With its elegant palaces and former royal residences, museums, churches, and a lively atmosphere, Turin is a must-see destination in Italy. The capital of the Piedmont region in northern Italy, it is also noted for its regional cuisine and local wine traditions. Then there are Roman remains, modern design, and green spaces. Here is our guide to some of the best things to see and do in Turin.
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Why Visit Turin?
Turin has a long history stretching back to Roman times. However the city had its heyday from the 16th to the 19th centuries when it was the capital of the Duchy of Savoy, and then became the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy. Turin is known as “the cradle of Italian liberty”, a reference to its pivotal political and intellectual role during the Risorgimento, the period of Italy’s unification.
There are many reasons to visit Turin. It is full of beautiful churches and of unique museums like the Egyptian Museum and the National Museum of Cinema. And it has several buildings included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy. But there is more… Turin is known for its culinary excellence and café culture, and as a UNESCO City of Design. And it is at the centre of the Piedmont region, a famous wine growing area.
What To See And Do In Turin
Whether you are in Turin for a day, or a little longer, you will want to spend some time just walking around the historic centre. Start with the Quadrilatero Romano, noting its Roman remains, narrow streets and lively piazzas, shops and restaurants. Then move on to the Piazza Castello, the grand square that leads on to the Palazzo Reale and the adjoining royal museums.
If you are short of time, or if you want to learn more about the places you visit, you might want to consider taking a Walking Tour of the City Highlights.
Savoy Residences
The Savoy Residences in the centre of Turin include the Palazzo Reale. This stunning building dates back to the 17th century, and was the residence of the Savoy family for three centuries. The palace boasts a mix of baroque and neoclassical styles, and includes sumptuous royal apartments, an Archaeological Gallery, Museum of Antiquities and the remains of the Roman Arena.
Beside the Palazzo Reale is the Palazzo Madama. Another Savoy residence, this extravagant palace – built on Roman foundations – has a mix of medieval and baroque elements. The main façade, adorned with sculptures, is stunning. Inside the building you will find the Museo Civico d’Arte Antica. Take the elevator to the top of Palazzo Madama for a great view of Turin and the Mole Antonelliana.
Other Savoy residences within the city include the Castello Del Valentino, Palazzo Carignano and the Villa Della Regina.
Mole Antonelliana
The most famous building in Turin, the Mole Antonelliana was built as a Jewish synagogue in 1889. Today it hosts the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, dedicated to the history of the Italian cinema. However its major attraction is the panoramic elevator that will take you to a platform at the top of the tower, where you can admire a 360° view of the city.
Museo Egizio
Established in 1833, the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) is the world’s second-largest museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian archaeology and history. It contains many wonderful artefacts, including well-conserved mummies and sarcophagi.
Valentino Park
Parco del Valentino is a massive green space located on the banks of the river Po. Within its 42 hectares you will find the Valentino Castle, a monumental fountain, and botanical gardens. (There is also an open-air museum containing a replica of a medieval village but at the time of my visit in 2024 this was closed for renovation.)
Mercato Di Porta Palazzo
Turin hosts the largest outdoor market in Europe, located in Piazza della Repubblica. Occupying almost 50,000 square metres, the Mercato di Porta Palazzo sells everything your heart might desire, from food to vintage clothes.
Roman Turin
Turin began life as the Roman town of Augusta Taurinorum, and there is plenty of the ancient city waiting to be discovered. Most of the Roman remains are clustered around the archaeological area by the Palatine Gate, but you’ll also find fragments elsewhere.
Read more about Where To Discover Roman Turin.
A UNESCO City Of Design
Turin may have Roman roots and a royal heritage, but it is also a modern city and a centre for the car industry. And in 2014 it was designated a UNESCO Creative City for Design. This was a recognition of its contribution to design, creativity and innovation, past and present.
What this means in practice is that historical elegance and contemporary design are part of the fabric of the city. Places where you can explore the interface between function and design include the Museo dell’Automobile, which showcases Italian car design, the Lavazza Coffee Museum, and the former Lingotto factory, now repurposed as a shopping centre and art gallery.
Day Trips From Turin
Turin is ideally located for visitors who want to take a day trip within the Piedmont region. You could visit more of the Savoy Residences, such as the spectacular Reggia di Venaria Reale, or explore the countryside with its rolling vineyards, quaint villages, and dramatic mountain backdrops.
Many local operators offer guided tour options that cover everything from wine tours and truffle hunting to a historic tour of the Reggia di Venaria and Sacra of San Michele. Read more about the Best Day Trips from Turin.
Practical Information For Your Visit To Turin
Eating And Drinking
Turin has a rich culinary tradition, famed for truffles and bicerin (a hot chocolate drink), among other local specialities. It is also where the Slow Food Movement in Italy began. So stopping by the city’s many traditional pastry shops and restaurants is a must. If you have time you could also try a food tour, like this Chocolate and Wine Experience.
Read more about the Best Ways To Eat And Drink In Turin And Piedmont.
How To Get Around
The compact layout of Turin’s historic centre makes it very easy to explore on foot. But for longer journeys there is a good network of metro, trams, buses and suburban trains. There is more information about Turin’s public transport here.
How To Get To Turin
It’s easy to get to Turin from many cities in the north and centre of Italy. Turin has two train stations – Porta Nuova and Porta Susa – that cover the routes to and from Milan, Genoa, Venice, Bologna, Florence, and Rome. A day trip from Milan by train takes from 40 minutes to 2 hours, depending on whether you opt for a high-speed train (operated by Trenitalia and Italo) or Trenitalia regional train.
You can also reach Turin by hiring a car. From Milan, you will need to drive for a little over two hours by taking the A4 toll road.
Where To Stay In Turin
Whether you want to stay in the city centre, or further out, there is a wide choice of places to stay in Turin. I stayed in the lovely NH Collection Santo Stefano, right by the Porta Palatina, but elsewhere you’ll find everything from premium luxury to budget hotels and apartments.
This article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Turin.
