Are you looking for the best things to do in Turin, Italy?
The capital city of northern Italy’s Piedmont region, Turin (Torino in Italian) is noted for its exquisite cuisine and refined architecture – from Baroque and Rococo to Neo-classical and Art Nouveau.
Having been a ducal and royal city for centuries, Turin boasts many grand structures and opulent palaces, some of the most well-known of which are the 13th-century Madama Palace and the 17th-century Carignano Palace.
One of Italy’s best non-touristy cities and safest cities to visit, the must-see attractions in Turin are mostly only enjoyed by locals. This allows for a fun, authentic Torinese experience when you visit the city.
Turin is the only true royal city in Italy. It is also the country’s chocolate capital, as well as the birthplace of the aperitif. The city’s elegant tree-lined boulevards are reminiscent of Paris and the historic cafés give off a Viennese vibe.
There is a lot more to say about Turin, and here we will provide you with recommendations on what to do and see in this enchanting northern Italian city.
12 Best Things To Do in Turin, Italy
It may be the country’s fourth-largest city, but it is possible to do all the best activities in Turin in one day. However, it is highly recommended to spend at least three days to really appreciate the Piedmontese capital.
Let’s check out the very best things to do in Turin, Italy.
1. Spend time at Piazza Castello
Designed in 1564 by Ascanio Vitozzi, Piazza Castello, or the Castle Square, is lined with porticoes and houses many great historic buildings from the ancient Roman era to modern days.
Located in the heart of the historic center of Turin, Piazza Castello is where you can find some of the city’s numerous majestic structures. Palazzo Madama is in the middle of the piazza. On the side stand Palazzo Reale, the Royal Theatre, and the Royal Library where you can see da Vinci’s operas.
Turin’s most important central streets begin in this piazza, making it the best starting point of your tour of the Piedmontese capital.
2. Explore the Palazzo Reale di Torino
The Palazzo Reale di Torino (The Royal Palace of Turin), a historic palace of the House of Savoy, was built in the 16th century and modernized in the 17th century. The famous Baroque architect Filippo Juvarra designed it.
One of the best places to visit in Turin, the Palazzo Reale includes the Palazzo Chiablese and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud which houses the famous Shroud of Turin.
The Palazzo Reale is now a museum. In 1997, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, together with 13 other House of Savoy residences, including the Palazzo Madama.
3. Get near the Holy Shroud
The Holy Shroud or the Shroud of Turin, although controversial, is a popular Catholic icon. Claimed to be the burial shroud of Jesus Christ, the Holy Shroud is made of linen cloth, 14 feet long, and bearing the image of the crucified Son of God.
First appearing in the French town of Lirey in the 1350s, the Holy Shroud was sold to the Royal House of Savoy in exchange for two castles in 1453.
The Shroud of Turin cannot be viewed by the public due to its extremely fragile state; however, you can visit the Chapel of the Holy Shroud that houses it to at least get near the relic. The chapel is included in the Palazzo Reale.
Alternatively, you may visit the Most Holy Shroud Museum to see replicas and displays. Here they do an excellent job of explaining the shroud and the mysteries that surround it.
4. Check out the Palazzo Madama
Palazzo Madama dates back to 1003, with the gorgeous façade added in 1718. The palace takes its name from the two queens – or madama – of the House of Savoy who embellished it. Napoleon liked this beautiful palace so much that he made it his residence in Turin.
Palazzo Madama is one of the must-see attractions in Turin, with its astonishing atmosphere and furniture, stunning architecture, and impressive frescoes and paintings. It also provides great views of the Palazzo Reale and the surrounding area from the tower.
Today the palace houses the Turin City Museum of Ancient Art, which you should allot two or three hours of a quiet visit.
5. Drink coffee and eat chocolate delicacies at Turin’s historic cafés
Chocolate is one of the world’s most famous Italian products. As the Italian capital of chocolates, Turin is a haven for chocolate lovers.
The long tradition of chocolate-making in the city goes way back to 1560, when the Duke of Savoy served the city a cup of hot chocolate to celebrate the transfer of the Ducal capital to Turin from Chambéry, France. Since then, the city has produced quite a number of master chocolatiers or chocolate artisans who invented new recipes and new forms to spread the art of chocolate.
You must partake in this unique form of art in Turin by going to the historic cafés that dot the city. There’s no better way to enjoy chocolate delicacies and unique coffee blends than having them in enchanting period settings. This is truly one of the best activities in Turin.
6. Visit the Mole Antonelliana (National Museum of Cinema)
Originally built as a Jewish synagogue, the Mole Antonelliana’s tall spire is an iconic symbol of Turin. It is especially beauitful at night, when the spire is lit up to serve as a beacon that can be seen from many points in the city.
Towering above the surrounding skyline, the Mole Antonelliana was built in 1848 when freedom of worship to non-Catholics was officially granted. It is arguably the most distinct building in the whole city of Turin. At the top of the building, there is a viewing platform where you can enjoy incredible views of the city and the mountains beyond.
Today, the Mole Atonelliana serves as the Museo Nazionale del Cinema (National Museum of Cinema), which displays equipment and memorabilia from the earliest days of Italy’s film production to the present. It is actually the tallest museum in the world.
As one of the must-see attractions in Turin, no trip to the Piedmontese capital is complete without enjoying the Mole Antonelliana and the museum housed within.
Book your guided tour here.
7. Explore the Egyptian Museum
Photo by Roberto Venturini via Flickr
Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) houses collections of ancient Egyptian artistic and cultural treasures. Founded in 1824, this is the most important Egyptian museum outside Cairo – thanks to the outstanding quality of the artifacts kept and displayed there.
Museo Egizio showcases mummies of people and animals, sarcophagi, papyri, and many more. Information about the Egyptian culture is available in both English and Italian.
You can easily spend half a day and not notice the time passing by. When you need some snack and refreshment, there is a little cafeteria there. The museum also has a tiny gift shop where you can buy souvenirs.
8. Explore the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile (MAUTO)
Turin is the birthplace of a lot of Italian car brands including Fiat, Lancia, Cisitalia, Pininfarina, Bertone, Giugiaro, Ghia, and Iveco. Hence, the city is expected to be home to Italy’s most important car museum – the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile (National Automobile Museum). It is one of the world’s largest museums of this kind as well.
Also known as MAUTO, the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile was established in 1960 and completely renovated in 2011. Today it is one of the most popular must-see attractions in Turin.
The MAUTO traces the history of the automobile and displays some very interesting and well-curated exhibits. Since it’s quite huge, you can easily spend one whole day examining and reading all the information on automobiles and their production provided by the museum. Plenty of gorgeous cars from decades past are on display. The counterfeit cars will also surely catch your interest.
9. Spend time exploring Quadrilatero Romano
Quadrilatero Romano is not to be visited as a single destination as it forms part of a larger archeological complex which includes impressive Roman walls and towers.
You should allot a couple of hours or so in this lively district – strolling the tiny streets lined with trattorias, shops, and cozy bars and cafés, and visiting the interesting spots found here.
Shop and eat along Piazza Palazzo di Città and Via Garibaldi (which is pedestrian-only). Do not miss the Museum of Eastern Art housed in a 17th-century palace and the Palatine Towers Archaeological Park.
10. Visit Castello di Rivoli
Perched on a hilltop, Castello di Rivoli is one of the best places to visit in Turin. The castle can be visited from the city center via bus. It offers the best views of Turin, so it’s worth getting to, including the San Grato Park all around.
The 17th-century castle also houses an amazing contemporary art museum, featuring works from the 1960s to the present. These are displayed in grand rooms that is art in itself.
11. Visit Basilica di Superga
Situated on a hill on the south bank of the River Po to the east of Turin, Basilica di Superga was built from 1717 to 1731 for Victor Amadeus II of Savoy to fulfill a vow he had made during the Battle of Turin, after defeating the French army.
The basilica is in late Baroque-Classicism style. It has a royal crypt that contains the tombs of various princes and kings of the House of Savoy.
Basilica di Superga can be reached via number 15 tram out of Turin, then the tram car up the hill. The journey takes 20 minutes and you can access the basilica through the terrace by steps which allows for truly breathtaking views.
12. Shop for vintage and antique items
If you love vintage and antique items, you will love Gran Balon. This is one of Italy’s best flea markets. However, you can only shop here every second Sunday of the month, from 8 AM to 6 PM. It is located in Porta Palazzo.
The Gran Balon Flea Market, whose name means “ball” the local dialect, dates back to the end of the 18th century. Taken from the name of the district, Borgata Balon, which was a place for gamblers playing balls.
Vintage and antique collectors gather at Gran Balon for vintage and antique finds, as well gorgeous fashion accessories at super-low prices. Turin’s grand flea market has over 300 stalls and 50 shops, as well as bars and restaurants.
Shopping at Gran Balon is an absolute must, one of the very best things to do in Turin if you happen to be in the city when the historic flea market is open. However, if you are in Turin on a Saturday, you can shop at Europe’s largest open market – the Porta Palazzo in the Piazza della Repubblica.
I feel like I travelled in Turin by just reading this. Keep unraveling the beauty of Italy. 🥹✨