30 Things to Do in Turin for an Unforgettable City Break

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We spent two glorious nights in Turin, or Torino as the Italians call it, at the beginning of May and it completely surprised me. I expected grand piazzas, excellent coffee and plenty of history, but I didn’t expect Turin to feel so elegant while still remaining wonderfully local.

Compared to Rome or Florence, Turin felt calmer, less chaotic and honestly quite underrated. It has all the beauty and atmosphere you’d hope for from an Italian city break, just without the overwhelming crowds.

If you’re planning a weekend in Turin or wondering how to spend 2 days in Turin, there’s far more to this city than most people realise.

From royal palaces and panoramic viewpoints to aperitivo bars, historic cafés and beautiful arcades, these are the best things to do in Turin, including a few places we personally loved and a couple we skipped for very honest reasons.

If you only have a weekend in Turin, prioritise visiting Mole Antonelliana, aperitivo in Piazza San Carlo, Monte dei Cappuccini and plenty of coffee stops along the way.

Whether you’re into coffee culture, royal history or simply eating your weight in gelato, Turin delivers.

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30 Things to Do in Turin for an Unforgettable City Break

Why you should visit Turin

Turin feels completely different from other major Italian cities and that’s exactly why I ended up loving it so much.

While places like Rome, Florence and Venice can feel chaotic and overwhelmingly touristy at times, Turin felt calmer, more elegant and far more local. It reminded me of Florence when I lived there over 20 years ago, before huge crowds and endless queues became the norm.

It’s a city of grand piazzas, royal palaces, incredible coffee culture and mountain views, yet somehow it still flies under the radar compared to other Italian city breaks.

One minute you’re wandering through historic arcades sipping espresso and the next you’re looking out at the Alps from a hilltop viewpoint.

If you enjoy cities with beautiful architecture, amazing food and fewer crowds, Turin is genuinely one of the most underrated places in Italy.

Two older men walk side by side beneath a long arcade lined with cream colored stone columns and vaulted ceilings. Sunlight filters into the covered walkway as café tables and people appear in the distance.

Best things to do in Turin

1. Visit Mole Antonelliana

Turin’s most iconic landmark towers nearly 550 feet above the city with its unmistakable dome and spire. It’s home to the National Cinema Museum and is one of the most popular things to see in Turin.

The Mole Antonelliana photographed from street level beneath a cloudy sky, showing its towering spire and ornate historic architecture. Surrounding buildings frame the landmark from both sides.

If you want to take the panoramic lift to the top, book your tickets in advance. We made the mistake of just turning up and were told there was no availability for three days. Painful lesson learned.

2. Explore the Egyptian Museum

This sounds slightly bizarre when you remember you’re in Italy rather than Egypt, but Turin’s Egyptian Museum is supposed to be one of the best in the world outside Egypt itself.

I’ll be honest though, I’m incredibly picky with museums on short city breaks because I hate wasting precious travel time somewhere that doesn’t genuinely interest me. Museums usually aren’t my thing, we skipped this one entirely.

You can purchase skip the line tickets here.

3. Wander around Piazza Castello

Piazza Castello is the historic heart of Turin and one of the city’s main gathering spots. It’s surrounded by impressive buildings including Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale.

Historic buildings and domed church tower overlooking a quiet square in Turin beneath an overcast sky. Pedestrians and a cyclist move through the open plaza between elegant façades.

Unfortunately, most of the square was covered in construction work during our visit, so it didn’t quite have the wow factor I’d expected. Still, it’s worth wandering through since so many major attractions are nearby.

4. Go inside the Church of San Lorenzo

The exterior is fairly understated, but inside you’ll find one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Turin.

Massive domed church interior with painted frescoes, tall marble columns, and ornate arches rising above a crowded congregation. Sunlight streams through circular windows high in the ceiling illuminating the detailed architecture.

Side chapel inside a grand church featuring colorful marble columns, carved statues, and a detailed altar framed by an arched ceiling. A curved stone railing surrounds the richly decorated space.

We deliberately waited around Piazza Castello until it reopened in the afternoon and it was absolutely worth it. There’s something about stepping into an ornate Italian church that instantly makes a trip feel cinematic.

Dark wooden confessional with deep red curtains stands beneath a marble statue and towering stone columns inside an elaborate historic church. Decorative carvings and patterned marble panels cover the surrounding walls.

Marble altar inside an ornate church surrounded by pink and green stone columns, carved details, and religious statues. Small red prayer candles glow beside the altar in the foreground.

5. Visit Duomo di Torino

Just around the corner from San Lorenzo is Turin Cathedral, home to the famous holy Shroud of Turin.

The outside didn’t impress me all that much at first, especially compared to some of the dramatic cathedrals elsewhere in Italy. But the moment we stepped inside, that changed completely.

Ornate church altar framed by gold carvings, marble columns, and large statues beneath an elaborate pipe organ balcony. Visitors sit quietly in pews facing the illuminated crucifix at the center of the chapel.

Religious painting of the Madonna and child framed by gold columns and elaborate carved details inside a historic chapel. Marble busts, candles, and decorative sculptures surround the ornate altar.

The Gothic interior is stunning and feels far grander than the exterior suggests.

6. Climb the Torre Campanaria at the Duomo

For around €3, you can climb roughly 200 steps up the cathedral bell tower for panoramic views across Turin.

Large historic church with a tall brick bell tower rises above a wide stone piazza under cloudy skies. Visitors gather on the church steps while cyclists and pedestrians cross the open square.

You’ll see terracotta rooftops, Porta Palatina, Mole Antonelliana and the Alps in the distance. It’s one of the best affordable viewpoints in the city.

Just note that opening days are limited, usually Friday to Monday, so double check before you go.

7. Tour Palazzo Reale

This 16th-century palace once belonged to the House of Savoy, Italy’s former royal family.

Inside you’ll find lavish rooms, grand staircases and an insight into what royal life looked like when Turin briefly became Italy’s first capital after unification in 1861. Even if palaces aren’t usually your thing, this one feels genuinely impressive rather than repetitive.

8. Walk along Via Roma

Via Roma is one of Turin’s prettiest streets, lined with elegant arcades and designer shops.

It’s lovely during the day when street performers are out singing beneath the porticos, but I actually preferred it at night once everything was lit up.

Busy pedestrian avenue in Turin framed by grand arcaded buildings and large square planters filled with trimmed shrubs. Crowds walk beneath the covered porticos toward a church tower visible in the distance.

Evening view of Turin’s illuminated arcades with glowing yellow lights reflecting against long rows of stone columns. A man wearing a backpack stands in the center of the wide pedestrian walkway under a deep blue twilight sky.

Turin feels incredibly atmospheric after dark in a way that’s difficult to explain until you’re there.

9. Visit Basilica di Superga

Perched on a hill overlooking the city, Basilica di Superga is famous for its panoramic views across Turin and the Alps.

We skipped it because the weather was miserable on the day we planned to go and locals warned us the visibility would be awful. Since it’s about 10 kilometres outside the city and takes at least half a day to properly visit, we decided it wasn’t worth wasting time on the trip.

If the weather is clear though, this is easily one of the best things to do in Turin.

10. Stroll through Parco del Valentino

This riverside park stretches along the Po River and offers a quieter side of Turin away from the busy piazzas.

My hayfever was absolutely ruining my life while we were there, so we didn’t spend too long inside the park itself.

Instead, we mostly walked along the river where there was a bit more breeze and fewer pollen-filled trees trying to take me out.

11. Walk along the River Po

One of the nicest free things to do in Turin is simply wandering along the Po River.

Nishi standing beside a stone bridge overlooking the calm river and green riverside promenade in Turin. Soft cloudy skies reflect across the water behind the historic balustrade.

We went in the morning and crossed Ponte Umberto I to the opposite side. It’s peaceful, scenic and a nice break from sightseeing overload.

12. Hike up Monte dei Cappuccini

If you only visit one viewpoint in Turin, make it this one.

Closer view of the Mole Antonelliana surrounded by elegant historic buildings and red tiled rooftops across Turin. Soft clouds and hazy mountains form the backdrop behind the city skyline.

Nishi leaning against a brick wall while overlooking Turin and the Mole Antonelliana under a dramatic cloudy sky. The elevated viewpoint stretches across the city’s rooftops and historic buildings.

The walk up Monte dei Cappuccini is relatively short, though our accidental scenic detour made it far longer and steeper than expected. We were sweating by the time we reached the top, surrounded by extremely fit locals who looked entirely unbothered.

View across Turin towards green hills and scattered buildings beneath a cloudy sky after rainfall. Trees and rooftops fill the foreground while a church sits on the distant hilltop.

Panoramic view across Turin with the Mole Antonelliana rising above rows of terracotta rooftops beneath a dramatic cloudy sky. Green trees in the foreground overlook the sprawling cityscape and distant mountains.

You can drive or take a taxi to the top, if hiking up steep paths isn’t for you. One group of friends had even hired a vintage Fiat to drive up to the viewpoint for a photoshoot which felt quintessentially Italian.

At the summit you’ll find the Church of Santa Maria al Monte dei Cappuccini, but the real highlight is the panoramic skyline view with Mole Antonelliana framed against the Alps.

13. Visit Porta Palazzo Market

Porta Palazzo is one of Europe’s largest open-air markets and feels wonderfully local rather than touristy.

Watching Italian grandmothers and chefs inspect vegetables with military precision was honestly entertaining in itself. The fruit stalls were spectacular and it felt like a genuine glimpse into everyday Turin life.

14. Experience Turin’s café culture

Turin takes coffee seriously and its historic cafés are part of the city’s identity.

Caffè Torino ended up being my favourite thanks to its lovely service and perfect location in Piazza San Carlo for people-watching.

Shelves lined with colorful liquor bottles at Caffe Torino stretch across the wall behind a historic bar decorated with floral wallpaper and painted ceiling details. Glassware, citrus slices, and drink ingredients sit neatly arranged behind the counter.

Meanwhile, Caffè San Carlo had one of the most beautiful interiors we saw in the city. We queued for lunch there and immediately understood why everyone else was doing the same.

Elegant café interior with ornate gold detailing, mirrored walls, and large crystal chandeliers hanging above a pastry counter filled with colorful desserts. A barista prepares coffee behind the counter in the grand historic space.

Two bright red cocktails sit on a dark marble café table beside bowls of olives and crisp bread inside an ornate lounge with gold trim and velvet red chairs. Reflections in the mirror behind the table add depth to the elegant historic setting.

You’ll easily rack up thousands of steps exploring Turin, so regular espresso and aperitivo stops become absolutely necessary.

Nishi seated at a small round table near a tall window holding a bright orange cocktail inside an elegant lounge with gold trim and velvet chairs. Plates of snacks and a second cocktail sit on the table as daylight shines through the window behind her.

If you want to slow down, grab a table first. Many Italians have their espresso on the go, knocking it back like a shot at the bar, before moving on.

15. Admire Piazza San Carlo

Piazza San Carlo is one of the best places to visit in Turin and quickly became my favourite part of the city.

Equestrian statue standing in the centre of the grand Piazza San Carlo Turin square surrounded by ornate cream coloured buildings beneath a vivid blue sky. Bright sunlight highlights the historic architecture and sculpture details.

Nicknamed the “drawing room of Europe”, the square feels elegant without trying too hard.

Crowds walking across a sunny piazza in Turin beside an ornate Baroque church façade with tall columns and rooftop statues. Warm light highlights the pale historic buildings against a bright blue sky.

There always seemed to be talented musicians performing in the piazza and we found ourselves wandering back repeatedly throughout the trip just to soak up the atmosphere.

This is the perfect spot for aperitivo.

Neon “MARTINI” sign glowing red and blue beneath vaulted archways in a historic arcade lined with café tables and chairs. The dimly lit walkway creates a moody evening atmosphere in central Turin.

16. Visit the Royal Gardens

The Giardini Reali sit beside Palazzo Reale and offer a quiet green escape in the middle of the city.

They’re free to enter and surprisingly peaceful considering how central they are.

17. Try a Bicerin

You can’t visit Turin without trying bicerin, the city’s traditional layered drink made from espresso, chocolate and milk.

Espresso and layered coffee drinks sit on a small round café table under an arched portico overlooking a busy Italian piazza. Sunlight pours into the open arcade while people relax at nearby outdoor tables.

Caffè Al Bicerin is the original home of the drink, though we actually tried it elsewhere. Jass loved his.

I found a vegan version with soya milk at a cafe near the Mole that was, unfortunately, deeply disappointing. I’m choosing to believe that was just a bad café rather than a reflection of bicerin itself.

18. Explore Lingotto

Lingotto is a former Fiat factory transformed into a cultural complex and shopping centre.

Even if you’re not massively into cars, it’s fascinating from an architectural perspective alone.

The rooftop test track turned garden is particularly cool and you’ll also find Eataly (the original one), galleries and shops here.

19. Visit Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile

If you’re interested in cars, design or Italian automotive history, the national automobile museum is probably one of the best museums in Turin to add to your itinerary.

It houses more than 200 vintage and modern vehicles and sits close to Lingotto, making it easy to combine the two.

20. Walk through Galleria San Federico

This elegant covered arcade near Piazza San Carlo is one of Turin’s prettiest hidden gems.

Woman stands in the center of a bright covered shopping gallery with black and white marble floors and curved glass ceilings overhead. Crowds walk through the elegant arcade lined with luxury storefronts and hanging lanterns.

With marble floors, soaring glass ceilings and stylish storefronts, it feels grand without being intimidating. There’s even a cinema tucked inside beneath the arches.

Elegant indoor shopping arcade with vaulted glass ceilings, marble floors, and luxury storefronts stretching into the distance. Decorative lanterns hang above the quiet corridor while shoppers browse along the sides.

Nishi in a pink blazer and white polka dot skirt leans against a stone column inside a grand shopping arcade with vaulted glass ceilings and patterned marble floors. Elegant storefronts and pedestrians line the long corridor behind her.

21. Explore Quadrilatero Romano

This ancient Roman district is packed with cobbled streets, bars, boutiques and restaurants.

In the evening, the narrow streets fill with chatter, clinking glasses and locals spilling out of wine bars. It’s lively and a great place to wander aimlessly without a strict plan.

22. Visit the Lavazza Museum

Turin and coffee go hand in hand, so it feels fitting that the Lavazza Museum is located here. Lavazza itself was founded in Turin in 1895 by Luigi Lavazza and has become one of Italy’s most iconic coffee brands.

Jass turning the handle of a vintage wooden cash register inside a bright coffee museum exhibition space. Hanging maps, historical coffee prints, and a polished espresso machine are displayed against vibrant yellow walls.

Nishi smiling between two large white cartoon style sculptures seated on a sofa inside a modern exhibition room. White armchairs and a low interactive table surround the playful art installation.

The museum is surprisingly interactive, covering everything from espresso culture and advertising to the history of coffee production.

Nishi seated in a white chair inside a modern exhibition space surrounded by colourful fashion photography and digital art displays. A black wall beside her reads “L'UNIVERSO” in large white letters at Lavazza Museo

Vintage cash register and old olive oil tin displayed on a marble counter inside a museum style exhibition space. Hanging prints and historic café themed illustrations decorate the background above the display at Lavazza Museo

At the end of the visit, you can choose between an espresso, cappuccino cream or an aperitivo. Go for the aperitivo. It was absolutely lush.

Iced coffee, whipped coffee dessert, and biscuits served on a counter inside a modern Lavazza tasting space. Large coffee grinders and branded displays line the softly lit background.

As someone who doesn’t usually rush towards museums, this one was right up my street.

23. Experience Aperitivo in Turin

Turin is widely considered the birthplace of aperitivo culture, so skipping it would honestly feel criminal.

Nishi, woman with long curly hair sits at an outdoor café table holding an orange cocktail beside small Italian appetizers and another drink. Historic arched buildings and boutique storefronts line the quiet plaza behind her.

Most bars serve drinks alongside small snacks or buffet-style plates before dinner and it quickly became one of my favourite parts of the trip. There’s just something about sitting outside with a spritz watching Italian city life unfold around you.

24. Visit the Juventus Museum

Football fans will probably love this one.

We didn’t visit because neither of us are particularly interested in football, but if you are, you should know it’s located several kilometres north of the city centre and can take around 30 minutes to reach.

Check availability for a stadium tour with your entrance ticket here.

25. Eat all the gelato

I’m not even a huge gelato person and yet Turin completely converted me.

I tried pistachio gelato and could not stop thinking about it afterwards. It tasted intensely nutty and rich rather than artificially sweet, which ruined normal pistachio ice cream for me forever.

Hand holding a gelato cone with two scoops of creamy ice cream topped with chopped nuts in a city square at dusk. Historic buildings and pedestrians blur softly in the background behind the dessert.

Caffè Fiorio is particularly well known for gelato and despite the mildly horrified look I received when asking about vegan options, it was incredible.

As I mentioned in my Rome travel tips, avoid the bright neon mountains of fluffy gelato piled high in touristy spots. If it looks cartoonishly colourful, it’s probably artificial.

26. Check out Porta Palatina

Porta Palatina is one of the world’s best-preserved Roman gateways and an impressive reminder of Turin’s ancient history.

Even if you’re not massively into Roman ruins, it’s worth stopping by simply because it’s so unusual to see something this intact.

27. Stroll through Turin’s Portici

One of Turin’s most distinctive features is its endless covered arcades known as portici.

People walking beneath a grand covered portico in Turin with tall stone columns and patterned marble floors. An ornate church façade is framed perfectly at the end of the sunlit arcade.

You can walk for ages sheltered from rain or sun while passing cafés, boutiques and beautiful architecture. Even if you’re not shopping, wandering beneath the porticos is one of the best things to do in Turin.

Nishi in a pink jacket walking beneath elegant arched porticoes lined with ornate columns and historic wooden doors in Turin. Sunlight casts long shadows along the covered walkway.

28. Visit Galleria Subalpina

Galleria Subalpina feels elegant, timeless and slightly cinematic.

The glass-vaulted ceiling, marble details and dramatic greenery make it one of the prettiest arcades in Turin. There’s also a café inside where people sit chatting beneath the grand architecture for hours.

Historic indoor courtyard with ornate balconies and a blue glass ceiling surrounding a central garden filled with lush green plants. Warm lights illuminate the elegant architecture and mosaic flooring at night.

This is one of the prettiest things to see in Turin.

29. Visit Villa della Regina

If you’re looking for a quieter attraction away from Turin’s busier piazzas, Villa della Regina seems like a lovely option, particularly for anyone interested in gardens, historic residences or panoramic views.

This UNESCO-listed Savoy residence sits on the hills overlooking Turin and the gardens and vineyard setting make it ideal if you want a break from busy piazzas and city streets.

30. Jump on the Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Turin is compact in some ways but deceptively large once you start adding hilltop attractions and outer neighbourhoods into your itinerary.

If you’re short on time during a weekend in Turin or don’t fancy walking everywhere, the hop-on hop-off bus is an easy way to cover a lot of ground quickly.

We kept seeing the buses passing through the city all day and honestly, after 20,000 steps, I understood the appeal.

Cobblestone street in Turin lined with elegant apartment buildings, wrought iron balconies, and outdoor café seating beneath black umbrellas. Bicycles and pedestrians fill the lively street while green hills rise in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Tip: If you’re planning to visit several museums and royal residences, look into the Torino + Piemonte Card for discounted or free entry across the region.

Is Turin worth visiting?

Absolutely. Turin surprised me more than almost any other city I’ve visited in Italy.

Before visiting, I hadn’t heard many people mention it in the same way they do Rome or Milan, but that ended up working in its favour.

It feels more authentic, less rushed and far less crowded than many of Italy’s more famous destinations.

There’s also a really nice balance of things to do in Turin. You’ve got royal palaces, churches, cafés, Roman ruins, aperitivo culture, viewpoints, museums and elegant shopping streets all packed into one city.

It’s ideal for people who love walking around and soaking up atmosphere without needing a rigid itinerary every second of the day.

How to Spend the Perfect 3 Days in Turin 🇮🇹 Is this Italy’s Most Underrated City?

How long to stay in Turin

I think 2 days in Turin is the perfect amount of time for a first visit.

That gives you enough time to explore the historic centre, enjoy plenty of aperitivo stops, visit a couple of museums or palaces and still have time to wander without feeling rushed. Turin is walkable in many areas, but it’s also deceptively spread out once you start adding places like Superga or Lingotto into your plans.

If you love museums, slower travel or day trips, you could easily spend 3 to 4 days here. But for most people planning a weekend in Turin, two full days works really well.

Narrow residential street in Turin with rows of parked cars, pastel coloured buildings, and ornate balconies on both sides. The road leads toward green hills beneath a soft cloudy sky.

Best time to visit Turin

Spring and autumn are probably the best times to visit Turin.

We visited in spring and while the weather was mostly lovely, my hayfever absolutely humbled me in Parco del Valentino. Aside from that minor personal tragedy, it was a brilliant time to visit with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Autumn is also supposed to be beautiful, especially if you want cooler sightseeing weather and seasonal food events nearby in Piedmont.

Summer can get very hot, particularly when walking around the city all day, while winter is quieter and festive with Christmas markets and Alpine views.

View of the hilltop church overlooking Turin surrounded by dense green trees and historic buildings. Street lamps, traffic, and café seating fill the foreground beneath an overcast sky. — View of Monte dei Cappuccini from Piazza Vittorio Veneto

How to get to Turin

Turin is well connected to the rest of Italy and surprisingly easy to reach.

You can fly directly into Turin Airport, which is around 30 minutes from the city centre by train, bus or taxi. Many people also combine Turin with Milan since the train between the two cities only takes around an hour.

We flew from London to Turin and then jumped on a bus outside the airport to get into the city centre.

If you’re travelling around northern Italy, Turin works really well as part of a wider itinerary.

How to get around in Turin

One of the best things about Turin is that many of the main attractions are walkable.

We explored most of the city on foot and loved wandering through the elegant streets and covered arcades. That said, Turin is bigger than it first appears and your feet will definitely feel it after a full day of sightseeing.

For longer distances, there are trams, buses and a metro system. Public transport is very easy to use and affordable. If you’re planning to visit places like Basilica di Superga or the Juventus Museum, you’ll likely need transport at some point.

Nishi using a yellow Turin metro ticket machine with signs reading "BIGLIETTI E ABBONAMENTI TICKETS AND SEASON TICKETS" and "www.gtt.to.it." The touchscreen displays ticket options while payment terminals and card readers surround the machine.

Turin metro route sign reading "direzione BENGASI Moncalieri" with station names including "Porta Nuova," "Vinzaglio," and "Lingotto." White arrows point in both directions along the transit line map.

There’s also the hop-on hop-off bus which is useful if you want to cover a lot of sights during a short weekend in Turin without exhausting yourself.

Where to Stay in Turin

We stayed at Hotel NH Torino Centro and found it a really convenient base for exploring the city.

Minimalist hotel bedroom with a large white bed, soft lighting, and matching bedside lamps against a neutral grey wall. Dark wooden flooring and clean modern furnishings give the room a calm and contemporary feel.

Bright hotel room workspace with a long white desk, two blue chairs, and a small minibar beneath a wide window with sheer curtains. Soft lighting and neutral tones create a clean and modern atmosphere.

The location worked well for many of the main attractions as it is close to public transport connections. It’s only two metro stops to Porta Nuova station, making it easy to reach many of the city’s main attractions.

Modern hotel bathroom with a glass walk in shower, white sink, bidet, and large illuminated mirror. Neutral stone tiles and chrome fixtures give the space a sleek contemporary design.

Compact modern bathroom with a square white sink beneath a large illuminated mirror and mounted hairdryer on the wall. Toiletries and neatly folded towels are arranged beside the sink in the minimalist space.

The rooms were basic but comfortable, the area felt safe and it was quieter than staying directly in the busiest tourist areas.

Glass bottles and small jars of creamy desserts and milk drinks displayed on a white breakfast buffet counter beside pink orchids. Black labels read “bonet,” “latte di mandorla,” “bevanda di soia,” and “panna cotta.”

Breakfast plate with a croissant, cheeses, green beans, zucchini, carrots, pastries, espresso, cappuccino, and juice arranged on a white table. Fresh flowers and soft lighting give the café setting a calm morning atmosphere.

If it’s your first time visiting Turin, I’d recommend staying somewhere around the historic centre, Piazza Castello or near Porta Nuova train station so you can easily access the main sights.

Torino + Piemonte Card

If you’re planning to visit several museums, palaces or royal residences, the Torino + Piemonte Card is definitely worth looking into.

The official tourist pass for Turin gives you free or discounted admission to many of the top attractions in Turin and across the Piedmont region, including museums and Savoy residences.

Since entrance fees can add up quite quickly in Italy, this can save a decent amount of money if you’re sightseeing heavily.

Even if you only visit a few attractions, it may still work out cheaper than buying separate tickets each time. Check out which attractions are covered here, on the official website.

Man in a navy blazer walking down a narrow historic street in Turin lined with elegant cream coloured buildings and wrought iron balconies. Afternoon sunlight brightens the cobblestone road and parked cars along the street.

Best tips for visiting Turin

Decide if the Torino + Piemonte Card is right for you

Map out the things you want to do in Turin and see if the Torino + Piemonte Card is right for you.

Book popular attractions in advance

If you want to visit Mole Antonelliana or take the panoramic lift, do not make our mistake and assume you can just turn up. Tickets regularly sell out days ahead.

Wear comfortable shoes

Turin is a walking city and the pavements are no joke after a full day exploring. Between the porticos, piazzas and hilltop viewpoints, you’ll easily hit a huge step count without realising.

Don’t overschedule yourself

Part of Turin’s charm is slowing down for coffee, aperitivo or simply wandering. Some of my favourite moments were completely unplanned.

Take advantage of aperitivo

Aperitivo culture in Turin is elite. Not only is it a fun experience, but it can also save money if you’re getting snacks or buffet plates alongside your drinks.

Look up opening times carefully

Several attractions and churches close during parts of the afternoon or only open on certain days. We had to linger around Piazza Castello waiting for churches to reopen more than once.

Plan your meals around Italian opening hours

One thing that catches a lot of people out in Italy is restaurant opening times and Turin is no exception.

Dinner is also eaten much later in Italy than in places like the UK and restaurants close between lunch and dinner service, often from around 2:30pm until 7pm or later.

If you try turning up at 5pm expecting a full dinner menu, you’ll probably be disappointed. Aperitivo became our solution more than once while waiting for restaurants to reopen and thankfully, Turin is one of the best cities for it.

Don’t skip the viewpoints

Seeing Turin with the Alps behind it completely changes your perspective of the city. Monte dei Cappuccini was one of my favourite experiences during the trip.

Quiet Turin street with tram tracks running between rows of ornate historic buildings beneath hanging street lamps. Soft sunlight and shadows stretch across the nearly empty roadway under a clear blue sky.

Turin completely exceeded my expectations and ended up being one of the most pleasantly surprising city breaks I’ve taken in Italy. Its local atmosphere made it feel far less overwhelming than the other popular cities.

Between the beautiful piazzas, endless porticos, aperitivo culture and Alpine views, Turin feels like a city that slowly wins you over the longer you spend there. Whether you’re planning a weekend in Turin or adding it to a wider northern Italy itinerary, it’s a destination that deserves far more attention than it gets.

If you love atmospheric cities, incredible coffee, authentic Italian culture and wandering without a rigid plan, Turin might just surprise you too.

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