When you consider a trip to Italy, you often think of Rome, Florence, Venice, or Cinque Terre and Capri in the summer. But what if I bring up Turin? I wouldn’t be surprised if some of you haven’t heard of it before; I know I was guilty before I first visited. So, is Turin worth visiting? Let’s take a deep dive into this underrated Italian gem and see if it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
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Is Turin Worth Visiting: All About Torino
Locally known as Torino, and how I personally love to refer to it, Turin is the capital of the Piedmont region in Northwestern Italy.
Bordering the North and West sides of the city are the famed snow-capped Alps, offering Torino a surreal skyline. Italy’s longest river, the Po River, also flows through Turin all the way to the Adriatic Sea in the East.
Given Torino’s close proximity to the French and Swiss borders, the city’s not just a gateway to nearby Alpine escapes, but it’s also a drive away from various destinations.
Nearby Destinations: Italy
- Milan – 45-minute train ride.
- Genoa – 2-hour drive
- Alba and Barolo (Langhe wine region) – 60 to 90-minute drive
- Lake Orta, Orta San Giulio – 90-minute drive
Nearby Destinations: France
- Chambéry – 2.5-hour drive
- Chamonix-Mont Blanc – 2-hour drive
- Lyon – 3.5-hour drive
- Grenoble – 3-hour drive
Nearby Destinations: Switzerland
- Lugano – around a 2-hour drive
- Geneva – 3-hour drive
Aside from Torino’s perfect location, the city’s also known for its rich industrial history, baroque architecture, and for being Italy’s chocolate capital.
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Is Turin Worth Visiting: My Personal Experience There
When I first visited Turin, I hadn’t heard of it before. I had just finished my Erasmus experience in Rennes, France, and was visiting an old family friend in Grenoble. When she heard of my plan to travel around Italy afterwards, she suggested starting off with Turin, as it was just a 3-hour drive away, given both cities’ close proximity to the borders.
Listening to her advice was a choice I definitely don’t regret. As soon as I got off my bus in Turin’s city center, I felt like I had arrived home. The unnecessary honking at the red traffic lights, the exaggerated Mediterranean hand gestures, and passing by Museo Egizio (the Egyptian Museum) all reminded me of home. The part that stood out the most was walking through the iconic portici (arcades) on my way to my hotel; I felt like taking a stroll in Korba back in Cairo.
As fascinated as I was, I can’t say I was really surprised. We have a saying here in Egypt that refers to Italians as “the Egyptians of Europe”. My visit to Turin, specifically, just confirmed this analogy.
It’s worth mentioning that I visited Turin during Christmas, so my experience was slightly different than what you’d experience at any other time of the year. Some places were closed, especially because it’s a small city, but the Christmas magic made up for it.
Top 7 Things to Do in Turin, Italy
Despite the city’s size in comparison to other Italian cities, there’s actually plenty to do in Turin. However, I understand that many travelers might want to cut their trip short to be able to travel around the rest of the country, especially if it’s their first time in Italy. So, whether you’re just going on a day trip to Turin or planning to stay for an entire weekend, these are the things I personally think you shouldn’t skip.
#1 Walk around Piazza Castello
In my humble opinion, this pedestrian historic square is the perfect starting point to explore Turin. According to TripAdvisor, Piazza Castello is the beating heart of Turin.
Designed back in 1584, the square sits at the intersection of Torino’s key central streets, such as Via Roma and Via Garibaldi. As you walk around, you’ll find yourself surrounded by grand Baroque architecture and stunning royal palaces you just can’t skip.
And if you happen to visit during Christmas time, as I did, this is most likely where the city’s Christmas market will be taking place.
#2 Visit Palazzo Reale
When in Piazza Castello, you can’t help but notice the grandeur of the Royal Palace of Turin, known locally as Palazzo Reale.
The 16th-century palace, which was later redesigned in Baroque style, served as the royal residence of the Savoy family, Italy’s former ruling family. As soon as you set foot in the palace, you’ll get to marvel at grand halls, lavish chandeliers, gilded ceilings, and ridiculously extravagant, yet marvelous interiors. So, if history and architecture are your cup of tea, this palace is definitely worth your time.
Skip the line and book a guided tour.
#3 Visit Palazzo Madama
Another wonderful palace standing in the middle of Piazza Castello is Palazzo Madama. Let me tell you, what makes this one truly fascinating is that different eras somehow come together under its roof.
As you walk past the stunning Baroque facade, you’ll find yourself standing in the middle of Roman foundations, medieval towers, and centuries of different architectural styles. It’s safe to say that your visit will feel a lot like a ride in a time machine.
It’s also worth mentioning that the palace also houses the Civic Museum of Ancient Art, where you can view a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and more.
Book a guided tour here.
#4 Visit the Egyptian Museum
I remember as soon as I arrived at my hotel, I asked the receptionist, “What’s the most important attraction here?” To my surprise, he immediately said: “il Museo Egizio”.
As an Egyptian, I was filled with mixed feelings. Turin was supposedly this city, rich in history, yet the most important attraction was a three-storey museum filled with artefacts from my homeland. Even the souvenirs sold on the streets were camels and pyramids! Part of me was proud, but I was also frustrated, especially because I had to pay €13 at the time (now it’s €18, and free of charge for Torino + Piemonte cardholders) to see my ancestors’ work of art.
To be honest, I’m a true believer in the right of the Egyptian government to retrieve its artefacts and monuments scattered around the world. However, until that hopefully happens, people should still be able to see it and appreciate it. So, if you still haven’t been to Egypt, the Egyptian Museum in Turin is worth a visit.
Book a guided tour and learn about the fascinating Egyptian history.
#5 Go to the National Museum of Cinema
Is Turin worth visiting without making a stop at the National Museum of Cinema, also known as Mole Antonelliana? Absolutely not! This is hands down my personal favorite attraction in Turin, and if you’re a cinephile like me or just a film buff, then you should definitely make time for it.
Don’t miss reading my full guide about the National Museum of Cinema here.
#6 Take in the panoramic views from above
The skyline of Torino, with the Alps as the backdrop and the Po River as part of its cityscape, is absolutely stunning. For marvelous views of the city, you need to marvel at it from an elevated point.
So, while you’re at the Mole Antonelliana, make sure to take the Panoramic Lift, or just head up Monte dei Cappuccini; the views there are free!
#7 Indulge in Italian chocolate
I was just in Geneva, Switzerland, right before my trip to Turin, and with all due respect to my Swiss readers out there, but Italian chocolate wins!
As I mentioned earlier, Torino is considered Italy’s capital of chocolate, and it’s totally worth that kind of recognition. The chocolate truffles I bought from this random stall at the Christmas market were nothing like anything I had ever tasted before.
Where to Stay in Turin for a Weekend
Is Turin worth visiting for more than a day? The answer to this question is subjective and varies depending on a traveler’s interests and time on hand. But whether you have to spend a night or more, you need a decent place to crash.
Top-rated hostels in Turin for Budget Travelers
When I went to Turin, there weren’t any decent hostels. Lucky for you, a bunch of top-rated ones have opened their doors since my visit. So, I compiled the hostels I recommend booking.
Top-rated Hotels in Turin
If budget isn’t really a problem, and you prioritize comfort for this part of your trip, over meeting other solo travelers, here are some of the top-rated hotels I found.
Torino + Piemonte Card
One of the best ways smart solo travelers get to save money is by investing in tourist passes, and luckily, you can do so in Turin.
The Torino+Piemonte Card is a digital tourist pass that offers free entry to more than 80 museums and attractions in Turin and across the Piedmont region. It also offers discounts on public transportation and various activities such as city tours, cable cars, events, and more.
Cards available can be valid for various durations depending on your travel plans: 24, 48, 72, or 120 hours. The validity period begins upon your first use, offering you activation flexibility. Not just that, but the Torino+Piemonte Card makes admission easier than ever, as it’s used as a QR code on your smartphone.
Claim your Torino+Piemonte card here.
Verdict: So, is Turin worth visiting after all?
In my opinion, if you’re traveling around Europe, Turin is the perfect gateway to Italy if you’re coming from the West, and vice versa. As soon as you set foot there, Torino lets in on the Italian way of living right off the bat, with no introductions. And if you ask me, it’s a great place to get to know Italy away from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities like Rome and the tourist crowds. So, is Turin worth visiting after all? Absolutely yes!
Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!
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Booking a trip soon? Here are some useful travel resources:
- Book your flight with Skyscanner, Kiwi, CheapOair, or WayAway.
- Book your hostel with Hostelworld.
- Book your hotel with Booking.com.
- Get your travel insurance with SafetyWing.
- Hire a car with Skyscanner, Discover Cars, Rentalcars, or AutoEurope.
- Book your tours with Get Your Guide, Viator, Tiqets, or Klook.
- Download an eSIM from Airalo or Jetpac.
- Check out my trip planning tools for more travel resources.
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You might also like:
- National Museum of Cinema – The Best Experience in Turin
- Best Apps for Traveling in Europe (30+ Essential Ones)
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Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.
