Is Turin Worth Visiting? +17 Things to do in Turin and Tips

Is Turin worth visiting? You may be wondering. In this post, I will tell you all the reasons why you will want to include this underrated Italian city in your Italy Bucket list and all the amazing things to do in Turin!

I visited Turin three times and I couldn’t help falling in love with its spectacular architecture, the food, and the vibrant atmosphere.

In this article, you will find my 17 reasons why this beautiful city should be on every traveler’s bucket list, including what to do in Turin, Italy, where to eat, and more. Read on.

Turin, Italy Map

Is Turin worth visiting?

In my opinion, Turin is absolutely worth visiting.

Nestled in the heart of the Piedmont region of Italy, Turin is a city often overlooked by travelers in favor of other, more popular and touristic cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. Well, I can assure you that those who make the journey to Turin are rewarded with a wealth of cultural, historical, and culinary treasures that will leave a lasting impression.

Turin has something for everyone, from its rich history to delectable cuisine. Turin is also home to stunning architectural buildings, worldwide-famous museums, and delicious cuisine, and the snow-capped mountains of the spectacular Alps surround it.

So, overall, I would say Turin is a hidden gem that should not be missed on any trip to Italy.

This year, I returned to Turin twice, and every time, I fell in love a little more.

Where is Turin located in Italy?

Located in Italy’s northwest region, Piedmont, Turin is near the border of France and Switzerland and is an excellent starting point for exploring the Alps.

Furthermore, the city is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains, including the famous Mount Blanc, and by the banks of the Po River, providing a picturesque setting and the perfect base for outdoor adventurers and enthusiasts.

Is Turin a safe city to visit?

Safety is often a crucial factor in determining whether a city or country is worth visiting. 

Turin is generally considered safe to visit, with a low crime rate compared to other major Italian cities.

However, it is always essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places such as train stations and markets.

Also, it is best to avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night.

Reasons why you should visit Turin, Italy. Things to do in Turin!

1. Rich history and culture

Turin is a city offering a rich history and culture worth exploring. From its royal palaces and museums to its delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife, Turin has something for history buffs, foodies, and those who want to immerse themselves in Northern Italy’s culture. 

2. Less touristy and not overcrowded

One of the best reasons to visit Turin is that it is less touristy and not overcrowded like other popular Italian destinations, unless there is a particular event.

I was there during the Fiera del Libro event, and the city was packed. We couldn’t find a restaurant in our area in the city center.

So make sure you check out if anything is going on before you book. And if that is the case, book your restaurants and hotels in advance.

Otherwise, you can enjoy a more authentic experience and all the beauty and charm of Italy without the hustle and bustle of other tourist hotspots.

3. Amazing architecture & landmarks

Historic Center

The city’s historic center is a treasure trove of amazing architecture and landmarks that will leave you in awe. It features ornate buildings, magnificent palaces, and towering museums with spectacular views. Below, I am going to name a few.

Royal Palace 

The palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, featuring opulent interiors and beautiful gardens, which offer insight into the history and rule of the House of Savoy.

Google Maps

Palazzo Madama

Palazzo Madama is another historic Baroque palace, boasting a gorgeous façade and ornate interiors. Its significant feature is the massive collection of art and artifacts from the city’s rich history.

Google Maps

Piazza San Carlo

Piazza San Carlo is a beautiful square surrounded by elegant porticoes and stunning buildings. It is the perfect spot to indulge in a coffee or an aperitif while immersing in the city’s lovely and vibrant ambiance.

Google Maps

Palatine Towers

The Palatine towers, also called the Palatine Gate, are the only remaining parts of the ancient Roman city walls and date back to the first century BC.

The Palatine Towers are located near the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, so you can check it out too.

Google Maps

4. Beautiful art scenes and museums

Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum is a prime example of Turin’s exceptional art scene and world-renowned museums. It boasts one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts in the world, including mummies, sarcophagi, and hieroglyphics. 

Museo della Sindone

Museo della Sindone is a museum dedicated to the famous Shroud of Turin. It houses the actual shroud, which is believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ.

Mole Antonelliana

Mole Antonelliana is a towering structure housing the National Museum of Cinema. The museums feature a vast collection of movie memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and screenings of classic films.

5. Historical Churches

Saint John the Baptist Cathedral

This stunning church dates back to the 15th century and features a beautiful Gothic facade, intricate frescos, and a magnificent dome. So, you can admire ornate interiors, as well as the Shroud of Turin, which has been preserved here since 1578.

Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo

This Baroque church, built in the 17th century, features intricate carvings, sculptures, ornate decorations, and frescoes, and an impressive dome.

Also, it houses numerous masterpieces by renowned artists like Guido Reni and Giovanni Battista Crespi. 

Basilica di Superga

Basilica di Superga is an impressive 18th-century Baroque church perched on a hill overlooking the city and offering breathtaking panoramic city views.

The church is also home to the tombs of the House of Savoy, Italy’s former ruling family.

Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini

This is another iconic 16th-century church at walking distance from the Borgo Medievale, across the bridge.

It’s a lovely walk across a pretty neighborhood, and if you are on a Saturday or Sunday, you can also bump into an interesting flea market on the way there.

From the terrace in front of the Church entrance, you also have great views of the city.

6. Attractive neighborhoods

Turin is home to several attractive neighborhoods worth exploring. From the trendy San Salvario district, with its vibrant nightlife and street art, to the historic Quadrilatero Romano, where you can wander through narrow streets and browse local markets, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s travel style and preferences. 

Other notable neighborhoods include the elegant Vanchiglia, where you can admire the iconic Palazzo Polenta, a funny-shaped building that resembles a slice of Polenta (or so they say).

Also, make sure you walk around the bohemian Aurora and the charming Borgo Po, each with unique character and charm.

7. Lots of green spaces and parks

Parco del Valentino

The beautiful Parco del Valentino features a stunning castle, botanical gardens, and several walking and cycling paths. Also, located along the Po River, here, you can also take a boat ride.

Pellerina

Pallerina is a beautiful city park offering a peaceful green space for a walk, a picnic, or a game of frisbee for a fun activity away from the city’s busy streets.

Parco Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto

This park offers a peaceful oasis in the city’s heart, with beautiful gardens, fountains, and walking paths. At this lovely park, you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Turin.

8. Delicious food scene 

The city is renowned for its delectable cuisine, featuring traditional Piedmontese and authentic Turin dishes, such as agnolotti pasta, bagna cauda, and gianduia chocolate. 

You can indulge in all these delicious dishes in the city’s many restaurants, cafes, or enjoy a food tour with a local guide, which I usually do and recommend.

Furthermore, Turin is home to the Slow Food movement, which emphasizes using local, sustainable ingredients in cooking. So, be sure that no matter what you eat, it will be healthy and delicious!

Do not miss the “Bicherin” (pronounced Bee-tchae-reen), which is a delicious coffee with dense chocolate and whipped cream (usually hand-made). There is an iconic place where to find it called in fact El Bicherin, but it’s always packed. So we went to Gianduiotto and it was delicious. (see pics below)

My favorite restaurants

Below, I will mention some of the restaurants where I had delicious food. I had pizza all the time 🙂

Ma Cucina e Padellino – mid-range prices, delicious small-size pizza made in a pan, very original, great service, and delicious desserts.

Sesto Gusto – an elegant pizzeria where you can find thousands of pizza variations.

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9. Best-tasting wines and coffee

Turin is not only famous for its delectable food but also for its best-tasting wines and coffee. Specifically, Turin is within the Piedmont region, famous for its Barolo and Barbaresco wines.

So, you can enjoy wine tasting at local vineyards or wine bars throughout the city. 

And if you are anything like me and can’t survive a day without a coffee, you will be pleased to know that Turin’s coffee culture is like no other!

So, visit one of the many cafes for some of the world’s best cups of cappuccino or espresso.

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10. The Chocolate Heart of Italy

Turin is known as Italy’s chocolate heart for a good reason. 

The city is home to some of the world’s best chocolate shops and factories, including the iconic brands Ferrero Rocher and Nutella.

So, in Turin, you can indulge in chocolate tastings, take chocolate-making classes, and take a chocolate tour where you will visit all the top chocolate factories in Turin.

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11. Aperitivo Culture

Aperitivo culture is a pre-drink and snack tradition that many bars and cafes provide throughout the city.

So, when in Turin, don’t forget to indulge in “aperitivo” specials after a long day of sightseeing to unwind and socialize. 

12. Prestigious car heritage

If you are a car enthusiast, Turin is a must-visit destination. 

The city is home to the famous Fiat Automobiles factory and the National Automobile Museum, which houses over 200 cars and motorcycles, including rare and vintage models.

Also, Turin is known for its annual Salone dell’Auto, one of the most important international car shows in the world.

13. Juventus soccer

In addition to cars, Turin is an ideal destination for football lovers, especially Juventus Football Club fans. 

Juventus is one of the world’s most successful football teams, having won numerous domestic and international titles. 

Visitors can tour the Juventus Stadium, a modern and innovative football stadium, and the Juventus Museum to learn more about the club’s history.

14. Luxury shopping outlets

Turin is a shopper’s paradise with its exclusive and high-end fashion outlets. From the Galleria San Federico to Fidenza Village, you can indulge in luxury shopping and find designer brands such as Prada, Gucci, and Armani. 

The city’s historic center is also filled with luxury shops, including the iconic Via Roma, which is lined up with designer boutiques and high-end fashion stores. 

15. Easily connected to Europe’s major cities

The city’s airport, Turin-Caselle, has direct flights to major European destinations such as London, Paris, and Frankfurt.

Additionally, Turin is connected to the rest of Italy through an extensive rail network, making it easy to explore other parts of the country. 

Besides, the Train Station of Porta Nuova is also an architectural work of art.

So, with its strategic location, Turin is an ideal starting point for a European adventure.

16. Best place to see the stunning views of the Italian Alps 

One of the main reasons to visit Turin is its proximity to the spectacular views of the Italian Alps. From the city, you can take a short drive or train ride to the mountains and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Within the city, you can visit the Mole Antonelliana, which offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. 

17. Best gateway to world-class skiing in Europe

Turin is certainly the perfect destination for those looking for world-class skiing resorts. 

With the Alps just a drive away, Turin offers various skiing and snowboarding activities and apres-ski options, creating the best skiing experiences in Europe.

Think of some of the major ski resorts of Chamonix, Pila D’Aosta or Courmayeur, great mountain towns for sky lovers in winter and hikers in the summer.

How to get around Turin?

Getting around Turin is easy, thanks to its efficient public transportation system. The city has an extensive network of buses, trams, and a metro system, allowing visitors to travel quickly and conveniently around the city.

Taxis and bike or scooter rentals are also available for those who prefer to travel independently. 

You can check out my post on the best taxi app in Italy and find out the best deal for you. I used WeTaxi to move around Turin, and I had a great experience.

If you prefer to use public transportation, please note that you can now pay by card on any bus or tram displaying the contactless symbol on the door.

Otherwise, you can purchase the good all ticket in the “Tabaccheria” (look for a T sign) o Edicola (newspaper stand).

The bus ticket in Turin (whether you pay directly by credit card or buy the ticket), lasts 1 hour and 40 minutes. So you can hop on and off the bus and subway as you please in that period of time.

Is Turin a walkable city?

Turin is a very walkable city, with many of its top attractions located within a short distance of each other. 

The city’s historic center is particularly pedestrian-friendly, with narrow streets and charming squares perfect for exploring on foot.

I actually love walking around Turin even when it’s raining, as there are something like 18 km of “portici” (arcades in Italian) where you can walk while window-shopping and eating delicious food.

FUN FACT ABOUT TURIN – Turin is the second city in Italy, after Bologna, with the longest arcades, boasting something like 18 kilometers of arcades, 12 of which are continuous. Just like in Bologna, the first arcades in Turin were also built in the Middle Ages.

When is the best time to visit Turin?

The best time to visit Turin is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. 

The city is also beautiful during winter when the snow-covered Alps provide a stunning backdrop. 

Similarly, in the summertime, Turin has warm sunny days with clear skies, making it the best season to capture beautiful photos and hike the Italian Alps. However, be aware that summer is very hot even in the north of Italy, unless you actually go to the mountains above 1500 mt (4921 feet)

How many days do you need in Turin?

To fully explore Turin’s rich history, culture, and cuisine, spending at least 2 to 3 days in the city is recommended. This will allow you to visit the iconic landmarks and sample favorite traditional dishes. 

Turin vs Milan: Which is better?

Both Turin and Milan are great cities to visit in Italy, but they offer different experiences. 

Turin is known for its rich history, elegant architecture, and delicious food, while Milan is famous for its fashion, nightlife, and modern vibe, but also for great museums and historical buildings too.

This is why it’s impossible to determine which city to choose. I would want to visit both and enjoy both experiences.

Is Turin Worth Visiting? Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Is Turin, Italy, worth visiting?

So, I want to believe that now you are convinced that Turin is worth visiting! With its beautiful royal palaces, bustling markets, stunning mountain views, and delectable delicacies, there are so many interesting things to do in Turin, Italy, that make it an underrated place to visit in Italy.

I hope, after reading this post, you will add it to your Italian bucket list!

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