The things we love most about Turin and always show to those visiting the city for the first time.
Turin is a city that captures your heart. With the Alps as a backdrop, its hills, and three rivers that run through it. Baroque churches and squares, elegant cafes and galleries, refined streets in the center are just some of the things that make Turin unique.
Elegant, sober, rich in history. Behind its serious and rational appearance, Turin hides a mysterious soul: Italo Calvino said that Turin “Through logic opens up to madness.” Nietzsche loved it very much and went mad here. And then a gourmet soul: gianduja chocolate, tramezzini sandwiches, ice cream bars, vermouth were born here, and await you in historic cafes and bars for aperitifs that dot the arcaded shopping streets. And if the cold gets to you, take refuge in one of the many museums and galleries: you are spoiled for choice, from Egyptian antiquities to contemporary art.
Experience the “royal” atmosphere in the Savoy Residences, shop in the city center, take a photo at a panoramic viewpoint, go hunting for multi-ethnic products at Porta Palazzo or vintage items at Balon, enjoy a Bicerìn in a historic cafe.
Starting from the historic center, up to the “Crown of Delights” that surrounded the Savoy capital, you will discover the 10 things to see in Turin, plus three gems that you will surely love.
1 – A walk in the historic center, to discover the most beautiful squares of Turin
Turin is famous for its elegant squares, Baroque churches and palaces, Savoy residences, arcades, straight streets, museums and shops: a walk through the historic center can only be one of the first things to do in Turin.
During your walk you can admire Piazza Castello, with some of the most important monuments of Turin, such as Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama, the church of San Lorenzo with the Baroque dome, a masterpiece by Guarino Guarini. Behind the Piazzetta Reale, which overlooks Piazza Castello, you will find the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, the Turin cathedral. Here is kept the Shroud, under another Baroque masterpiece: the pagoda dome, also by Guarini.
Continue to Piazza Carignano where you will find Palazzo Carignano, a 17th-century Baroque palace, which houses the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento, the Carignano theater and the most prestigious restaurant in Turin: the starred Del Cambio. Do not miss Piazza San Carlo, the living room of Turin, one of the most beautiful and elegant squares in the city, surrounded by arcades, historic bars and luxury shops. Other very beautiful and elegant squares are Piazza Bodoni, overlooking the Conservatory, and Piazza Carlo Alberto. In piazzetta IV Marzo and in piazza Carlina you will find several restaurants and wine bars for a lunch or dinner break.
To find out in detail what to see in the center, go to the itinerary of the Historic Center of Turin
2 – See Turin from the top of the Mole Antonelliana
Everyone knows that the Mole is the symbol of Turin. Few, however, know that initially it was to be a Jewish synagogue and that Antonelli, the architect who designed it, enlarged the original project to an enormous extent, making the building increasingly high… to the point that for several years it remained unfinished.
For decades, the Mole Antonelliana was the tallest building in Turin, until it was surpassed by the skyscraper of the Piedmont Region.
After admiring Turin from above, go down to visit the National Cinema Museum: under the enormous vault of the Mole you can retrace the history of cinema through multimedia settings, reconstructions of cult films, photographs, posters, shadow puppets, optical boxes and magic lanterns. It is so nice to relax and observe the majesty of the Mole comfortably lying on the chaise longues in the center of the room!
Do you want to discover other panoramic points from which to enjoy the most beautiful views of Turin? Go to the page Looking at Turin from above from 0 to 670 meters!
3 – The Egyptian Museum
The most visited and well-known museum in Turin, the oldest museum dedicated to Egypt, the most important in the world after Cairo’s: the Egyptian Museum is one of the things you absolutely must see during a visit to Turin.
There are many things to do: 4,000 years of history told in over 37,000 pieces on 60,000 square meters of exhibition space, with a two-kilometer long visitor route.
In 2024, the Egyptian Museum of Turin underwent an important restyling designed by the international firm Oma.
4 – The Automobile Museum, in which city if not Turin?
Turin is the Italian capital of cars … and of collected cars, in this museum that overlooks the Po and the Turin hills, you will see many. The old and more recent cars are exhibited inside a spectacular setting that will take you through the history of the automobile from its origins to the present day, through multimedia installations, reconstructions, dioramas and fun facts, as well as the very rich collection of automobiles.
Absolutely to do: a ride on the carousel – assembly line, a walk on the floor with Turin seen from above, observe the reconstruction of a vintage body shop. For more informations visit the page Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile.
5 – Aperitivo in Piazza Vittorio and evening in San Salvario
The aperitivo was born in Turin, thanks to Mr. Carpano, who more than two hundred years ago invented Vermouth, followed closely by Cinzano and Martini. During the nineteenth century, the city’s bartenders began serving vermouth and bitters to patrons, drinks that stimulated the appetite before dinner. These bartenders also began serving free snacks to accompany the drinks. In the following years, the aperitivo became increasingly popular throughout Italy, and today it is a widespread tradition throughout the country, especially in large cities.
The areas of Turin preferred by the Turinese for this pleasant activity, which is often a substitute for dinner, are Piazza Vittorio, one of the largest in Europe, with a spectacular view of the hills, the multi-ethnic district of San Salvario, one of the centers of Turin’s nightlife, the Quadrilatero Romano with its wine shops and wine bars or the area around Santa Giulia in Vanchiglia.
To continue the evening you can stay in Piazza Vittorio, go down to the Murazzi, the old warehouses overlooking the Po where several clubs have reopened. Or move to San Salvario or even to Vanchiglia, an area on the rise in Turin’s nightlife. To stay up late you can go to the outskirts to the Bunker, an old factory converted into a multi-purpose space that often hosts DJ sets, or to the Hiroshima Mon Amour, a historic venue for live music. If you prefer to stay in the city center, the Jazz Club is a valid, quieter alternative.
Find out more on the page Turin by night
6 – Enjoy a Bicerin or hot chocolate in a historic cafe
Do you want to take a leap into the past, reliving the elegance and atmosphere of a Turin of yesteryear?
Take a pleasant break in one of the historic Turin cafes, once frequented by nobles, the protagonists of the Risorgimento, writers, philosophers and artists.
Among the most beautiful and fascinating, don’t miss the Caffè Al Bicerin, Caffè Mulassano, Caffè Baratti & Milano, Caffè Fiorio, Caffè San Carlo, Caffè Platti.
Turin has always been known for chocolate: a passion that has lasted for centuries and that is fueled by excellences such as Baratti e Milano, Caffarel, Stratta, Venchi and renewed by master chocolatiers such as Guido Gobino and Guido Castagna and by companies of excellence such as Domori and La Perla di Torino. In Turin was born the Gianduia, a mix of chocolate and hazelnuts, an ingredient widely used in Piedmont and in particular in the Langhe. The first gianduiotto was produced by Caffarel in 1865 and became the typical chocolate of Turin.
Another thing absolutely to do … is to taste the Bicerìn, the delicious hot drink based on coffee, cocoa and milk cream, loved by Cavour. Where? In the historic café in Piazza della Consolata.
7 – A ride on the roof of the Lingotto and a gourmet lunch at Eataly
Today there are few left, but in the last century factories were certainly not lacking in Turin.
The Lingotto was one of the most impressive factories, admired also by Le Corbusier. In the various floors of this huge factory FIATs were produced and, at the end of the process, they were tested on the track on the roof of the factory. Now there are no more cars on the roof but the track remains and it is fun to climb its steep parabolic curves.
Absolutely to do: a visit to the “aerial” Pinacoteca Agnelli, designed by Renzo Piano, author of the conversion project of the Lingotto from a car factory to a multi-functional center. In the pavilion suspended on the Lingotto track you will see some masterpieces by great masters such as Canaletto, Canova, Matisse, Modigliani.
Next to the Lingotto was born the first Eataly in the world: the temple dedicated to quality Italian food is now known to everyone but the Eataly in Turin was the first to be opened. Here you can eat in the various themed restaurants or in the starred Casa Vicina or simply make gourmet purchases. You can also find and taste various of Turin local specialities.
8 – Going to markets: Porta Palazzo and the Balon
One of the most characteristic things to do in Turin is a walk to “Porta Palazzo”: the multicultural district of Turin, known for the market of the same name in Piazza della Repubblica, the largest in the city and one of the largest in Europe. Here you will find fresh food of all kinds, from farmers in Piedmont, from various regions of Italy and from different parts of the world.
The covered pavilions host various delicatessens, bakeries and butchers, the fish market and the Mercato Centrale, with many restaurants and shops dedicated to Italian cuisine and beyond. If you prefer a more authentic experience Porta Palazzo is the ideal place to discover the multi-ethnic cuisine of Turin: you can choose from several ethnic restaurants that offer dishes of African, Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Absolutely to do: every Saturday and the second Sunday of the month, in Borgo Dora takes place the Balôn, which is pronounced Balùn and is the most important market for used and antique items in Turin. The ideal place to find objects from other times or a second hand dress at a good price.
Want to know more about what to do in Porta Palazzo and Borgo Dora? Go to the page Porta Palazzo Market and Balon
9 – Take a walk to the Valentino and the Medieval Village
The Valentino is the most loved park by the Turinese, located on the left bank of the Po river. A fantastic place for a romantic walk along the river, for a picnic or to spend a few hours outdoors, enjoying the nature, the view of the city and the Turin hills.
Walking along the avenues of the park that run along the river you will notice some characteristic places overlooking the river called “imbarchini“: here once the Turinese rented a boat or a paddle boat for a trip on the river.
Among the things to see in the park: there are the elegant and fairytale Castello del Valentino, an ancient castle of the seventeenth century that today houses the Faculty of Architecture and the picturesque Borgo Medievale: a small village with walls, drawbridge, artisan shops and castle. It seems authentic, but it is a faithful reconstruction of the early twentieth century, designed by the philologist and restorer Alfredo D’Andrade that reproduces the elements of some castles of Piedmont and Val d’Aosta.
A magical place that will transport you with the imagination to the time of ladies and knights, absolutely to see if you have children with you. Are you visiting Turin with small tourists? Go to the page … 10 things to see in Turin with kids.
If you want to know something more about what to see at the Valentino Park, here is the page for you.
10 – Visit at least one of the Savoy residences
Turin has been for centuries the seat of the House of Savoy. The kings who have followed one another over the centuries have surrounded the city with elegant and sumptuous residences: the so-called “Crown of Delights”: a set of castles, palaces, villas and gardens located throughout Piedmont, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The most famous and important of these estates is definitely the Reggia di Venaria Reale, one of the largest and most spectacular royal palaces in Europe and one of the main tourist attractions of the city of Turin and the most visited in Italy. Built from the seventeenth century as a summer residence of the dukes of Savoy, the Reggia di Venaria Reale is located a few kilometers north of Turin, immersed in a vast park that extends over 60 hectares.
The palace is known for its imposing baroque facade and for the beautiful interiors. Among its most famous halls are the Galleria Grande, the Sala di Diana, the Sala del Trono and the Camera da Letto del Re.
In addition to visits to the palace, the Reggia di Venaria Reale offers many other attractions, such as the Italian gardens, the Borgo Antico, the Scuderia Juvarriana, the Parco della Mandria. So allow at least half a day between visits and travel.
If you can not get away from the center of Turin, visit Palazzo Reale, the urban residence of the Savoy: in addition to the beautiful halls, during the visit you can also admire the Cappella della Sindone, Guarini’s baroque masterpiece, the Galleria Sabauda, the Museo di Antichità e l’Armeria Reale. And to rest in the green, take a walk in the Royal Gardens.
Even the Castello del Valentino, which we talked about a little while ago and the Villa della Regina are splendid Savoy residences easily reachable by those who do not want to leave the city.
The palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi e il Castello di Rivoli, with the famous Museum of Contemporary Art, are worth a visit for those who have more time, since they are outside Turin.
And if that’s not enough … here are other things to do:
11 – See Turin from above: walk up to the Colle dei Cappuccini or to Superga with the “dentiera”
Turin is also unique for its position. A city embraced almost entirely by the Alpine arc. To enjoy this view you need to see the city from above (see Turin panoramic: the most beautiful views from 0 to +670 meters).
The most convenient and free panoramic point from which to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the city is the Colle dei Cappuccini: a terrace that overlooks Turin from the hill, easily reachable on foot from Piazza Vittorio (it takes about ten minutes).
The most convenient and free panoramic spot to enjoy a splendid sunset over the city is the Colle dei Cappuccini: a terrace overlooking Turin from the hill, easily reachable on foot from Piazza Vittorio (it takes about ten minutes).
Another panoramic point is the basilica of Superga, which stands out on the Turin hill: it is possible to see it peeking out between the roofs of the houses of Turin in many points of the city. Being outside the city center, it can be reached by car, or, if you have some time, by public transport. One of the most characteristic ways to get to Superga is to take the “dentiera”: a historic rack railway, which climbs up the hill. Once at the top, you can visit the baroque basilica, the work of the baroque architect Juvarra, the tombs of the Savoy and the commemorative plaque at the point where the plane of the Grande Torino crashed.
12 – Visiting the OGR: the workshops of culture and innovation
The Officine Grandi Riparazioni are one of the most impressive buildings to see in Turin for size and charm: a majestic testimony of the city’s industrial past.
Anyone visiting the OGR for the first time will hardly fail to be impressed by their grandeur and the beauty of the reconversion project: where trains were once repaired, we now find a multifunctional space dedicated to culture, with exhibitions, installations, concerts, restaurants, and innovation with the most important startup incubator in Italy.
13 – A walk to discover the Liberty of Turin
If Barcelona has Gaudì and Brussels is famous for the architecture of Victor Horta, Turin also boasts a series of fascinating Liberty or Art Nouveau buildings, starting with the splendid Villa Scott on the hill, set of cult movies such as Profondo Rosso by Dario Argento and La donna della Domenica by Luigi Comencini. Take a comfortable walk in the districts of Cit Turin and San Donato after being in the trendy market of Piazza Benefica: along quiet and elegant streets you can admire the most beautiful, refined and curious Liberty houses in Turin. How? Go to the page dedicated to Turin Liberty.