Turin stole my heart! It took me only seven days in the city to want to move from Thailand here. There are so many amazing things to do in Turin that just one (or two) holiday trips wouldn’t be enough. So I packed my bags and embraced the charms of Turin, Italy, and I loved it!
I’m telling you that so you know you are about to discover a unique destination. And I’m sure this list of what to do in Turin will guide you to the best of the city.
Why is Turin so special?
Turin is a cultural and business hub loved and revered for its mind-blowing architecture and delectable cuisine. It might not be among Italy’s top ten most popular destinations but I believe this is a good thing.
There is a misconception that Turin is only an industrial city, home of the Fiat and Juventus Football Team.
These are just two of the many things you can experience in Turin. The city has a royal past, breathes art, and it’s a place where you can have the full Italian experience, from food to design, art, history, wine, and nature.
If you are on the fence about adding Turin to your Italian trip, here are 10 reasons to visit Turin ASAP.
By the end of this guide, you will probably need to re-plan your Turin itinerary to stay more days in the city and the Piedmont region.
Are you in a hurry? Here are 5 essential Turin Travel Tips:
- Our favorite hotels in Turin are the 5-star Principi di Piemonte Hotel and the budget-friendly B&B IL SOGNO.
- Here are the Royal Palaces you must visit.
- Must-do tours in Turin: Egyptian Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour, Royal Palace Entry Ticket and Guided Tour, and Turin: 2-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour.
- Get your Turin City Card and save on attractions, activities, and transportation.
- Weather and the best time to visit Turin.
Unmissable things to do in Turin, Italy
I was having trouble deciding on how to start this list. Should I list the attractions in Turin by popularity or from the least known? So I chose to write from my heart.
I’m sharing all the places I loved to visit in Turin and attractions I visited more than once. These places will give you a sense of the entire city and why I consider Turin one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.
Before we start, it is good to know that our things to do in Turin guide is divided into sections:
- Turin’s attractions, what to see and visit
- Experiences you can have in Turin
- Turin Travel Tips
Turin attractions and places to visit
These iconic Turin attractions are essential to include on your itinerary. Places and landmarks that play a crucial role in the history and culture of the city. They are:
1 – Royal Palace of Turin and Royal Armory
I’m sure you will be awed by the history and beauty of the royal complex with two UNESCO heritage sites in only one place.
The Palazzo Reale Torino – Royal Palace of Turin – was built by the House of Savoy in the 16th century and has many important attractions within its walls.
You will spend two to three hours wandering around the Royal Apartments, admiring the throne hall, exploring the Royal Library and the Royal Armory, and relaxing in the gardens.
The Armeria Reale (Royal Armory) is one of my favorite places in Turin. When visiting it, take your time to admire the walls and ceilings, you will understand why I like it so much.
The Royal Armory is considered one of the most important weapon museums in the world and the rooms where the artifacts are displayed are a work of art worth visiting.
Before your visit read our Turin Royal Palace and Armory Guide here
- Opening hours:
Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 7 pm
Closed on Mondays
There are different opening times for the Royal Library (Monday – Friday, 8 am – 7 pm, and Saturday 8 am – 2 pm). - Recommended tour: Royal Palace Skip-the-line Ticket and Guided Tour
2 – Palazzo Madama
Palazzo Madama is the first of many historic buildings in Turin. It houses the city’s museum of ancient art, it is home to collections of the Museo Civico d’Arte Antica.
While you can easily see the outside beauty of the building and move on, the true glory lies inside. You will agree with me once you see it, especially the staircase.
Palazzo Madama is one of the many outstanding royal residences and palaces to visit in Turin– click on the link to see the full list.
- Opening hours:
Wednesday – Monday, 10 am – 6 pm
Closed on Tuesdays
3 – Turin Egyptian Museum
Did you know Turin is home to the world’s oldest Egyptian museum with a collection of over 26,000 Egyptian artifacts? It has from beautiful artifacts to mummies and papyri, the Torino Museo Egizio offers an unparalleled journey into an ancient civilization.
We have been here twice, and after entering the museum, I felt like I was back in a time of Pharaohs, mummies, and statues.
Visiting the museum is a wonderful learning experience for kids and adults. We wrote a comprehensive guide about how to visit the Turin Egyptian Museum. You can read it to plan your trip, and you can also book your tickets in advance, to save time and avoid queues.
- Opening hours:
Monday 9 am – 2 pm
Tuesday – Sunday 9 am – 6:30 pm - Recommended Tour: Turin Egyptian Museum Small Group Guided Tour
4 – Porta Palazzo
You should visit Porta Palazzo early in the morning if you fancy fresh sweet peaches, carnation red tomatoes, and the frenzy of a good food market. We get our fruits and veggies weekly here and have memorable experiences.
Mercato Di Porta Palazzo is the biggest open-air market in Turin and one of the biggest in Europe. You can easily reach it from Piazza Castello, and on the way stop to admire the impressive Porta Palatina.
The market is divided into segments. On one side are the stalls selling the best fruits and veggies you find in Italy. On the other side of the square are clothing, footwear, and houseware sellers.
The buildings surrounding the open-air market are dedicated to a specific type of food. There is the fish market, the meat, cold cuts and bakery, the dry food and grains market, and a modern building called the Torino Mercato Centrale – Turin Central Market.
Torino Central Market is the perfect place to try zero km food and some of the traditional dishes from the Piedmont region. Go for lunch or happy hour and thank me later.
- Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 7 am – 2 pm
Saturday – 7 am – 7 pm
Closed on Sundays
5 – Mole Antonelliana and the National Museum of Cinema
When I say that Turin is beautiful, I’m not exaggerating. Even after visiting the Royal Palace and Palazzo Madama, I’m sure you will be mesmerized by the beauty and size of the Mole Antonelliana building.
The Mole tower is a symbol of Turin and you can see it from almost everywhere. One of the coolest things to do in Turin is to visit the building and go all the way up for panoramic views of the city surrounded by the Alps.
The best part is that before reaching the top of the needle tower, you can get lost in the history of cinema. Once a building that should have been a synagogue, the Mole Antonelliana nowadays houses the Museo Nazionale Del Cinema (National Museum of Cinema) which tells the story of Italian cinema, Hollywood, and much more.
- Opening hours:
Wednesday to Monday 9 am – 7 pm
Saturday – 9 am – 10 pm
Closed on Tuesday - Get your tickets in advance on the National Museum of Cinema’s official website.
6 – MAUTO – Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile
The history of Turin is intertwined with the car industry. Think of FIAT, Lancia, Pininfarina, and Abarth, they are all connected to Turin. So why not discover the history of this automobile legacy through an interactive museum packed with cool cars and unique models?
MAUTO, short for Museum of Automobile of Turin has nearly 200 cars from vintage steam wagons to sleek modern rides. It’s like a history lesson on wheels, showing how these incredible machines have evolved over the years.
You get to see the actual Fiat that starred in “The Italian Job” film, and classic models from Alfa Romeo and Lancia. Plus, they have special sections dedicated to racing, design, and even the social impact of cars.
I enjoyed the museum a lot even not being a car enthusiast. Rob, my husband, was thrilled to see so many incredible cars.
Together with the Museum of Cinema and Egyptian Museum, the Automobile Museum of Turin is one of the best things to do in Turin with kids or families. Don’t miss it.
- Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday 10 am – 7 pm
Monday – 10 am – 2 pm
Closed on Tuesday - Get your tickets in advance on the Mauto website.
- Recommended Tour: Torino Fiat Lingotto District Tour with Museum Entry & Wine.
Local Tip: you can visit most of the Turin attractions mentioned in this guide using the Turin + Piedmont Card.
The card gives free access to famous museums, palaces, points of interest in Turin, and discounts on events and services. For those planning to visit more than 3 attractions/museums in Turin, it’s a money-saving option. You can choose the card from 2 up to 5 days.
7 – Turin Cathedral and the Holy Shroud
The holy shroud is a major attraction in Turin and countless people travel to marvel at the religious relic. It is housed in Turin Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Built from 1491–1498, the cathedral is a masterpiece and a must-visit during your Turin travels.
The Shroud of Turin is a linen cloth that outlines the image of a man who many claim to be Jesus of Nazareth.
It doesn’t matter if you are religious or not, visiting the Shroud of Turin is quite an experience. But before going here, read our Turin Shroud guide, it tells everything you need to know about the Jesus Christ shroud’s history, authenticity, and how to visit it.
- Opening hours:
Daily from 7 am – 12 pm and 3 pm – 7 pm - Recommended Tour: Private Tour on The Path of The Holy Shroud
8 – Explore the streets of Quadrilatero Romano and try the Bicerin
The Quadrilatero Romano is one of Turin’s oldest areas, where you can find from Roman ruins to the most beautiful palaces and churches.
The narrow streets of the historic center are a labyrinth filled with local restaurants, cozy cafés, ice cream shops, and local designs.
The area is busy day and night. Check the small streets off Garibaldi Street (the main pedestrian street) and find local cafes and bars.
While in the area find your way to Caffé Al Bicerin. This is the birthplace of the Bicerin drink, and If you like coffee, chocolate, and a dose of history, you’ll love it. It’s a small coffee shop that usually has a queue of people waiting to be sited, but it’s worth waiting. It’s a Turin icon.
After 5 pm most of the cafes and bars start serving the traditional aperitivo, the perfect opportunity to try the local wine and drinks paired with local delicacies like cheese, cold cuts, and chips and meet locals.
- Opening hours:
24 hours daily
9 – Wander around Piazza San Carlo and nearby streets
As one of the main city squares in Turin, it’s busy day and night and you must visit at different times to see its beauty.
Laid out in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Baroque-style square has earned a reputation for being a stage for historical and social events, and from here you can reach many famous places in Turin like:
- Palazzo Carignano – one of the most important baroque palaces in Turin, it has two different facades, and you can walk through its courtyard. Inside is the National Museum of the Risorgimento which tells the history of the Italian unification. You might not want to add another museum to your Turin trip, but the inside of the palace is marvelous and worth seeing. I loved it!
- Turin Galleries – Turin city center hides many gems called Galleria, which are masterpieces of architecture turned into shopping areas. My favorites are Galleria Subalpina and Galleria San Federico (where you can visit Lux Cinema). Pin them on your Google Maps to not forget to visit.
- Via Roma & Via Giuseppe Luigi Lagrange – these two streets are the shopping heart of Turin. Here you can find local Italian designs, fast fashion, art galleries, chocolate shops, historical cafes, and more. Walk these streets up and down and when you are tired stop at one of the historic coffee houses (Turin produces incredible coffee and has amazing cafes), or try a hot chocolate another local specialty.
- Opening hours:
24 hours daily - Recommended Tours: Turin 2-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour and Turin Historical Walking Tour by Night
10 – San Lorenzo Church
Also known as the Royal Church of Saint Lawrence, San Lorenzo is a Baroque-style church adjacent to the Royal Palace of Turin. Known for its breathtakingly adorned cupola, the sanctuary is an architectural gem.
Built by architect Guarino Guarini from 1668 to 1687, the plain facade leads to a gorgeous interior. When I visited it for the first time I didn’t expect such a beautiful place, it’s so unique, yet many visitors ignore it.
- Opening hours:
Weekdays 7:30 am – 12 pm, 3:30 pm – 7 pm
Holidays 9 am – 7:30 pm
11 – Monte dei Cappuccini
Are you looking for stunning views of Turin? Then put on your comfy shoes and head to Monte dei Cappuccini. This hill is just 325 meters above the city and rises beside the River Po, another must-visit place in Turin.
Why it’s so special? Along with the great views from the city adorned by the Alps, you can also visit the Church of Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini built in the late 16th century with a beautiful Baroque interior.
If you have time, go and visit the Museo Nazionale della Montagna “Duca degli Abruzzi”. It’s a museum about mountaineering and the Italian pioneers. It’s a small museum, with incredible stories and amazing views.
We love to go to Monte dei Cappuccini for sunset. Our ritual was to grab a takeaway pizza and a few beers and climb up the hill. It’s the best way to end a good day in Turin, trust me.
- Opening hours:
The hill is open 24 hours daily.
12 – Parco Del Valentino
You can’t say you traveled to Turin if you didn’t visit Parco Del Valentino. It’s an oasis of 5000,00m² in the heart of the city alongside the River Po, and spending an afternoon here is one of the top things to do in Turin.
It’s where we go for a run or to cycle, where we meet friends, do picnics, through parties and it’s our beach during Summer. But I truly love it during autumn, when all the leaves turn yellow and red, and the park looks like a fairytale place.
But Parco Del Valentino is more than a green space, there you will find the Castello del Valentino (another royal palace), the stunning Fontana dei 12 Mesi (an opulent 19th-century fountain), the Botanical Garden of Turin, and stroll around the Borgo Medievale an incredible medieval village construed for the General Italian Artistic and Industrial Exhibition 1884.
If you want to relax, do like the Torineses, grab a drink and a sandwich in one of the many kiosks along the park, and sit on the grass and enjoy life.
- Opening hours:
24 hours daily.
13 – EATALY Torino
It’s time to talk about food, and one of my favorite places to eat in Turin is EATALY. You might have already heard about it, it’s like a shop/shopping mall selling only Italian products. They have stores worldwide, but you might not know that EATALY is from Turin.
You heard it right, this concept store started in Turin and you can buy and try the best Italian Piemont local products here.
Go to EATALY for lunch, dinner, afternoon snack, or brunch, you can eat incredible pizzas, seafood, steaks and fresh salads, all made with locally sourced ingredients and paired with outstanding wines and coffee.
The best part is that here you can buy tons of ingredients to take home, cans of tuna, packs of olives and pasta, bottles of sparkling wine, chocolates, and more. You probably need to buy one more suitcase too, but this is not a problem, right?!
- Opening hours:
Daily – 8 am to 11 pm.
14 – GreenPea Torino
Just beside EATALY is the GreenPea, you will notice the interesting modern building. It’s the first ever green retail shopping in Italy. Imagine an oasis of sustainable and eco-friendly goods, from clothes to cars, houseware, furniture, games, cosmetics and more.
The building is sustainable and you will find a surprise on the rooftop. You can fill up your tammy at the restaurant or relax your soul at the spa, both on the GreenPea top floor.
The spa has an incredible infinity pool overlooking the city, it’s amazing. For those looking to pamper themselves the Otium Lounge Bar & Spa is a good option, also check out QC Termetorino.
- Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday – 10 am to 8 pm.
15 – Fiat Pista at Lingotto
This is one of the coolest things to do in Turin, at least for me. Seriously, where else in the world will you be able to walk on a piste where they tested cars, and the piste is on top of a building overlooking the city?
The building used to be a FIAT factory and the cars were tested on the rooftop piste of the building. Nowadays, the building is a shopping mall, has two hotels and the famous testing piste is an open-air garden with bars and restaurants and a Pinacoteca.
it’s another perfect place in Turin for sunset drinks. Come here before the sun goes down to visit the piste, walk around, and sit for a nice cocktail.
Side note, the Fiat Pista is located in front of EATALY and the GreenPea, you can visit these 3 Turin attractions on the same day or afternoon.
- Opening hours:
Fiat Caffè – Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 7 pm.
La Pista Restaurant – Monday to Saturday 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
16 – San Salvario drinks and food
We talked about drinks at Fiat Pista, so I feel the need to tell you that one of the best areas in Turin to have an aperitivo is San Salvario.
It’s a neighborhood between Valentino Park and The Porta Nova train station. It’s known for its cool bars, unique restaurants and parties. The streets can be messy sometimes, but it’s where you can mingle with locals and try really tasty food and delicious drinks.
We like Locanda Clandestina for aperitivo, DDR for great drinks and burgers. Scannabue restaurant is always full, and Naples – Antica Pizzeria e Friggitoria is a must-try. Have fun and thank me later!
Do you want to take your food experience to another level?
Then check out these food tours in Turin:
17 – Basilica of Superga
One more beautiful church with incredible views. The Basilica of Superga is one of the top places to visit in Turin because of its architecture and location, on the top of a hill overlooking the city.
The Basilica of Superga opened to service in 1731and it’s a great example of Baroque-Classicism architecture. It is a good place to go with family and kids as you can combine history, nature and a lovely ride on a vintage tram.
To get here you have 3 options: hike for a couple of hours through a natural park, get a bus, or take the vintage tram. We went here by tram and bus, the hike is still on our Turin to-do list.
The tram journey is great fun and sets the mood to visit the church, climb to the Dome, and explore the Royal Apartments and Royal Tombs. But the best part of this experience is the breathtaking views you can have from Turin.
- Opening hours:
The opening hours change according to the seasons, I recommend you check the official website before planning your visit.
18 – Juventus Stadium
Football fans are crazy about Juventus, and many travel to Turin only to visit the stadium or watch a match here.
If you have never heard of them no problem, we wrote a Juventus Football Team & Stadium Guide, read it before traveling to Turin.
But why I’m talking about Juventus? The team all-seater football stadium, known as Allianz Stadium (since July 2017), is an architectural symbol of contemporary Turin and one of the most visited places in the city.
You can do a guided torus in the stadium and stop at the Juventus shop to buy souvenirs and the team shirts.
- Opening hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10:30 am – 6 pm
Saturday, Sunday, festivities 10:30 am – 7:30 pm - For more info about the stadium visit click here.
Experiences and what to do in Turin that is unique
19 – Turin Underground Tour
Turin’s underground tunnels and cellars are a unique part of the city’s history. Above ground, you can admire baroque and neoclassical architecture, however, 15 meters below the surface you can find the mysteries that lie below these buildings.
Here is an interesting tour that will take you to places no tourists can access themselves. The Underground Turin Walking Tour is a must if you are curious about secret tunnels under the city’s citadel, royal ice depots beneath Porta Palazzo, and a WWII air raid shelter.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Cost: Approximately €35
- Take note: Not suitable for people who struggle with claustrophobia
- Book this experience here.
20 – Turin Local Food Tour
Give your tastebuds an experience to remember for life and join a food tour to try the best of Piedmont cuisine. A foodie walking tour in Turin is a fantastic way to sample local food while discovering the city’s beauty.
While you can put together your own list of must-visit restaurants in Turin (we already mention a few places in this guide), it’s much easier to book a guided food tour and enjoy the moment.
Let the local guide navigate you to the best spots to taste traditional dishes while learning about the history of the flavors. From Gianduiotto, Bicerin, a variety of local cheeses, and other traditional tastes. Don’t forget to try Vitello Tonato, one of my faves.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Cost: Approximately €120
- Take note: Come with an empty belly!
- Click here for the Best Turin Food Tour.
21 – Chocolate Tour in Turin
If you like chocolate, even if just slightly, take your time to explore the flavors of Turin chocolate history and culture, you won’t regret it.
Did you know Turin’s first chocolate store opened in 1678? The chocolate was brought to Turin by the royal families and since then the city’s chocolatiers have been experimenting with high-quality cocoa, local ingredients, and refined techniques, making Turin chocolate one of the best in the world.
A walking chocolate tour in Turin is a fun activity for the whole family by adding historical context to the indulgent flavors and then walking off the calories between stops. Just make sure to try one (or many) giandujotto or gianduja chocolate.
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Cost: Approximately €75
- Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and read our Turin Chocolate Guide here to know the best chocolates to try doing and after the tour.
- Book your Turin Chocolate Tour here.
22 – Bike Tour in Turin
If you’re an active traveler who enjoys moving and shaking when visiting a new destination, then a bike tour is a great way to enjoy Turin on a sunny day.
Rent a bike and pedal your way through the historic streets, stopping at the attractions that tickle your fancy.
You can also book with a guide who will add golden nuggets of information about the city’s history, culture and lifestyle. By the end of the tour, you’ll find yourself thinking “Time flies when you’re having fun”.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Cost: Approximately €32
- Take note: If cycling on a hot day, make sure you pack enough water and a hat is a good idea.
- Book your Turin bike tour here
23 – Tour Turin Wine Region
The Piedmont region is home to the world-famous Barolo wine, so if you have an extra day in Turin I suggest you visit the Barolo wine region. The tour will take you to enchanting rolling green hills, iconic Italian buildings, and world-class wine tastings.
Beyond the delicious food and wine tasting, the experience will give you insight into the centuries-old winemaking techniques of the region.
You can drive to the Barolo region by yourself and book a visit to a local winery, if you plan to do this, read our guide to car rental in Turin.
Another option is to book an organized tour, so you don’t need to worry about transportation, planning the route, booking visits and driving. Because who wants to drive after an Italian wine tasting?
- Duration: Full day
- Cost: Approximately €625
- Take note: The organized experience is not suitable for children under the age of 18
- Book your day trip to the Barolo wine region here
24 – Embark on a Magic Turin Tour
As an ancient city, Turin is clouded in mystery and stories. In fact, the city has a magical history that goes back in time. Expect to learn about ancient burial sites, the relationship between white and black magic, and the sinister architecture that remains present in the city today.
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Cost: Approximately €59
- Take note: This is a small group activity that is limited to 10 people
- The tour we did and loved: Magic Turin Tour – Black Magic and Dark Arts
25 – Combo – Turin Cinema Museum, Mole Antonelliana, and Bus Tour
Visiting the Turin Cinema Museum and the Mole Antoneliana building are must-do things in Turin, add them to a bus tour with a long list of sightseeing stops and you get a fun way to explore the city in a few hours or a day.
The Torino hop-on hop-off bus visits most of the city’s famous attractions and it can be a good way to get around when you don’t want to walk. So think of it as a means of transportation that will take you to the best landmarks.
- Duration: Valid for 24 hours or 48 hours
- Cost: Approximately €48
- Note: Skip-the-line admission is valid for different times depending on the option that you select
- Book the combo tour Mole Antonelliana & Cinema Museum + Bus Tour here.
26 – Go ski near Turin
Are you visiting Turin between late November and early April? Then you can add skiing or snowboarding to your list of things to do here.
People often get surprised by this day trip suggestion because they don’t know you can go to the Alpes using public transportation directly from the Turin train station. How cool is that?
And no problem if you don’t have your ski gear with you. You can rent it all and have fun at the slopes.
You can find all the information you need to plan this outdoor adventure on our Guide to the best Ski Resorts near Turin. Where to go, how to get to the mountains, and even where to sleep, in case you decide to spend a night there.
- Duration: it can be done as a day trip from Turin
- Cost: it depends on where you are going and transportation
- Note: if you are using public transportation, then go to Bardonecchia which has a direct train from Turin. If you rent a car you can choose any ski resort near Turin.
Turin Travel Tips – Essential
I know this guide of things to do in Turin was a big one, so I will try to be very practical in this travel tips section.
I’ll drop all the important articles, guides, and things you need to know to plan your tip here. So you can click and read one at a time and choose what is more relevant to your trip.
Where to stay in Turin?
The city has many hotels, guesthouses and hostels. You can choose by location, your budget, or your travel style.
If you are in Turin for only a few days, I suggest you stay close to the city center. But if you are staying more than 3 nights, then accommodation in the outskirts or residential neighborhoods can give you a more local feeling and it might be cheaper.
We know choosing accommodation is a big deal, so here is our list of the best hotels in Turin for any budget and traveler, click, read, and choose yours.
How to get to Turin?
Turin is connected with the world with an international Airport – Torino Caselle Airport, by train regular and highspeed arriving at Porta Nuova or Porta Sussa stations, and by buses.
For the best flights to Turin, check out Skyscanner.
For trains, your best option is to search on Trenitalia, Italo, or the rail company of the European country you are in.
For buses, I like to search on Bookaway. They compare buses and trains, you can read travelers’ reviews, and book in advance safely.
Here is a complete guide on how to get to Turin (to be published), and if you are coming from Mila you must read this: best ways to travel from Milan to Turin.
That’s all! I hope you liked this guide to the best things to do in Turin, I wrote it with my heart because I truly love this city. And I’m sure that after your visit you will agree that Turin is one of the most beautiful Italian cities.