Things To Do
in Turin
Turin, or Torino, sits on the Po River in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, framed by the Alps to the west. It is a city of refined elegance, baroque courtyards, and grand avenues where coffee houses and pasticcerias hum with energy. Turin is renowned for its automotive heritage, world-class museums, and a cuisine that showcases the richness of Piedmont with comforting, seasonal dishes.
Visitors can wander from majestic palaces to lively markets and savor slow meals that linger in the memory.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at the iconic Mole Antonelliana, where you can take an elevator ride to the top for panoramic views of Turin. After soaking in the scenery, stroll through the elegant streets of the historic center, admiring the beautiful architecture. Stop for a traditional Italian breakfast at a local café, indulging in a fresh cornetto and cappuccino.
Visit the Royal Palace of Turin, where you can explore the opulent rooms and stunning gardens that reflect the city’s royal heritage. Afterward, head to the nearby Museo Egizio, the second largest Egyptian museum in the world, to marvel at its incredible collection of artifacts. Take a leisurely walk through Piazza San Carlo, stopping at the historic cafés for a gelato break.
As the sun sets, find a cozy trattoria in the Quadrilatero Romano district for a delightful dinner featuring local specialties such as agnolotti and bagna cauda. After dinner, meander through the vibrant streets to experience Turin’s nightlife, perhaps enjoying a glass of vermouth at a historic bar. End your day with a leisurely stroll along the Po River, enjoying the reflections of the city lights on the water.
Begin with a visit to the Galleria Sabauda, home to a stunning collection of Renaissance and Baroque art, including works by Caravaggio and Raphael. Next, head to the National Cinema Museum housed within the Mole Antonelliana, where you can explore the history of film through interactive exhibits. Enjoy a light lunch at a nearby café, savoring a fresh panino.
Continue your cultural journey at the Palazzo Madama, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing an impressive collection of decorative arts and historical artifacts. Spend the afternoon wandering through the beautiful Giardini Reali, where you can relax amidst the meticulously manicured gardens. Don't forget to snap photos of the stunning fountains and sculptures that adorn the park.
For dinner, seek out a restaurant that specializes in Piedmontese cuisine, where you can pair your meal with a local Barolo wine. After dining, take a leisurely walk to the nearby Piazza Vittorio Veneto, known for its lively atmosphere and outdoor seating. Consider enjoying a nightcap at a rooftop bar, soaking in the breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or espresso | $2-4 |
| 🚇One-way transit ticket | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $100-180 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction ticket | $10-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with palaces, museums, and historic cafes
- Delicious Piedmontese cuisine and excellent wine nearby
- Walkable city center with beautiful views of the Alps
- Strong seasonal markets and a lively aperitivo culture
- Versatile day trips to vineyards and alpine areas
- Limited underground metro; some areas rely on buses and trams
- Tourist crowds in peak season around major sights
- Higher prices in centro for dining and nightlife compared to smaller towns
- Weather can be changeable; winters can be cold and windy
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
- "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Un tavolo per due, per favore" - A table for two, please
- "Il conto, per favore" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Turin
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic tower offering dramatic city views from the rooftop and a striking silhouette against the skyline.
Elegant Baroque architecture with arcades and statues; a classic backdrop for golden-hour photography.
One of Turin’s best-preserved Roman gates; captures contrast between ancient stone and modern streets.
A recreated medieval village set within a lush park, offering charming angles with the Alps in the distance.
Wide riverfront views, bridges, and riverside paths ideal for sunset and twilight shots.
Impressive abbey perched on a hill with sweeping views over the surrounding valley—great for dramatic landscape shots.
Food in Turin
Turin Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Small folded pasta pillows filled with meat, typically served with a simple butter-sage sauce or in a rich gravy.
Must-Try!
Chilled veal sliced and topped with a creamy tuna-based sauce; a classic antipasto.
A warm anchovy-garlic dip served with raw vegetables; a Piedmontese specialty.
Beef braised slowly in Barolo wine until tender and deeply flavored.
Hazelnut chocolate specialties born in the Torino area, beloved as desserts and treats.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of Europe’s largest open-air markets, offering fresh produce, cheeses, meats, baked goods, and street-food bites.
A bustling market area with multicultural stalls, ready-to-eat bites, and seasonal products.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera'. In casual settings, a handshake or light kiss on both cheeks is common among friends.
Table manners are relaxed but courteous; wait to be seated, keep elbows off the table, and say 'Grazie' for good service.
Smart casual is appropriate in many restaurants; church visits may require modest dress (cover shoulders and knees).
Safety
Tipping in Turin
Ensure a smooth experience
In Italy, service charge may already be included (servizio). If not, rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is common but not mandatory.
Credit and debit cards widely accepted in restaurants and shops. Cash is handy in markets and smaller venues; some places may add a small surcharge for cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens; a great time for walks along the Po and quiet city photography without crowds.
Hot days; occasional heat waves. Stay hydrated, visit shady courtyards and early-morning sights for comfortable exploration.
Crisp air and colorful foliage in the hills around Turin; perfect for outdoor walks and wine-region excursions nearby.
Cold, with occasional snow in the Alps. Warm cafes, markets, and festive lights create intimate indoor photography opportunities.
Turin at Night
Hiking in Turin
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Abbey perched on a hill with sweeping views; a classic hike that blends culture and scenery.
Accessible hillside hikes just outside Turin offering panoramic city and valley views.
Forest trails around two lakes with scenic vantage points and lakeside paths.
Airports
How to reach Turin by plane.
Main international airport serving Turin; connected by train and bus to the city center.
Major international gateway about 1.5–2.5 hours by rail and road from Turin; useful for long-haul connections.
Close to Milan; accessible by train or car, useful for domestic and European flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Italian citizens, with a growing number of international residents and students from nearby universities.
Turin hosts several universities and academies, contributing a youthful urban energy to neighborhoods like San Salvario and Crocetta.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local passion around Juventus and Torino FC; matches and stadium tours are common weekend activities.
Popular for city rides along the Po River and surrounding hills; nearby roads host amateur races.
Short trips to the Alps for winter sports are popular among locals and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Turin.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants offer vegetarian pasta, risotto, legumes, and seasonal vegetables; ask for risi e bisi or agnolotti without meat. Look for menu symbols like 'vegetariano'.
Gluten-free options are increasingly available; inform staff about celiac needs and request gluten-free pasta or dishes when possible.
Vegan options are rising in Turin’s modern eateries and Eataly marketplaces; inquire about dairy-free alternatives and vegetable-based dishes.