and stuccoed ceilings. The bar is decorated with great taste and style, making this cafe an absolute must for your Turin itinerary. But wait until you discover the best part – the food and drinks!

In autumn and winter try their hot chocolate. Locals claim that it is the best hot chocolate in Turin. It will wrap your mouth in a triumph of sweetness and taste warming up your body and spirit. If it’s too hot for chocolate, try one of their aperitifs, served in style with some little snacks. You can also purchase their chocolate for a takeaway and that’s something that you don’t want to miss.

When you leave the cafe, don’t forget to take a picture of one of the most instagrammable places in Turin – the Galleria Subalpina.

Discover a hidden gem – Cinema Lux

Galleria Subalpina is not the only picturesque gallery you will find in Turin. Galleria San Federico is another galley that deserves your attention. Inside the gallery, you will find the historical Cinema Lux, cute bars, and other fancy shops. The famous movie Deep Red had a scene filmed in this spot. 

I would recommend you add this to your list of the things to see in Turin. For locals, this is not a hidden gem, but I noticed that other Turin guides don’t mention anything about this beautiful place in Turin. See it for your yourself!

RELATED : Beyond Cinque Terre: The Most Beautiful Towns in Liguria

Visit Mercato di Porta Palazzo

The Mercato di Porta Palazzo hosts the biggest open-air market in Europe and here you can discover Turin in a different way. Try their local products and eat your way through Turin.

You can find some local restaurants inside the market and this is going to be one of your best food experiences in Turin. If you ask me, the cuisine of Piedmont is so underrated. So in the next chapter, I was to talk about it more.

Don’t miss the old, but beautiful facade that was renovated to celebrate the 100 years of the unification of Italy!

Get lost at La Venaria Reale

My personal highlight of my Turin itinerary was visiting the Royal Palace of Venaria Reale. So if you ask me, this is one of the best things to do in Turin.

Technically, Venaria Reale is located 20 kilometers away from Turin, but it is extremely well connected to the center of Turin and you easily add it to your Turin itinerary. To be precise, this is one of the best things to do around Turin.

You will need to find the bus service called Venaria Express which leaves from Piazza Vittorio Veneto and Piazza Castello. Venaria Express runs every hour and will take you to the Royal palace in less than one hour. There are other local buses, but you will need to use Google Maps to find the most convenient option. You can use a taxi or FreeNow. 30 minutes ride will cost you around 20 euros.

The Royal palace is a real must see in Turin and once you step in, you will understand why. The decorations of the palace are absolutely remarkable, and the view of Galleria Grande is one of the most beautiful rooms in Italy. After taking the perfect photos of the Galleria Grande, head to the gardens. If you feel tired, you can also ride the little train and save your legs.

How did I get it so empty? The trick is to come here before closing time. The last entrance is 1 hour before closing time and you will need approximately 1-2 hours to see it all. The entrance fee is between 16 to 20 euros and this includes gardens as well.

RELATED : 8 Best Genoa Tours: Local Experiences in Genoa That You Will Love

Relax at the QC Termetorino – thermal waters of Turin

Looking for a gateway from the heat and the crowds? You can find your escape in the heart of Turin and it is called QC Termetorino. A true oasis of beauty in the city center: a historic building from the late nineteenth century and a picturesque Renaissance park.

Choose some special treatments of massages, or a wealth path. Perfect for solo travelers or couples. QC Termetorino really knows how to spoil their customer. I mean, you can even spoil yourself with a wellness lunch or aperitivo while wearing your robe!

Click here to check their offers and prices and book your experience at QC Termetorino.

Stroll the Parco del Valentino 

Parco del Valentino is one of the biggest public parks in Turin. It is located along the west bank of the Po river. This park has been nominated “The best Italian park” after a selection among the fifteen best Italian parks.

Here you can find the famous street lamps sitting on the bench together and the medieval village. It is probably the most photographed place in Turin. And strolling Valentino park is one of the fun things to do in Turin to escape the crowd. It gets even more beautiful in the fall as the part turns into a colorful paradise.

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Catch the sunset at Monte dei Capuccini and capture the beauty of Mole Antonelliana

Your perfect Turin guide must include the best sunset spot to end your day in Turin. Just a short ride away from the center you will find the Monte dei Cappuccini. 

If you want to walk, you will have to cross Po, which is the longest river in Italy, and climb up until Monte Dei Cappuccini. Your final destination on Google Maps should be Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini.

Another great photo spot in Turin, so bring your camera and don’t forget a zoom lens. You can take a perfect photo of the Mole Antonelliana with the alps in the background. Sunset just makes it even better. And the best part – it didn’t seem like a busy spot. Especially if you compare it to other famous viewpoints around Italy.

What to do in Turin for a day?

As I mentioned earlier, you can fit the main attraction of Turin in one day. Here is my one day Turin itinerary, so you can make the most of 24 hours in Turin. Once again, you won’t be able to do it all, but this is the best way to discover Turin in one day.

Morning of your Turin itinerary

Your day starts with a breakfast in Platti Caffè, walking to Porta del Diavolo, and finding yourself in Piazza San Carlo. Check the porticoes and boutiques and choose if you prefer to visit Palazzo Madama, Royal Palace, or the Egyptian Museum. You can have lunch in Porta Palazzo which is located nearby.

Afternoon of your Turin itinerary

After lunch, take a taxi or a bus to go to Venaria Reale, in order to visit this Royal residence you will need at least two hours. Once you are done with the Palace, go back for an aperitivo in Baratti Milano inside the Galleria Subalpina. After, visit Cinema Lux and get ready for dinner.

Evening of your Turin itinerary

Walk to piazza palazzo di Città and see the Duomo nearby. A few meters away from you, you will find the restaurant L’Osto del Borgh Vej to try some Piedmontese specialties.

Useful tips to know before visiting Turin

How to arrive in turin .

Caselle is the only airport in Turin. It has several train stations and a bus terminal. If you are based in Europe many low-cost airlines and bus companies will take you to Caselle airport. If you arrive from other continents you could possibly land at Malpensa Airport, which is approximately 2 hours away from the city. 

Arriving in Turin by air . Caselle airport is located approximately 20 kilometers away from Turin’s center. From there you can easily reach the center by bus, train or taxi. The bus ticket is 7.50 euros and the bus comes every 15 or 30 minutes. The train from the airport is currently unavailable from the airport due to work. Taxi is the most comfortable option and you will arrive in the center of Turin in less than 40 minutes. You can use an application called FreeNow.

Arriving in Turin by train . Turin’s main train Station is Torino Porta Nuova. It is located in a strategic and central position in the city, and it’s the third biggest train station in Italy after Rome and Milan. Make sure you stop and appreciate the beauty of the station, especially in the Gonin Room. If you ask me, it is one of those beautiful places that you should see in Turin.

Arriving in Turin by bus . International companies like Flixbus stop here. The Bus Terminal is in Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and it’s very well connected with the rest of the city. You can take a bus or a train.

How many days in Turin?

In order to visit Turin and its treasures properly, you need at least a couple of days in Turin. If you are planning to spend only one day in Turin, you will have to give up most of the museums and palaces. But you could still discover the main attractions of Turin if you are willing to walk around a lot.

Where to stay in Turin?

Turin is the 4th largest city in Italy, so I advise a central position. The area of Piazza San Carlo is ideal and it will give you the possibility to walk to all the major attractions. Also, you have access to public transport that can take you anywhere.

LUXURY: Royal Palace Hotel

The convenient position makes it the perfect base to visit Turin. What will astonish you, is the architecture of the house and the beauty of the rooms. Some of them, even with a remarkable view of the city. This is truly one of the best places to stay in Turin if you are willing to splurge.

Click here to see rates & availability and book your stay in this luxury hotel in Turin.

MID-RANGE: Corte Realdi Luxury Rooms Torino

The hotel is located in one of the two main squares of Turin, in a splendid historical palace. The interiors are decorated with a lovely taste. They offer Italian breakfast to all their guests. Some of their rooms have a fantastic view over the castle of Turin.

Click here to see rates & availability and book your stay in this mid-range hotel in Turin.

AFFORDABLE: Hotel Torino Porta Susa 

The rooms are simple but modern and the position is great. You can walk to all the main attractions or take the metro to reach them. The closest metro station is located a few meters away. They offer you a buffet breakfast.

Click here to see rates & availability and book your stay in this affordable hotel in Turin.

Fun facts about Turin

• Turin was the first place in Italy that showed a movie in a cinema.
• This is the birthplace of solid chocolate, it can be traced back to 1560.
• Turin was made the first Capital city of a Unified Italy in 1861, however, it was later moved to Florence in 1865 and Rome in 1870.
• The first subway in the world without a driver was opened in Turin
• Turin has unique fountains called Toret where water comes out from the mouth of a bull, make sure you find at least one.
• Turin is the birthplace of the cone for ice cream.

Further reading for the best things to do in Turin

5 Authentic Experiences in Piedmont

100+ Best Italy Quotes and Italy Instagram Captions

Best Italian Songs to Spike Your Wanderlust

Or read about other popular regions of Italy

Dolomites | Liguria | Lombardy | Piedmont | Puglia | Sicily | Tuscany | Veneto

Other useful tips for visiting Italy

🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or Agoda 💃 How about fun experiences? GetYourGuide and Viator have it all 🚗 Considering renting a car in Italy? Use Rentalcars ✈️ Looking for the best flight deals? Check WayAway 🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from HeyMondo

In conclusion…

I am sure that this guide covers all the questions that you might have about Turin and helps you to sum up the best things to do in Turin that you want to add to your itinerary. Now it’s time to arrive in Turin and simply make the best of your time there.

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

Pin it for later and make sure you save the best things to do in Turin!

14 Comments

You make it all look so dreamy. Turin hasn’t been on my radar for places in Italy to visit, but you convinced me otherwise. Such lovely and elegant architecture, especially those coffee houses. Coffee and chocolate lovers take note! Thanks for the inspiring article.

What fantastic attractions in this lesser-known location. The Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista is gorgeous — do you know if it is possible to climb that bell tower?

Lovely blog, Lasma. Turin has been creeping up higher and higher on my places to visit, especially since I became aware of the fantastic Egyptian collection there. I also LOVE the elegant coffee houses. They are truly stunning, and no doubt offer many delicious selections. I found the Turin cuisine very interesting, as I have been to Italy many times (although never to the Piedmont region) and was completely unfamiliar with those dishes. I would assume truffles are famous in that area as well.

I’ve been to Turin a few years ago and fell in love with its museums, architecture, and food! This blog post is amazing, thank you so much for sharing it 🙂

I do love the architecture in Turin. When it comes to food, you got my attention with my two favourites: coffee and chocolate. A visit to Museo Lavazza would be on my list of must dos.

Woooah! I had no idea that Turin was so important in the history of chocolate! I feel like that is a good excuse for trying lots of it! 😉

The architecture is beautiful – I love the look of Piazza San Carlo and the views from Monte dei Capuccini at sunset are just perfect! As always, you found the most pretty areas of the city.

I would love to visit Turin, Italy. Love this guide on all the things you do, places to eat, and where yo stay. I’m a big fan of chocolate and would especially love to check out Baratti Milano.

Turin seems so underrated! I absolutely adore all the architecture. I always seem to have a reason to want to return to Italy, so I will definitely keep Turin in mind!

Turin looks like a beautiful place to visit! And learning it is the city of chocolate has bumped it up my to visit list! The Egyptian Museum sounds like a fascinating place to visit too! Thanks for the great guide!

The Northern Region of Italy is one we have yet to really explore. So it was great to learn more about Turin. It is definitely a spot we would like to spend a few days. The buildings are so beautiful inside and outside. And of course the food in Italy is always a big draw.

Caffè Platti is so beautiful! I would feel like royalty eating there and sipping on coffee. As always, beautiful pictures Lasma!

This guide is making me want to head back to Turin!! It looks incredible, and I need to check out that chocolate shop!

I love this list of the best 15 things to do in Turin! I loved the cafes of the city! Where is chocolate is happiness! The car museum is also something really remarkable! This guide inspired me to go back again!

Makes me happy to read that. Thank you so much ❤️

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Discover the Best Way to See Turin, Italy

Mike Matthews Photography/Getty Images

Turin, or Torino , is a city with a rich cultural history in the Piedmont ( Piemonte ) region of Italy between the Po River and the foothills of the Alps. Famous for the Shroud of Turin , an important Christian artifact, and Fiat auto plants, the city was Italy 's first capital. Turin remains a hub of business activity within the country and the European Union.

Turin doesn't have the tourism industry that Rome, Venice, and other parts of Italy have, but it's a great city for exploring nearby mountains and valleys. And its Baroque cafes and architecture, arcade shopping promenades, and museums give Turin plenty to offer the adventurous tourist.

Location and Transportation

Turin is served by a small airport , Citta di Torino-Sandro Pertini, with flights to and from Europe. The closest airport for flights from the United States is in Milan, a little over an hour away by train. 

Trains and intercity buses provide transportation to and from Turin from other towns. The main railway station is Porta Nuova in the center at Piazza Carlo Felice. The Porta Susa Station serves trains to and from Milan and is connected to the city center and the main station by bus.

Turin has an extensive network of trams and buses that run from early morning until midnight. There are also electric mini-buses in the city center. Bus and tram tickets can be bought in a tabacchi shop.

What to See and Do

• Piazza Castello and Palazzo Reale are at the center of Turin. The square is a pedestrian area with benches and small fountains, ringed by beautiful, grand buildings.
• The Via Po is an interesting walking street with long arcades and many historic palaces and cafes. Start at Piazza Castello .
• Mole Antonelliana , a 167-meter tall tower built between 1798 and 1888, houses an excellent cinema museum. A panoramic lift takes you to the top of the tower for some expansive views of the city.
• Palazzo Carignano is the birthplace of Vittorio Emanuele II in 1820. The Unification of Italy was proclaimed here in 1861. It now houses the Museo del Risorgimento and you can see the royal apartments Royal Armory, too.
• Museo Egizio is a large Egyptian museum housed in a huge baroque palace. The palace also holds the Galleria Sabauda with a large collection of historic paintings.
• Piazza San Carlo , known as the "drawing room of Turin", is a beautiful baroque square with the twin churches of San Carlo and Santa Cristina as well as the above museum.
• Il Quadrilatero is an interesting maze of back streets with sprawling markets and splendid churches. This is another good place to wander.
• Elegant and historic bars and cafes are everywhere in central Turin. Try a bicerin , a local layered drink made with coffee, chocolate, and cream. Cafes in Turin also serve other interesting trendy coffee drinks .
• Borgo Mediovale , or medieval Borgo, is a recreation of a medieval village with a castle, created in 1884 for the International Exposition in the city of Turin. It's by the river in the Parco del Valentino.
• Turin was one of the first cities in Italy to embrace a cafe society. Besides hot drinks, ice cream, pastries, and alcoholic drinks, many cafes serve food appetizers with the evening aperitive . Since you pay more to sit down, either inside or outside, make it worthwhile by spending some time at your table enjoying the scene.
• Shroud of Turin Museum: The Shroud of Turin, or the Holy Shroud, is housed in the Turin Cathedral but is only put on display for certain periods. The Museum of the Holy Shroud is open daily.

The Piedmont region has some of the best food in Italy. More than 160 types of cheese and famous wines like Barolo and Barbaresco come from this area, as do truffles, which are plentiful in the autumn. You'll find outstanding pastries, especially chocolate ones, and it’s worth noting that the concept of chocolate for eating as we know it today (bars and pieces) originated in Turin. The chocolate-hazelnut sauce, gianduja , is a specialty.

Turin celebrates its patron saint of Joseph in the Festa di San Giovanni June 24 with events all day and a huge fireworks display at night. There's a big chocolate festival in March and several music and theater festivals in summer and fall. During the Christmas season there's a two-week street market and on New Year's Eve, Turin hosts an open-air concert in the main piazza.

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Things to do in Turin: a 4-day itinerary

Read on to learn about all the best things to do in Turin with this detailed 4-day itinerary packed with great experiences.

Table of Contents

If you’re looking for a cool city break in Italy, then Piedmont’s capital is a fantastic option to consider. Read on to learn about all the best things to do in Turin with this detailed 4-day itinerary.

With a past as the seat of the royal Savoy family and Italy’s first capital , Turin is jam-packed with grandiose palaces, fascinating museums, and elegant squares. It has plenty on offer when it comes to food, too, with a wealth of local specialties that are guaranteed to impress your taste buds.  And all of that without the crowds that we are used to seeing in Italy’s big three (i.e. Rome, Florence, and Venice).

Turin is also home to some of Italy’s most iconic brands , from Fiat to Lavazza, each with a cool corporate museum to explore. What’s more, the city’s strong industrial vocation and pivotal role in promoting Italian creativity and innovation worldwide even had Turin recognized as a UNESCO Creative City in 2014 .

So, here’s an itinerary based on my recent trip , covering pretty much all of the best things to do in Turin. It’s designed to explore by foot, so pack your comfy shoes and be ready to walk well over 25,000 steps a day! And if you’re not a walker, don’t worry, the city is well served by trams and has even a metro line.

One last thing: since food is one of the best parts of any trip to Italy, you can find my recommendations about restaurants in Turin here.

Day 1 in Turin

Start your exploration of Turin from Piazza Castello, one of the city’s main gathering points and a great spot to enjoy some people watching. At its core stands Palazzo Madama , a key site in Turin’s history. Originally created as a Roman gate, in 1848 it became the seat of the first Senate of the Italian Kingdom and today it houses the Civic Museum of Ancient Art.

Expect to spend at least a good couple of hours in the palace and try to arrive around lunchtime to avoid the crowds. At the end of the visit, take a break at the Royal Café , hidden under an arcade in the Court of Honor, where you can linger over a drink surrounded by beautiful antique porcelain from the royal collections. Then, follow the locals walking through the arcades and into the splendid Royal Gardens , which extends over an area of five hectares.

A quick walk from the Royal Palace will take you to the Cathedral of St John the Baptist , Turin’s key religious center. Although its marble facade may look a little plain, the church boasts a series of precious chapels inside, including that of the Holy Shroud , which is believed to be the linen cloth in which Jesus’ body was wrapped.

Roughly on the opposite side of the Cathedral stands Porta Palatina , a beautifully preserved red-brick Roman gate guarded by the statues of Augustus and Caesar. Together with the remains of a 1st-century amphitheater, the gate is part of a little archeological park that reminds of the city’s history as a Roman military colony.

The Quadrilatero Romano is close to another interesting corner of Turin, the market of Porta Palazzo , Europe’s largest open-air market with hundreds of colorful stalls selling anything from food to clothes. You’ll find it every day from Monday to Friday between 7 am and 2 pm and on Saturdays from 7 am to 7:30 pm (better to go there in the morning).

Day 2 in Turin

Your first stop for the day is Piazza Carignano , one of the most beautiful squares in town, ringed with some of Turin’s oldest establishments. These include Pepino 1884 , which patented the world’s first chocolate-covered gelato on a stick (the ‘Pinguino’) in 1939, and the fascinating Del Cambio Restaurant , patronized by the likes of Cavour, Casanova, Puccini, and Nietzsche.

Here I suggest splurging on a nice breakfast or aperitivo at Farmacia del Cambio , a charming café housed inside a former pharmacy dating from 1833. Its outdoor tables face the magnificent Carignano Palace, whose architecture is reminiscent of the first drawings of the Louvre that Bernini had prepared for Louis XIV. The building is home to the National Museum of Italian Risorgimento , whose extraordinary collection offers an incredible history lesson about the unification of Italy in the 19th century (the Risorgimento) and the creation of a modern state. Visiting this museum is definitely one of my favorite things to do in Turin!

Palazzo Carignano itself played a key role in Italian history. It served as the official residence of the Savoy family for over 150 years, Carlo Alberto and Vittorio Emanuele II were born here and then became the seat of Italy’s first parliament. One of the highlights of the visit is precisely the original parliamentary room , which is the only one still completely intact among those that were born in Europe with the revolutions of 1848!

The square is ringed by elegant porticoes that house a number of splendid historical establishments. These include the Belle Époque-style Caffè Torino , with a cool Martini sign flashing above its outdoor tables, the ancient confectionary Stratta  specialized in a variety of artisanal sweet treats, and the splendid Caffè San Carlo , where you can treat yourselves to a special lunch in the beautiful dehors.

By the way, there’s a golden bull embedded in the pavement right at the entrance of Café Torino and it’s said that rubbing it with your shoe brings good luck – exactly like the bull mosaic in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, minus the queues!

If you’ve got some money to burn, enjoy some shopping in via Garibaldi , where you’ll find all the major high-street brands, and via Roma , a delightful porticoed street filled with elegant boutiques and opening on one side onto Galleria San Federico , one of the city’s beautiful covered passages.

Plan to reach the Egyptian Museum of Turin  around mid-afternoon, in order to have enough time to browse the outstanding exhibition with no rush. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Turin and for a good reason. Founded in 1824, it’s the world’s oldest museum devoted to Egyptian art and culture and its collection of over 40,000 Egyptian antiquities is second only to the one in Cairo. The items on display throughout the museum’s 15 rooms include anything from everyday items and precious scrolls to mummified bodies and impressive sarcophagi.

Day 3 in Turin

The third day of your Turin city break will be all about enchanting views and cool stuff. First off, head to the Mole Antonelliana , the iconic symbol of Turin that catches the eye pretty much from any point in town.

The elevator passes right through the middle of the building, offering a really cool perspective of the National Museum of Cinema  housed inside the Mole. This is a fabulous museum that I recommend checking out when in Turin because it’s great fun for both kids and adults. The exhibition takes you on a journey through the history of cinema and the various phases of making a movie. I’m sure the items on display will spark your memories of movie scenes and actors at every turn due to the richness of the collection, from the original Darth Vader and Chewbacca masks to the script of Psycho.

Stretching from the end of Via Po down to the river is  Piazza Vittorio Veneto , the largest porticoed square in Europe , dotted with countless shops and cafés. The best viewpoint to appreciate the grandeur of this piazza is the Church of Gran Madre di Dio standing right across the Vittorio Emanuele I bridge (see the cover photo of this article). By the way, legend has it that this church is the place where the Holy Grail is kept!

From there, Monte dei Cappuccini is a 10 minutes’ walk away up a shady road. It’s a bit steep, but once you get to the top you’ll be rewarded with some truly beautiful views of Turin and the Alps. While you’re up there, you can pop into the Church of Santa Maria del Monte, check out the National Museum of Mountains , or simply enjoy a peaceful break away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Day 4 in Turin

If you have an extra day in Turin, head out of town to the Royal Palace of Venaria , the stunning estate of the Savoy family located on the outskirts of the city. Catch the Venaria Express shuttle bus from Piazza Castello and after a 30 minutes’ ride, you’ll reach this grandiose baroque palace that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Each room is richly decorated with countless works of art, including precious paintings, tapestries, sculptures, and silverware. The most famous spot inside the palace is the Great Gallery , which is even more spectacular than the photos you normally see on the web. It’s an 80-meter long covered passage built to connect the King’s apartments to those of his son, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the gardens creating amazing light effects.

When booking your tickets online (which I highly recommend doing as queues are super long), you have the option to visit also the Castle of La Mandria , which served as the personal retreat of King Vittorio Emanuele II in 1859. There are 20 rooms to explore there, each offering an interesting insight into the king’s life and personal tastes. The castle is about 2 km away from the palace and is surrounded by a beautiful park, so you will need a full day out to visit also this area.

Other great day trips from Turin include the  Castle of Moncalieri , the  Stupinigi Hunting Lodge,  and the ancient Sacra di San Michele . Oh, and if you’re in need of some retail therapy, the Torino Outlet Village is a great destination for a shopping spree!

If you have a bit more time, consider exploring Piedmont’s Langhe wine region or treat yourself to an authentic farm stay in Alta Langa .

Torino Card

If you’re planning to visit lots of sites during your trip to Turin, then you should consider getting a Torino + Piemonte Card . It’s valid for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days and grants free admission to all the top museums, castles, and royal residences in Turin and around Piedmont, as well as reductions for the panoramic lift of Mole Antonelliana, the Sassi – Superga rack tramway and the Venaria Express shuttle bus. On top of this, you’ll also get discounts on various cultural sites and events in the region. You can easily buy it in the online shop of Turismo Torino .

So, that’s it, guys! I hope this guide will help you plan your next trip to Turin and as usual, if you have any questions or would like to share any tips about this city, just leave a message in the comments below 🙂

Ciao for now,

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23 thoughts on “things to do in turin: a 4-day itinerary”.

I love the photos of the museum most of all! Turin is now going on my bucketlist! Thanks so much for a comprehensive guide. <3

Oh my god what a gorgeous city- the architecture has me drooling. Marked to be consulted whenever I plan a trip to this beautiful Italian heaven.

I’ve flown to Turin a few times but I’ll admit I’ve never stopped by the city itself. What a mistake! It looks fantastic – and packed with things to do. I’m absolutely adding Turin to my city break wish list, and dreaming of coffee on it’s cobbled streets already.

Wow the architecture in Turin is just incredible. I had no idea that this was the first capital of Italy. It is surprising to me that it does not receive as many tourists for that reason. I would love to add Turin as a destination, especially the Royal Palace!

The Royal Palace in Turin is what added this to my wish list! SO beautiful. I kept going back to that. The food definitely looks very interesting. Also, your photos are absolutely incredible!

Stunning indeed!Thanks so much for stopping by

That Mole building is gorgeous and the museum within sounds great. Your itinerary is so useful and inclusive. I would love to visit Turin.

Aw, thank you Melinda!

You seemed to have explored Turin to the fullest! I love the Royal Palace and it reminded me of Doge’s Palace interiors in Venice. The Egyptian Museum of Turin would definitely be on my list, more than 40k Egyptian antiquities is a lot! I can imagine myself getting lost there for hours. Valentino Park looks lush green and a great place for a quiet evening walk.

I spent hours in the Egyptian Museum, soooo beautifully interesting!

You had me at Darth Vader mask. Turin has been cropping up in my feed a lot so excited to discover what to do there. Love the idea of visiting one of the car museums. great tip about the tower – I love taking in the view of a city before exploring. But I’ll have to pass on the shopping and spending more on bunets. :)


Ah, those bunets! 😀

I have not made it to Turin yet. It is high on my list of to-see-‘s in Italy. I have to say though your vivid photos make me feel as if I am there. That is some awesome skills you got there. The Royal Palace and the Museum of Cinema are now on my list and so is this blog!

Thank you Adele!!

I had no idea there is so much to see and do in Turin. What a wonderful city, I’d love to visit it someday. The Egyptian Museum seems particularly interesting, but my favorite place from your itinerary is the Royal Palace, with its stunning Baroque staircases. Good to know that Torino Card would save you some money.

Oh Anda, Turin is so beautiful!

Yum! The bunet sounds amazing. I’ve never had it. Also, these photos make me LONG for Europe so much. The deep history and amazing buildings and palaces. Ahhhh!! I do hope to get back there someday soon. Thanks for the tour – I really needed the mental escape today.

Thanks for your kind words Jennifer, I hope you can visit Italy soon!

I loved this blog! Really great tips that I’ll definitely keep in mind one day!

Thanks so much dear x

Turin is a spot in Italy we have not yet visited. Stunning architecture is definitely a reason to visit. I certainly would love to enjoy that visual wonderland. Italian history is fascinating so I could see us spending many hours in the National Museum of Italian Risorgimento. Interesting to read that the Mole was originally a synagogue. We would absolutely want to go to the top for panoramic views. This sounds like a city where getting the city card is a great idea.

My husband and I are now in Turin for 5 days. I’m using your tips to plan our days here. You’ve given a lot of info about the places we need to see and I’m already excited! Thanks so much! P.S. There are not many tourists right now so it’s wonderful to enjoy Turin without the huge crowds.

Thanks so much for your kind words Liza, you made my day! Turin is a beautiful city and I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Get in touch if you need anything while you’re there, have a great holiday!

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An Italian travel writer in love with my country. Having travelled widely across the globe, I realized there was more to explore closer to home. My Italian Diaries is the place where I share itineraries, activities and off-the-beaten-path places to help you experience the best of Italy like a local!

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Turin’s renovated, gracious Baroque avenues and squares, opulent palaces and splendid collections of Egyptian antiquities and Northern European paintings, as well as spanking-new pedestrian-only areas, make it a pleasant surprise to those who might have been expecting satanic factories and little else. Ever since the major spruce-up for the 2006 Winter Olympics, Turin’s emphasis has been on promoting its historic urban charms, such as its genteel belle époque cafés and traditional chocolate treats – not to mention an array of walking tours that explore the city’s extraordinary, vivid heritage.

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Although originally a Roman settlement, it was the Savoy dynasty that left the largest impression on Turin: from 1563 the city was the seat of the Savoy dukes, who persecuted Piemonte’s Protestants and Jews, censored the press and placed education of the nobles in the fanatical hands of the Jesuits. The Savoys gained a royal title in 1713. After more than a century of military and diplomatic wrangling with foreign powers, Duke Carlo Alberto di Savoia teamed up with the liberal politician of the Risorgimento, Cavour, who used the royal family to lend credibility to the Italian Unification movement. In 1860, Sicily and southern Italy were handed over to Vittorio Emanuele, successor to Carlo Alberto, thereby elevating him to sovereign of all Italy. Turin became the new country’s capital, but only two years later, political turmoil moved the court to Florence, and then finally in 1870, to Rome. Turin fell into the hands of the petty Piemontese nobility and quickly became a provincial backwater. Nevertheless, it retained its regal centre: its cafés lavishly encumbered with chandeliers, carved wood, frescoes and gilt – only slightly less ostentatious than the rooms of the Savoy palaces, fourteen in all, and now all listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

World War I brought plenty of work to the city, but also food shortages, and, in 1917, street riots erupted, establishing Turin as a focus of labour activism. Gramsci led occupations of the Fiat factory, going on to found the Communist Party. By the 1950s, Turin’s population had soared to 700,000, mainly migrant workers from the poor south housed in shanty towns and shunned by the Torinesi. By the 1960s Fiat’s workforce had grown to 130,000, with a further half million dependent on the company. Today there are fewer people involved in the industry, and Fiat’s famous Lingotto factory is now a shopping centre and conference space; the gap left behind has been filled by some of the biggest names from other industries – Pininfarina, Einaudi, Ferrero, Martini & Rossi, Lavazza and many others – ensuring a continuation of Turin’s economic prosperity.

Around the corner from Piazza San Carlo, the superb Museo Egizio holds the world's second largest collection of Egyptian antiquities (after the Egyptian Museum in Cario), begun under Carlo Emanuele III in the mid-eighteenth century and added to over the ensuing centuries. A large space on the ground floor, designed by Oscar-winning set designer Dante Ferretti, evokes a vast temple with massive granite sphinxes, gods and pharaohs looming out of the subdued lighting. Upstairs, you’ll find decorated mummy cases and an intriguing assortment of everyday objects and even food – eggs, pomegranates and grain, recognizable despite their shrivelled, darkened state. The collection’s highlights are a statue of Ramses II and the Tomb of Kha and Mirit. The tomb, discovered in 1906 at Deir-el-Medina, is that of a 1400 BC architect, Kha, and his wife Mirit. Kha’s burial chamber contains after-life supplies, including a board game to while away the posthumous hours, as well as his own personal illustrated copy of the Egyptian Book of the Dead. And to ensure that Mirit kept up appearances, she was provided with a cosmetic case, wig, comb and tweezers.

Turin has been home to many major literary figures. Rousseau and Ruskin, Nietzsche, Flaubert and Twain all enjoyed sojourns here. Casanova wrote: “In Turin, the fair sex is most delightful, but the police regulations are troublesome to a degree.” Melville wondered at the architecture, commenting that even the poor breakfasted in elegant coffee shops. But perhaps Turin’s most famous literary resident is Primo Levi. Born at 75 Corso Re Umberto in 1919, Levi graduated in Chemistry from Turin University in 1941 before joining the partisans. Captured by the Nazis in 1944, he spent the rest of the war In Auschwitz. Returning to Turin, he wrote his two masterpieces, If This Is a Man and The Truce. You can visit the Centro Internazionale di Studi Primo Levi at Via del Carmine 13.

Make sure you leave some room to sample one of Turin’s signature products – chocolate, brought to the city by the Savoy family in 1559. Best known is the hazelnut milk chocolate Gianduiotto, which dates back to the nineteenth century. Some even claim that it was the Torinesi who introduced chocolate to France when chocolate making for export began in 1678.

You can sample the finest chocolate products in all Turin’s historic establishments, confectionery shops and chocolate factories: Gianduiotti, pralines, various cakes, hot chocolate, and the distinctive bicerin, which is a bit like a cappuccino but fortified with brandy, cream and chocolate. The supreme Torinese spot to buy chocolate is Gobino .

A forbidding fortified abbey anchored atop a rocky hill, the Sacra di San Michele is best approached via the small town of Sant'Ambrogio. From here, the steep ninety-minute hike is well worth the effort, both for the views and for the opportunity to soak up the eerie atmosphere. Climbing up to the abbey and hewn into the rock, a long flight of stairs – the Scalone dei Morti (Stairs of the Dead) – sets a morbid tone, for it was here that the skeletons of the monks used to be laid out for local peasants to come and pay their respects and to remind them of human frailty. The Romanesque entrance arch to the Gothic-Romanesque abbey church is carved with signs of the zodiac. If you don't fancy the climb, and have your own car, you can drive up to the abbey from the nearby town of Avigliana.

The grid street plan of Turin’s Baroque centre makes it easy to find your way around. Via Roma is the central spine of the city, lined with designer shops and ritzy cafés. It’s punctuated by the city’s most elegant piazzas: at one end Piazza Carlo Felice, boasting a small park; in the middle Piazza San Carlo, close to which are some of the more prestigious museums; and at the other end Piazza del Castello, with its royal palaces. On either side are pedestrianized shopping streets, more relaxed than Via Roma. North is Piazza della Repubblica, a huge square with the largest open-air market in Europe. To the east the porticoes of Via Po lead to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, slanting down to the River Po, from where it's a short walk to the Monte dei Cappuccini, with its stunning views of the city and the Alps. A stroll southward from Piazza Vittorio brings you to the extensive Parco del Valentino. Beyond here is the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile and the Lingotto Centre, home to the Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli , displaying the Fiat magnates’ superb private art collection, while the hills across the river are crowned by the Basilica di Superga. Further south, beyond the city limits, lies the royal Stupinigi Hunting Lodge. Outside the city limits to the northwest stands the jewel in Turin’s crown: the magnificent Venaria Reale palace and gardens. A couple of notable sights in the area around Turin can easily be visited on a day-trip, including the Sacra di San Michele and the imposing Forte di Finestrelle , in the bucolic Chisone Valley.

Top image: The city center of Turin with Mole Antonelliana tower and Alps mountains panorama, Turin, Italy © Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

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Long Weekend in Turin, Italy: An Awesome 3-Day Turin Itinerary

The capital of the Piedmont region is a surprising city break destination in northern Italy. A long weekend in Turin will allow you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city yet also enjoy a laid-back getaway filled with delicious food, beautiful views, and friendly locals.

Not sure how to plan your trip? After thoroughly exploring the city, I’m here for you with a 3-day itinerary (that can be adjusted if you want to spend 2 days in Turin or 4 days in Turin, though I don’t think 2 days are enough). Let’s get started!

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

*As a partner of the Get Your Guide affiliate program, I got a 15% discount when I purchased my Torino+Piemonte Card . That said, I always share my honest opinions.

My favorite carb in Turin: Don’t skip out on coffee and pastries/desserts at Farmacia del Cambio, but be there as soon as it opens or visit in the afternoon (and try to avoid Saturdays and Sundays) because there’s usually a long line.

Table of Contents

WHAT TO EXPECT & IS A LONG WEEKEND IN TURIN ENOUGH?

Turin’s history traces back to Roman times (though the area was inhabited even before that), but its true fame lies in its role as a royal city.

Being the capital of the Duchy of Savoy, the Kingdom of Sardinia, and the unified Kingdom of Italy – all ruled by the Savoy family – it was the dynasty’s main seat, so the city and the region are packed with centuries-old royal residences listed as one UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s also the birthplace of solid chocolate, vermouth (along with the  aperitivo  tradition), and brands like Lavazza and Fiat, as well as home to mind-blowing museums, must-try restaurants & cafes, beautiful cathedrals, Baroque architecture, and much more.

All of these should make you see why it’s worth visiting and why it’s a great weekend break destination.

How many days do you need to spend in Turin? While a long weekend might not be enough to see every nook and cranny, it can definitely give you a taste of many of its highlights and make you understand why it’s a wonderful Italian city that should not be overlooked.

You can, of course, add Turin to a longer Italy itinerary , whether you want to focus on the northern regions or travel all the way to the south.

3 Days in Turin – Itinerary Summary

Day 1: Palatine Gate, Duomo, Musei Reali (the Royal Palace), Egyptian Museum, free time in the historic center.

Day 2 (option 1): Lavazza Museum, Balon del Sabato, Porta Palazzo, free time in the historic center.

Day 2 (option 2): National Automobile Museum, Eataly Torino Lingotto, Valentino Park, San Salvario.

Day 3: Villa della Regina, Gran Madre di Dio, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, National Museum of Cinema (in the Mole Antonelliana), Palazzo Madama.

Where to Stay During a Weekend Break in Turin, Italy

If you’re a first-time visitor and only have 2-3 days, the best area to stay in Turin would be the  Historic Center (Centro Storico) , which is the location of many must-visit sites and the ideal base to explore different parts of the city.

I stayed at a central 2-bedroom apartment called Emozione Torino (suitable for up to 6 people). It’s spacious and clean, fully equipped, and is located a short walk from the main sights and museums. You can read more reviews and see the latest prices here.

A few other highly-rated accommodations in the historic center include: – Attic Hostel Torino (budget) – Q71 Timeless Suites (mid-range) – Corte Realdi Luxury Rooms Torino (luxury)

On another trip, I stayed in the tranquil neighborhood of  Crocetta  at the cozy  Hotel Liberty , situated only 10-15 minutes from the historic center. You can  browse its latest prices and availability here .

Pros and Cons of the Torino+Piemonte Card

Whether you’re a sightseeing fanatic or not, city passes are not always worth the hype, BUT the Torino+Piemonte Card  is actually a money-saver.

Considering its prices (€38/€44/€49 for a 2,3, or 5-day card) and the fact that it offers FREE entrance to every palace and museum on this Turin itinerary (each costing 10-15 euros to visit), it’s a must-buy.

Using this long weekend itinerary, the 3-day Torino+Piemonte Card can save you at least 30-35 euros (per person, assuming you’re not eligible for any other discount).

It also offers free/reduced admission to other sites in the city and the entire region, but it does not include unlimited use of public transport. That said, my weekend itinerary is pretty much walkable, so a few single tickets are enough.

See the complete list of discounts and get your Torino+Piemonte Card here .

Alternatively, you can purchase the Royal Pass (€30) , valid for 4 days and offering FREE entrance solely to the palaces and castles of the House of Savoy in Turin and Piedmont (and the Basilica of Superga), as well as discounts on a few museums and public transport.

Turin Weekend Break – Day 1 (Friday)

Italian breakfast is all about coffee and a pastry, but on your first morning, I suggest you try something else along with your croissant.

One of the best things to do in the Italian chocolate capital is to have a cup of  Bicerin , a decadent hot drink made of chocolate, coffee, and milk. 

While you’ll see it on the menu of every cafe in the city, head to the 18th-century Caffè Al Bicerin, where it was invented.

Situated in the gorgeous Piazza della Consolata (overlooking the Santuario della Consolata), this cafe is a bit pricey, but since it’s such a historic spot, I wouldn’t skip out on this experience.

Palatine Gate

Dating back to the first century BC, the Palatine Gate (Porta Palatina) is a Roman-era city gate that was used to access the Roman colony of  Julia Augusta Taurinorum .

Located in the western part of the historic center, also known as Quadrilatero Romano, it is an amazingly preserved landmark and a beautiful photo spot. 

Duomo DI Torino

The 15th-century Duomo di Torino is a must-see Renaissance-style landmark and the current home of the  Shroud of Turin  (a piece of linen sheet depicting an image of a man that is believed to be a part of Jesus’ burial garment).

Known as the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, it’s also one of the two last resting places of the House of Savoy (the other is the Basilica di Superga).

Musei Reali

You might have heard of the 16th-century Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace), but did you know that visiting it also includes access to an entire group of interconnected sites called the Musei Reali (Royal Museums)?

The palace itself was the seat of the court and the most important of the Savoy family’s residences in Piedmont, so it’s no wonder why it’s Turin’s top sight.

I especially loved the regal atmosphere of the first space you see as you enter, called Scalone d’Onore (Staircase of Honor).

A visit to the Musei Reali also covers the Royal Armory, Galleria Sabauda, Museum of Antiquities, and Cappella della Sacra Sindone (once the home of the Shroud of Turin). In addition, you can wander around the Royal Gardens free of charge.

Note that the entrance to the museums is at the lovely Piazza Castello.

Full admission is €15, but they are FREE to visit with the  Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass  (there’s no need to book your tickets in advance).

You can also take a guided tour of the Royal Palace .

There’s no shortage of restaurants in the area, but I loved Poormanger (Via Palazzo di Città, 26/B), which is all about Italian-style stuffed potatoes.

They use seasonal ingredients (mostly from the region of Piedmont) and offer great prices (€5.5-€8.5) for their hearty food.

Only a minute away, another budget-friendly Piedmontese restaurant you can check out is Piola da Cianci.

Egyptian Museum

When you want to experience the best of Turin in one weekend, the Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio) is a must-visit, even if you’re not a museum lover.

Housing the world’s second-largest collection of Egyptian antiquities (the largest is in Cairo), it’s a fantastic attraction for all ages and a highly popular museum in Italy.

It may sound odd that a European city is the location of this type of museum, but since the House of Savoy started acquiring pieces in the 18th century, the collection just kept growing, consisting of papyrus, tombs, temples, statues, and more.

At the moment, you need to  purchase your ticket in advance  and pick a specific time slot.

Full admission is €18, but it is FREE to visit with the  Torino+Piemonte Card  (when booking your entry ticket, simply choose the “Free admission by Pass” option).

Alternatively, the Royal Pass gives you a discount (when booking your ticket, choose the “Reduced Price” option). You can also take a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum .

Historic Center

Take the rest of the day to explore the enchanting historic center freely. 

Go shopping on Via Roma and Via Garibaldi, have an afternoon coffee and desserts at DAF Èlite or Farmacia Del Cambio, and take a self-guided Torinese chocolate tour at Stratta, Guido Gobino, and Caffarel (which invented the best chocolate-hazelnut treat – the  gianduiotto ).

Photograph the beautiful Palazzo Carignano (another one of the Savoy’s UNESCO-listed residences), see Piazza Carlo Alberto and Piazza San Carlo, and discover the covered arcades – Galleria Subalpina and Galleria San Federico.

If you feel like you need more time – don’t worry – you’ll have it on the other days.

Aperitivo and Dinner

The iconic Italian aperitivo tradition, a pre-meal drink (which nowadays, also includes some nibbles), was born in Turin when Antonio Benedetto Carpano invented the Vermouth in the 18th century.

Almost every bar, restaurant, and cafe in Turin offers an aperitivo, but you should go to one of the most well-known, Bar Zucca. For dinner, head to Pastificio Defilippis, established in 1872.

Here are two itinerary options for day two. If you can spend more than 3 days in Turin and extend your long weekend to 4 days (Friday-Monday), consider the second option ideal for your last day (because the first one includes a market only open on Saturdays).

Turin Weekend Break – Day 2 (Saturday) Option 1

Lavazza museum.

As the birthplace of such an incredible coffee brand like Lavazza, it’s only logical that Turin would establish a museum dedicated to it.

The first couple of rooms seem quite modest, but as your visit continues, the surprises keep coming.

You’ll get to know the brand’s history and the production process in an interactive way (using an adorable Lavazza cup), pass through some unusual yet photogenic rooms, and even taste some coffee at the end.

I highly recommend not skipping out on this place, even if you’re not necessarily a museum lover. It’s genuinely an underrated highlight of Turin and a great place to visit, no matter how old you are.

Full admission is €10, but the Lavazza Museum is FREE to visit with the  Torino+Piemonte Card .

Balon Del Sabato

Taking place every Saturday from 7 AM to 6 PM in the small neighborhood of Borgo Dora (a part of the Aurora district), the 165-year-old Balon del Sabato is Turin’s infamous historic flea market.

Hundreds of stalls take over the lovely streets, selling antique furniture, old books, and many other second-hand items.

Even if you don’t buy anything, strolling around this market is a fun activity and a great way to know another part of the city’s history and culture.

Good to know: On the second Sunday of the month in the past 35+ years, Borgo Dora also hosts the Gran Balon, which is even more extensive than the Balon del Sabato.

Porta Palazzo

Within a few minutes, you’ll get to Porta Palazzo, the largest open-air market in Europe established almost 200 years ago.

Located at Piazza della Repubblica, it also includes a few indoor markets, including Mercato Centrale and Antica Tettoia dell’Orologio.

Start by  having your lunch  here, in places such as Pescheria Gallina or Goustò. Then, take your time to explore this area to the fullest. From fruit and vegetables to cheeses and pasta to clothes and accessories, there’s nothing you can’t find here.

On Saturdays, the market is open from morning to evening, and the area can get very busy, so consider that.

Walking on Via Milano, you’ll get to the historic center again.

Apart from wandering around here some more, you can also visit one more of Turin’s museums, like the Museum of Eastern Art (€10), Gallerie d’Italia (€10), or the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento (€10).

These are all free to visit with the  Torino+Piemonte Card .

This is, of course, where you can also  have your dinner .

Turin Weekend Break – Day 2 (Saturday) Option 2

National automobile museum.

As the place where the first Fiat factory opened, Turin is a city for car fanatics.

Another highly-visited museum that caters to all ages is the National Automobile Museum, which features vehicles from the 19th century to the present day.

From antique carriages to impressive race cars to quirky designs (such as a car covered by hundreds of tiny cars), you’ll want to photograph every single item in this jaw-dropping collection.

While full admission is €15, the museum is FREE to visit with the  Torino+Piemonte Card .

Eataly Torino Lingotto

Nowadays, you can find  Eataly ‘s markets and restaurants all across the world, from the US to London to Japan. But did you know it was born in Piedmont and opened its first marketplace in Turin (in a former vermouth factory)? That’s right!

Aiming to be “a place where people can eat, shop, and learn”, at Eataly Torino Lingotto, you will have the pleasure of shopping for high-quality Italian products while also indulging in a market-to-table lunch.

Not surprisingly, I mainly bought chocolates (local must-tries like gianduiotto and cremino).

Valentino Park

If you feel like walking instead of taking the bus/Metro, it will take roughly 20-30 minutes to get to the lovely Valentino Park, one of the best places to visit in Turin .

On your way, you can stop at Pasticceria Beatrice or Caffetteria Vergnano Dal Tiepolo for coffee and desserts.

At the park, there’s quite a lot to see:

• Fontana dei 12 Mesi (Fountain of the 12 Months)
• Giardino Roccioso (Rocky Garden)
• Borgo Medievale (a picture-perfect replica of a Piedmontese medieval village)
• Castello del Valentino (one of the Savoy residences)
• Botanical Garden of the University of Turin (only open from April to October)

If you’re looking for a place to unwind yet still enjoy some of Turin’s highlights, Valentino Park will not disappoint.

San Salvario

The park is a part of the San Salvario neighborhood, and now, you can take the time to wander around its streets.

This multicultural district attracts many students due to its nightlife scene, dozens of international cuisine restaurants and cozy cafes, and affordability.

There isn’t much sightseeing to do here, but be sure to check out the gorgeous Synagogue of Turin, a total hidden gem in the city . For dinner, there’s no shortage of options, including Lo Staglio and Past-à-Porter.

Note that the western part of the neighborhood, right next to the train station, can be unpleasant to walk through when it gets dark, so keep that in mind.

Turin Weekend Break – Day 3 (Sunday)

Villa della regina.

Perched atop a hill on the eastern side of the Po River, the 17th-century Villa della Regina is an unmissable UNESCO-listed Savoy residence.

With its gorgeous gardens dotted with sculptures, fountains, and pavillions, it feels like more than “just another palace”.

The villa also had its own vineyard, which came back to life not too long ago. During your visit, you can even buy a bottle of wine.

Getting to the villa requires some walking – the bus (number 56) only takes you to Piazzale Villa della Regina, from which you’ll have to continue on foot. This road is a bit steep, so bring comfortable shoes.

Villa della Regina opens at 10 AM, and full admission is €7, but you can visit it for FREE with the  Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass .

Gran Madre DI Dio

Descending on foot from Villa della Regina towards the city center is a lot easier (and a lot of fun!), and it will only take a few minutes to get to the Pantheon-like Church of Gran Madre di Dio.

Photos don’t do it justice because it’s truly impressive when you see it in person, so take a moment to appreciate this striking landmark.

Overlooking the river and Piazza Vittorio Veneto, it was built to commemorate the downfall of the French Empire and the return of the Savoy family from a two-decade exile.

Piazza Vittorio Veneto

Cross the Vittorio Emanuele I Bridge, and you’ll get to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, one of the largest squares in Turin.

Its history traces back all the way to medieval times, and it has hosted many events throughout the years, including rallies, festivals, and parades.

In this area, you can also  have your lunch .

Mole Antonelliana (National Museum of Cinema)

The first image that pops up when you research Turin showcases the imposing Mole Antonelliana building, an architectural gem and one of the most emblematic symbols of the city.

Now housing the National Museum of Cinema (aka the world’s tallest museum), it was originally supposed to function as a synagogue. While you can admire its stunning exteriors, don’t skip out on visiting the museum.

It will take you on quite a journey, from the first camera lenses all the way to the biggest blockbusters and iconic characters. You can also purchase a ticket to take a panoramic lift to a scenic viewpoint at the top of the building.

Since you’re visiting on the weekend, note that it will definitely be busy, but I still recommend checking it out. That’s why it’s also best to  book your museum ticket in advance  (the lift ticket MUST be booked in advance).

Full admission is €12 (museum only), but it is FREE to visit with the  Torino+Piemonte Card  (when booking your entry ticket, simply choose the “Museum Free Admission Convention” option).

The panoramic lift ticket costs €9 (but the city card gives you a discount), and a combo ticket is €17.

You can also get a discount with the Royal Pass (when booking your ticket, simply choose the “Museum Concession Fee Convention” option).

Palazzo Madama

Located a stone’s throw away from the Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama is a Savoy landmark that now houses the Turin City Museum of Ancient Art. 

Apart from its palatial interiors and impressive art collection, one of the things that make it so special is its unique exterior – the main facade is a Baroque beauty, and the other side resembles an Italian medieval castle.

Full admission is €10,   but it is FREE to visit with the  Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass .

After spending three days in Turin, end your last day with dinner and drinks in the historic center.

Did you enjoy this city guide? Check out my other European city break itineraries:

• 4 days in Vienna
• 4 days in Madrid
• 2 days in Madrid
• 2 days in Lisbon
• 4 days in Budapest
• 2 days in Brussels
• 2 days in Mostar
• Long weekend getaways in Spain
• 4 days in Milan

Other Things to Know When Planning Your 3-Day Turin Itinerary

Other activities you can add to this itinerary.

If you’re wondering what to do in Turin for 3 days and want to change things up a bit, here are some great options:

• Take a free walking tour of Turin
• Take a chocolate tour
• Enjoy the views from the best lookout point – Monte dei Cappuccini
• Take an evening tour of Turin to uncover its dark side
• Visit the Accorsi Ometto Museum

If you want to explore Turin’s surroundings:

• Take a half-day trip to the UNESCO-listed Palace of Venaria or Hunting Lodge of Stupinigi
• Take a half-day trip to the Basilica di Superga
• Take a guided half-day tour to the Sacra di San Michele medieval abbey

What to Eat

Northern Italian food is comforting, hearty, and warming, so if you want to immerse yourself in typical Piedmontese cuisine, add Gnocchi al Castelmagno, Tajarin, and Agnolotti to your list.

You’ll also come across plenty of mushroom risottos, focaccias with all sorts of toppings, and other delicious dishes.

Getting Around

Regarding public transport, you’ll find a combo of bus, metro, and tram lines. You can buy tickets at metro stations, newsstands, or tobacco shops (look for Tabaccheria/Tabacchi ).

There’s no need for a daily or multi-day ticket for this Turin weekend itinerary (a few single-journey tickets are enough), but feel free to purchase a 72-hour ticket, valid for all 3 types of transportation.

When to Visit

My first trip to Turin was in December and I loved it because of the holiday vibe, but if you’re after more pleasant weather, spring and fall can be a good choice (Turin in early October was wonderful, definitely one of the best places to visit in northern Italy in October ).

Other Turin and Italy Guides

Are you getting excited about your Turin city break? For more tips, read:

• Turin or Milan
• Is Turin worth visiting?
• Turin travel tips
• Turin in the winter (one of the best winter city breaks in Europe / the best places to visit in Italy in winter )
• Aosta Valley road trip from Turin

Read more about Italy and northern Italy:

• Best road trips from Milan
• Northern Italy road trip , one of the best Italian road trips
• Hidden gems in northern Italy
• Places to visit in Lombardy
• Things to do in Vicenza
• Piazzas in Italy
• Gifts for Italy lovers
• Romantic novels set in Italy
• Quotes about Italy

About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

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I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

Turin Travel Guide

Savoy palaces, egyptian museum, and baroque cafes.

Turin , or Torino , is a city in northern Italy known for chocolate, Fiat cars, and the Shroud of Turin but it’s also home to Savoy palaces, Baroque cafes, one of the world’s top Egyptian museums, and the first Eataly store. Turin was Italy’s first capital, from 1861-1865. Although Turin sees fewer tourists than Italy’s 5 most popular cities , there’s lots to see and do in the city.

Plan Your Visit to Turin

Turin is the largest city in the Piemonte region . Milan can be reached in one hour by train and Genoa in two hours. The main train station is Porta Nuova . Driving is restricted in much of the city center. To get around the city and to places nearby, use the metro or buses. Turin has a small airport with flights to and from Italian and European cities. The closest big, international airport is Milan Malpensa , about an hour away.

• If you plan to visit several museums or sites, consider buying a 2 or 3 day Turin city card , either in advance or when you’re in the city.
• We stayed at La Casa Degli Angeli , a comfortable 2-bedroom apartment in the center within walking distance of Porta Nuova station, Piazza Castello, the Egyptian Museum and many of the city’s top sights.
• Turin Palace Hotel is a central hotel near the main train station with a spa, restaurant, and parking.
• Town House 70 is a boutique hotel in a historic building near Piazza Castello.
• NH Torino Lingotto Congress , with free parking, is a good choice for those arriving by car. It’s by a metro station and Eataly .
• See more places to stay in Turin

See the typical weather in Turin

Things to See and Do in Turin

• Start your visit with a Highlights and Hidden Gems bike tour or with the hop-on hop-off bus .
• Piazza Castello is a large square in the center of Turin with fountains, benches, and historic buildings. At one end of the square is the Baroque Palazzo Reale , the Royal Palace of the House of Savoy, where visitors can see the palace’s elegant rooms and royal apartments. Book a Palazzo Reale small-group guided tour .
• Near Palazzo Reale, visit the smaller Palazzo Madama , a fantastic museum in a building that started as a Roman fortress. Take the elevator to the observation deck for good views of the piazza and city beyond.

• From Piazza Castello , walk along Via Po , a walking street with arcades, shops, and historic palaces and cafes.
• Piazza San Carlo is often called the drawing room of Turin . On the beautiful square visit the twin churches of San Carlo and Santa Cristina . Don’t miss the Museo Egizio , the large Egyptian museum with more than 6000 objects on display. Book an Egyptian Museum guided tour .

• Take the panoramic lift to the top of the Mole Antonelliana , a 167-meter tall tower, for fantastic views. The tower also houses the cinema museum. Book your Mole Antonellian ticket in advance to avoid a long wait.
• Created in 1884 for the International Exposition, the Borgo Mediovale , or medieval Borgo, by the river in Parco del Valentino is a good recreation of a medieval village with a castle. Take some time to walk around the beautiful gardens in the park, too.
• The Duomo of San Giovanni Battista houses the Shroud of Turin Museum . Dating from 1515, the cathedral itself is also worth visiting. The Holy Shroud itself is preserved in a climate-controlled case and rarely put on display. When a special showing of the Shroud is announced, it draws thousands of visitors and tickets are required. See the Shroud of Turin website for updates.
• Palazzo Carignano , created by Guarino Guarini in the 17th century, is a Baroque masterpiece with an unusual facade. It sits on one of Turin’s most beautiful squares. The palace was the home of the Princes of Carignano and the birthplace of King Carlo Alberto and Vittorio Emanuele II . It was here that the Unification of Italy was proclaimed in 1861. The Museum of the Risorgimento is inside the palace.

• Visit a few of Turin’s historic coffee houses. Turin was one of the first cities in Italy to embrace a cafe society. Try a bicerin , a local drink made with layers of coffee, chocolate, and cream. Since you pay more to sit down, either inside or outside, make it worthwhile by spending some time at your table enjoying the ambiance. Try Buratti & Milano in the Galleria Subalpino , Piazza Castello .
• For a taste of Turin’s specialties try a Turin food tour .

Places to Go Near Turin

Southeast of Turin, visit the Langhe Wine Region . From Turin to Alba it’s about an hour by car or 1 1/2 hours by train.

West of Turin is the stunning Sacra di San Michelle monastery and the Italian Alps, where many of the 2004 Olympic events were held.

Turin makes a good starting or ending point for a train itinerary across northern Italy. See Torino to Trieste Rail Map for places to stop along the route.

This post may contain affiliate links to sites I believe are of benefit to travelers. There is no cost to you but the small amount of revenue helps defer the cost of bringing you this free information.

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Author Martha Bakerjian Categories Cities , Northern Italy

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Turin Travel Guide originally appeared on MarthasItaly.com Nov 02, 2023 , updated: Nov 02, 2023 by Martha Bakerjian .

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About Turin

An introduction & brief history of turin, what is turin known for.

In a splendid location, situated at the foot of the Alps in north-west Italy, Turin ( Torino ), the capital of Piedmont, is an extraordinary city like no other in the Bel Paese . As the first capital of Italy after Unification in 1861, Turin has become synonymous with design, innovation and reinvention. Turin and the rest of the Piedmont region have given the world Barolo wine, Lenci ceramics, Fiat cars, Fila and Kappa sportswear, Alessi household goods, Ferrero and Caffarel confectionary, Gianduja chocolates, Lavazza coffee, Martini-Bacardi, Campari, Asti Spumante, the Slow Food movement, Primo Levi, the Torino and Juventus football teams and the popular Borsalino hat.

Turin History

What’s more being awarded the Winter Olympics 2006 represented a golden opportunity to showcase Italy’s hidden gem. But when did it all begin? How about some history of Turin. Settlements in the area dating back to Paleolithic and Neolithic times are known to have existed. Ligurian and Celtic tribes settled on the surrounding plain and mountain areas, which were used as trade routes for many years, until the Romans came, in the reign of Augustus.

Roman Turin

Roman Turin was known as Augusta Taurinorum. Augustus laid Turin out following the traditional Roman grid plan, which we can still see today. The main Roman area was along present day via Garibaldi from Palazzo Madama to via della Consolata and south from Porta Palatina, the Roman gate to the city which stands opposite the Duomo.

Palazzo Madama, compliments of Piemonte Tourism

It is said that Julius Caesar founded the settlement after the original one had been razed to the ground in 218 BC by the Carthagian General Hannibal who famously crossed the Alps in winter with over 30,000 men and approximately 30 elephants. Caesar found the devastated area a convenient place to base himself and from which to advance into France and then onto Britain in 58 BC.

The House of Savoy

However, the House of Savoy, who made Turin their capital in the mid-16 th century, offered a rather different interpretation as to how the city came to be settled, with the discovery of a stone carving dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis. The followers of Isis were responsible for the introduction of the cult of the bull (toro) god Apis to the area where Turin now stands.

The Savoy Dynasty has been arguably the most influential of Turin’s ruling families and by the mid-16 th century, they had transferred their seat of power from Chambery to Turin. The Savoys, who first ruled as Counts in the 11 th century under their founder Umberto Biancomano I, were subsequently upgraded to Dukes in 1416 and later in 1713 they reached the pinnacle of their powers as Kings. It was, in fact, under Savoy rule that the region first became known as Pedemontum (foot of the mountains) which was later Italianised to Piemonte (Piedmont) in 1424 when Amedeo VIII made his son Duke of Piemonte.

The French occupied much of Piedmont and Savoy during a 65-year struggle between France and Spain for control over the Italian peninsula. The Spanish largely controlled much of modern day Italy and had a significant influence over other regions but the Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis restored the Savoys’ territories to their rightful owner, Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy in 1559.

Borgo Medievale

Baroque Turin

Emanuele Filiberto and Carlo Emanuele I then set about turning Turin into a dazzling, Baroque vision of majestic splendour through a programme of building and infrastructural works fit for the royal capital. Significantly, they built the Mastio della Cittadella to protect against French invasion and monumental edifices of wealth and power sprung up, designed and built by the greatest Italian  architects of the time with the best examples coming in the early years of the 18 th century.

Guarino Guarini (1624-83) designed the Church of San Lorenzo in Piazza Castello and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud annexed to the Duomo. Filippo Juvarra (1678-1736) designed the west façade and the grand staircase in Palazzo Madama, the scissor staircase in Palazzo Reale, the burial church at Superga and Venaria Reale (some of the fine tourist attractions in Turin Italy).

photo by: Your Friend In Italy

Turin Becomes Italy’s First Capital

The brilliant feat of engineering that is the Mastio della Cittadella and the maze of underground tunnels that lead off from it were essential defences against French invasions. French sieges became a feature of these years through royal politicking and strategic marriage alliances in 1640 and 1706. Strategic land battles during Il Risorgimento continued with a nationalist movement in the 19 th century that led to Italy’s unification and Turin established as Italy’s first capital.

Key players were the populist Giuseppe Mazzini (1805-72) and Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807-82) the former who fought in the latter’s army and founded the Giovine Italia movement from exile in Marseille. Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807-82) was the armed soldier wing of the Risorgimento: a maverick, idealist and romantic who continued his guerrilla war well after the ruling class had called a truce.

Important to the pro-unification of the ruling class were Massimo D’Azeglio who was Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia and Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour (1810-61) who was the main architect of unification and became the first Prime Minister of a unified Italy.

Teatro Regio

Piazza San Carlo, compliments of Piemonte Tourism

Cavour’s and subsequent politicians’ economic reforms paved the way for the development of large industries in Turin and Piedmont: textiles, metalwork, chemicals, agriculture, business machinery, design and engineering. Some of the big names to emerge were Olivetti in 1908 and Fiat in 1899. Further achievements came in 1904 when Arturo Ambrosio built Italy’s first cinema studio.

Porta Palatina, photo by: Lara Statham

Turin’s economic boom continued with Fiat turning its hand to manufacturing military equipment during the war years and post-war jobs lured thousands of migrants from the south leading to a population and housing boom. Over recent years the global economic downturn, has led to significant restructuring with the result being that most manufacturing is now off shore. However, Fiat’s Headquarters and main design and development departments are still in Turin.

Steeped in a rich cultural heritage Turin is a Baroque gem, a bright, fun place weaving a traditional, intellectual, royal, bohemian, industrial and esoteric history with progressive creativity, a vibrant modern art and music scene and, of course, delectable cuisine. A magical place to be discovered.

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7 Incredible Day Trips from Turin, Italy to Get You Out & About in Piemonte

We can’t think of a better place to stay than Turin in northern Italy. Not only is the city fabulous, but there are tons of great day trips from Turin that you don’t want to miss. Read on for our favourites!

What’s in our guide to day trips from Turin, Italy?

When our friends ask us to recommend our favourite places in Italy, Turin is always at the top of the list.

Turin might be less famous than Venice , Rome, and Florence, but that means fewer tourists, too. And that means less hassle, less chance of a run-in with pesky pickpockets or temperamental taxi drivers and more real Italian experiences.

Plus, from Royal Palaces to pristine parks to a world-class Egyptian Museum to a panoramic glass elevator , Turin has plenty of things to do for curious visitors.

Once you’ve seen the best that Turin has to offer, there are plenty of day trips from Turin to get you out and about into the glorious Piemonte countryside.

Read on for our recommendations of…

7 Incredible Day Trips from Turin, Italy

Don’t Miss These! Our guide to 2 days in Venice plus our huge collection of travel tips for Europe to get the most from your Europe trip!

1. Sacra di San Michele — An Awe-Inspiring Day Trip from Turin

Part of a network of abbeys dedicated to St Michael, Sacra di San Michele is a mountain-top retreat that makes for a perfect day trip from Turin. Even if you aren’t interested in the religious aspects of San Michele, the views from the top of the mountain looking out over the Susa river valley might just make you think you’ve seen God.

At the very least, the ruined abbey perched on a clifftop will get your creative juices flowing, as they did for Umberto Eco, who found inspiration in Sacra di San Michele for his most famous work, The Name of the Rose .

So whether you want architecture, magnificent views, or religious history, a day trip from Turin to Sacra di San Michele should be on your list.

How to Get to Sacra di San Michele from Turin

You can drive up, hike up from the nearest train station, or take a tour. Just make sure to pay close attention to the complex opening hours.

Read our complete guide to visiting Sacra di San Michele for more details.

2. Barolo / Langhe Wine Region — A Day Drinking Trip from Turin

One of the world’s most famous wine regions is just an hour’s drive from Turin. The region encompasses about a dozen charming Italian towns, including Barolo, Monforte d’Alba, Castiglione Falletto, and more.

Even if you’re not a wine lover, this UNESCO region is beyond beautiful, with every inch of steep hillside covered in well-ordered vineyards. If you’re into wine, you’ll be in heaven, with opportunities to taste on every corner and the chance to buy wines you might never get your hands on anywhere else in the world.

If you want to take a souvenir case or two home, there are lots of places that will ship them back for you, too.

( Related: Check out this guide on Wine Folly for everything you need to know about visiting Barolo. )

How to Get to Barolo from Turin

By car. The most convenient way to do a wine region tour is to rent a car and drive from Turin. There are trains that take you to the region but then you are stuck with no way to get from town to town.

Hop-on hop-off bus . From September 1 to November 3 on Saturdays and Sundays, you can buy tickets to the hop-on hop-off Langhe region bus run by Trenitalia. The bus departs from Alba, which you can easily reach by train from Turin Porta Susa. Buy your ticket in advance, or just purchase your ticket on the bus.

Barolo wine tour . There are various tours available online for the Barolo wine region. If you don’t want to drive, or you prefer to have a guide to help you navigate the confusing region, booking a tour like this one might be the best. Note, we haven’t taken this tour and don’t know what it’s like, so do your research before you book!

3. Chieri & Martini Rossi — A Charming Village Day Trip

A small town about a 20-minute train ride from Turin, there’s nothing particularly noteworthy about Chieri. That’s kind of why we love it.

It’s a typical Italian town that houses retirees and families who commute into the city for work.

The pedestrianized main street of Chieri makes for a charming stroll and an excellent place to shop for souvenirs or new clothes. There’s a branch of Eataly in town too, so you can pick up some artisanal local products or have an authentic Italian lunch that even Italians love.

While in town, you can stop by the impressive Santa Maria della Scala to get closer to God.

For those of a less religious nature, Casa Martini might be of more interest. This is the original production house where Martini & Rossi first began making their world-famous Vermouth. You can tour the facility, taste the wares (of course), or learn the fine art of mixology.

How to get to Chieri from Turin

Take the train to Chieri from Porta Susa. It goes around once every hour and takes 28 minutes.

4. Gran Paradiso — A Wild Day Trip from Turin

From Turin, you can see the Alps ring around the city, like mighty guardians, ready to defend and protect. If you’re anything like us, you will hear the mountains calling your name from the city centre.

A trip to Gran Paradiso is your answer. This grand national park on the border with France is a protected area of wilderness and the perfect day trip from Turin for nature lovers.

In summer, you can rock climb or hike or bike the trails in the park, even camping overnight at one of the many shelters and huts. In winter, there is skiing (both downhill and cross country), plus ice climbing and snowshoeing. Once you go, you’ll wish you set aside more time to immerse yourself in this beautiful natural spot.

Check out our guide to visiting Gran Paradiso for details on where to go and how to get there from Turin.

5. City Day Trip from Turin to Milan

While many people base themselves in Milan and take a day trip to Turin, we recommend the opposite. You can easily reach Milan by train from Turin in about an hour. Tour the famous sights and be home in time to share apertivo with Torino natives (instead of fighting for space in overpriced restaurants with all the tourists and expats in Milan).

If you prefer a quieter city with less hassle and no touts or pickpockets to speak of, we highly recommend basing yourself in Turin and just taking a day trip to Milan.

How to get to Milan from Turin

Take the train from Torino Porta Nuova to Milano Centrale. Trains leave around every 20 minutes and take from 1 hour to 2 hours, depending on which train you get.

(Don’t miss: Our guide to doing a day trip from Milan to Turin ) →

6. Susa Roman Ruins — Day Tripping with the Ancients

Just 50 km west of Turin, the town of Susa makes the perfect day trip for people who want to indulge in Roman history. Susa became part of the Roman Empire in the 1st Century and was the capital of the small Roman province of Alpes Cottiae.

In Susa, you can visit the well preserved Roman city walls, the city gate Porta Savoia, the remains of the aqueduct and an amphitheatre. The most notable ruin is the well preserved Arch of Augustus, a triumphal arch built to seal the alliance between Emperor Augustus and Marcus Julius Cottius.

How to get to Susa from Turin

A direct train runs hourly from Torino Porta Nuova to Susa, taking 1 hour and 8 minutes.

7. Cycle the Historic Ivrea Canals — A Two-Wheeled Day Trip

Rarely visited by tourists, Ivrea is a picturesque town just 50 km northeast of Turin. If you want to do an independent visit, it has a castle, a cathedral, and Roman ruins — most notably the impressive amphitheater of Ivrea — to keep you occupied. It’s also your chance to sample the rich yet simple Canavese regional cuisine .

For active travellers, we suggest an e-bike tour along the agricultural irrigation channels, some of which have been there since the mid-1400s. You’ll cycle through Italy’s rice fields (yes, Italy has rice fields!) and stop for “lunch in a special place that Marco knows”. It doesn’t get more Italian than that.

Find all the details of this tour (and many more) on the Giroola website .

How to Get to Ivrea from Turin

Direct trains leave from Torino Porta Susa about once every hour and the journey takes about an hour.

If you’re visiting northern Italy, don’t miss Torino, where you’ll get to mix and mingle in real Italian culture (rather than the somewhat Disney-fied version you find in the more well known Italian cities). If you have some time to spare, there are plenty of interesting, beautiful, and exciting day trips from Turin to keep you busy.

Whether you want architecture, artisanal tipples, grand expanses of nature or a bit of everything, you can find it in a day trip from Turin.

We hope this guide to day trips from Turin, Italy has been useful! We loved our three months staying in Piemonte and can’t wait to go back!

♥   Happy transformational travels, Jane & Stephen

We’re not going to lie, it takes a LOT of work to create travel guides like this. But it’s easy to help us out! If you book or buy something using one of our personal links in this post, we’ll earn a small fee at no extra cost to you. Of course, we would never recommend anything we didn’t 100% believe in! Huge thanks in advance! –S&J

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Baton Rouge Travelers: Heed These Travel Tips as Summer Passenger Volumes Heat Up; TSA Officers Have Intercepted 7 Firearms Already This Year at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are screening record numbers of passengers across the country. Passengers are reminded to arrive at the airport early and know what is in their bags.  TSA officers at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) have already intercepted seven firearms at the security checkpoint so far this year. 

“As summer travel heats up, passengers are reminded to be sure they do not have prohibited items in their bags before heading to the airport,” said TSA Spokesperson Sari Koshetz.

“Make sure your firearm is not in your carry-on bag and also check that you are not carrying a pocketknife or other items that are considered threats and are not permitted in the cabin of the aircraft.”  

Most items that are prohibited in your carry-on can be placed in a checked bag.  But anything that is flammable, corrosive or explosive cannot travel anywhere on the plane. Hand grenades, even replica ones, cannot travel on the plane in checked or carry-on bags.  

If you are going to travel with your firearm it must be in your checked bag, unloaded and in a locked hard-sided case. You must declare it to the airline at check-in.  Travelers are responsible for being aware of what the firearm laws are on each side of their trip or they may be cited or heading to jail instead of to their vacation or business trip. Firearms may not be legal to transport even in checked baggage in some jurisdictions.

The most recent firearm intercepted by TSA at the BTR checkpoint was on May 22nd. A 60-year-old man headed to Charlotte was carrying a loaded Ruger Max9. All seven of the firearms TSA officers have intercepted this year at BTR were loaded.

“Last year passengers across the state of Louisiana brought 138 firearms to our security checkpoints with 13 of those in Baton Rouge. So far this year we have stopped 57 firearms across the state,” Koshetz said. “We are not even halfway through the year, so simple math forebodes that the end of the year total will be substantially higher than last year’s.”

The specific year-to-date totals across Louisiana are 34 stopped at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, seven each at Shreveport Regional Airport and Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, four at Lafayette Regional Airport, two each at Lake Charles Regional Airport and Monroe Regional Airport and one at Alexandria International Airport.

“None of these firearms made it into the cabin of an aircraft thanks to the vigilance of our TSA officers,” Koshetz added.

Many of the passengers across the country who bring firearms to a federal security checkpoint are arrested or issued notices to appear in court. Regardless of whether the individual is arrested or cited by law enforcement, with whom we immediately partner, passengers face a civil penalty imposed by the TSA that can reach nearly $15,000.  If the traveler is in the TSA PreCheck  program, those privileges will be lost for a period of time, possibly permanently.

The TSA is seeing record-breaking numbers of passengers traveling across the country so be sure to arrive early and do heed these travel tips for getting through the security checkpoint as efficiently and stress free as possible.

Tip 1: No firearms in carry-ons. Firearms must be in checked  baggage. All firearms must be properly packed and declared  to the airline at check-in, which means unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided case. Contact your airline for additional guidance. And it is your responsibility to know what the firearm laws are on both sides of your trip.

Tip 2: Leave all prohibited items at home. To reduce the likelihood of a bag search at the checkpoint, search your own suitcase, backpack, computer bag or purse before leaving home. Unsure if it’s allowed: use the “What Can I Bring?”  link on TSA.gov .

Tip 3: Prepare for the security checkpoint. Have a valid ID card  readily available. If you are traveling with a carry-on bag follow the liquids, gels and aerosols 3-1-1 rule  of 3.4 ounces or less for each item and the items should be placed in a one-quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger. To simplify your screening and even before entering the checkpoint it is best to put your phones and any other content of your pockets into your carry-on rather than into a bin in the checkpoint.

Tip 4:   Help is available.  Get live assistance by tweeting your questions to @AskTSA  in English or Spanish or via Facebook Messenger . You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673 .

Tip 5: Enroll now in TSA PreCheck.  Travel with ease by enrolling in TSA PreCheck and avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, laptops and light jackets. Most new enrollees receive a known traveler number within five days, and membership lasts for five years.                          

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Are flights really cheaper on tuesdays travel experts reveal tips to get the best airfare deals.

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Is there really a “best” day to book a flight?

There’s long been a myth that Tuesdays are the day to book airfare if you want the lowest price and that prices surge on weekends — but that’s not necessarily true, according to experts.

Google published an analysis in 2022 found that when shopping for flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays rather than Saturdays or Sundays, prices are only 1.9% cheaper on average. A Google Flights spokesperson told USA TODAY that this holds true as of June 2024.

According to both Hopper and Google Flights, there’s no point in waiting for any specific day to book a flight since the difference in cost is only marginal.

“We tested this out and looked at the best day of the week to book for a number of popular trips and Tuesday was the cheapest day just 1% of the time,” Hayley Berg, Hopper’s lead economist, told USA TODAY. “The best price might be available on Tuesday – but it might be available on another day of the week.”

Meanwhile, Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks report published in September 2023 had a surprisingly different take: “Sunday remains the cheapest day of the week to book flights, while Fridays are most expensive. On average, travelers saved up to 13%.”

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), flights from major airports in the U.S. cost 29% more on average this year than they did in 2021, so any savings on airfare could make a huge difference.

And there are plenty of other factors other than the day of the week you book your flight that impact the price point more.

“While everyone wants a golden rule for the best day of the week to book a flight – the reality is that the best day, and time, to book a flight depends on a number of factors,” Berg shared.

One of Berg’s top tips is to book in advance and don’t wait until the last minute.

Using tools such as Hopper or Capital One Travel can help people monitor flight prices in an easy and effective way. Berg recommends trying to book domestic flights one to three months prior to the departure date, and international flights between four and five months before departure.

“Don’t leave booking too late; prices can increase by hundreds in the final weeks before departure,” she said.

Expedia’s report reflected similar findings, noting that those who purchase airfare for domestic flights 28 days in advance pay on average 24% less than last-minute bookings.

However, the day you fly out is more important than the day you book your flight.

Choosing a flight that departs in the middle of the week rather than the weekend can help travelers get cheap airfare — saving people on average 18% on domestic summer airfare, Hopper found.

Mid-week savings are even more for international fare, with people deciding to fly to Europe this summer on a Tuesday or Wednesday saving $435 per ticket, according to Hopper.

Google Flights found similar data, with flights departing on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday being on average 12% cheaper than flights on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

So book your flights whenever you want, but you might want to opt for a mid-week departure.

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Bob Eckstein Has the Perfect Museum for You

Is the Mob Museum on your list? The writer and illustrator sees his new guide to North America’s museums as a way to help families plan their summer vacations.

By Amy Virshup

“When they first go to museums, the first two things people want to know is, where’s the gift shop and where’s the bathroom?” said the writer and illustrator Bob Eckstein, 61, whose new book, “Footnotes From the Most Fascinating Museums,” is an illustrated field guide to North America’s cultural and historical repositories.

He envisions families using it as their “summer vacation bucket list” to discover the riches available at institutions as various as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Hollywood Cars Museum in Las Vegas (home of a General Lee from “The Dukes of Hazzard” ) and the Wenham Museum in Massachusetts, where the collection includes 1,000 dolls and more than 600 mechanical toys dating to 1780.

A born New Yorker who lives not far from the Met Cloisters in Upper Manhattan, Mr. Eckstein started with a hit list of 150 museums that was eventually whittled to the 75 that appear in the book. He spent a little over a year visiting the institutions to photograph and sketch them and collect stories from curators, guides and visitors.

His illustrations capture the feeling of walking through galleries or pausing to consider an artwork like “Watson and the Shark,” by John Singleton Copley, from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston (his wife, the artist Tamar Stone , is the woman reading the wall label to the painting’s right). While working on the book, Mr. Eckstein said, “I would take photographs, I would do a little bit of sketching and then I would do the illustrations back in my studio and try to make the museum as sexy, as exciting as could be.”

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

“Sexy” and “exciting” might not be everyone’s first descriptions of museums.

I get so exhilarated going to museums and I was not a museum person, let’s say, 20 years ago. I went to museums, but now I’m obsessed with museums. I get so excited to see what I’m going to see. I saw more artwork in the last two years than most people see in a lifetime. My head is filled with inspiration.

As a traveler, when you go to a city, do you always go to museums?

It is one of the things I’ll do, yes. One of the first things I’ll check out is what’s going on in the way of exhibits and shows to make sure that there’s nothing I’m going to miss.

Have you ever discovered a museum that you really fell in love with?

For the book, I went to Los Angeles with a list of museums that I wanted to check out, unaware that there was this one museum called the Museum of Jurassic Technology, and that became my favorite museum. I can’t say much about it except to say that it’s a total mystery and if I share any more it might ruin the experience for someone else. It’s one of the most mind-boggling museums I went to. I like to say it’s like the Andy Kaufman of museums.

There’s certainly a wide variety of museums in the book, from the Museum of Bad Art to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. How did those get on the list?

There were many factors that made a museum make the cut. One of them would be simply entertainment value, making sure that there was a museum for everyone and understanding that not everyone’s going to have a taste for fine art. I wanted to have everyone see that there’s a museum out there for them.

Your own encounters with museums did not start well.

As a kid, I think everyone who was brought to their first museum has some of that resistance where they kind of go kicking and screaming. In my case, my mom took me to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., and it was kind of dry and there was a lot of reading and it wasn’t exactly exciting.

What can make a kid go from a museum hater to a museum lover?

I think their first exciting museum experience in most cases is the American Museum of Natural History . There’s less reading, it’s too dark to read. I think museums like that quickly turn around a child’s perspective of what’s fun. There’s nothing more exciting than seeing the stuffed grizzly bear just 12 feet away from you.

For most of the museums you provide a story about someone’s personal connection to it, like the woman whose autoworker father took her to a van Gogh show at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

The stories were very important to the whole book because they make it come alive. The artwork in museums, that’s what people expect, but what people don’t expect is that there’s all this drama happening in museums, different things that could happen with people and their relationships.

How did you select these stories?

It was a hard decision to say what are the best stories, but of course some were similar. You can only have so many stories of people proposing in a museum.

Is proposing in a museum a popular thing to do?

It is. At MASS MoCA there’s this one room that’s an installation of light. And it’s lit up in a way that makes the horizon line disappear like you’re floating on a cloud.

The James Turrell ?

Yes. And everyone who goes into that room is asked to please put on protective shoewear to go over their shoes, because the whole room is one piece of art. The people who give out the protection know that someone’s ready to propose when they ask for a third piece to put on one of their knees.

The Frick Collection explained that their rug was worn out in certain spots, and that’s how they could tell which were the most popular pieces of artwork, from the wear and tear.

You include the Mütter medical museum in Philadelphia and I was a little frightened by your description of the “jars of wet specimens.” I assume those are organs and things like that.

Well you should be petrified. It’s like a “Fear Factor” museum. If you’re into medical history though, it’s a must-go-to. And it is a museum, for the obvious reasons, that kids enjoy going to.

Being grossed out and scared?

Exactly. For most kids. For me, I’d rather go to the automobile museum, but that’s because I’m a wuss.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Port Antonio, Jamaica:  The Grammy-nominated D.J. and music producer Diplo recommends spots in a city he loves  on Jamaica’s northeast coast. A dance party makes the cut.

New Mexico:  The Gila Wilderness, home to wolves, mountain lions and other wildlife, marks a century as a “land lab,”  where nature thrives as far as the eye can see.

Greece:  Is Serifos the perfect Greek island? A writer’s checklist included ferry service, great beaches and good local restaurants.

Brooklyn:  This 36-hour itinerary  skips the most touristy and overdeveloped areas, including Williamsburg and Dumbo, and requires no restaurant reservations or advance planning.

Costa Rica:  Travelers are signing up for phone-free tours to try to escape technology’s tether on daily life. But would it make for a better experience ?