Explore Turin
Your perfect trip to Italy
Turin (Torino) is the Paris of Italy. It is elegant, rational, and regal. While Rome is golden and chaotic, Turin is grey, silver, and wonderfully orderly. Broad boulevards lined with leafy trees frame views of the snow-capped Alps, which seem to hug the city from the north. This was the first capital of a united Italy, the home of the Savoy kings, and the birthplace of FIAT. It exudes a quiet, industrious confidence.
The vibe here is “Salotto” (drawing room). The city boasts 18 kilometers of porticoes (covered walkways), allowing the aristocracy to walk in the rain without getting wet. Under these arches lie Italy’s grandest historic cafés—mirrors, velvet, gold leaf, and chandeliers—where Nietzsche wrote and politicians plotted. The air smells of Gianduja (hazelnut chocolate), which was invented here.
Turin is often overlooked by tourists rushing to Florence or Venice, which is exactly why you should go. There are no crushing crowds. You can see the Shroud of Turin (well, the replica), the world’s best Egyptian Museum outside of Cairo, and the Mole Antonelliana without fighting for space. It is a city of magic (legend says it forms a triangle of white magic with Lyon and Prague) and mystery.
The food is heavy and rich—Piedmont is the land of butter, truffles, and Barolo wine. It is not a place for a light salad. It is a place to sit in a cafe for three hours, sipping a Bicerin (layered coffee, chocolate, and cream), feeling distinctly royal.
The perfect plan for Turin:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: Royals & The Holy Shroud
- Morning: Piazza Castello. Visit the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale). It is more opulent than Versailles in parts. See the armory. Nearby is the Cathedral with the Shroud of Turin (usually kept in a closed box, but the chapel is stunning).
- Afternoon: Lunch at Caffè Mulassano—they invented the Tramezzino (triangle sandwich). Try the lobster one. Then, explore the Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio). Hack: Go after 3 PM when school groups leave. It is world-class.
- Evening: Piazza San Carlo (“The Drawing Room”). Have a Bicerin at Caffè Torino. Look for the brass bull on the ground—step on it for luck.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Cinema & The Sky
- Morning: The Mole Antonelliana. The symbol of Turin. It houses the National Cinema Museum. Hack: Take the glass elevator suspended in the middle of the dome for a vertiginous view of the city and Alps.
- Afternoon: Walk down via Po to the river. Cross to the Gran Madre church. Walk up (or take the bus) to Monte dei Cappuccini for the classic postcard view of the city with the mountains behind it.
- Evening: Dinner in the San Salvario district (young, hip). Try Scannabue for Agnolotti del Plin (tiny meat-stuffed pasta).
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Industry & Engines
- Morning: Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile (MAUTO). Even if you hate cars, this is cool. It traces the history of design and Italy’s obsession with speed. A bit outside the center, take the Metro to Lingotto.
- Afternoon: Visit the Lingotto building. It was the old FIAT factory. The test track is on the roof! You can visit the Pinacoteca Agnelli to access the track (“La Pista 500”).
- Evening: Return to center. Massive Aperitivo at La Drogheria in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. The square is huge and slopes down to the river.
Weather
Spring (April-June): Lovely. The parks are green, the Alps are visible. Rain is common.
Summer (July-Aug): Hot, but less humid than Milan. The city empties out in August.
Autumn (Sept-Nov): The absolute best time. It’s truffle season (White Truffle festival in nearby Alba), the wine harvest is on, and the chocolate festivals begin.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold and snowy. Excellent for skiers using the city as a base.
Local Customs
1. Aperitivo Time: Turin invented Vermouth (Carpano, Martini). The aperitivo here is a serious ritual, usually starting at 6:00 PM. It is bountiful.
2. Politeness: Turinese are reserved (“bogianen” – those who don’t move/flinch). They are polite but not overly touchy-feely like Neapolitans. Respect personal space.
3. Chocolate: Never refuse a chocolate offered. It’s the city’s pride.
History & Culture
Turin’s grid layout isn’t modern; it’s Roman (Augusta Taurinorum). But its character is pure Savoy. For centuries, the House of Savoy ruled from here, turning it into a Baroque jewel to rival Paris and Vienna. It became the engine of the Italian Risorgimento (unification) in the 19th century and later the industrial heart of Italy with the rise of the Agnelli family (FIAT). It has shifted from a factory town to a capital of art and food.
Getting Around & Safety
Very walkable city center due to the grid system. Trams are excellent.
The Hack: The historic tram line 7 runs on weekends and holidays, looping around the center—it’s a moving museum.
Info for Nomads
Underrated. The “Parisian” vibe attracts a lot of writers and intellectuals. It can be a bit reserved initially, but the student areas are open and friendly.
Workation Vibe
Great. Fast internet, reliable power, less noise than other Italian cities.
- Combo Torino: A massive hostel/hub in Porta Palazzo. huge tables, great WiFi, very popular with nomads.
- OGR (Officine Grandi Riparazioni): Converted train repair shops, now a tech/art hub with working spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turin boring? +
Only if you need constant chaos to feel alive. It is sophisticated and calm, but the student population (University of Turin) keeps the nightlife in San Salvario and Vanchiglia very active.
What is Bicerin? +
A historic hot drink native to Turin. Espresso, hot chocolate, and whole milk/cream layered in a small glass. Do not stir it! You drink it through the layers.
Is it expensive? +
Cheaper than Milan and Rome. You can get a huge Aperitivo (drink + buffet dinner) for €12-15. Accommodation provides better value for money here.