Sat in the northwest of Italy with the Alps providing a magnificent backdrop, Turin is a city of elegant architecture and grand squares. As the first-ever capital of a unified Italy, its royal past is evident in the palaces and wide, arcaded streets. The city is also a focal point for Piedmont's food culture, especially its chocolate and the cherished evening aperitivo.
Is Turin worth visiting?
Turin presents a different side of Italy when compared to the well-trodden routes of Rome or Florence. Its past as the first capital of a unified Italy has left a legacy of stately Baroque buildings, grand squares, and miles of elegant arcaded walkways that give the city a distinctly regal feel. The general atmosphere is less frantic, with a refined, almost Parisian, character that you notice as you walk its grid-like streets. The city is also a serious destination for anyone interested in food and drink, as the birthplace of the aperitivo and the heart of Italy's chocolate industry.
With the Alpine skyline often visible in the distance, Turin combines its significant cultural weight with a proximity to some of Europe's most impressive natural landscapes.
Top things to see and do in Turin: must-see attractions
Turin has a few heavyweight attractions that are essential for a first visit, giving you a real insight into the city's unique history and character. These are the places that form the cornerstone of any trip.
Ascend the Mole Antonelliana for panoramic views
This spire dominates the city's skyline and was once the tallest building in Italy. A panoramic glass lift whisks you up through the centre of the building to a viewing platform, offering an incredible perspective of the cityscape and the surrounding Alps. The view from the top is one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Turin. The building itself also houses the National Cinema Museum, which is brilliantly done and well worth a couple of hours.
Explore ancient history at the Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio)
It might seem unexpected to find one of the world's most important collections of Egyptian antiquities here, but the Museo Egizio is second only to the museum in Cairo. The collection is vast and impressively displayed, with highlights including the intact Tomb of Kha and Merit and the Royal Papyrus.
Step into royalty at the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace)
As the former seat of the House of Savoy, the Royal Palace gives you a direct look into the lives of Italy’s one-time monarchy. This UNESCO World Heritage site is suitably grand, and a walk through the opulent state apartments, the impressive Royal Armoury, and the quiet Royal Gardens feels like stepping back in time.
Itineraries for a short visit to Turin
Turin is compact enough to explore comfortably on foot, and many of its main attractions are close to one another. A couple of well-planned days can give you a brilliant introduction to what the city has to offer.
What to do in Turin in one day
If you only have a single day, it’s best to focus on the historic centre of the city. A good way to start is in Piazza Castello, the grand square where you’ll find the Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama.
By lunchtime, you will have earned a break at one of Turin’s historic cafes for a classic bicerin, the city’s signature drink of coffee, chocolate and cream, and one of Italy's most irresistible chocolate treats. In the afternoon, you can immerse yourself in ancient history at the Egyptian Museum. To finish the day, take a walk down the arcaded Via Po and find a spot for an evening aperitivo in the Quadrilatero Romano, the old Roman quarter.
How to spend 2 or 3 days in Turin
With a second day, you could dedicate the morning to the Mole Antonelliana, taking the lift to the top for the views before exploring the National Cinema Museum inside. In the afternoon, a walk through the Parco del Valentino on the banks of the River Po is a lovely way to relax. The park also contains the Borgo Medievale, a fascinating replica of a medieval village that is fun to wander through.
A third day gives you the chance to delve into the city's more recent history at the National Automobile Museum. Alternatively, for another fantastic view, you could take the historic tramway up the hill to the Basilica of Superga, the final resting place of the Savoy dynasty.
Specialised things to do in Turin
Beyond the headline attractions, Turin has a lot to offer depending on who you're travelling with, what your budget is, or what time of day it is.
Things to do in Turin with kids
Turin is surprisingly well-suited for a family trip, with plenty of engaging spots that aren't just for adults, such as Parco del Valentino, the National Cinema Museum and the Car Museum.
- Zoom Torino Bioparco: this is an immersive zoo where animals live in environments that replicate their natural habitats. It's a full-day adventure and a fantastic break from city sightseeing.
- Explore the Palace of Venaria (Reggia di Venaria Reale): this former royal residence is a bit like Italy's Versailles. The main draw for families is the enormous gardens where kids have endless space to run around and explore.
- Go on a chocolate tour: instead of just sitting in a cafe, you could visit a famous chocolatier like Guido Gobino for a tasting or find a workshop that lets kids see how Gianduja is made.
Free things to do in Turin
You don't need to spend a lot to enjoy the best of Turin; much of its charm lies in its public spaces and atmosphere, which cost nothing to soak up.
- Explore the Quadrilatero Romano: the old Roman quarter is a lovely tangle of narrow, cobbled streets that are fun to get lost in, with lots of independent shops and cafes to browse.
- Visit the Porta Palazzo Market: experience the hustle and bustle of Europe's largest open-air market.
- Walk under the porticoes: Turin is famous for its miles of arcaded walkways, particularly along Via Po.
Things to do in Turin at night
The local culture of the aperitivo is the perfect way to start an evening before heading out for dinner or a performance.
- Enjoy an aperitivo: the best places to experience this pre-dinner ritual are in the lively Quadrilatero Romano or around the vast Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
- See a show at the Teatro Regio di Torino: book tickets for an opera or ballet at the city's historic and beautifully restored opera house.
- Have a late-night coffee: many of the city's historic cafes, such as Caffè Al Bicerin, stay open late, offering a cosy spot for a hot chocolate or a digestif.
Living in Turin: exploring a potential move
For anyone considering a more permanent stay, Turin offers a high quality of life without the overwhelming pace of some of Italy's larger cities. Its appeal largely comes from its balanced lifestyle; a typical week might involve enjoying the elegant city under its famous arcades, whilst weekends can be spent in the nearby Alps, summing up the experience of living in Turin. This attractive quality of life is also being noticed more widely, and it's telling that the broader region of Piedmont is attracting a growing number of international property investors.
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The capital of the Piedmont region is a place of understated elegance, a city of royal palaces and grand arcades that also served as the engine room of Italy's industrial heyday. As Italy’s fourth-largest city, with a population of just under 900,000, Turin, or Torino, has all the amenities of a major urban centre but without the chaotic energy of Rome or Milan.
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