TURIN TRAVEL GUIDE AND THINGS TO DO

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

By Plane

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.

By Land

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.

By Car

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

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.

By Train

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.

By Bus

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.

By Bike

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€.

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
• Arcadia
• La Badessa
• Porto di Savona
• Taberna Libraria
• Baratti & Milano
• Caffe Mulassano
• Caffe Al Bicerin
• Caffe San Carlo
• Stratta
• 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

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,

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.

3. Venaria

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.

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

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.

Day 1

• 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.

Day 2

• 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. 

Day 3

• 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.

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.

1. Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini
2. Mole Antonelliana
3. Torre Campanaria del Duomo di Torino
4. Palazzo Madama
5. Villa della Regina
6. Basilica of Superga
7. Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli
8. Borgo Medievale Viewpoint

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

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

Small-Group Walking Tour of Top City Highlights 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: €35.

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: €35.

Venaria & Sacra di San Michele Tour

Reggia di Venaria e Sacra di San Michele is a full day trip (7-8h) to the Royal Palace of Venaria (3h) and to Sacra Di San Michele (4h), one of the most beautiful abbeys in Europe that provide stunning views of the valley and mountains of the Italian Alps. Price: €200 (Admission tickets not included).

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

Check the following video slideshow to get further inspiration to visit 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.

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.

• 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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