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The 13 best experiences in Turin, Italy

Nov 18, 2023 • 9 min read

Here are some of the best things to do in Turin, Italy's fourth largest city © Iuliia Pilipeichenko / Getty Images

Italy’s fourth-largest city,  Turin , is the essence of la dolce vita.

Not in the full-throttle, scooter-screeching style of the hot south, but with a composed dignity befitting of an elegant northern city shaped by the noble House of Savoy and politically explosive unification movement. This was the country’s first capital in the 1860s and is the capital of Piedmont today.

Turin’s refined vibe might feel more français than italiano, but delve into this handsome metropolis stitched from porticoed streets and palazzo-laced squares, and you’ll quickly find a compelling city screaming "Made in Italy."

Explore niche, top-drawer museums (football, cars, chocolate and coffee) and avant-garde galleries bursting with powerful art. Promenade through extraordinary royal palazzi (palaces) and gardens.

Linger over Slow Food and wine in chandelier-lit cafes and centurion osterie . And at every turn, with every morsel, feel the creative pulse of a go-getting city driven by an epic artistic, cultural, historic and epicurean heritage.

Outdoor adventurers and those seeking a green escape might not find a real buzz here. But for anyone looking for a weekend of urban Italianate living – with a provocative dash of creativity and curiosity, by day or by night – Turin hits the sweet spot any time of year. Here are the best things to do when you get there.

1. Spend a day museum-hopping

Few Italian cities sport such a varied portfolio of museums – there really is one   to suit every taste and interest. Turin’s blockbuster Museo Egizio is among the world’s best when it comes to anthropomorphic coffins, animal mummies and other priceless artifacts from Ancient Egypt.

The Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano suits anyone interested in modern Italian history, while car buffs and families rave about Turin’s superlative Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile .

This being Italy, art and design lovers are well served: Palazzo Reale displays the personal art collection of the Savoy monarchy, and the sensational Pinateco Giovanni e Marella Agnelli showcases masterpieces acquired by the late Fiat head Gianni Agnelli.

Galleria Civica d’Arte e Contemporanea is the place to go for 19th- and 20th-century Italian and European art, and Fondazione Merz , Fondazione Sandretto re Rebaudengo and Museo Ettore Fico for influential contemporary art.

Detour: Head to out-of-town Castello du Rivoli for works borne out of Italy’s city-spawned Arte Povera movement in the 1960s and 1970s.

2. Perfect the Turinese art of aperitivi

The early-evening aperitivo (aperitif) crawl is a golden opportunity to taste exceptional wine from Piedmont and sample savory delicacies such as acciughe al verde (anchovies in pea-green, garlic-parsley sauce) or carne cruda al’Albese (raw beef) while  finding yourself in neighborhoods you might not otherwise frequent.

Favorite addresses to hobnob with locals over well-mixed cocktails, Campari or Aperol spritz, and generous snack buffets – ranging from complimentary to €15 with one drink – include historical Bar Cavour , Farmacia Del Cambo in an 1830s pharmacy, and fashionable bookshop-cafe-bar Bardotto .

3. Explore cinematic Turin

A visit to the superlative Museo Nazionale del Cinema – a firm family favorite – is not just about watching silent movies, overdosing on looping virtual-reality films and learning about Turin’s fascinating movie-making heritage.

As engaging as the evocative and well-curated exhibits is the museum building: the eclectic, spire-capped tower of Mole Antonelliana was conceived and designed as a synagogue in 1863, yet only ever used as a museum. Scaling its dome to ogle at the panorama atop the 167.5m-tall (550ft-tall) tower is a rite of passage.

4. Share the city’s love affair with chocolate

Cioccolato (chocolate) is this city’s lifeblood, and family-run chocolate makers have been hard at work in Turin for centuries – there is no point resisting.

Bicerin , the city’s signature cream-topped chocolate-coffee hot drink, has been a reason to flock to elegant Caffè Al Bicerin since 1763. Turin’s favorite contemporary chocolatier, Guido Gobino , is loved for tiny, tile-like ganache chocolates flavored with vermouth or Barolo wine perhaps, and his classic gianduiotto (triangular chocolates made from gianduja – Turin's hazelnut paste).

Planning tip:  Don’t miss Turin’s 10-day chocolate festival in November.

5. Live the good life on Piazza Castello

Nowhere does the heady pulse of la dolce vita make itself felt as fiercely as on Piazza Castello , the city’s central square and heart of Savoy from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Framed on all sides by grandiose buildings cocooning palace museums, cafes, and the city’s opera house, the square is a hub of cultural life and the epitome of Turin elegance.

Admire its majestic porticoes (Turin boasts an extraordinary 18km/11 miles of porticoes), built under Vittorio Emanuele I in the 18th century so the royal family could promenade between palace and river in comfort and relative privacy.

6. Unearth Slow Food at the Terre Madre festival

As the capital of the region where Italy’s Slow Food movement was born, it’s natural that Turin should host one of the world’s largest food and wine fairs: Slow Food’s biennial Terre Madre , next up in September 2024, and subsequent even-numbered years.

One-day passes unlock a banquet of fascinating epicurean encounters, from artisan tastings with Turinese and Piemontese producers and chefs to culinary workshops and meetings with global food activists and sustainable farmers.

Detour:  The venue is a sight in itself: Parco Dora was an industrial wasteland (home to steelworks and a Michelin tire factory until the 1980s), regenerated in the new millennium as a vast open-air art installation, green meadow park, marketplace and festival ground.

7. Tap into Turin’s art and music scene

It's no surprise that Turin is part of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network: deep-dive into the city’s pivotal contemporary art scene at Officine Grandi Riparazioni . The experimental cultural and innovation hub resides in a regenerated train depot, constructed in red brick between 1885 and 1895 near Porta Susa and Porta Nuova train stations.

Catching the latest public art installation, seasonal exhibition, live gig or other cultural happening is as much an opportunity to ogle at the industrial architecture of the gargantuan U-shaped space as it is to tap into contemporary Turin’s explosive visual and performing arts scene.

Fascinating 3D tours transport visitors around the original 19th-century repair workshops, and several cafes and restaurants are ready to stave off your hunger and/or cocktail pangs.

Clubbers, you’re in the right place. Turin generates some of Italy’s best dance music, with clubs and live-music bars in industrial and residential neighborhoods such as Vanchiglia, San Salvario, Dora and Lingotto pounding well into the early hours.

Planning tip:  Going strong for 20-odd years, Lingotto’s C2C Festival remains one of Europe’s top avant-pop music festivals.

8. Enjoy views and a cocktail in Italy’s highest bar

Dizzying views of the city and its Alpine amphitheater laid out around your feet unfold from the 37th floor of the city’s lofty Intesa Sanpaolo skyscraper – a striking, glass-and-steel work of contemporary architecture, designed by celebrity Italian architect Renzo Piano as the headquarters of the Intesa Sanpaolo banking group.

Its crowning glory is the futuristic rooftop where skilled mixologists behind the bar at Piano35 shake a sassy spin on Italian classics. Order a signature Bicerin cocktail (mixing sweet Mancino vermouth with coffee liqueur, sherry and milk) or Spritz No More (vodka, elderflower liqueur, sake and chili pepper).

9. See how Savoy kings lived at a flurry of royal residences

Turin has six royal residences in the city center alone, all with lavish interiors, priceless artworks and tapestries, and occasional museum collections.

Find medieval-to-modern decorative arts in Palazzo Madama ; a top-drawer history museum exploring the city’s role in the Risorgimento (Italian Unification) at Palazzo Carignano; and dazzling Greek and Roman archaeological treasures in Palazzo Reale .

If time is limited at the latter, aim straight for the Savoy’s personal art collection in the Royal Palace’s Galleria Sabauda. If time is endless, linger over afternoon tea on the stone-balustrade terrace of the palace’s romantic Caffè degli Argenti – views of lush green lawns and the Alps beyond are beautiful.

10. Shop vintage and design in the Quadrilatero Romano

While the city’s elegant porticoes on the main street of Via Roma squirrel away chic boutiques of all the big fashion houses, Quadrilatero Romano is the neighborhood for upmarket vintage and fashionable pieces by young designers. Make your shopping spree memorable by booking a lunch table well in advance at Consorzio .

Bargain hunters can follow urbanites on weekends to Balon , a sprawling and mesmerizingly raucous flea market north of Porta Palazzo since 1857. More specialized antique and vintage dealers move in on the second Sunday of the month at the Gran Balon market.

11. Taste Vermouth in hipster San Salvario

Savoring Turin’s homegrown Vermouth di Torino – aromatized fortified wine infused with 30-odd botanicals – has been a tradition since 1786 when it was first distilled by Antonio Benedetto Carpano for the royal court. The tourist office offers organized tastings (€18) in selected city bars.

Or opt for homegrown vermouth on the rocks or in a cocktail at funky music bar Lanificio San Salvatore in hipster San Salvario. Its Torino Milano Via Novara cocktail mixing Vermouth di Torino with Campari, Cynar (a bitter aperitif blending 13 herbs and plants, including artichoke), chocolate and rock salt is akin to drinking Turin in a glass.

12. Track down street art with a purpose

Meander off the beaten tourist track into the northern working-class suburb of Barriera di Milano to uncover old warehouses covered in graffiti, public baths rejuvenated as community centers and 13 pavement-to-sky, black-and-white wall murals by Italian street artist Millo (from Puglia in southern Italy); start your Millo tour on Piazza Bottesini.

When you're done, take a DIY walking tour of the city’s Murales Lavazza , 17 striking wall murals illustrating global goals for sustainable development in 2030 by international artists. Murals range from No Poverty (Lungo Po Antonelli 15) featuring Florentine street artist Zed1’s comic egg-headed humans to Good Health by Venezuelan-Italian Gomez (Via Berthollet 6) and Gender Equality (Corso Belgio 9) by Rome-based Camilla Falsini.

13. Walk around Fiat’s rooftop e-track

Turin is synonymous with Fiat cars. Its 1920s factory in industrial Lingotto was Europe’s largest, and walking around the rooftop track where cars were tested until 1982 (when the iconic factory closed) is exhilarating. To get a feel for the historic track, watch the 1969 classic movie The Italian Job .

New-gen electric Fiats spin around the 1km-long (0.6-mile) loop today. In 2021, the surrounding rooftop was planted with 40,000 indigenous trees, shrubs and wildflowers to create a public garden –  La Pista 500 .

Yoga, fitness and meditation areas shaded with hazelnut trees and giant sunflowers inject a contemplative zen into the green public space. Views of the city and surrounding Alps are naturally magnificent.

This article was first published April 2022 and updated November 2023

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Underground Turin Tour

• 9.20 / 10 42 reviews | 367 travellers Wonderful experience with a wonderful guide 10 Fabio Nicora
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service starts

Hidden below the streets of Torino are a series of chilling mysteries and legends. Do you dare to discover the secrets of Underground Turin on this guided tour ?

Cities hide terrible secrets in their underbellies and the capital of Piedmonte is no exception. If you dare to leave the safety of daylight behind, meet your guide at 2 pm in front of the Pietro Micca Museum. From here, you'll begin your three-hour tour of  some of the underground tunnels around Turin.

As you explore Underground Turin, you'll learn all about the history of the labyrinthine tunnels that burrow under the streets of the city. Many of the so-called " infernotti " were excavated to defend Turin during the French-led Siege of 1706  and many have also played witness to  unresolved crimes ... 

Like a sleeping dragon, the ancient  Citadel of Turin  also hides secrets within. Will you be able to solve its greatest mysteries?

During the guided tour of Turin's underground world, we'll pass through the ancient ice deposits located under Porta Palazzo and see an air raid shelter used during the Second World War.

After a spine-chilling tour through Underground Turin, we'll say our goodbyes at the  Piazza Emanuele Filiberto  at 5 pm.

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Italian.

Transfers by bus.

English speaking guide.

Entrance to Turin Underground.

Theatrical performances during the tour.

When to book?

You can book up until 24 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

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Not wheelchair accessible.

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All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• Printed material is avoided.
• No single-use plastics are used.
• The show represents local culture.
• The activity helps the dissemination of local cultural heritage.
• The activity helps to promote peace.
• The activity promotes local production.
• No printing of documentation required.
• Promotes local employment.
• Has a gender equality policy.
• Has a carbon footprint offset policy.

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Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Who can do this activity?

A - The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or people with claustrophobia. In addition, to participate in this tour, you must sign a liability release form before entering the tunnels.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

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A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point, where does the activity end.

Via Francesco Guicciardini, 7a.

Piazza Emanuele Filiberto.

You may also be interested in

Turin and Piedmont Card

This tourist card of Turin includes free entry to numerous museums both in the city and the region of Piedmont, saving on your trip.

Casa Martini Tour + Tasting

Turin + Piedmont Royal Pass

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Things to do in Turin: a 4-day itinerary

Read on to learn about all the best things to do in Turin with this detailed 4-day itinerary packed with great experiences.

• 1 If you’re looking for a cool city break in Italy, then Piedmont’s capital is a fantastic option to consider. Read on to learn about all the best things to do in Turin with this detailed 4-day itinerary.
• 2 Day 1 in Turin
• 3 Day 2 in Turin
• 4 Day 3 in Turin
• 5 Day 4 in Turin
• 6 Torino Card

If you’re looking for a cool city break in Italy, then Piedmont’s capital is a fantastic option to consider. Read on to learn about all the best things to do in Turin with this detailed 4-day itinerary.

With a past as the seat of the royal Savoy family and Italy’s first capital , Turin is jam-packed with grandiose palaces, fascinating museums, and elegant squares. It has plenty on offer when it comes to food, too, with a wealth of local specialties that are guaranteed to impress your taste buds.  And all of that without the crowds that we are used to seeing in Italy’s big three (i.e. Rome, Florence, and Venice).

Turin is also home to some of Italy’s most iconic brands , from Fiat to Lavazza, each with a cool corporate museum to explore. What’s more, the city’s strong industrial vocation and pivotal role in promoting Italian creativity and innovation worldwide even had Turin recognized as a UNESCO Creative City in 2014 .

So, here’s an itinerary based on my recent trip , covering pretty much all of the best things to do in Turin. It’s designed to explore by foot, so pack your comfy shoes and be ready to walk well over 25,000 steps a day! And if you’re not a walker, don’t worry, the city is well served by trams and has even a metro line.

One last thing: since food is one of the best parts of any trip to Italy, you can find my recommendations about restaurants in Turin here.

Day 1 in Turin

Start your exploration of Turin from Piazza Castello, one of the city’s main gathering points and a great spot to enjoy some people watching. At its core stands Palazzo Madama , a key site in Turin’s history. Originally created as a Roman gate, in 1848 it became the seat of the first Senate of the Italian Kingdom and today it houses the Civic Museum of Ancient Art.

Expect to spend at least a good couple of hours in the palace and try to arrive around lunchtime to avoid the crowds. At the end of the visit, take a break at the Royal Café , hidden under an arcade in the Court of Honor, where you can linger over a drink surrounded by beautiful antique porcelain from the royal collections. Then, follow the locals walking through the arcades and into the splendid Royal Gardens , which extends over an area of five hectares.

A quick walk from the Royal Palace will take you to the Cathedral of St John the Baptist , Turin’s key religious center. Although its marble facade may look a little plain, the church boasts a series of precious chapels inside, including that of the Holy Shroud , which is believed to be the linen cloth in which Jesus’ body was wrapped.

Roughly on the opposite side of the Cathedral stands Porta Palatina , a beautifully preserved red-brick Roman gate guarded by the statues of Augustus and Caesar. Together with the remains of a 1st-century amphitheater, the gate is part of a little archeological park that reminds of the city’s history as a Roman military colony.

The Quadrilatero Romano is close to another interesting corner of Turin, the market of Porta Palazzo , Europe’s largest open-air market with hundreds of colorful stalls selling anything from food to clothes. You’ll find it every day from Monday to Friday between 7 am and 2 pm and on Saturdays from 7 am to 7:30 pm (better to go there in the morning).

Day 2 in Turin

Your first stop for the day is Piazza Carignano , one of the most beautiful squares in town, ringed with some of Turin’s oldest establishments. These include Pepino 1884 , which patented the world’s first chocolate-covered gelato on a stick (the ‘Pinguino’) in 1939, and the fascinating Del Cambio Restaurant , patronized by the likes of Cavour, Casanova, Puccini, and Nietzsche.

Here I suggest splurging on a nice breakfast or aperitivo at Farmacia del Cambio , a charming café housed inside a former pharmacy dating from 1833. Its outdoor tables face the magnificent Carignano Palace, whose architecture is reminiscent of the first drawings of the Louvre that Bernini had prepared for Louis XIV. The building is home to the National Museum of Italian Risorgimento , whose extraordinary collection offers an incredible history lesson about the unification of Italy in the 19th century (the Risorgimento) and the creation of a modern state. Visiting this museum is definitely one of my favorite things to do in Turin!

Palazzo Carignano itself played a key role in Italian history. It served as the official residence of the Savoy family for over 150 years, Carlo Alberto and Vittorio Emanuele II were born here and then became the seat of Italy’s first parliament. One of the highlights of the visit is precisely the original parliamentary room , which is the only one still completely intact among those that were born in Europe with the revolutions of 1848!

The square is ringed by elegant porticoes that house a number of splendid historical establishments. These include the Belle Époque-style Caffè Torino , with a cool Martini sign flashing above its outdoor tables, the ancient confectionary Stratta  specialized in a variety of artisanal sweet treats, and the splendid Caffè San Carlo , where you can treat yourselves to a special lunch in the beautiful dehors.

By the way, there’s a golden bull embedded in the pavement right at the entrance of Café Torino and it’s said that rubbing it with your shoe brings good luck – exactly like the bull mosaic in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, minus the queues!

If you’ve got some money to burn, enjoy some shopping in via Garibaldi , where you’ll find all the major high-street brands, and via Roma , a delightful porticoed street filled with elegant boutiques and opening on one side onto Galleria San Federico , one of the city’s beautiful covered passages.

Plan to reach the Egyptian Museum of Turin  around mid-afternoon, in order to have enough time to browse the outstanding exhibition with no rush. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Turin and for a good reason. Founded in 1824, it’s the world’s oldest museum devoted to Egyptian art and culture and its collection of over 40,000 Egyptian antiquities is second only to the one in Cairo. The items on display throughout the museum’s 15 rooms include anything from everyday items and precious scrolls to mummified bodies and impressive sarcophagi.

Day 3 in Turin

The third day of your Turin city break will be all about enchanting views and cool stuff. First off, head to the Mole Antonelliana , the iconic symbol of Turin that catches the eye pretty much from any point in town.

The elevator passes right through the middle of the building, offering a really cool perspective of the National Museum of Cinema  housed inside the Mole. This is a fabulous museum that I recommend checking out when in Turin because it’s great fun for both kids and adults. The exhibition takes you on a journey through the history of cinema and the various phases of making a movie. I’m sure the items on display will spark your memories of movie scenes and actors at every turn due to the richness of the collection, from the original Darth Vader and Chewbacca masks to the script of Psycho.

Stretching from the end of Via Po down to the river is  Piazza Vittorio Veneto , the largest porticoed square in Europe , dotted with countless shops and cafés. The best viewpoint to appreciate the grandeur of this piazza is the Church of Gran Madre di Dio standing right across the Vittorio Emanuele I bridge (see the cover photo of this article). By the way, legend has it that this church is the place where the Holy Grail is kept!

From there, Monte dei Cappuccini is a 10 minutes’ walk away up a shady road. It’s a bit steep, but once you get to the top you’ll be rewarded with some truly beautiful views of Turin and the Alps. While you’re up there, you can pop into the Church of Santa Maria del Monte, check out the National Museum of Mountains , or simply enjoy a peaceful break away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Day 4 in Turin

If you have an extra day in Turin, head out of town to the Royal Palace of Venaria , the stunning estate of the Savoy family located on the outskirts of the city. Catch the Venaria Express shuttle bus from Piazza Castello and after a 30 minutes’ ride, you’ll reach this grandiose baroque palace that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Each room is richly decorated with countless works of art, including precious paintings, tapestries, sculptures, and silverware. The most famous spot inside the palace is the Great Gallery , which is even more spectacular than the photos you normally see on the web. It’s an 80-meter long covered passage built to connect the King’s apartments to those of his son, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the gardens creating amazing light effects.

When booking your tickets online (which I highly recommend doing as queues are super long), you have the option to visit also the Castle of La Mandria , which served as the personal retreat of King Vittorio Emanuele II in 1859. There are 20 rooms to explore there, each offering an interesting insight into the king’s life and personal tastes. The castle is about 2 km away from the palace and is surrounded by a beautiful park, so you will need a full day out to visit also this area.

Other great day trips from Turin include the  Castle of Moncalieri , the  Stupinigi Hunting Lodge,  and the ancient Sacra di San Michele . Oh, and if you’re in need of some retail therapy, the Torino Outlet Village is a great destination for a shopping spree!

If you have a bit more time, consider exploring Piedmont’s Langhe wine region or treat yourself to an authentic farm stay in Alta Langa .

Torino Card

If you’re planning to visit lots of sites during your trip to Turin, then you should consider getting a Torino + Piemonte Card . It’s valid for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days and grants free admission to all the top museums, castles, and royal residences in Turin and around Piedmont, as well as reductions for the panoramic lift of Mole Antonelliana, the Sassi – Superga rack tramway and the Venaria Express shuttle bus. On top of this, you’ll also get discounts on various cultural sites and events in the region. You can easily buy it in the online shop of Turismo Torino .

So, that’s it, guys! I hope this guide will help you plan your next trip to Turin and as usual, if you have any questions or would like to share any tips about this city, just leave a message in the comments below 🙂

Ciao for now,

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23 thoughts on “things to do in turin: a 4-day itinerary”.

I love the photos of the museum most of all! Turin is now going on my bucketlist! Thanks so much for a comprehensive guide. <3

Oh my god what a gorgeous city- the architecture has me drooling. Marked to be consulted whenever I plan a trip to this beautiful Italian heaven.

I’ve flown to Turin a few times but I’ll admit I’ve never stopped by the city itself. What a mistake! It looks fantastic – and packed with things to do. I’m absolutely adding Turin to my city break wish list, and dreaming of coffee on it’s cobbled streets already.

Wow the architecture in Turin is just incredible. I had no idea that this was the first capital of Italy. It is surprising to me that it does not receive as many tourists for that reason. I would love to add Turin as a destination, especially the Royal Palace!

The Royal Palace in Turin is what added this to my wish list! SO beautiful. I kept going back to that. The food definitely looks very interesting. Also, your photos are absolutely incredible!

Stunning indeed!Thanks so much for stopping by

That Mole building is gorgeous and the museum within sounds great. Your itinerary is so useful and inclusive. I would love to visit Turin.

Aw, thank you Melinda!

You seemed to have explored Turin to the fullest! I love the Royal Palace and it reminded me of Doge’s Palace interiors in Venice. The Egyptian Museum of Turin would definitely be on my list, more than 40k Egyptian antiquities is a lot! I can imagine myself getting lost there for hours. Valentino Park looks lush green and a great place for a quiet evening walk.

I spent hours in the Egyptian Museum, soooo beautifully interesting!

You had me at Darth Vader mask. Turin has been cropping up in my feed a lot so excited to discover what to do there. Love the idea of visiting one of the car museums. great tip about the tower – I love taking in the view of a city before exploring. But I’ll have to pass on the shopping and spending more on bunets. :)


Ah, those bunets! 😀

I have not made it to Turin yet. It is high on my list of to-see-‘s in Italy. I have to say though your vivid photos make me feel as if I am there. That is some awesome skills you got there. The Royal Palace and the Museum of Cinema are now on my list and so is this blog!

Thank you Adele!!

I had no idea there is so much to see and do in Turin. What a wonderful city, I’d love to visit it someday. The Egyptian Museum seems particularly interesting, but my favorite place from your itinerary is the Royal Palace, with its stunning Baroque staircases. Good to know that Torino Card would save you some money.

Oh Anda, Turin is so beautiful!

Yum! The bunet sounds amazing. I’ve never had it. Also, these photos make me LONG for Europe so much. The deep history and amazing buildings and palaces. Ahhhh!! I do hope to get back there someday soon. Thanks for the tour – I really needed the mental escape today.

Thanks for your kind words Jennifer, I hope you can visit Italy soon!

I loved this blog! Really great tips that I’ll definitely keep in mind one day!

Thanks so much dear x

Turin is a spot in Italy we have not yet visited. Stunning architecture is definitely a reason to visit. I certainly would love to enjoy that visual wonderland. Italian history is fascinating so I could see us spending many hours in the National Museum of Italian Risorgimento. Interesting to read that the Mole was originally a synagogue. We would absolutely want to go to the top for panoramic views. This sounds like a city where getting the city card is a great idea.

My husband and I are now in Turin for 5 days. I’m using your tips to plan our days here. You’ve given a lot of info about the places we need to see and I’m already excited! Thanks so much! P.S. There are not many tourists right now so it’s wonderful to enjoy Turin without the huge crowds.

Thanks so much for your kind words Liza, you made my day! Turin is a beautiful city and I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Get in touch if you need anything while you’re there, have a great holiday!

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An Italian travel writer in love with my country. Having travelled widely across the globe, I realized there was more to explore closer to home. My Italian Diaries is the place where I share itineraries, activities and off-the-beaten-path places to help you experience the best of Italy like a local!

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Things to do in Turin, Italy – Your Complete Torino Travel Guide

Looking for the best things to do in Turin ? We’ve been to Turin (or Torino as the locals call it) half a dozen times and it’s become our favourite Italian city. So, whether you’re coming for a day or several weeks, read on to discover what to see in Turin, the Paris of Italy.

Welcome to Turin Video

Must-see sights & turin attractions, museums & galleries, walking tours in turin, parks & outdoor activities, day trips from torino, things to do in turin at night, yoga studios & mindful activities, torino foods you must try, eco-friendly hostels & hotels in turin, should you get the torino piemonte card, how to get to turin.

You might know Turin, if you know it at all, from the famous Shroud of Turin, a piece of cloth that was said to wrap the crucified body of Jesus. Though science has shown that it’s likely not true, the Shroud has taken on a mysticism of its own and still attracts thousands of worshippers to the city each year.

If religion isn’t your thing, then Torino might only ring a bell in the context of the Winter Olympics. You may have watched your favourite Olympians battling for gold in Turin in 2006.

Or perhaps you know Turin because it’s the birthplace of both Nutella, Italy’s most ubiquitous brand, and Fiat, the world’s most rambunctious car.

Beyond that, Turin remains largely unknown among foreign visitors. When I told friends and family I was spending three months in Torino this year, the most common response was “Where is that again?”.

It’s not hard to see why, in a country that boasts such revered cities as Venice, Rome, Florence, and Milan , another city might struggle to get noticed.

Though it may be less famous, Torino offers a diverse list of attractions for tourists.

For a start, Torino was the seat of the royal Savoy family starting in the 1500s and because of that, it’s practically bursting with royal residences. It’s also where the aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks with snacks) was invented and is the birthplace of brands like Martini Rossi and Cinzano.

Plus, Torino introduced the modern chocolate bar and hot chocolate to the world!

For outdoorsy types, the Alps are only an hour’s drive away and there are exceptional walking trails with outstanding views all around the city.

Besides all of this, Torino has something that none of the more famous Italian cities can boast:

The complete absence of zillions of foreign tourists.

This is what makes Torino our favourite Italian city. In Turin, you can viva l’Italia alongside Italians without fighting for space with a bunch of other foreigners.

So, if you want a taste of the true Italian lifestyle, read on find out what do to in Turin.

Watch our short video for a visual tour of Torino!

You’ll also love our posts about 2 amazing days in Venice , how to visit Sacra di San Michele , our guide to the best day trips from Turin , and our massive guide to making the most of your Europe trip .

Piazza Castello

Always open, free

Turin was the first capital of Italy and was also the royal seat of the Savoys. The Royal Family are gone but they left behind far more than their fair share of palaces and dramatic squares.

Piazza Castello is the king of them all — and the first place you should go in Torino. This immense square is ringed with magnificent royal buildings, including Palazzo di Reale and Palazzo Madama.

People-watchers will definitely want to linger, observing Italian families stroll the piazza, play in the fountains, and slurp cones of artisanal gelato.

Palazzo Reale / Royal Palace

Open Tue–Sun, 8.30am–6pm Book ahead to skip the line and take a tour , €45 Free with Torino + Piemonte Card

The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) is the striking 16th Century structure on the north(ish) side of Piazza Castello. Follow the locals walking through the palace grounds and out back, where you’ll find hidden the wonderful castle gardens (Giardini Reale), which are free to all.

To go inside the palace, buy a ticket which includes:

• Museo di Antichità – don’t miss the magnificent mosaic floors and the almost unbelievable stories behind their discoveries.
• Palazzo Reale – walk through and try to imagine living in these grand but highly uncomfortable quarters.
• The Royal Armoury – Game of Thrones fans will not want to miss seeing this. I could have spent hours admiring the beautifully adorned armour and weapons which seemed to contrast so greatly with their ultimate ugly purpose.
• The Chapel of the Shroud – though the Shroud of Turin is no longer housed here, the chapel is arguably the more impressive sight. The domed ceiling is one of the most incredible pieces of architecture I have ever seen.

Palazzo Madama / Madama Palace

Open Wed–Mon, 10am–6pm, €10 Free with Torino + Piemonte Card

In the mid-1600s, Torino was led by Princess Regent Christine Marie of France — the Madama of Palazzo Madama . Inside the palace, you can see Medieval sculpture and jewelry, Middle Ages and Renaissance art, paintings and furniture from the 17th & 18th century, and some of the finest examples of Italian applied arts. Yes, it’s an eclectic collection!

Our favourite part of the palace was the top of the tower, which gives you 360-degree views of the city below. Seeing Piazza Castello and the Royal Palace from this height was definitely worth the climb.

Mole Antonelliana & The Panoramic Lift

Open Sun, Mon, Wed–Fri, 9am–8pm, open Sat, 9am–11pm, closed Tuesday, €8 €6 with Torino + Piemonte Card

If there’s one structure that symbolizes Turin, it’s the Mole Antonelliana . The tower, built in the late 1800s, was initially conceived as a synagogue. Before it was complete, the city bought it and turned into a monument to national unity.

For a wandering tourist, the Mole soon becomes a useful landmark because the top of the tower can be seen from all over town. If you pause and crane your neck up, up, up, you might see people near the top of the tower, peering back down at you.

Early on your first day in Torino, head inside the Mole and grab your ticket for the Mole Panoramic Lift.

This incredible lift — with entirely glass walls — rises straight up through the wide open centre of the Mole tower. Architecture buffs will be thrilled to see the inside of the structure and thrill seekers will just be thrilled. This thing is high!

It’s also possible to climb a set of stairs in the tower interior to reach the top. Perfect if you want to start your day with a workout.

When you get to the top, you’ll have a 360-degree view of the city with the Alps rising gloriously all around.

Egyptian Museum / Museo Egizio

Open Mon, 9am–2pm, Tue–Sun, 9am–6:30pm, €15, book ahead & skip the line Free with Torino + Piemonte Card

What’s the world’s second most important Egyptian Museum doing in a city you’ve barely heard of? Well, it turns out that around the turn of the last century, Torino’s best archaeologists were all in Egypt, pulling stuff from tombs of the ancient Egyptian kings and queens.

No matter how you feel about disturbing the afterlife of upper-class Egyptians, the museum unarguably houses an impressive collection. It includes mummified people, cats, dogs, small mammals, and even a few rodents. There are also hundreds of stone statues ranging from finger-sized to towering giants.

In the final salon of the museum, depictions of the most important Egyptian gods glower down at visitors under eerie lighting, perhaps making known exactly how they feel about living their afterlives in a museum in Torino.

Travel tip: If you’re short on time or patience, start in the final gallery, which is the most impressive.

National Cinema Museum / Museo Nazionale del Cinema

Open 9am–8pm every day, except Saturday closes at 11pm, Tuesday closed all day, €11 Free with Torino + Piemonte Card

Inside the famous Mole tower, extremely clever architects have installed one of Turin’s other most famous attractions. The Cinema Museum winds up along walkways that loop the inner perimeter of the tower.

The museum houses everything a cinematic history buff might want to see — from the very beginning of moving pictures (which were really just still pictures animated with shadows and light), to the modern day of 3D and CG magic. There are old cameras and historical films and cinematic sets and classic films and movie posters and… absolutely everything cinema-related.

If you love moving pictures, this is your number one thing to do in Torino.

Museum of the Holy Shroud & Turin Cathedral

Turin cathedral is free, the museum is open daily, 9am–12pm, 3pm–7pm, €8 Free with Torino + Piemonte Card

You would think that such an important relic would have been sealed off under lock and key as soon as it was discovered. But, instead, after it first came to light in the 14th Century in France, the Shroud:

• Went on a medieval European road trip.
• Was almost burned up in a 16th Century fire.
• Was hand-patched by nuns after the fire.
• Had an incredible chapel created for it in Turin.
• Was almost destroyed in 1997 when the Chapel of the Shroud was destroyed in a fire.

Not a bad journey for a piece of soiled herringbone linen with very questionable lineage.

Now, anyone can pop into The Turin Cathedral (Duomo di Torino) and (sort of) see the Shroud, where it lies enclosed in an aerospace engineered display case topped by multilayer safety glass. This case is protected by an outer case (kind of like a sarcophagus), that keeps it from physical harm in the form of fire, building collapse, or other mishaps.

And before you start planning a heist, you should know that the whole thing is monitored by an elaborate computer system.

If you want to learn more about the shroud, Museum of the Holy Shroud does a good job of explaining its origins and the journey it has taken since it was first discovered.

Free Walking Tour

10:30 am, around 3 hours, offered in different language on different days, free

Whenever we arrive in a new city, we love to do a free walking tour to get our bearings, learn a little about the city’s history, and get tips on where to eat and what to see.

In Turin, there are a couple of free walks to get you started:

• Free Tour Turin
• Free Walking Tour Torino

Both will take you to the major sights in Torino and introduce you to the tales of the city. As with any free walking tour, you are expected to tip your guide at the end if you enjoyed it.

Welcome to Turin Tour

Customized guided tour, 2–6 hours, book ahead online

This customized private tour with a Torino local is the perfect way to discover the hidden highlights of Turin. You’ll get tips on the best restaurants, where to go for wine on tap, how to get around, and whatever else interests you.

3-Hour Downtown and Egyptian Museum Tour

Guided tour, 3 hours, book ahead online

If you’re short on time in Turin, this tour will show you the biggest highlights and the best of the Egyptian museum. Your entry ticket to the Egyptian museum is included in this tour.

Being cradled by the Alps on three sides, and rolling hills of Italian farmland on the fourth, there is no shortage of nature to escape to near Torino. You can also find plenty of green space inside the city if you need an afternoon listening to songbirds and feeling the soft earth under your feet.

Walk Along the Po

When in Torino, an evening walk by the river Po is a great way to end the day. Parco Valentino provides the perfect spot.

Start at Borgo Medievale, a replica of a medieval village built as a 19th century tourist attraction. It’s weird but delightful at the same time. Then wander along the Po, watch rowers practice out on the water, admire the expensive villas on the opposite bank, and stop at one of the many food vendors for a glass of wine or apertivo.

Visit La Mandria Regional Park

If you need more greenery, head to the 3,000-hectare expanse of Parco la Mandria, just north of the city. Here, welcoming pathways wind through countryside and gentle wooded areas. You can rent a bike to really explore the depths of the park.

If you go on a sunny weekend, it’s a cultural experience too, as the park attracts local families and friends. Locals wander the trails or just sit in the sun drinking beer and eating gelato.

Turin Backroad Bike Tour

Half-day, €40, book ahead online

If you prefer to see the world rolling by from a bicycle (as we do!), hop on this bike tour of Torino . You’ll get to see the most famous sites of the city centre. Then, venture further than a walking tour can go, down along the gorgeous River Po and into Parco Valentino.

Visit Monte dei Cappuccini

If you cross the River Po on Ponte de Vittorio Emanuele 1, you’ll see a monastery on a nearby hilltop. This is the Monte dei Cappuccini, where the 1600s Santa Maria del Monte church sits overlooking the city. Walk up the hill for views of the city stretching out below you and the Alps glowing in the distance.

Don’t miss our full post about day trips from Turin or check out our shortlist below.

Superga Basilica / Basilica di Superga

Summer open 10am–7pm, Royal Apartments & Tombs €5, Dome €3, Basilica closed for renovation

This is really more of a half-day trip, so you’ll have time afterwards to nap, take in more of the city, or just sit in Piazza Vittorio Veneto and watch the world go by.

The Basilica of Superga stands on a hilltop south of the city and can be reached by city tram and the hillside tramway that starts at Sassi station. Alternatively, turn the trip into a hike and walk up via the forested trails that also start at Sassi.

Once there, you can visit the Royal Tombs and Apartments or climb the stairs to the Dome. Go on a clear day so you can see the city and The Alps in all their glory.

Don’t miss our complete guide to day tripping to Superga .

Gran Paradiso

Open year round, free

It’s a shame to come to Torino and not spend some time in the Alps. They’re so close. If you have a day to spare and want to get deep into nature, visit Gran Paradiso National Park. On our last hike there, we felt like we were in the opening scene of The Sound of Music.

The network of paths in the park extends more than 500 km and there are routes to suit all timetables and abilities. You can do cycling tours in summer or go skiing (cross-country and downhill) and snowshoeing in winter.

Don’t miss our complete guide to visiting Gran Paradiso from Turin .

Saint Michael’s Abbey / Sacra di San Michele

July & August, open 9.30 am–7 pm, hours vary at other times of year, €8, book a tour from Torino

Sitting on a steep hilltop just west of Torino, high above the Susa Valley, Sacra di San Michele makes another great day trip.

Start in the charming town of Sant’Ambrogio di Torino and make the pilgrimage up the mountain by foot. A stone-paved hiking path winds up through the trees, and you pass 15 markers representing the stations of the cross on your way. Emerging just below the abbey, you’ll get your first close-up glimpse of the breathtaking structure, the foundations of which were started in the 10th century.

The abbey is part of a sacred route of abbey dedicated to St Michael. The route starts in Jerusalem, passes through Sacra di San Michele in Italy, France’s famous Mont Saint Michel, and ends at Skellig Micheal, a remote island of the coast of Ireland.

For details on visiting Sacra di San Michele, check out our complete guide .

Start your evening off as the locals do, with a pre-dinner cocktail in one of Turin’s apertivo bars. As the birthplace of Martini and Cinzano, Turin knows a thing or two about cocktails. If you’re not sure what to order, go for the classic Aperol Spritz, a light, fruity drink perfect for warm summer evenings.

Every Spring, Torino hosts a world-renowned jazz festival, where hundreds of musicians gather to share their music. Year-round, you’ll find nightly live music in Turin’s jazz clubs, like Jazz Club Torino, La Ginestre Jazz Club, Charlie Bird, and Mad Dog Social Club.

Take a Chilling Walking Tour

There’s a long history of dark arts and black magic in Turin. If you want to combine an evening stroll with some ghostly tales, get in on one of Turin’s evening walking tours. We like the looks of the Turin Underground Tour , which takes you down to the city’s underground tunnels and cellar. Or, explore the darker side of Turin’s history on a Magic Turin Tour .

Yoga has developed more slowly in Italy than in much of Europe, so we never expected to find such a gorgeous studio in Torino. They offer classes all day long in lots of styles, including Hatha, Hot Yoga, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Barre Yoga and more.

Plus, your first class is free!

There is also a steam room, jacuzzi and spa at YogaUnion , so you can go for yoga and make a day of it.

QC Terme Torino

If you want to pamper yourself completely, head to QC Terme , which is housed in an old city palace, surrounded by “secret gardens and fairy-tale settings”. They offer a huge range of amenities, like waterfalls, hydro-jets, steam rooms, salt rooms, and whirlpools.

Take a journey along their Wellness Pathway or book yourself in for a luxurious massage. The perfect way to relax on your trip to Torino.

It’s no exaggeration to say that food is the fulcrum of life in Torino (and everywhere else in Italy, too). We could never list all the foods and drinks that Torino is famous for here so instead, these are the food experiences we love the best.

Torino Food Tour

3 hours, €100, book ahead online

The food in Torino is outstanding and you will be missing out if you don’t try explore the city’s speciality dishes. On this Turin Gastronomy Tour , you’ll taste some of Turin’s speciality foods while getting to learn about the history of the city. Vegetarians and vegan should definitely phone ahead before you book!

Chocolate & Hot Chocolate

You really haven’t had hot chocolate until you’ve had hot chocolate in Turin, where it was possibly invented and definitely popularized. The world’s first “chocolate house”, where they served cups of melted chocolate, opened here in 1768.

The first solid squares of chocolate, like we eat today, were perfected in Turin soon after. And it was during the chocolate shortage in the Napoleonic wars that Nutella (or gianduja in it’s non-brand-name form) was created.

So, we command you, go sit in one of Turin’s historic cafes and drink hot chocolate as it was meant to be, creamy, rich, and thick as syrup.

If you’re interested in testing the finest chocolate from around the world, stop in at Chocolat7 , a small speciality chocolate shop we stumbled across one afternoon while wandering the streets. The shelves of the shop are lined with some of the world’s best bean-to-bar chocolate, and you can pick up some samples of Italy’s best chocolate as well.

Turin Chocolate Tour

2 hours, €320, book ahead online

If you really want to get a handle on Turin’s chocolate scene, you just have to spend some time sampling. What better way to do it than on this 2-hour Chocolate Tour ? You will taste local chocolate in 4 locations and incarnations, plus you’ll learn the history of chocolate and why it’s so important to the city (and the world). Um, yum!

This combination of coffee, chocolate and thick cream (no, it’s not vegan) is so delicious I don’t understand why it’s not a mainstay in cafes all over the world. Make sure to plan a stop at Caffe al Bicerin one afternoon to sit in the square and sip this incredible concoction. If you don’t drink milk, order the dark syrupy hot chocolate which is an otherworldly experience.

Square Pizza

The circular pizza we’ve come to know and love all over the world isn’t the only type of pizza in Italy. In the north, it’s common to see a thick-crusted pizza offered by the slice, from huge rectangular baking sheets. It’s actually more like foccacia bread with toppings. It’s the perfect snack when you’re wandering Torino, and you can find it in countless shops in the city.

Just like everywhere in Italy, people in Torino love gelato (who doesn’t?). You will see long queues at gelateria all over the city.

Our local friends say that the gelato at Caffe Fiorio, opened in 1780, is the best in town — and we have slurped many delicious cones there through the years. Try the famous local flavour gianduja, which is the chocolate and hazelnut paste that became Nutella. In gelato form, the sweet stickiness is tamed into the perfect combination of flavours.

For vegans and the lactose intolerant, most gelateria in Italy have several flavours that are senza latte — usually fruit flavours and one rich chocolate selection. We like the artisan gelateria Mara dei Boschi because they offer a vegan gianduja option. So delicious!

Feast at Eataly

You might well have already heard of Eataly , a now-famous chain of high-end supermarkets that sells Italy’s finest artisanal food, wine, and beer. It all started in Turin in 2007 and has since spread to all the major cities in Italy and many around the world, like Stockholm, Seoul, Tokyo, Moscow, New York and LA.

The original location, in the Lingotto district of Turin, a few kilometres south of the city, is a sprawling maze of pasta, pizza, chocolate, sauces, wine, spirits and beer. If you want to stock up on only-in-Italy foods or on perfect gifts to bring back home, this is the place to do it. There are also about a dozen mini-restaurants inside, so you can literally make a meal of it.

There is another Eataly grocery store in the centre of the city if you don’t want to make the trek out of town.

Prices are seasonal and subject to change, ratings com from Booking.com

Hostel : Bamboo Eco-Hostel , eco-focussed hostel & hotel, rating 8.4, dorm bed €25, double room w/ shared bathroom €62 Glamping : Yurte Soul Shelter , mindful eco-yurts 20 minutes from Torino, double yurt from €80 B&B : B&B Puntodivista , eco-friendly stylish B&B 20 minutes from Torino, double room with terrace €97 Mid-Range : Eco Art Hotel , solar-powered hotel, rating 8.2, double room €135 Mid-Range : Best Western Luxor , mid-range eco chain hotel, rating 8.5, queen room €145

Starts at €27 for one day, buy ahead online: 2-day card or 3-day card

Like many cities, Torino has a tourist card that allows you free or discounted access to some of the major attractions in the city. Though having one of these cards often leads to an over-packed schedule (because if you have free entrance you might as well use it, right?), it’s also a good way to see a little of everything.

Note that the card does not allow you to skip the ticket line. If you’re in Torino on a busy day, lines can be long, so factor waiting time into your itinerary!

Tourismo Torino gave us two 3-day cards and we were thrilled to spend a few days wandering in and out of attractions that we had never previously visited.

Free Access to Museums & Palaces

If you plan to visit many of Turin’s museums and palaces during the course of three days, then definitely consider the Torino Card. It gives you free access to the major attractions, including the Egyptian Museum, the Royal Palaces and Residences, special exhibits, and a long list of speciality museums (like the Automobile Museum).

See everything included in the Torino + Piemonte card →

Discounted Entrance to Other Torino Sights

The Torino + Piemonte Card also entitles you to reduced entrance on the Mole Panoramic Lift, the Superga rack tramway, plus selected cultural events, outdoor activities , and guided tours in the Piemonte region.

Pass for Tourists Services

If you’re getting the card and will also take the Panoramic Lift and the Superga Tram, it’s best to add the €6 Pass for Tourist services, which gives you free access to these services.

Cost of the Torino + Piemonte Card

As you can see above, Torino’s major attractions cost around €10–15 each, so depending on how many you plan to visit, the Torino Card might save you some money.

Below are the current prices for the card. Click the one you want to book online before you go.

• 1 Day (max 3 free entries) € 27,00
• 2 Days € 36,00
• 2 Days Junior (under 18) € 15,00
• 3 Days € 43,00
• 3 Days Junior (under 18) € 19,00
• 5 Days € 51,00

Getting From Nice to Turin

If you don’t have a car, the fastest and cheapest way to get from Nice to Torino is by Flixbus. It costs €9 and takes 3 hours 45 minutes. Eurolines buses also make the journey but cost far more (around €35-45). The Nice to Turin train is longer at 5 hours 25 minutes, can involve a change, and is more expensive, so why bother?

Getting From Milan to Turin

From Milan, Flixbus takes 2 hours and costs €7. Getting from Milan to Turin by train is your better bet for this route. Trains from Milan to Turin usually take 50 minutes and cost just a few Euros more than the bus — anywhere from €10-25 depending when you book and when you travel.

From Genoa to Torino

From Genoa, Flixbus takes just under 2 hours and costs €12. The train takes anywhere from 2 to 3.5 hours and costs in the range of €10-15 depending on the time and date you travel.

From Chamonix to Torino

The spectacular Chamonix to Torino route is best done by Eurolines bus, which takes you through the 11 km tunnel under Mont Blanc. It takes 2 hours and 15 minutes and costs around €25–35.

Flixbus doesn’t do this route. The train will take you the long way around and cost at least twice as much, making Eurolines by far the best option.

We hope this post helps you discover the best things to do in Turin, Italy, and convinces you to stay for a few extra days! We love this northern Italian city and we will definitely be back.

♥   Happy transformational travels, Jane & Stephen

We’re not going to lie, it takes a LOT of work to create travel guides like this. But it’s easy to help us out! If you book or buy something using one of our personal links in this post, we’ll earn a small fee at no extra cost to you. Of course, we would never recommend anything we didn’t 100% believe in! Huge thanks in advance! –S&J

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15 Best Things to do in Torino Italy

A gem that’s not so popular as Rome , Florence , Venice , or Naples … And we are right to wonder, why? Turin is the capital city of the Piemont region, and it’s the to-go place for all chocolate lovers! Now, if you’re planning on visiting Torino and you’re unsure what to do, we’re here to help! We gathered a list of the best things to do in Torino Italy. In this list, we have included some of the most famous landmarks of Turin as well as museums, parks, and piazza. Torino is special as many of its buildings are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since they are Savoy residences.

Turin for a long time belonged to the House of Savoy, and they are to be thanked for most of the amazing landmarks and castles you can find in and around the city. Also, Turin in 1861 became the capital city of unified Italy , and it did grow into one of the most important, most powerful industrial cities of Italy. See for example some of the most famous Italian car brands that are made here, like the Fiat.

Besides the stunning architecture in baroque, rococo, neo-classical, and art nouveau styles, Torino’s restaurants, parks, and gardens are a beautiful sight to the eye. If you love history and religion then there are plenty of attractions to visit. If you go to the top of the Mole Antonelliana you’ll get a stunning view of the Alps and the city. What’s a better reason than to visit Torino and discover the 15 best things to do in Turin? Make sure you also check our list of the best hotels in Turin Italy !

1. Mole Antonelliana

One of the first reasons you should visit Torino is its stunning architecture. The Mole Antonelliana is a famous landmark building in the city that got its name after the architect itself, Alessandro Antonelli. As far as the word ‘mole’ goes, it means that the building is of monumental proportions in Italian. The construction of this interesting-looking building was finished by 1889 although it began in 1863. Mole Antonelliana was built as a synagogue, however, later the Municipality of Turin made it into a monument to national unity.

Why is this one of the best things to do in Torino Italy? Well, if you go up to the tower, you get to see Torino in its full glory. Its height reaches 167.5 meters and back then it was the tallest brick building in the whole of Europe. The panoramic terrace which you can visit is 85 meters high and you’ll even see the Alps, given that the weather is good. Visitors have the option to either climb the stairs or take a lift. It is closed on Tuesdays, so do plan ahead and check the opening hours before visiting.

2. Historic Coffee Houses

When you’re in Italy you must have some delicious Italian coffee . How about you pair this with fun things to do in Turin Italy such as visiting historic coffee houses? That’s right, there are quite a few of them throughout the city and they all look dreamy. The very first one everyone recommends visiting is Café Al Bicerin which is situated in the center of Torino. It’s been open since 1763 therefore, you must not miss out! Besides drinking coffee and having some pastries , you can purchase classic chocolate bars as well as a chocolate liqueur.

Another gem is Guido Gobino, who is also famous for being a great master of the regional art of chocolate. And you should definitely try the Gobino chocolate in Italy! Drink some hot chocolate and try out the confectionaries in the store. Lastly, check out Caffè San Carlo. The inside is stunning, filled with vintage furniture and decorative ceilings with gold accents. Not to mention the sculptures and wall art. It’s a meeting point for poets, politicians, and even adventurers.

3. Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama

If you love architecture and walking in beautiful palaces then you must visit Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama. This should be in your top 10 things to do in Turin Italy. Firstly, the Palazzo Reale is a historic palace of the House of Savoy. The Palace was built in the 16th century, however, later Christine Marie of France refurbished it. Today it’s a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now it’s a museum with the Royal Palace collection available to visit and admire.

Palazzo Madama is right next to the Royal Palace. This is also on UNESCO’s list along with 13 other Savoy residences. It’s the most ancient building in the city center of Torino. Palazzo Madama building dates back to the first century BC, and two of the towers are still existing today. It holds the museum of ancient art, a collection of paintings, statues, church ornaments, and other decorative art from the Middle Ages all the way to the 18th century. Any history lover will appreciate this museum.

4. Parco del Valentino

Do you wish to get away from the center of Torino? Now you can with this beautiful park called Parco del Valentino. We included it on our list of 15 best things to do in Turin as it was nominated as the “best Italian park” among another 15 parks in Italy. The park is huge, it’s set on a 500,000m2 area and besides being the best park, it is also the second-largest in Turin.

Parco del Valentino was opened in 1856 so everywhere you walk is filled with history and many others have walked there for hundreds of years. What can you see in the park? First of all the Botanical Gardens. The Baroque Castle of Torino is also situated here as well as the Medieval Castle and Village. So you see it is not just a simple park, there are so many beautiful things to see.

5. Castello di Rivoli

As you can see Torino is full of historical buildings rich in architecture. Castle of Rivoli was also a former residence of the Royal House of Savoy and of course a UNESCO heritage site. Although nobody knows when it was actually built, it’s believed to have been built in the 9th or 10th centuries. What we do know from historians is that it was mentioned in 1159 by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Not long after in the 11th century it was finally acquired by the House of Savoy.

So today, the Castello di Rivoli Museo d’Arte Contemporanea takes place inside. The museum was established in 1984 and it’s the very first one devoted to contemporary art in Italy, as the name suggests. The exhibitions are worth checking out and there are so many new ones. Moreover, the museum is also a location for theatre performances, concerts, film and video festivals. If you’re visiting Torino just check out which exhibitions are in place and book your ticket in advance!

6. Quadrilatero Romano

If you’re looking for the top 10 things to do in Turin Italy, look no further. Visiting the Quadrilatero Romano is crucial if you’re a history lover. You’ll be taken back to Roman times, back to where the city you’re walking in now all began. It’s very close to Palazzo Madama, so you can just walk there after you have visited the museum. Although the building is quite demolished today, you can still see the Roman gates standing in half glory.

It is a wonder how these buildings have stood for centuries, to be more precise since the 1st century BC. Porta Palatina gate is the only one standing and in Roman times, it led you right into the city. In the picture the two polygonal towers are still visible, these have been preserved very well over time. Besides the gate, the Roman theater is also located nearby next to some other ruins. This period always fascinated me and seeing these buildings make me wonder how it was to live in those times.

7. Cortile del Maglio

This might be an unusual place to visit, however, just like the other sights in Torino this too has a lot of history. The Cortile del Maglio is an architectural complex with a large mallet in the center. It used to be a Military Arsenal and was constructed between 1775 and 1778. However, after it become the property of the Savoy family, Colonel Antonio Quaglia rebuilt its whole structure. In 1852 the building was nearly lost due to an explosion. After the explosion, they managed to rebuild it in 1867.

The main purpose of the Cortile del Maglio at the end of the 19th century was to produce and repair artillery carriages and carriageways. For this reason, it got the name Arsenal of the Artillery Constructions of Turin. When it was rebuilt in 1867, the engineers built it in neo-medieval style with a portico and a turret. Today it is mainly used as a venue for theatrical performances, dance essays, exhibitions, fairs, and more. Let’s continue with our list of the 15 best things to do in Turin.

8. Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile

Visiting the National Automobile Museum is one of the fun things to do in Turin Italy. It’s for anyone that loves cars and wants to see some classic beauties. The museum was established in 1933 and the first exhibition was thanks to Cesare Goria Gatti and Roberto Biscaretti di Ruffia. National Automobile Museum only opened to the public in 1960 and the site was designed by Amedeo Albertini.

Fast forward to the 2000s, the museum was closed for 4 years and then reopened again in 2011. In 2013 it was one of the 50 most beautiful museums in the world. Today you can check out the exhibition at any time, there are about 150 cars on display and some on temporary loan. Another 60 cars are part of a separate collection and can only be viewed by reservation. The museum is large and it welcomes over 200k visitors each year!

9. Museo Egizio

I don’t know about you, but I love museums , especially if they are about Egypt. The times of the renowned pharaohs have always been fascinating so visiting this is one of the top things to do in Turin if you ask me. It’s actually the second largest and most important museum in the world! It holds important artifacts, not just Egyptian ones but also Roman, pre-Romand, and prehistoric finds.

The reason why there’s an Egyptian museum in Torino or in most of the big cities in Europe is thanks to the fact that people throughout Europe were collecting Egyptian antiquities in the early 1800s. One of the greatest collectors was Piedmontese Bernadino Drovetti who collected over 8000 pieces. All of these collections are available at the Egyptian Museum of Torino and waiting for you to visit and be mesmerized by them.

10. Basilica di Superga

For anyone who loves churches and cathedrals, the Basilica of Superga is a must-visit and among the 10 best things to do in Turin. It was built in 1706 for Madonna delle Grazie by Duke Vittorio Amedeo II. We also have to mention the architect who designed this gorgeous church, Filippo Juvarra. He was born in Messina and was working for the Savoy family. The basilica is built in baroque, neoclassical, and renaissance styles.

Let’s see what is inside and its structure. It is about 75 meters tall and 51 meters long and on its official website, they claim that it’s located 672 meters above sea level. Inside it holds a total of six chapels, four altars as well as the Main Altar. It’s also decorated with sculptures and monuments in Carrara marble. At the altars, there are a number of beautiful paintings and let’s not forget the wooden sculpture of Madonna delle Grazie. Let us know if you have visited the Basilica of Superga!

11. Piazza San Carlo

In Italy each city you visit there will be important piazzas. As we know, piazzas are public squares or marketplaces and they are usually present in Italian cities and towns . In Torino, you must see the Piazza San Carlo as it is one of the main city squares. This is right next to the Egyptian Museum and next to the Chiesa di San Carlo Borromeo. The piazza has a Baroque style and it was laid out between the 16th and the 17th century. The monument you see in the center is an Equestrian monument of Emmanuel Philibert which was completed in 1838 by Carlo Marochetti.

As we mentioned you’ll see one of the churches called San Carlo Borromeo and on the other side there’s a twin church called Santa Cristina. Besides being a beautiful piazza, social events are also held along with concerts or even sports events. Otherwise, you can just sit down on one of the benches and enjoy the Italian sun on your face. We’re almost at the end of our list of best things to do in Torino Italy, let’s carry on!

12. Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini

Why is visiting the Chiesa di Santa Maria one of the 10 best things to do in Turin? Well, as it is set on a hill, the views are spectacular and you can even see the alps in a panoramic view as well as the city of Torino. The church itself is built in the late renaissance style. It also overlooks the River Po. The construction took a little while, it began in 1583 and finished in 1656. A church of this size and details required a lot of work. The design is by Ascanio Vitozzi while it was finished by Giacomo Soldati.

Besides being breathtaking from the outside, the inside of the church is also worth seeing. In case anyone is interested in religion, the Saint Ignatius of Santhià lies under the altar of the left chapel. He was an Italian Roman Catholic priest. Although climbing the hills to get to the top might be a bit tiring, you are rewarded with a stunning church. It’s always a great site to admire what was built hundreds of years ago and still standing today.

13. Villa della Regina

Villa della Regina is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site as it’s also a residence of the Savoy family. The palace was built in the 17th century, around 1615. It was designed by Ascanio Vitozzi and then passed on to Carlo and Amedeo di Castellamonte. So who was it built for? Villa della Regina was originally built as a private villa for Prince-Cardinal Maurice of Savoy. The reason why you should visit the villa is due to its stunning vineyards and garden.

The inside of the villa is stunning, the same as with the rest of the Savoy residences. There’s a separate apartment for both the King and the Queen. Then there were the rooms they used during the daytime which has views of the garden and during the nighttime, they enjoyed the views of the city. You can purchase tickets or walking tours to visit the whole estate. Even if you do not have time to go inside, you must at least visit the vineyard and gardens.

14. Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista

This is the last cathedral/church we mention on our list of best things to do in Torino Italy. The Turin cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. It is also the seat of the Archbishops of Turin. As the outside shows, it is quite an old building, built between 1491-1488 and the bell tower was built in 1470. It’s in renaissance and baroque style.

Inside you’ll find renaissance decorations of Jesus and St. John the Baptist. Besides that, an interesting fact is that inside the Cathedral you’ll find the Holy Shroud of Turin or otherwise known as Sacra Sindone. In case you’re familiar with religious relics this is one of the world’s most debated relics. It is a linen cloth that is believed to have been laid over Jesus’s body after his crucifixion. You will have to book a ticket for this!

15. Burgo Medieval

Finally, we reached the end of our list of best things to do in Torino Italy. This open museum is a must-visit while in Turin. It is located in the Parco del Valentino which we have mentioned before. When you visit the Borgo Medieval it’s like you are stepping into a medieval village . It is quite fascinating! Walking around the castle is absolutely free, however, if you wish to visit the castle inside, then you must pay for the tour.

Anyone who walked around it says it’s a great way to pass time and enjoy the riverside walk back into town. As you’ll already visiting Valentino Park, it’s just a small detour to check out the castle. It was built in 1884 for an Italian general exposition. So this isn’t a castle that has been around for hundreds of years and used by previously lived Romans. It’s a purposefully built castle to mimic how people used to live in medieval times. For anyone fascinated by this period, it’s definitely worth the visit.

Best Things to do in Torino Italy – Conclusion

Have you found anything on our list of best things to do in Torino Italy that you will not miss out on? We hope you have! Turin is so versatile, there’s something for everyone, and eating delicious Italian food between stops is a must as well. Whether you’re visiting because you love architecture or you’re interested in how they used to live in the Roman era, you’ll surely be mesmerized by Torino. Let us know which was your favorite thing to do!

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36 Hours in Turin, Italy

By Seth Sherwood Updated Feb. 1, 2024

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With the Alps as a background, Turin, Italy’s fourth-largest city, is elegant, photogenic and rich with history. Grand squares and former royal palaces abound in this northern Italian crossroads, nicknamed Little Paris, which was briefly Italy’s first capital after the country’s unification in 1861. And despite housing one of Christianity’s most solemn relics — a shroud believed by some to be the burial cloth of Jesus — the city is awash in earthly pleasures. Both gianduja chocolate and vermouth were invented there, and can be sampled among the historic coffeehouses, chocolate shops and aperitivo bars that line the city’s arcaded shopping boulevards. And especially important in the winter, an ever-expanding buffet of galleries and museums — including one of the world’s largest collections of Egyptian antiquities , a museum of fake fruit and a new contemporary art hub on a rooftop racetrack — offer respite from the cold and food for the spirit.

Recommendations

• Gallerie d’Italia , a museum that opened in 2022 in a renovated Baroque palazzo, has a collection ranging from medieval panel paintings to contemporary video art.
• Magazzino 52 offers contemporary takes on Piedmontese cuisine — like a silky veal tartare — and a wine list featuring hundreds of bottles, along with by-the-glass options.
• Caffè Fiorio , a former haunt of Friedrich Nietzsche, serves excellent hot chocolate in plush rooms of chandeliers and gilded mirrors.
• La Pista 500 , an oval walkway that was once a rooftop test track for a Fiat factory, offers plants, art installations and Alpine vistas.
• Piazza San Giovanni , a public square, is adjacent to several historic sites, including Roman ruins, a royal collection of art at Galleria Sabauda and the cathedral housing the Shroud of Turin.
• Monte dei Cappuccini , a hill with a Baroque church on top, offers photo-perfect views of the cityscape and Alps.
• Scannabue serves classic Piedmontese comfort food, like tajarin, a local type of pasta, and wines in a homey, lively environment.
• Fondoo specializes in, yes, fondue (and raclette) in a Scandinavian-minimalist room.
• Pasticceria Ghigo dal 1870 , an old-fashioned pastry shop, pours thick hot chocolate to drink at the counter.
• Isola is a bar that displays shelves of vinyl albums and bottles of natural wines, all of which are for sale to enjoy on site or at home.
• La Cuite is a cozy bar in which to try regional wines next to a wood-burning fireplace.
• Nikkei , a bar half hidden at the back of Azotea restaurant, serves some of the city’s finest cocktails.
• Mercato di Porta Palazzo , an amalgam of markets in Piazza della Repubblica, is a lively, fun spot to pick up produce, inexpensive clothing, Italian delicacies, street food and more.
• Il Balon , near the Mercato di Porta Palazzo, is an outdoor market known for its vintage treasures, from military surplus to cinema seats.
• Danpol is a contemporary store with elegant, mostly Italian-made clothing.
• San Carlo dal 1973 seeks out edgy and avant-garde designers of women’s wear and accessories.
• Agora Boutique Stays , a newcomer from last year, offers nine stylish, individually designed apartments on the atrium-like ground floor of a 17th-century palazzo next to Piazza San Carlo. Apartments in February start at 185 euros, or about $200.
• Hotel Victoria , also in the center, has an old-world British feel — pale hues, floral-print fabrics, antique knickknacks — and offers two cozy winter amenities: a lobby fireplace and a spa with a sauna and a heated swimming pool. Rooms in February start at €161.
• Combo is a hostel in a former firehouse. The soaring industrial-chic lobby contains a coffee shop, a cocktail bar and a concert stage, while the mixed private and dorm-style rooms convey a minimalist Zen aesthetic. Private rooms in February start at around €53.
• For short-term rentals , the Centro, or city center, is your most practical base for historical sites, museums, cafes and shopping. Nearby, to the east, the classy Vanchiglia residential district runs alongside the Po River and offers refined dining and drinking options. Historically working-class San Salvario, south of the center and close to the main train station, is now filled with trattorias, wine bars, cocktail bars and coffee shops.
• The central neighborhoods, clustered together, are easily walkable. The southern districts like San Salvario and Lingotto are along the city’s lone metro line, which only skirts the periphery of the central historic and commercial areas, making it somewhat impractical. Buses and trams connect much of the city, while taxis can be hired at designated stands or via the app Freenow .

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Turin’s Lingotto Factory

The lingotto factory, a milestone in turin & fiat’s history.

To understand Turin’s development in the 20th century, it’s necessary to speak about the Lingotto factory and  FIAT ( FCA   as it is called now), Italy’s largest company. FIAT, Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino, was founded in 1899 and the building in Turin which represents the company most definitely is the Lingotto factory.

Lingotto: The Factory Which Launched the Iconic Fiat 500

Lingotto was built in the 1920s. When Senator Giovanni Agnelli (CEO and majority shareholder) had visited the Ford factory in Detroit, he then decided to expand  production by adopting new and evolved production technologies in a state of the art building which was innovative and unique from an architectural point of view.

The building is made out of reinforced concrete, has two parallel, five floors high with 500 meters long construction connected by two twisted ramps on each end. The ramps were built to get to the 1 km long test track on the roof of the building, used to test the cars being released.

The cars were assembled while moving from the ground floor to the fifth floor. Each floor was dedicated to a special construction stage and with assembly lines, allowing workers to not move from their work station, thus  reducing  assembly times.

The Lingotto factory was opened in 1926 in the presence of King Vittorio Emanuele III. At that time, production had already started and the office building was complete.  Back then, Lingotto was Europe’s most advanced factory with about 12,000 blue collar workers and 500 white collar workers working three shifts in a continuous cycle. The workers were not only from Turin; many of them were coming from the countryside or from other Italian regions. Because of the influx of workers, it was soon necessary to build new housing and  provide additional services. In a very short time. a new neighborhood was built. Turin began to grow towards the south reaching its peak when Mirafiori, Fiat’s new plant, was built in 1939 and finally when it was enlarged in 1956.

In over 60 years the Lingotto factory gave life to over 80 different automobile models, the most famous of which were the Torpedo, the Balilla and the legendary Topolino (the first real version of Fiat 500 ). This last model was built from 1936 until 1957 when the version of the new Fiat 500 was presented.

After that, a number of different models followed. All of them with the aim to offer post-war Italian society a flexible and economic solution responding to the needs of Italy’s “economic boom”.

In 2007 a new Fiat 500 was launched: modern, technological, completely redesigned. The Fiat 500 2.0 soon became the world’s most sold Fiat! The model choice of the Fiat 500 is wide-ranging, from L to X, from convertible to Abarth and, last but not least, this year’s model the 500 Anniversary, celebrating 60 years of the legendary Cinquecento (“500”).

The Reinvention of Lingotto

Car production at the Lingotto plant in Turin ended in 1982. The last model produced was the Lancia Delta. The question arose at that point of time – “What shall we do with a building that was a symbol of modernity fascinating many people of its time”? How can we change an obsolete building considered “industrial archeology” into a place standing for the Turin of tomorrow? Fiat asked the famous architect Renzo Piano, also the famous architect of “ The Shard ”  in London, to give new life to this enormous building. The plan was a complete renovation of the building leaving the original structure unchanged and changing the factory into a multi-functional facility for public use.

The result was a “city in the city”. Spaces of different nature were created inside the former production spaces: from a shopping mall, exhibition spaces, hotels and offices for the service sector, to rooms for special university departments (as the automotive department of Turin’s Politecnico to the dental school) and a tropical garden.

There are three spaces representing the new Lingotto created by Renzo Piano:

• The Auditorium: completely paneled in cherry wood and defined by experts as a real music temple  because of its perfect acoustics. The Auditorium can accommodate more than 2000 spectators.
• The “Bubble”: a panoramic meeting room in crystal and steel placed at 40 meters from the ground from where it’s possible to admire the Alps mountain range. It’s possible to access the Bubble both from elevators placed inside the Lingotto and from a small heliport on top of the roof
• And last but not least, the Pinacoteca Agnelli :  hosted in the so-called “Scrigno” (treasure chest), an innovative and technological piece of architecture created to store a precious art collection by various important artists like: Canaletto, Matisse, Modigliani, Renoir and more.

This is what the Lingotto is…“a city center outside the city center”, a commercial place but, above all, a place promoting culture, meetings, social exchange and innovation.

Lingotto: In The Neighborhood

Lingotto can be easily reached by Turin’s Metro.  The Lingotto area is very lively and offers many other things for visitors. One of the sightseeing attractions recommended to  visitors is Turin’s National Automotive Museum ( Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile Torino ), where you can find over 150 models of the main car producers in an innovatively choreographed exhibition. The museum presents  national and international car history through the development of the customs and society of the last two centuries.

Near Lingotto you can also find Eataly , Slow Food’s first market,  which is well-known all over the world. In the many little restaurants inside Eataly you can buy and eat Italian specialties not easily found elsewhere.

Architecture enthusiasts should take a walk in the area called Italia ’61 , built in 1961 to celebrate the first 100 years of Italy’s unification. It is an area between the Lingotto, the Palazzo del Lavoro and Palazzo Vela. This last one was built to be a space for exhibitions. On the occasion of the Olympic Winter Games in 2006 Palazzo Vela was completely renovated by architect Gae Aulenti, becoming a modern and highly technological ice rink.

Turin offers visitors not only the treasures of its past, but it also presents itself as a city of continuous change always looking towards the future.

Useful Italian phrases to use during your visit to the Lingotto factory  thanks to L’Italiano Porticando, an  Italian Language School in Turin :

la fabbrica/lo stabilimento                           – the factory, the plant

l’automobile                                                     – the car, the automobile

la Pinacoteca                                                   – the art gallery

il centro commerciale                                    – the shopping mall

la pista di collaudo                                         – the test track

Come arrivo al Lingotto?                              – How can I get to the Lingotto?

Dove si prende la metro?                              – Where do I take the underground?

Dove devo scendere?                                     – Where do I have to get out?

Dov’è la biglietteria della Pinacoteca?        – Where’s the art gallery’s ticket office?

Dove si comprano I biglietti per l’Auditorium? – Where can I buy the tickets for the Auditorium?

Dov’è  – Eataly/ – il Museo dell’Automobile?     – Where’s Eataly?/The Automobile museum?

Laura was born and raised in Turin. She studied at the Department of Architecture of Turin’s Politecnico specializing in history and arts. This allowed her to develop a deep knowledge of history of architecture and, in particular, of Turin. Today, along with her business partner Rosaria, they not only provide Italian language lessons, L’Italiano Porticando Italian Language School also organizes cultural activities for their students.

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The Best of Turin

Turin Chocolate: a guide to the best chocolates in Italy 2024

Do you know how every country has its thing that it’s famed for? Things like the Grand Canyon in the States, Table Mountain in South Africa, or bubbling Champagne in France. Well, Turin has its specialty chocolate. Chocolate is one of the most famously produced products in Italy. The country tells a long story rooted in tradition and culture, and not to forget, artisan chocolate making. And Turin Chocolate is part of this tradition.

It’s easy to stroll down the streets of Turin and find yourself in the midst of a chocolate extravaganza. Everything from chocolate espressos ( bicerin) , to delectable hazelnut and preserved fruit, chocolates make appearances in all kinds of cafes and restaurants. 

There are many fascinating things to do in Turin , but indulging in chocolate is one of the most wonderful. Marvel at an array of chocolate and sample some of the world’s finest. In this guide, you’ll find the top chocolatiers and the best places to sample them.

History of Chocolates in Turin

The origins of chocolate in Europe date back centuries, to the time of the Aztecs and Mayans, who used chocolate as an ingredient in a drink. The Spanish, who conquered regions in South America, brought the beans back to Spain and shared them with the rest of Europe.

In Italy, there’s been a love affair since 1590, when cocoa became accessible. It began with Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, who was part of the royal family. He served hot cocoa to celebrate the transfer of Ducal capital from Chambéry to Turin. Since then, hot chocolate has become a staple item within the Royal Palace of Turin . 

In 1678, the first-ever cocoa store was opened, serving these hot beverages in Turin. Now it wasn’t just royalty and the elite who were spoilt with the sweet treat. Soon after, experimenting with chocolate commenced. All kinds of spices and sugars were added to create new flavors.

Did you know that chocolate was only ever consumed as a drink up until 1826?

Cocoa was, of course, the star of the show, but it wasn’t always readily available. As a result of cocoa shortages, ground hazelnut was turned into a paste to complement cocoa. In 1865, the first Gianduiotto, the symbol of Turin chocolate, was created. 

Types of Turin Chocolate Specialties

Produce in Italy is characterized by raw materials, the finest quality cocoa, and traditional processing techniques. Through years of playing with cocoa, Italy has been able to produce an impressive assortment of excellent products.

Visit Turin , wander the cobblestone streets and venture into cafes hidden in the walls to sample wonderful kinds of chocolates and Turin candies. 

Giandujotto Chocolate

Although the city is praised for having some of the world’s largest selection of confectionery chocolates, it’s the Giandujotto that is particularly special. Caffarel is world-renowned for inventing this melt-in-your-mouth chocolate .

Giandujotto chocolate is individually wrapped, in either gold or silver packaging, and shaped as ingots. Upon your first bite, you’ll be confronted with tones of deep hazelnuts and sweet fruits. Both compliment each other beautifully. 

The flavors might remind you of a similar taste, Nutella. However, the two simply cannot be compared. Chocolates in Turin make use of fresh, as natural as possible, produce. Add that to the love and thought that goes into making this chocolate, and something entirely unique is created. 

Giandujotto Turin is made with Langhe hazelnut, which is only found in Piedmont. This ingredient makes the sweet treat even more unique. Some would dare to say it’s the best chocolate in Italy.

Nocciolati is a one-of-a-kind chocolate and hazelnut spread. Unlike most commercial chocolate pastes, Nocciolati is made without palm oil, hydrogenated fats, or preservatives. All the ingredients are organic and high-quality raw ingredients. 

The hazelnut paste is creamy and smooth, and the first thing you’ll taste is the rich notes of the nuts. Pick up on a touch of vanilla, dark chocolate, and cocoa buttery goodness. 

• Tartufo al Cioccolato

Turin wouldn’t be known as a city of chocolate without Tartufo. Tartufo al Cioccolato is traditionally hand-rolled balls of chocolate ganache coated in cocoa powder, coconut, nuts or spices.

They’re known as chocolate truffles because they resemble the wild truffles that are sourced from the woodlands in Italy, especially in the Piedmont region, where Turin is the capital city. 

Due to their interesting flavor combinations, the truffles are widely popular throughout Italy, but also in the rest of the world. 

• Tris di Nocciole

Tris di Nocciole is a locally sourced roasted hazelnut that’s coated in delectable chocolate. As simple as this sounds, Tris di Nocciole honors both hazelnuts and chocolate by allowing them to show off their incredible flavors.

You’ll find some Tris di Nocciole that wrap hazelnuts in a dark rich fondant, creamy ganache, or white chocolate.

Discover the unique quality of chocolate in Turin

One of the most memorable ways to discover the city and its history and taste traditional chocolate is to embark on a 2-hour walking tour . During this private tour, you’ll get to sample 4 Italian chocolates and take a guided walk to Turin’s main sights.   

Another way to taste the best chocolate in Turin is by visiting the city during the CioccolaTO festival, which name is exactly how you say chocolate in Italian, unforgettable right?  

The Turin Chocolate Festival happens every year in November at the beautiful Piazza San Carlo and Via Roma. Over 100 master chocolatiers from Italy and other countries sell their products on Turin streets, the old town smells like chocolate, delicious. Turin Chocolate Festival also includes music, shows, workshops, chocolate tasting, and competitions.

November is the best time to visit Turin for a gastronomic and chocolate experience, as the weather gets colder hot chocolate stalls pop up in many streets, the perfect stop to warm up and taste the city’s specialty. 

Also, in late November, the ski resorts near Turin open so that you can add a few days of snow fun to your trip.

And if you want to experience the best chocolates in Turin by yourself, you can always visit the top chocolate shops in Turin.

  When it comes to chocolate, everyone has their favorites and preferences. Whether it’s dark and bitter, sweet, and fruity or caramelly. While chocolate is a specialty throughout Turin, these are some chocolateries that stand out from the rest. 

• Guido Gobino

There’s a certain kind of traditionality and authenticity that’s involved in creating Turin’s famous chocolate. And while trying the traditional treat is a must, Guido Gobino is known for its experimental chocolate. 

So rather than sticking to the style of chocolate making that’s been around for centuries, this chocolaterie tries new and thoughtful ways of highlighting the bean.

Guido Gobino sources high-quality, single-source cocoa beans and skillfully combines them with new, interesting flavors. Some of the unusual flavors include cloves, lemon, and even eucalyptus. 

• Guido Castagna

It’s almost as though people have lost their appreciation for good chocolate bars. Today, you can simply drive to the store, buy a chocolate bar, and eat it in one sitting. The chocolate at Guido Castagna , however, deserves to be eaten slowly and in small quantities.

Guido Castagna has mastered the art of roasting and blending cocoa beans to bring out the best in the fruit pod. And like with a good wine, Guido Castagna allows the beans to mature before turning them into marvelous creations.

Expect to find raw chocolate, with beans sourced from Madagascar and Venezuela, assorted bean bars, and truffle collections when you visit. 

Caffarel is a highly renowned chocolaterie that’s found all around the country. It’s credited for creating the Giandujotto, with the finest chocolate and hazelnut products. 

All their chocolate is bean-to-bar, promising a top-quality, ethically sourced product. 

By visiting one of the stores, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the history and passion that goes into producing these chocolates. And if you’re looking for gifts to bring back home, they have an impressive collection of chocolates and beautifully packaged treats.

• Peyrano Torino. Dal 1915

Peyrano Torino. Dal 1915 is a luxurious chocolate cafe that sits right along a riverbank. Established in 1915, the chocolatier has a long line of chocolate making history. Back in the day, this chocolate shop was a favorite among the Italian Royal Family. 

To learn more about the history of chocolate making in Peyrano, they offer a Turin chocolate tour of their factory that survived WWII. 

A unique approach to roasting taken on by the store is to place an Italian olive branch into the roaster. Choose from bonbons to snack on in the store, or purchase a box to bring back to your accommodation and indulge in. 

Journey into the world of Torino Chocolates

With excellent produce, incredible tastes, and the promise of something new and exciting, the city is a must-see for chocolate lovers. After all, the history of Italian chocolate began in this magical city. 

Chocolate brands and creations reflect the true value of authentic chocolate making. With respect for the cocoa bean and natural produce, the chocolates here celebrate the beauty and simplicity of flavors and textures, that’s why they are named the best Italian chocolates.

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MILAN :Hakan Calhanoglu scored twice to give newly-crowned Serie A champions Inter Milan a comfortable 2-0 win over 10-man Torino on Sunday, extending their unbeaten league run to 28 games.

It was a party atmosphere at the San Siro with confetti and fireworks before kickoff as the Inter fans continued to celebrate the Scudetto title they secured on Monday with a 2-1 derby win over AC Milan,

Inter have 89 points, 19 clear of Milan with four games remaining.

The Torino players gave Inter a guard of honour as they walked on to the pitch and Inter coach Simone Inzaghi answered the crowd's call for him to celebrate with them.

In the first Serie A game to be officiated by an all-female refereeing team, four minutes after halftime Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi sent off Torino's Adrien Tameze for a foul on Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Inter made the breakthrough seven minutes later when Mkhitaryan passed to Calhanoglu in the area who drove a shot into the bottom corner.

Calhanoglu converted a penalty four minutes later after a foul on Marcus Thuram and the party will continue into the evening as the Inter players parade through the streets of Milan on open top buses.

Torino remained 10th in the standings on 46 points.

INTER PARTY

Tens of thousands of fans dressed in black and blue flooded the streets of Milan afterwards as the team celebrated their 20th Serie A title, parading in an open-air bus.

Leaving the San Siro after the match, the team showed off their Scudetto from the bus before moving the party to Piazza Duomo, a well-known celebration spot in the city.

From there, flares and fireworks lit up the night sky, with flags of the Nerazzuri waving in the shadow of the famous Milan Cathedral.

For many supporters, the celebration was emotional.

"Marvellous. Almost more beautiful than the treble in 2010. The most beautiful Scudetto in my life of 70 years as an Inter fan," Inter fan Emilio said to Reuters.

Inter have now won one more Serie A title than city rivals AC Milan, who own 19.

"We are enjoying this incredible mania, right in front of the AC Milan supporters... there is nothing better than this," Inter fan Matteo said with a smile.

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Inter celebrates Serie A title with an open-air bus parade. Abraham secures Roma a draw at Napoli

The Associated Press

April 28, 2024, 7:23 PM

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MILAN (AP) — Thousands of fans lined the streets on Sunday as Inter Milan was paraded in an open-air bus from the San Siro stadium to the city cathedral to celebrate the Nerazzurri’s 20th Italian league title.

The celebration followed a 2-0 home win over Torino on Sunday, which came six days after Inter sealed the title in memorable fashion with a derby victory over city rival AC Milan.

Inter players threw coach Simone Inzaghi into the air on the San Siro pitch to get the celebration rolling.

Hakan Calhanoglu scored two second-half goals to extend Inter’s advantage to 19 points over second-place Milan, which was held to a 0-0 draw by third-place Juventus on Saturday.

ABRAHAM RESCUES ROMA

Tammy Abraham scored his first goal after a long injury layoff to earn fifth-place Roma a 2-2 draw at defending champion Napoli, which is ninth.

Still, Roma had its advantage over sixth-place Atalanta reduced to two points after Atalanta beat Empoli 2-0.

Also, fourth-place Bologna required a late goal from Alexis Saelemaekers to secure a 1-1 draw with relegation-threatened Udinese.

Paulo Dybala put Roma ahead with a penalty near the hour mark and Mathias Olivera equalized for Napoli with a deflected shot. Then Victor Osimhen converted a penalty for Napoli following a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before Abraham found the target with a header.

Abraham’s goal was initially ruled offside but then awarded following a VAR review.

Roma defender Evan Ndicka assisted on Abraham’s goal by heading on a corner kick from Dybala. Earlier this month, Ndicka suffered a collapsed left lung in a game against Udinese.

Abraham tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the final match of Serie A last season. He returned earlier this month.

Mario Pasalic and Ademola Lookman scored for Atalanta.

Fiorentina beat second-to-last Sassuolo 5-1 in the late game.

In the first leg of the Europa League semifinals on Thursday, Roma hosts unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta visits Marseille.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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European football: Paris Saint-Germain claim 12th Ligue 1 title after Monaco lose

• PSG extend their record after Monaco lose 3-2 at Lyon
• First all-female refereeing team in Serie A for Inter match

Paris Sant-Germain were confirmed as Ligue 1 champions for a record-extending 12th time on Sunday after second-placed Monaco lost 3-2 at Lyon. PSG, who missed the chance to secure the title on Saturday with a 3-3 draw against Le Havre, have 70 points, 12 ahead of Monaco with three games remaining.

Monaco, despite taking an early lead, fell to their first defeat in nine games, as PSG’s domination of French football continues. The visitors scored with a little over 20 seconds on the clock, with Wissam Ben Yedder tapping home Takumi Minamino’s cross at the back post, but Monaco were 2-1 down within 25 minutes through goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Said Benrahma.

Ben Yedder brought the sides level again on the hour mark, heading home a floated ball into the box by Youssouf Fofana, but it was Lyon who found a winner six minutes from time with Fofana scoring from outside the area.

After Saturday’s draw which kept the champagne on ice, PSG manager Luis Enrique was unconcerned, safe in the knowledge that their far superior goal difference meant their third successive league title was all but assured. “We’re champions. I don’t care if there’s a party or not,” the coach said. The Spaniard, who took over at PSG at the end of last season, was proved right, as they secured their 10th title in 12 seasons without having to play another game.

Internazionale’s 2-0 win over Torino became the first match in Serie A to feature an all-female officiating team. Referee Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi, along with assistant referees Francesca Di Monte and Tiziana Trasciatti, took charge at San Siro as Hakan Calhanoglu scored twice to give the newly crowned league champions victory.

The win over 10-man Torino extended Inter’s unbeaten league run to 28 games. It was a party atmosphere with confetti and fireworks before kick-off as fans continued to celebrate the Scudetto they secured on Monday with a 2-1 derby win over Milan.

The Torino players gave Inter a guard of honour as they walked on to the pitch and Inter coach Simone Inzaghi answered the crowd’s call for him to celebrate with them.

Caputi showed a straight red to Torino’s Adrien Tameze early in the second half for a foul on Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Inter made the breakthrough seven minutes later when the former Manchester United player squared to to Calhanoglu, who drove a close-range shot into the bottom corner.

The Turkish international converted a penalty four minutes later after a foul on Marcus Thuram and the party will continue into the evening as the Inter players parade through the streets of Milan on open-top buses.

A wasteful Napoli were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Roma , with a late Tammy Abraham header securing a point for the visitors. Napoli are eighth with 50 points, while Roma are fifth with 59 with four matches remaining.

The hosts and outgoing champions dominated much of the match, however, a solid performance from Roma keeper Mile Svilar prevented Napoli from taking all three points.

Napoli controlled the game in the first half, with both Victor Osimhen and nearly breaking the deadlock. Against the run of play, Roma took the lead from the penalty spot in the 59th minute, with Paulo Dybala converting after Juan Jesus tripped Sardar Azmoun.

Napoli equalised when a shot from Mathías Olivera deflected off defender Rasmus Kristensen and looped over Svilar and into the net. The hosts took the lead in the 84th minute when Renato Sanches fouled Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen converted the penalty.

Yet Roma levelled five minutes later, when Abraham headed in a flicked corner. Initially, the effort was flagged offside, but that was overruled by VAR after several minutes.

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• Internazionale
• Paris Saint-Germain

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