Destination guide

Turin

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Turin is an elegant city in northern Italy, with wide boulevards, arcaded streets and grand squares laid out by the royal family of Savoy. The Alps rise behind it, and it feels more French than many Italian cities.

It has some of Italy's best museums, a serious coffee and chocolate tradition and a strong food scene. It is calm, walkable and less crowded than the better-known cities.

How many days: 2

Two days covers the main sights and the food. A third lets you visit a palace, a hill or a day trip to the Alps.

The surrounding region of Piedmont is famous for wine and truffles. It is a good option for a day trip or a longer stay.

What to do in Turin

Visit the Egyptian Museum
One of the largest collections of Egyptian antiquities outside Cairo. Book ahead and allow a half day.
Walk the arcades
Miles of covered arcades line the main streets, so you can walk in any weather. Cafes and shops open onto them.
See the Mole Antonelliana
A tall tower that is the symbol of the city, with a cinema museum inside and a panoramic lift. Views reach to the Alps.
Visit the Royal Palace
The former home of the Savoy kings, with state rooms and a large garden. A good way to understand the city's history.
Walk along the Po river
A riverside promenade with parks, boat clubs and views of the hills. A pleasant place to rest.
Climb to the Superga basilica
A hilltop church reached by a historic tram. It has a view over the city and the Alps.
See the Shroud of Turin's cathedral
The cathedral holds a famous relic, which is rarely shown to the public. The building is worth a visit.
Visit the National Cinema Museum
Housed in the Mole Antonelliana, with a spiral ramp past film sets and posters. A well-made museum that suits all ages.
Explore the Quadrilatero Romano
The old Roman quarter has narrow lanes, bars and independent shops. A good place for an evening out.
Take a day trip to the Langhe
Rolling vineyards and hilltop villages south of the city, famous for wine and white truffles. A tasting tour is the easiest way to visit.

What to eat and drink

Bicerin
A hot drink of espresso, chocolate and cream, served layered in a small glass. A Turin classic.
Gianduiotto
A chocolate made with hazelnuts, invented in the city. Sold wrapped in gold foil.
Agnolotti del plin
Small stuffed pasta, served with butter and sage or a meat sauce. A Piedmont classic.
Vitello tonnato
Cold sliced veal with a creamy tuna sauce. A traditional starter.
Aperitivo
Turin is the home of vermouth, and aperitivo is a big ritual. Drinks come with a spread of snacks.
Barolo and Barbaresco
Two of Italy's great red wines come from nearby hills. Ask for a glass in a wine bar.
Grissini
Thin crunchy breadsticks that were invented in Turin. Served at the table in many restaurants.

Getting around

The centre is compact and flat, so walking is easy. Trams and a small metro cover the rest.

Fast trains link Turin with Milan, Rome and Paris. It is a useful stop on the way to the Alps.

The airport is reached by train or bus.

Good to know

  • Summers are warm and winters are cool and often foggy. Spring and autumn are the best seasons.
  • Many museums are closed on Mondays. Check the official sites.
  • Truffle season runs through autumn, and the nearby wine and food festivals are popular.
  • Many restaurants close in August. Check before you go.
  • Cover shoulders and knees in churches.
  • Turin has several museums that offer a combined pass. Check the official site if you plan to see several.
  • Turin is a good place to see Italian life without the crowds, as visitors are fewer than in Rome or Florence.

Where to stay in Turin

6 neighbourhoods, described the way a friend would - what each is actually like, not the brochure version.

Centro

Turin's historic centre contains grand piazzas, royal palaces, museums, cafés and elegant shopping streets beneath long arcades. It is the strongest all-round base for first-time visitors, though central hotels are usually among the city's more expensive options.

Quadrilatero Romano

Quadrilatero Romano is Turin's oldest central district, with narrow streets, restaurants, wine bars and some of the city's liveliest evening activity. It is excellent for nightlife and historic atmosphere, but can be noisy on weekends.

San Salvario

San Salvario is a diverse neighbourhood south of the centre known for restaurants, bars and nightlife close to Porta Nuova station and Valentino Park. It suits younger travellers and food-focused stays, though some streets remain lively late at night.

Crocetta

Crocetta is an elegant residential district south-west of the centre, with tree-lined streets, Art Nouveau buildings and a quieter atmosphere. It is particularly strong for business travellers and families wanting a refined stay away from nightlife.

Vanchiglia

Vanchiglia lies east of the historic centre and mixes residential streets with independent cafés, restaurants and creative venues. It feels local and lively without being as tourist-heavy as the centre, making it a strong choice for repeat visitors.

Borgo Po

Borgo Po sits across the river from central Turin beneath the hills and offers green streets, villas and excellent views back towards the city. It is ideal for quiet and romantic stays, though nightlife and shopping are less concentrated.

What it costs

A typical day in Turin, per person, in pounds.

£70

Shoestring - hostels, street food, public transport.

£159

Comfortable - a decent hotel, restaurants, the odd taxi.

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