If you’ve ever wondered, “Is Turin worth visiting?” Let me tell you: Absolutely, yes!
As an expat who chose to live in this beautiful city, I can confidently say that Turin is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. While famous cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice get most of the attention, Turin offers an authentic, charming, and culturally rich experience without the overwhelming tourist crowds. Trust me!
I’m about to share 25 reasons that make Turin worth visiting, they are also things I love here and I’m sure you can’t find anywhere else in Italy.
So here’s why you should add Turin to your travel bucket list.
Why is Turin worth visiting? Let’s find out!
1. An authentic city packed with local experience
Unlike Italy’s more tourist-heavy cities, Turin remains wonderfully authentic. Here, you’ll find locals going about their daily lives, traditional cafés filled with regulars, and markets bustling with residents rather than tourists.
It’s an excellent place to immerse yourself in Italian culture without feeling you are in a tourist trap. At least that’s how I felt when I arrived in Turin for the first time.
I work with travel, so when my husband and I decided to move to Italy we were looking for a city where we could feel the Italian way of life, where we could mingle with locals and have real-life experiences. After many trips to Italy, Turin was the only city that delivered all we wanted and much more.
2. Turin’s royal legacy and UNESCO Sites
Turin was once the capital city of the Italian Kingdom (did you know that?), and is home to stunning royal palaces and residences, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Among the most opulent and beautiful palaces are Palazzo Reale built in the 16th century and the majestic Palazzo Madama, both right in the city center at Piazza Castello. A few squares away is the Palazzo Carignano and many other beautiful buildings that will leave you speechless.
If you don’t believe me, check out this guide: The Most Beautiful Royal Palaces in Turin.
3. Turin is the Italian capital of chocolate
Turin and chocolate are a match made in heaven. The city is the birthplace of Italian chocolate and Gianduia (hazelnut chocolate).
Turin interesting fact: Nutella is from the Piedmont region, where Turin is the capital.
Turin takes its chocolate tradition so seriously that it has an annual chocolate festival where you can taste signature chocolates, modern recipes, and the classic chocolate Gianduiotto. And where you can also drink as many mugs of hot chocolate as you wish.
I wrote an ultimate guide about Turin Chocolate history, the most decadent chocolates you should try, and the best chocolate shops in town. Enjoy it.
4. Turin’s unique coffee culture
Forget your standard espresso, Turin has Bicerin, an intense drink made of chocolate, espresso, and cream. This 18th century specialty originated in Turin and is best enjoyed at a historic Caffè Al Bicerin, which gave the name to the drink.
The coffee culture has strong roots in Turin, being Lavazza and Caffè Vergnano the local brands worldwide famous for their quality.
More than just sip some of the best coffees in Italy, in Turin you can visit the Lavazza Museo, a stunning museum dedicated to the history and production of coffee in Turin and the Lavazza brand.
5. Turin’s historic cafés
If you love old-world elegance, good drinks, and food, then Turin’s historic cafés are a must-visit. Places like Caffè Storico Baratti & Milano, Caffè San Carlo, Caffe Mulassano, Caffe Platti, and Caffè Torino have been around for centuries, serving up rich coffee, classic pastries, and an atmosphere dripping in history.
The decoration of these cafes will take you to the opulent past of Turin, where politicians, artists, and thinkers will get together to talk about life and plan the future of Italy.
The best part is that most of these establishments are in the Turin historic center and easy to visit. You can go for a traditional Italian colazione (brioche and coffee), to have lunch, to try a Merenda Reale (afternoon hot chocolate with pastries created in the 18th century), or an aperitivo.
6. Aperitivo culture at its best
Did you know Turin is the birthplace of vermouth and Italy’s aperitivo tradition? Around 6 pm, locals gather at bars to enjoy a drink with a spread of delicious appetizers.
You choose a glass of your favorite drink, I suggest a vermouth or Piedmont wine, of course, and it comes accompanied by a bite to eat. Some of the best spots to experience this are Caffè Torino, Lobelix Café, Farmacia del Cambio, and Caffè Elena, all located in the city center.
Each bar or cafe has its menu, and some serve what is called apericena, which is almost a meal so you can have your happy hour and dinner at the same place and moment. One apericena that I like is at La Locanda Clandestina in the San Salvario area.
The aperitivo prices vary, but it is usually between 10 to 20 Euros for one drink plus the food. The following beverages will be cheaper and charged according to the drink menu.
And you don’t need to go fancy to have a great time. Small and local bars will always offer something to eat with your drink and, in some cases, not even charge for it.
7. The world-famous Egyptian Museum
Turin is home to the Museo Egizio, the most extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Egypt and that’s another interesting fact about Turin that you probably didn’t know.
The Egyptian museum is so interesting that I visited it twice. And I will probably go again. Here is my guide on why and how to visit the Turin Egyptian Museum.
If you are convinced you want to see it, I recommend you buy the skip-the-line ticket in advance to avoid queues. You can book your Egyptian Museum ticket here.
8. Juventus Football Club
If you are a soccer/football fan I don’t need to tell you that Turin is worth visiting as the city is home to Juventus FC, one of the most successful football clubs in the world.
Whether you catch a match at the Allianz Stadium or visit the Juventus Museum, it’s a great way to experience Turin’s passionate sports culture. And before you ask me, yes, I wrote an article about visiting the Juve Stadium, the Juventus museum, and where you find all the Juventus-related things in Turin. You can read it here.
9. Cinema lovers’ paradise
Turin is Italy’s cinema capital and home to the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, the National Museum of Cinema. It’s located in the iconic Mole Antonelliana, a stunning building from the 19th century with a big spire you can see from everywhere.
That beautiful building has an interesting story (I’m leaving it as a surprise for your visit) and admiring it is already a good reason to visit Turin. But it is inside where the fun part is. The Cinema Museum houses an incredible collection of Italian and international cinema, a must-visit in Turin for any movie enthusiast.
And you can go up to the tip of the spire for one of the best city views. When booking your ticket to the Cinema Museum make sure to include the elevator to the top.
10. Turin’s automobile history
You probably heard about Turin’s automobile history as the city was one of the most important Italian industrial hubs for years. Car brands like FIAT, Lancia, and Pininfarina were born in Turin and you can see them at MAUTO – Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile.
Italy’s National Automobile Museum is located in the Lingotto area known for its industrial past and where the first FIAT factory was located.
The museum is super interesting with many car models from different Italian brands. It shows the history of the automobile industry, its challenges, and also the future. It’s interactive with videos and installations. I love it!
MAUTO is one of the world-class museums you can find in Turin. I’m not mentioning them all here, but be aware that the city also has pinacoteca, modern and classic art museums, a museum about Italian independence, art galleries, and many more.
11. A gateway to the Alps
Is Turin worth visiting if you are an outdoor person? Sure, it is!
Turin is nestled at the foot of the Alps, making it a fantastic base for winter sports or summer hiking adventures. Ski resorts like Sestriere and Bardonecchia are just a short drive or train ride away!
Here is a guide to the best ski resorts near Turin to help you plan your trip to Turin and the mountains. I suggest spending a few days in the city and then going to a ski area.
In summer, the region is packed with hiking and mountain biking trails, many of which you can do as a day trip from Turin using public transportation or your car. Quattro Sorelle Peak in Bardonecchia was one of the incredible hikes I did.
12. Stunning Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture
If you appreciate architecture, Turin will captivate you. The city boasts stunning Baroque buildings, grand piazzas, and beautiful Art Nouveau details that add to its charm.
Turin is actually one of the best cities to admire the Liberty style, an Italian version of the Art Nouveau displayed in many houses, palaces, public galleries, and passages. Turin is one of Italy’s most elegant cities, I do not doubt it.
Even if you don’t understand much about architecture, walking around Turin is a feast for the eyes.
13. Porta Palazzo – Europe’s largest outdoor market
For a taste of local life and the best Italian food and ingredients, head to Porta Palazzo Market, the largest open-air market in Europe. This is one of my favorite places in Turin, where I do most of my groceries weekly.
Porta Palazzo means palace’s door and that is exactly the market location, just off Turin Royal Palace and Porta Palatina, the ruins of a medieval door that once was the entrance of the walled city.
One side of the open-air market is for fruits & veggies, the other is for daily life goods. The indoor areas are divided into fish markets, dry products, and fresh meat, dairy, and pasta products.
The modern building is the Mercato Centrale Torino, a food hall with restaurants, bakeries, and cafes serving only local products. Here is one of the best places to try 0Km dishes.
14. Mouthwatering Piedmontese cuisine
I must say that Turin is a dream for foodies! Some of the Piedmontese dishes you must try are bagna cauda (a warm anchovy-garlic dip), vitello tonnato (veal with tuna sauce, DELICIOUS), and brasato al Barolo, to name a few. The city offers delicious dishes you won’t find anywhere else in Italy.
You will also find plenty of options for pasta, pizza, salads, and sweet pastries. I’m drooling while writing this. I’m working on a guide about Turin’s best restaurants and pizzas. As soon as I publish it, I will add the links here. Meanwhile, check out this Turin food tour here and if you fancy a full-on food experience check this cooking class.
15. Amazing wine from the Piedmont region
From food to Wine. Turin sits in the heart of Piedmont, home to world-famous wines like Barolo, Barbaresco, and Dolcetto. I don’t need to say more, do I?
If you love wine, day trips to nearby vineyards are a must! Here is one of the most unique day tours from Turin to the wine region:
16. The enchanting Valentino Park
For a relaxing break, visit Parco del Valentino, a stunning riverside park with beautiful gardens, a medieval village, and plenty of space for a scenic stroll. If you are traveling to Turin during autumn, this is a must-visit place, the trees are all covered in yellow and red foliage, just marvelous.
Summer is another good time to visit Ventino Park, you can lounge under the sun, do outdoor sports, have a picnic, and enjoy many of the events and concerts happening there during the hot season.
17. The mysterious Shroud of Turin
One of Christianity’s most debated relics, the Holy Shroud, is housed in the city’s cathedral. Whether you’re religious or just intrigued by its history, it’s an interesting attraction in Turin, just so that my guide on how to visit the Holy Shroud is one of the most-read articles on this website.
18. Turin’s incredible churches
Turin’s churches mix history, art, and breathtaking architecture. You will find churches all around the city, but below are a few that you should add to your Turin itinerary.
- Royal Church of San Lorenzo – the Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo hides an incredible Baroque dome that will make you stare up in awe.
- Twin churches at Piazza San Carlo, Santa Cristina and San Carlo Borromeo, frame one of the most elegant squares in Italy.
- Turin Cathedral, Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista, home to the famous Shroud, is essential for its historical and religious significance.
- Gran Madre di Dio stands with its striking neoclassical façade across the Po River, offering great views back toward the city and Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
- Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini for an even better panorama, climb up to this church where the view of Turin and the Alps is unforgettable.
- Basilica di Superga, and if you have time for a short trip to this hilltop church you will be granted a sweeping view over the city.
19. Turin is linked to Black and White Magic
Believe it or not, Turin is known as a city of white and black magic. This reputation comes from its position at the crossroads of two mystical triangles: the White Magic Triangle (with Lyon and Prague) and the Black Magic Triangle (with London and San Francisco).
Walking through the city with curious eyes, you might find signs of both forces at play. Some of these places are Piazza Statuto, often called the “heart of darkness”. On the other hand, Piazza Castello and Piazza Vittorio Veneto are thought to radiate positive energy, tied to Turin’s white magic.
The Holy Shroud, kept in the Turin Cathedral, is one of the most important symbols of divine power, reinforcing the city’s spiritual side. The Gran Madre di Dio church is also full of esoteric symbols, with legends claiming it hides clues to the Holy Grail.
Whether you believe in magic or not, joining a walking tour can be a good idea. I did it and found it super interesting and mystical. Here is the link for the Turin Magic Guided Tour.
20. Fascinating underground world
Still talking about unusual experiences in Turin, the city has a hidden underground world, with tunnels dating back centuries. Guided tours take you beneath the city to explore its mysterious past, from ancient crypts to WWII air raid shelters.
21. Fantastic day trips nearby
We already talked about going on day trips to the mountains for outdoor activities and to the Langhe region to visit the vineyards, but there are more.
Turin is ideally located for incredible day trips to places like: Sacra di San Michele, Reggia di Venaria, Alba, Asti, Lake Orta, and Bra, to name a few.
This photo is from my last visit to the stunning Reggia di Venaria.
22. Affordable compared to other Italian cities
Unlike Rome, Florence, or Venice, Turin offers a high-quality experience at a lower cost. Hotels, restaurants, and attractions are generally more affordable, making it a great budget-friendly destination.
When I travel around Italy I can see a difference in prices, especially in places like Amalfi Coast, Florence, and Milan where it’s hard to find good quality for a reasonable price.
23. Fewer tourists, more authenticity
Perhaps the best reason to visit Turin is that it’s still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism. You can enjoy all its incredible sights, food, and culture without the crowds.
Travelers coming to Turin are people looking for unique experiences or they already saw all Italian super touristy places and now are searching for a more in-depth or meaningful trip. Also, people who focus on slow travel tend to love Turin because there are so many things to do in the city and around, that you can stay here for weeks without getting bothered.
24. It’s easy to get to Turin and around
Turin is well connected to other Italian and European cities by air, trains, buses, and roads. If you are coming from far away your best bet is to fly to Turin airport. If you are in Europe or Italy check trains and buses.
To make your life easier, I wrote a guide on how to get to Turin using all means of transportation, click on the link and happy read.
Once you are here, getting around Turin is easy. Despite being one of the largest cities in Italy, all the main attractions and places you must see in Turin are within walking distance from each other.
You can cover the entire city center on foot, and if you are too tired to walk, buses, trams and metro will take you to and from any neighborhood. Public transportation works well, and you can plan your itinerary using Google Maps as it shows the transportation timetables.
For your day trips, you are likely to travel by train. Turin has two main train stations, Porta Nuova and Porta Susa, and from there trains depart to most of the towns in the region, to other Italian destinations, and even to other countries like France.
25. Unique hotels you can stay in
How amazing would it be to stay in a hotel inside the first FIAT factory in Turin? Or have a view of the Roman ruins from your room window? You can also stay in a former industrial building that was renovated with a modern design, that also houses a brewery and a coworking space. Cool isn’t it?
All this is possible in Turin, the city boasts a hotel scene going beyond traditional hotel brands, luxury rooms, and affordable stay. In Turin, you can find accommodation that meets your style, budget, and desires.
You can have the experiences I mentioned at DoubleTree by Hilton Turin Lingotto, NH Collection Torino Santo Stefano, and Edit Lofts.
If you prefer a hostel vibe, check COMBO Torino located in a former Fire Brigade Barracks beside Porta Palazzo and Turin Royal Palace. You can’t beat its location.
Need more inspiration? Here is our Turin Hotel Guide where you can find from luxury to budget-friendly accommodation
Plan your trip to Turin easily:
Is Turin Worth Visiting or not?
After these 25 reasons for visiting Turin, what is your option? Is Turin worth visiting?
I say it’s absolutely worth it! Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, architecture lover, or just someone looking for a unique Italian experience, Turin has something for everyone.
To be honest, I only scratch the surface here. The Turin art and theater scene is vibrant, there are amazing clubs and festivals (big shout out to Kappa Futur Festival, my fave). And if you want to study, Turin has a renowned University and a Polytechnic University, arts and language schools that offer courses for foreigners.
Turin is open to all types of travelers, whether you are coming for a luxury getaway or a budget travel adventure, you will find ways to enjoy this magnetic city.
Turin is an underrated gem waiting to be explored, come as soon as possible.