Turin
Italy
Why Turin is a great destination
Turin is Italy’s quietly brilliant city: crowd‑light yet layered with royal Baroque, industrial cool and café culture, delivering big‑city experiences without the bustle.
- Elegance & ease: Porticoed boulevards (18 km of portici), Baroque piazzas and historic cafés set a measured, refined pace—think Bicerin at Al Bicerin, aperitivo in Piazza San Carlo, and evening strolls under Via Po.
- Big‑ticket culture, small‑crowd feel: Blockbuster sights—Museo Egizio, the Mole Antonelliana’s Cinema Museum, Alps panoramas from Basilica di Superga—usually mean shorter queues, walkable links and better value than Italy’s headline cities.
- Industrial soul, creative present: FIAT’s Lingotto (with its rooftop test track and Pinacoteca Agnelli) and OGR’s regenerated workshops turn factory heritage into art, music and tech—an authentic, lived‑in city rather than a stage set.
- Piedmont on a plate: Porta Palazzo market, vermouth bars and gianduiotti anchor a serious food scene; Quadrilatero, San Salvario and Vanchiglia serve honest aperitivi, contemporary bistros and late‑night buzz without the mark‑ups.
Who should go to Turin?
Turin suits travellers who value understated elegance, serious culture and superb food without the crowds. Expect royal baroque grandeur alongside repurposed industrial icons, world‑class museums, a revered coffee tradition, and the Alps as a constant backdrop. It’s ideal for thoughtful city‑breakers, architecture and design fans, and food‑focused travellers seeking great value versus Rome or Milan.
- History lovers: Explore the former first capital of Italy through Savoy royal palaces, Risorgimento landmarks and FIAT’s industrial legacy, complemented by story‑soaked historic cafés.
- Architecture buffs: Feast on Guarini and Juvarra’s baroque masterpieces, Stile Liberty gems in Cit Turin, the audacious Mole Antonelliana, and brilliant adaptive reuse at Lingotto and OGR—plus 18 km of elegant portici.
- Art & museum‑goers: Dive into the world‑class Museo Egizio, contemporary heavyweights like Castello di Rivoli, GAM, Fondazione Merz and Sandretto, and the National Cinema Museum inside the Mole.
- Foodies: Savour Piedmont’s slow‑food soul—markets like Porta Palazzo, vermouth and aperitivo ritual, chocolate‑hazelnut gianduiotti and the iconic Bicerin—with better value than Milan.
- Scenery seekers: Capture sweeping Alpine views from Superga, Monte dei Cappuccini and the Mole, stroll the Po riverbanks, and time winter visits for the luminous magic of Luci d’Artista.
- City‑breakers: Enjoy a compact, walkable centre, efficient trams/metro, stylish yet relaxed vibe, and year‑round events (ATP Finals), making Turin a perfect 2–3 day escape.
Who should go to Turin?
Turin suits travellers who value understated elegance, serious culture and superb food without the crowds. Expect royal baroque grandeur alongside repurposed industrial icons, world‑class museums, a revered coffee tradition, and the Alps as a constant backdrop. It’s ideal for thoughtful city‑breakers, architecture and design fans, and food‑focused travellers seeking great value versus Rome or Milan.
- History lovers: Explore the former first capital of Italy through Savoy royal palaces, Risorgimento landmarks and FIAT’s industrial legacy, complemented by story‑soaked historic cafés.
- Architecture buffs: Feast on Guarini and Juvarra’s baroque masterpieces, Stile Liberty gems in Cit Turin, the audacious Mole Antonelliana, and brilliant adaptive reuse at Lingotto and OGR—plus 18 km of elegant portici.
- Art & museum‑goers: Dive into the world‑class Museo Egizio, contemporary heavyweights like Castello di Rivoli, GAM, Fondazione Merz and Sandretto, and the National Cinema Museum inside the Mole.
- Foodies: Savour Piedmont’s slow‑food soul—markets like Porta Palazzo, vermouth and aperitivo ritual, chocolate‑hazelnut gianduiotti and the iconic Bicerin—with better value than Milan.
- Scenery seekers: Capture sweeping Alpine views from Superga, Monte dei Cappuccini and the Mole, stroll the Po riverbanks, and time winter visits for the luminous magic of Luci d’Artista.
- City‑breakers: Enjoy a compact, walkable centre, efficient trams/metro, stylish yet relaxed vibe, and year‑round events (ATP Finals), making Turin a perfect 2–3 day escape.
Top things to do in Turin
These are Turin’s unmissable highlights, blending royal elegance, industrial swagger and alpine vistas. Use this shortlist to grasp the city’s essence in a single, unforgettable visit.
- Walk the grand porticoes from Piazza Castello to Piazza San Carlo via Via Po, pausing at a historic café for a Bicerin.
- Explore the Museo Egizio, the world’s oldest Egyptian museum outside Egypt, packed with mummies, statues and papyri.
- Visit the Mole Antonelliana for the National Cinema Museum and a 360° city panorama from the glass lift.
- Take the vintage Sassi–Superga rack railway to the basilica for sweeping views across Turin to the snow-capped Alps.
- Hike up to Monte dei Cappuccini or the Villa della Regina terraces for serene, photo-perfect skyline vistas.
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Top things to do in Turin
These are Turin’s unmissable highlights, blending royal elegance, industrial swagger and alpine vistas. Use this shortlist to grasp the city’s essence in a single, unforgettable visit.
- Walk the grand porticoes from Piazza Castello to Piazza San Carlo via Via Po, pausing at a historic café for a Bicerin.
- Explore the Museo Egizio, the world’s oldest Egyptian museum outside Egypt, packed with mummies, statues and papyri.
- Visit the Mole Antonelliana for the National Cinema Museum and a 360° city panorama from the glass lift.
- Take the vintage Sassi–Superga rack railway to the basilica for sweeping views across Turin to the snow-capped Alps.
- Hike up to Monte dei Cappuccini or the Villa della Regina terraces for serene, photo-perfect skyline vistas.
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3-day Turin itinerary
Day 1: Royal Turin, cafés and the river
Turin’s composed elegance is best felt in its royal core and under the shelter of its arcades. Ease into the city with historic cafés, Baroque masterpieces, and a sunset over the Po.
- Morning: Make a loop of Piazza Castello: Palazzo Reale (state rooms and the Royal Armoury), Palazzo Madama (Juvarra’s grand staircase), and the church of San Lorenzo (Guarini’s astonishing dome). Pause for a bicerin at Al Bicerin or Baratti & Milano (order at the bar if you’re in a hurry; no cappuccino after 11.00).
- Midday: Visit the Egyptian Museum (book a timed ticket; allow 1.5–2 hours). Lunch on Via Lagrange or Via Carlo Alberto—try vitello tonnato or agnolotti; in autumn look for white truffle specials. Stroll the portici of Via Roma and Galleria Subalpina (shops may close 13:00–15:30).
- Afternoon: Explore the Mole Antonelliana and the National Cinema Museum; prebook the panoramic lift for skyline views (or climb the cathedral bell-tower for a quieter rooftop perspective). Walk down Via Po to the vast Piazza Vittorio Veneto and along the river.
- Evening: Join the aperitivo ritual in Piazza San Carlo or in San Salvario (vermouth, Negroni, and quality stuzzichini—this isn’t a buffet dinner). Dine on Piedmontese classics; then climb to Monte dei Cappuccini for a postcard night view (best after rain and in winter). From late Oct–Jan, wander beneath Luci d’Artista light installations.
Day 2: Markets, trams and post‑industrial renaissance
Today mixes the city’s everyday life with its industrial soul reimagined for culture. Begin at Europe’s largest open‑air market, ride historic trams, then head to FIAT’s legendary factory‑turned‑arts hub.
- Morning: Explore Porta Palazzo (go early for the farmers’ hall; point to produce—don’t handle it). If it’s Saturday, browse the Balon flea market (Gran Balon on the second Sunday). Coffee and a pastry at a neighbourhood bar near the market; validate your GTT ticket each ride (the GTT To Move app is handy).
- Midday: Do a full loop on historic tram Line 7 (weekends/holidays; boards near Piazza Castello) for a moving city intro; otherwise sample everyday Turin on Lines 4 or 13. Lunch in the Quadrilatero Romano—slow food plates and a glass of Barbera—and peek into artisan workshops.
- Afternoon: Metro to Lingotto for the Pinacoteca Agnelli and a walk on the former FIAT rooftop test track (La Pista 500, gardens and views); drop into Eataly Lingotto for tastings. Alternatively, visit OGR for contemporary art/music/tech shows or the Nuvola Lavazza HQ and museum (book ahead).
- Evening: Aperitivo in San Salvario (try a local vermouth flight); specialty coffee earlier at Orso Laboratorio if you’re into third‑wave brews. Dinner at a contemporary trattoria nearby. On Fri/Sat nights, Night Buster buses supplement trams—keep valuables close around stations.
Day 3: Hills, villas and Alpine horizons
Head for the collina to see Turin in its Alpine amphitheatre and the Savoy “Crown of Delights”. Return for art—or shopping—then toast the skyline at altitude.
- Morning: Ride the Sassi–Superga rack tram to the Basilica di Superga (Wednesdays use bus 79/); climb the dome for 360° views and visit the Grande Torino memorial. Crisp winter air gives the sharpest Alps; in summer go early to beat haze.
- Midday: Visit Villa della Regina for terraced gardens and a rare urban vineyard, then descend to the Gran Madre and riverside. Lunch in Borgo Po or along the Po (bagna càuda is a cosy winter choice). If you prefer a calm museum hour, MAO is nearby.
- Afternoon: Choose one: GAM for 19th–20th‑century Italian art, or Castello di Rivoli for Arte Povera (check shuttle times; allow travel). Shoppers can instead browse Via Carlo Alberto/Via Lagrange boutiques and peek at Liberty architecture in Cit Turin.
- Evening: Book Piano 35 atop the Intesa Sanpaolo tower for sunset drinks with a modern skyline (smart‑casual; reserve), or take the Mole lift at night for a glittering grid of streets. Farewell dinner with agnolotti del plin and a glass of Barolo; in mid‑November the ATP Finals add a buzz across town.
Notes: Many museums close on Mondays. Central streets sit inside a ZTL restricted‑traffic zone—avoid driving in. Always greet with “buongiorno/buonasera” in small shops, and take it slow: Turin rewards unhurried passeggiate under the portici.
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Food and drink in Turin
Turin’s food culture blends royal café rituals, Slow Food values, and Piedmont’s rich larder. Expect seasonal dishes, chocolate–hazelnut delights, and a civilised aperitivo—from bustling Porta Palazzo market to hushed historic cafés.
- Bicerin – Turin’s signature layered drink of hot chocolate, espresso and cold cream; best savoured unhurried in historic cafés under the porticoes.
- Agnolotti del plin – hand‑pinched meat‑filled pasta, served with roast juices or butter and sage; comforting plates in cosy trattorie and osterie.
- Gianduiotti – silky gianduja (hazelnut‑chocolate) ingots, a local obsession; browse elegant pasticcerie and chocolate shops (and the Cioccolatò festival in season).
- Vermouth & aperitivo – sip Vermouth di Torino, Americano or Negroni with quality stuzzichini; relaxed early‑evening ritual in arcaded cafés and neighbourhood bars.
Eat like a local: Discover Turin top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in Turin
Turin’s food culture blends royal café rituals, Slow Food values, and Piedmont’s rich larder. Expect seasonal dishes, chocolate–hazelnut delights, and a civilised aperitivo—from bustling Porta Palazzo market to hushed historic cafés.
- Bicerin – Turin’s signature layered drink of hot chocolate, espresso and cold cream; best savoured unhurried in historic cafés under the porticoes.
- Agnolotti del plin – hand‑pinched meat‑filled pasta, served with roast juices or butter and sage; comforting plates in cosy trattorie and osterie.
- Gianduiotti – silky gianduja (hazelnut‑chocolate) ingots, a local obsession; browse elegant pasticcerie and chocolate shops (and the Cioccolatò festival in season).
- Vermouth & aperitivo – sip Vermouth di Torino, Americano or Negroni with quality stuzzichini; relaxed early‑evening ritual in arcaded cafés and neighbourhood bars.
Eat like a local: Discover Turin top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Turin
Choosing where to stay in Turin shapes your trip: each neighbourhood has a distinct pace, look and feel. Think about whether you want baroque elegance, buzzy nightlife, or leafy calm—then pick the area that matches. Trams and the Metro make it easy to hop between districts.
- Centro Storico (Piazza Castello–Via Roma) — Grand baroque squares and portici, historic cafés and museums on your doorstep; ideal for first‑timers and history lovers who want everything walkable.
- Quadrilatero Romano — Cobbled lanes, Roman grid and lively aperitivo bars; great for foodies and night owls who don’t mind some late‑night buzz.
- San Salvario — Bohemian, multicultural and bar‑rich near Porta Nuova and Parco del Valentino; best for younger travellers and gig‑goers, less so for light sleepers.
- Crocetta — Leafy, elegant and residential with Liberty‑style palazzi and the Mercato della Crocetta; suits families and anyone seeking quiet, refined surroundings.
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Where to stay in Turin
Choosing where to stay in Turin shapes your trip: each neighbourhood has a distinct pace, look and feel. Think about whether you want baroque elegance, buzzy nightlife, or leafy calm—then pick the area that matches. Trams and the Metro make it easy to hop between districts.
- Centro Storico (Piazza Castello–Via Roma) — Grand baroque squares and portici, historic cafés and museums on your doorstep; ideal for first‑timers and history lovers who want everything walkable.
- Quadrilatero Romano — Cobbled lanes, Roman grid and lively aperitivo bars; great for foodies and night owls who don’t mind some late‑night buzz.
- San Salvario — Bohemian, multicultural and bar‑rich near Porta Nuova and Parco del Valentino; best for younger travellers and gig‑goers, less so for light sleepers.
- Crocetta — Leafy, elegant and residential with Liberty‑style palazzi and the Mercato della Crocetta; suits families and anyone seeking quiet, refined surroundings.
Find places to stay in Turin on Booking.com
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Good to know before you go to Turin
Travel in Turin is straightforward: the centre is compact, public transport is reliable, and most sights sit within easy reach. A few local quirks (like the lunchtime lull and driving restrictions) are worth knowing to smooth your plans. Here’s the practical lowdown.
- Affordability: Generally more affordable than Rome or Milan, with espresso €1.20–1.50 at the bar, aperitivo €10–15, a sit‑down dinner €20–40 per person, and rooms roughly €70–120 (budget), €120–200 (mid‑range) and €200+ (upscale).
- Transport: The centre is very walkable under the porticoes, backed by reliable trams/buses and a metro, easy rail links from Porta Nuova/Susa for day trips (Alps, Milan, Asti/Alba), with a car only helpful for vineyards and a ZTL restricting driving in the core.
- Language: Italian is the main language; English is usually understood in hotels, museums and by younger people, but less so in small shops and markets—polite greetings in Italian go a long way.
- Safety & comfort: Generally safe and relaxed for families and solo travellers, with standard big‑city cautions for pickpockets at stations, on crowded trams and at the Porta Palazzo market, and do watch for ZTL fines if you drive.
- Crowds: Turin rarely feels overrun, but expect spikes during November’s ATP Finals/Artissima and in December–January for Luci d’Artista and the holidays; August is quiet with some closures, and mid‑week museum slots are calm if you book the Museo Egizio/Mole in advance.
Good to know before you go to Turin
Travel in Turin is straightforward: the centre is compact, public transport is reliable, and most sights sit within easy reach. A few local quirks (like the lunchtime lull and driving restrictions) are worth knowing to smooth your plans. Here’s the practical lowdown.
- Affordability: Generally more affordable than Rome or Milan, with espresso €1.20–1.50 at the bar, aperitivo €10–15, a sit‑down dinner €20–40 per person, and rooms roughly €70–120 (budget), €120–200 (mid‑range) and €200+ (upscale).
- Transport: The centre is very walkable under the porticoes, backed by reliable trams/buses and a metro, easy rail links from Porta Nuova/Susa for day trips (Alps, Milan, Asti/Alba), with a car only helpful for vineyards and a ZTL restricting driving in the core.
- Language: Italian is the main language; English is usually understood in hotels, museums and by younger people, but less so in small shops and markets—polite greetings in Italian go a long way.
- Safety & comfort: Generally safe and relaxed for families and solo travellers, with standard big‑city cautions for pickpockets at stations, on crowded trams and at the Porta Palazzo market, and do watch for ZTL fines if you drive.
- Crowds: Turin rarely feels overrun, but expect spikes during November’s ATP Finals/Artissima and in December–January for Luci d’Artista and the holidays; August is quiet with some closures, and mid‑week museum slots are calm if you book the Museo Egizio/Mole in advance.
Best time to go to Turin
Turin has a continental rhythm: mild, blooming springs; hot, sometimes hazy summers; and crisp, culture-rich autumns and winters with clear Alpine views on the best days. Autumn and winter often feel most “Torinese,” while spring is easy-going and summery nights are all about life outdoors.
- Spring (Apr–Jun): Mild and green with blossom along the Po; manageable crowds; café terraces wake up and showers are possible.
- High Summer (Jul–Aug): Hot (often 30°C+), with haze that can mute mountain views; some locals away mid‑August, streets quieter by day but evenings are lively outdoors.
- Autumn–Winter (Sep–Mar): Crisp air and frequent clear Alps in autumn; winter is cold with foggy spells, Luci d’Artista lights and cosy historic cafés; culture weekends (Artissima/ATP Finals, Christmas markets) bring short bursts of buzz.
Best time to go to Turin
Turin has a continental rhythm: mild, blooming springs; hot, sometimes hazy summers; and crisp, culture-rich autumns and winters with clear Alpine views on the best days. Autumn and winter often feel most “Torinese,” while spring is easy-going and summery nights are all about life outdoors.
- Spring (Apr–Jun): Mild and green with blossom along the Po; manageable crowds; café terraces wake up and showers are possible.
- High Summer (Jul–Aug): Hot (often 30°C+), with haze that can mute mountain views; some locals away mid‑August, streets quieter by day but evenings are lively outdoors.
- Autumn–Winter (Sep–Mar): Crisp air and frequent clear Alps in autumn; winter is cold with foggy spells, Luci d’Artista lights and cosy historic cafés; culture weekends (Artissima/ATP Finals, Christmas markets) bring short bursts of buzz.
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How to get to Turin
By Air
- Turin Airport (TRN, “Sandro Pertini”/Caselle) – 16 km north of the centre.
- Airport coach (Arriva Italia) to Porta Susa and Porta Nuova: 30–45 minutes, every 15–30 minutes.
- Taxi: 25–35 minutes to central Turin (traffic dependent).
- An SFM suburban rail link to/from central Turin is being phased in; check current timetables.
- Milan Malpensa (MXP) – ~140 km: direct coach to Turin in about 2 hours; by train via Milano Centrale then high‑speed to Turin in ~2–2.5 hours.
- Milan Linate (LIN) – ~150 km: ~2.5–3 hours via Milan by coach/train.
- Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) – ~195 km: ~3–3.5 hours by coach or train+bus.
- Cuneo Levaldigi (CUF) – ~90 km: 1–1.5 hours by car; limited flights.
- Genoa (GOA) – ~170 km: 1.5–2 hours by car; rail via Genoa in ~2.5–3 hours.
By Train
- Main stations: Porta Susa (high‑speed hub), Porta Nuova (city terminus), Lingotto (south).
- High‑speed (Trenitalia Frecciarossa & Italo):
- Milan: 45–60 minutes; very frequent.
- Bologna: ~2–2.5 hours (usually via Milan).
- Florence: ~2.5–3 hours (via Bologna).
- Rome: ~4–4.5 hours (direct services daily).
- Naples: ~5.5–6 hours (direct).
- Venice: ~3.5–4.5 hours (usually 1 change at Milan/Verona).
- Lyon/Paris (via Modane): limited direct services; Lyon ~3.5–4 hours, Paris ~5.5–6 hours.
- Regional highlights:
- Susa Valley (Oulx/Bardonecchia for the Alps): ~1.5–2 hours.
- Asti/Alba (Langhe area via Asti/Bra): ~1–2 hours.
- Aosta (via Ivrea): ~2–2.5 hours (usually 1 change).
By Bus
- Long‑distance stops: Corso Bolzano (Porta Susa), Corso Vittorio Emanuele II (near Porta Nuova), and Torino Stura.
- Operators include FlixBus, Itabus and BlaBlaCar Bus.
- Typical times: Milan 1.5–2.5 hours; Genoa 2–3 hours; Lyon 4.5–6 hours; Nice 5–6 hours. Night services available on some routes.
By Car
- Motorways:
- A4 (Milan), A21 (Asti–Piacenza), A6 (Savona/Ligurian coast), A5 (Aosta/Mont Blanc), A32 (Susa Valley/Fréjus Tunnel to France).
- Approximate driving times: Milan 1.5–2 hours; Aosta 1–1.5 hours; Genoa 2 hours; Lyon ~4 hours via the Fréjus Tunnel (tolls apply).
- The historic centre has a ZTL (limited traffic zone); use park‑and‑ride at Metro stations (e.g., Fermi, Lingotto). On‑street blue zones are paid parking.
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