Famous as the home of Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and the Turin Shroud, the capital of Italy’s Piedmont region is a fine Baroque city of grand palaces and piazzas on the River Po. Come to learn about the shroud and its royal Savoy rulers, and stay for the soaring Mole Antonelliana; the original Eataly and first Lavazza coffeehouse; its ancient Egypt museum and the local vermouth. Learn more about what to do, see, and eat in Turin below.
## Unveiling the Charms of Turin: A Comprehensive Exploration
Turin, a city nestled in the heart of Italy, beckons with a unique blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Beyond the iconic Lavazza coffee and delectable gourmet chocolate, Torino (Turin) stands as a testament to Italy’s industrial prowess and refined elegance. As the birthplace of Fiat, Turin has evolved into a city of grand museums, captivating art galleries, sprawling piazzas, and sophisticated designer boutiques. A visit to Turin promises an immersive experience, catering to diverse interests and leaving a lasting impression on every traveler.
One of the city’s most significant culinary events is the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, a world-renowned food and wine fair that champions the Slow Food movement. Held every two years in September, the event showcases the region’s rich gastronomic heritage and sustainable food practices, with the next highly anticipated gathering scheduled for 2020. The breathtaking Alps, a mere stone’s throw away, add another layer of allure to Turin, offering picturesque views of snow-capped peaks gracing the horizon.
### Crafting Your Turin Itinerary
While a fleeting one-day visit might offer a glimpse of Turin’s highlights, a more comprehensive exploration necessitates at least three days to fully appreciate the city’s multifaceted charm. A whirlwind tour could begin with a morning immersed in the regal splendor of the Palazzo Reale and the solemn ambiance of the cathedral. Indulge in a delightful lunch, accompanied by exquisite coffee and chocolate at the esteemed Caffè Baratti & Milano, followed by a visit to the iconic Mole Antonelliana, an architectural marvel. As the afternoon unfolds, take a leisurely stroll down Via Roma, the city’s vibrant thoroughfare, and savor the distinct flavors of vermouth or Caffe’ Torino. Conclude the day with a romantic evening walk along the banks of the River Po, followed by a memorable dinner at either Del Cambio or Cannavacciuolo Bistrot, both culinary institutions in Turin.
Extending your stay by another day allows for a deeper exploration of the Quadrilatero Romano, where you can delve into the mysteries of the Turin Shroud Museum and the serene atmosphere of the Santuario della Consolata. Immerse yourself in the wonders of ancient Egypt at the Museo Egizio, and dedicate ample time to savoring the delectable offerings of Turin’s charming cafés and chocolate shops. A third day could be dedicated to discovering the architectural marvels of Lingotto and the spiritual significance of the Basilica di Superga, or perhaps indulging in the passion of the Juventus Museum. A final day could be devoted to touring the awe-inspiring Savoy palaces nestled outside the city, each a testament to the region’s rich history and artistic heritage.
### Seasonal Guide: When to Visit Turin
Turin welcomes visitors throughout the year, boasting a relatively mild climate despite its proximity to the Alps. The months of May, June, and July offer the most favorable conditions, with warm, sunny days. However, this period also marks the peak tourist season. Late summer can be characterized by intense heat, while spring and fall provide pleasant alternatives, albeit with a higher probability of rainfall. The months from October to February can be quite cold, with the possibility of snow, but these months also offer the advantage of lower hotel rates.
### Navigating Turin: Arrival and Transportation
Turin Airport provides convenient flight connections to numerous European cities, although travelers from North America typically require connecting flights through major European hubs such as Munich/Frankfurt, Rome, or Paris. High-speed trains from Rome, Milan, Bologna, and Florence arrive at Stazione di Porta Nuova, centrally located on Piazza Carlo Felice. Stazione di Porta Susa, situated on Corso Inghilterra, connects Turin with regional towns and offers TGV train services to Paris, whisking passengers to the French capital in under six hours.
Exploring the main attractions on foot is a delightful and convenient way to experience Turin. However, local buses offer an affordable and efficient alternative for traversing the city. Driving within the city center is generally discouraged due to the complex and often congested road network. Taxis are readily available at designated stands outside the train stations and around Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello. For those seeking a more active mode of transportation, the local [TO]Bike bicycle sharing service provides access to a network of 116 stations throughout the city, with daily rentals starting at just Euros 5.
### Turin Passes: Unlocking Savings on Attractions
For visitors planning to immerse themselves in Turin’s cultural offerings, the Torino+Piemonte Card presents a cost-effective solution. Available for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days (ranging from Euros 27 to 51), the card grants free admission to the city’s most prominent museums, discounted tickets to numerous other attractions, and a 10% discount on the City SightSeeing Torino bus tour. These passes can be purchased at the Piazza Castello tourist office or Stazione Porta Nuova.
### Must-See Sights in Turin
#### The Historic Quadrilatero Romano
The Roman quarter, the oldest part of Turin, lies just west of Via Roma and Piazza Castello. Here, on Piazza San Giovanni, stands Turin’s Duomo, the 15th-century Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, renowned as the home of the Turin Shroud. This revered linen cloth is believed to have enveloped Christ after his crucifixion. While the shroud itself is typically not on public display, the Museo della Sidone, a small museum a few blocks west at Via San Domenico 28, provides a wealth of information about the shroud and its controversial history.
Beyond the imposing twin-towered Porta Palatina (the ancient Roman city gate), lies the expansive Piazza della Repubblica, home to Turin’s bustling main city market, open from Monday to Saturday. The streets north of the piazza host the monthly Gran Balon antiques market, held every second Sunday of the month. Further west, the Santuario della Consolata, Turin’s most opulent church, stands as a testament to Baroque artistry, housing a venerated statue of Mary and featuring elaborate marble décor.
#### The Heart of Turin: Piazza Castello
Turin’s central Piazza Castello is dominated by the grandeur of Palazzo Madama and the sprawling Palazzo Reale. The Palazzo Reale served as the lavish residence of the Savoy rulers from 1646 to 1865. Today, Palazzo Madama, a captivating blend of Baroque palace and medieval castle, houses the Museo Civico di Arte Antica, a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces ranging from Renaissance ceramics to Antonello da Messina’s Portrait of a Man.
The Palazzo Reale, a miniature Versailles, boasts opulent throne rooms, magnificent ballrooms, exquisite Gobelins tapestries, glittering chandeliers, and ornate gilded furniture. Within the palace, the Armeria Reale showcases an extensive collection of medieval arms and armor, while the royal art collection is displayed in the Galleria Sabauda, home to Van Dyck’s renowned painting, The Children of Charles I. The Museo di Antichità chronicles the city’s history from Roman times through the medieval period.
#### Via Roma and Its Surroundings
Leading south from Piazza Castello, the elegant arcades of Via Roma, Turin’s premier shopping destination, were designed in 1714 by Filippo Juvarra. At the heart of Via Roma lies Piazza Carlo Felice, a picturesque square adorned with inviting cafes. Caffe’ Torino, a historic establishment, opened its doors in 1903, while the ornate San Carlo, founded in 1842, served as a gathering place for patriots during the Risorgimento, with notable figures like Francesco Crispi and later Antonio Gramsci frequenting its halls.
Nearby, the Museo Egizio, one of Turin’s most prized attractions, presents an extraordinary collection of relics from ancient Egypt. Adjacent to the Museo Egizio, the Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano chronicles the history of Italy’s reunification movement, which originated in Turin during the 19th century.
#### The Iconic Mole Antonelliana
Via Po extends southeast from Piazza Castello to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, one of Italy’s largest squares, and the River Po beyond. Looming majestically to the north, the Mole Antonelliana, once the tallest structure in Europe, stands as Turin’s most recognizable landmark. Originally intended as a synagogue when it was built in the 1860s, the Mole Antonelliana now houses Italy’s captivating National Film Museum. Visitors can purchase separate tickets for a panoramic elevator ride through the roof, ascending to the observation platform at the top, where mesmerizing views of the city unfold.
#### Lingotto: A Fiat Legacy
South of the old center lies the Lingotto district, home to the original Fiat factory, completed in 1923. Today, the Lingotto building has been transformed into a stylish shopping mall, featuring a small but elegant art gallery designed by Renzo Piano, the Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli. The building’s rooftop track gained fame as the setting for the iconic car chase scene in the film The Italian Job.
Opposite the Lingotto building, at Via Nizza 230, stands the original branch of Eataly, the renowned gourmet Italian food emporium, founded here by Oscar Farinetti in 2007. A few blocks east, at Corso Unità d’Italia 40, the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile (MAUTO) houses the nation’s premier car museum, featuring an impressive collection of Alfa Romeos, Maseratis, and Ferraris.
#### The Serene Basilica di Superga
Northeast of the city center, the 18th-century Basilica di Superga offers a popular half-day excursion, accessible via a scenic 4-mile ride on a narrow-gauge railway through the lush, hilly countryside. The church’s façade is among the most elaborate in the city, featuring a colonnaded portico, an elegant dome (with 131 steps leading to the balcony), and delicate bell towers. The adjacent crypt houses the Savoy Royal Tombs, while the Royal Apartment provides a glimpse into the small residence built for Victor Amadeus II.
#### Lavazza: A Coffee Tradition
Italy’s beloved coffee brand, Lavazza, was founded in Turin in 1895 by Luigi Lavazza. Visitors can delve into the brand’s history at the Museo Lavazza (Via Bologna 32) and visit the original Lavazza café at Via S. Tommaso 10.
#### Juventus: A Passion for Soccer
Turin’s premier soccer team, Juventus F.C., enjoys a devoted following and plays its home games at the state-of-the-art Allianz Stadium. Fans can visit the on-site Juventus Museum and take a tour of the stadium.
#### The Extravagant Savoy Palaces
A visit to Turin is incomplete without exploring the extravagant Savoy royal palaces nestled in the countryside surrounding the city. The 18th-century Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, technically a hunting lodge, resembles a sprawling castle-come-palace, adorned with art, frescoes, and original furniture. Even more impressive, the Reggia di Venaria Reale stands as one of the world’s largest palaces, a 17th-century Baroque masterpiece encompassing formal gardens, chapels, and extensive grounds.
### Accommodation Options: Where to Stay in Turin
Hotel rates in Turin tend to be higher during the peak summer months (June–August) and during significant trade shows such as A&T (February), Salone dell’Auto Torino (June), and Terra Madre Salone del Gusto (September). The Grand Hotel Sitea (Via Carlo Alberto 35), Turin’s premier grand hotel since the early 1900s, offers period-style rooms and the Michelin-starred Carignano Restaurant.
Excellent deals can be found at the Starhotels Majestic, situated in a charming 19th-century building near the station (Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 54), and Townhouse 70, a stylish boutique hotel near Piazza Castello (Via XX Settembro 70). Independent-minded travelers can explore apartment rentals through platforms like Airbnb.
### Culinary Delights: Where to Eat in Turin
Turin boasts an abundance of gourmet restaurants. Vintage 1997 on Piazza Solferino offers authentic, traditional Piedmontese dining, featuring dishes like fresh porcini mushrooms, chickpea puree with cod and shrimp, or lamb with artichokes.
Cannavacciuolo Bistrot (Via Umberto Cosmo 6), the showcase for Italian celebrity chef Antonio Cannavacciuolo, serves exquisite pastas and secondis, such as red mullet with lemon and potatoes. Magorabin (Corso S. Maurizio 61), a minimalist restaurant, specializes in beautifully presented small plates. Del Cambio, overlooking Piazza Carignano, has been serving high-quality (and pricey) Piedmontese cuisine since 1757.
For more budget-friendly options, head to Flower Burger (Via Antonio Bertola 29c), an Instagram favorite renowned for its rainbow-colored veggie burgers. Trattoria Coco’s (Via Bernardino Galliari 28) offers well-priced, home-cooked meals, while the trendy food hall EDIT (Via Cigna 96) houses a bakery/cafe, pub, cocktail bar, brewery, and restaurant within a converted factory.
Visitors with a sweet tooth will find paradise in Turin, the birthplace of gianduiotto, the iconic ingot-shaped hazelnut milk chocolate. Sample this local delicacy at the venerable Gobino (Via Giuseppe Luigi Lagrange 1). Caffè Baratti & Milano (Piazza Castello 27), a historic establishment, offers a refined setting to indulge in chocolate desserts, while Stratta (Piazza San Carlo 191) is renowned for its extraordinary pastries and cakes.
The local specialty, “bicerin” (a blend of espresso, hot, bitter chocolate, and whipped cream), was invented at Al Bicerin, an atmospheric coffee-chocolate house founded in 1763 on Piazza della Consolata. Notable figures such as Alexandre Dumas, Puccini, and Nietzsche were all regulars at this historic establishment. The global gelato chain Grom was founded in Turin in 2003, with the original branch located at Piazza Pietro Paleocapa.
### Turin by Night: Evening Entertainment and Libations
Vermouth, a fortified wine flavored with herbs and spices, was invented in Turin in 1786. The Martini and Cinzano brands, both iconic vermouth producers, continue to be made in Turin. Start your evening by ordering a glass of vermouth in one of the city’s historic cafes, which transform into elegant bars as the sun sets. Top choices include the Art Nouveau Caffè Mulassano at Piazza Castello 15, or the venerable Caffè Fiorio (Via Po 8), founded in 1780 and frequented by Piedmontese statesman Cavour.
Caffè Platti (Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 72) is another stunning bar, once a gathering place for intellectuals and writers such as Cesare Pavese. For cocktails and tapas, try La Drogheria (Piazza Vittorio Veneto). Affordable local wines and snacks can be found at the tiny Caffè Vini Emilio Ranzini, a traditional piola (“local bar” in Piedmontese dialect) with a garden (although it typically closes at 8:30 pm). For dancing and a glamorous atmosphere, head to Kogin’s Club (Corso Sicilia 6).
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