Turin
Turin
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Latest page update: 10 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The capital city of Piedmont and the inaugural capital of Italy after the Risorgimento, Turin has a reputation as an industrial powerhouse that belies its modern sheen.
Success seems to come naturally to Turin; its main football team Juventus are the most decorated club in Italy while the car giant Fiat can also call the city home. Another success story was the 2006 Winter Olympics which imbued Turin with a renewed energy and zest for tourism. |
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What People Ask About Turin
What is Turin known for?
Can you see the Alps from Turin?
Is Turin worth visiting?
What food is typical in Turin?
How do I get to Turin from Milan?
Related links
Turin Overview
Nestled in the picturesque Piedmont region of northern Italy, Turin is a city renowned for its rich history, elegant architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. At its heart lies Piazza Castello, a grand square surrounded by imposing palaces and historic landmarks. Here, the Palazzo Reale stands as a testament to the city's royal past, with its opulent rooms and extensive art collection. Nearby, the Mole Antonelliana, an iconic symbol of Turin, offers panoramic views of the city from its towering spire.
Turin is also known for its impressive array of museums and galleries, including the Egyptian Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo, and the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, a fascinating exploration of the history of film.
For those interested in exploring the city's religious heritage, the Turin Cathedral is home to the revered Shroud of Turin, believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ.
Beyond its historic center, Turin offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, with the nearby Alps providing a stunning backdrop for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. And of course, no visit to Turin would be complete without sampling the city's famous chocolate and gelato, which can be found in abundance in its charming cafes and pastry shops. With its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Turin is a city that captivates visitors from around the world.
Turin is also known for its impressive array of museums and galleries, including the Egyptian Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo, and the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, a fascinating exploration of the history of film.
For those interested in exploring the city's religious heritage, the Turin Cathedral is home to the revered Shroud of Turin, believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ.
Beyond its historic center, Turin offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, with the nearby Alps providing a stunning backdrop for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. And of course, no visit to Turin would be complete without sampling the city's famous chocolate and gelato, which can be found in abundance in its charming cafes and pastry shops. With its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Turin is a city that captivates visitors from around the world.
What are the most popular tours and activities in Turin?
- Turin City Sightseeing Tour: Explore the highlights of Turin on a guided city tour, including Piazza Castello, Palazzo Reale, Mole Antonelliana, and other iconic landmarks.
- Egyptian Museum Tour: Dive into ancient history with a guided tour of the world-renowned Egyptian Museum, home to an extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts and mummies.
- Chocolate Tour: Indulge in Turin's sweet side with a guided chocolate tour, visiting historic cafes and chocolatiers to sample delicious chocolates and learn about the city's chocolate-making tradition.
- Royal Palace Tour: Discover the opulent interiors of the Palazzo Reale with a guided tour of this former royal residence, featuring lavish rooms, art collections, and stunning architecture.
- Mole Antonelliana Visit: Take in panoramic views of Turin from the top of the Mole Antonelliana, a symbol of the city, and explore the Museo Nazionale del Cinema housed within.
- Turin Shroud Tour: Visit the Turin Cathedral to view the Shroud of Turin, believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ, and learn about its history and significance.
- Culinary Walking Tour: Embark on a culinary walking tour of Turin, sampling local delicacies such as agnolotti pasta, truffles, and regional wines at traditional eateries and markets.
- Day Trip to the Alps: Escape the city and head to the nearby Alps for a day of hiking, skiing, or scenic drives amidst stunning mountain landscapes.
- Turin Bike Tour: Explore Turin on two wheels with a guided bike tour, pedaling through the city's historic streets, parks, and riverbanks while learning about its history and culture.
- Wine Tasting Tour: Venture into the Piedmont wine region for a guided wine tasting tour, visiting local vineyards and wineries to sample Barolo, Barbaresco, and other renowned wines.
Comune di Torino
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Province: Metropolitan City of Turin
Region: capital of Piedmont Population: 846,926 (in 2024 - source) Size: 130 km² Elevation: 239 metres Top sights: Royal Palace of Turin, Venaria Reale, Palazzo Madama Close by: Palazzina Stupinigi, Rivoli Castle, Sacra di San Michele |
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Residences of the Royal House of Savoy
Year: 1997
Residences of the Royal House of Savoy
Year: 1997
My recommended accommodation options for Turin:
- Hotel Principi di Piemonte Located near the historic centre of Turin, this luxurious hotel offers elegant rooms with stunning views of the Alps, a wellness centre, a rooftop bar, and a restaurant serving traditional Piedmontese cuisine. Guests appreciate the exceptional service, luxurious amenities, and proximity to Turin’s main attractions, including the Mole Antonelliana and the Royal Palace of Turin. €€€ (high-end)
- B&B Piazza Castello Set just outside the town centre, this charming bed and breakfast features modern rooms with rustic touches, a relaxing garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Visitors enjoy the personal touch of the hosts, the peaceful setting, and the easy access to Turin’s historical sites and surrounding nature. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel Torino Porta Nuova Situated near the central train station and the historic centre, this well-regarded hotel offers comfortable rooms with scenic views of the city, a restaurant serving local dishes, and a bar. Guests enjoy the friendly service, good value for money, and the short walk to Turin’s cultural sites, including the Egyptian Museum and the Mole Antonelliana. €€ (mid-range)
- Agriturismo La Braja Located a short drive from Turin, this agriturismo offers spacious rooms with panoramic views of the Piedmontese countryside, a large garden, and a restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Guests appreciate the peaceful rural setting, the authentic Piedmontese experience, and the short drive to both Turin’s attractions and nearby vineyards. €€ (mid-range)
- NH Torino Santo Stefano Set in a tranquil location near Turin’s historic centre, this luxury hotel offers elegant rooms with panoramic views, a wellness centre, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving high-quality Piedmontese cuisine. Guests enjoy the luxurious amenities, exceptional service, and the short walk to Turin’s cultural landmarks, including the Palazzo Madama and the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. €€€ (high-end)
My recommended restaurants in Turin:
- Del Cambio: Del Cambio is one of Turin’s most historic and elegant dining establishments. Located in Piazza Carignano, it offers traditional Piedmontese cuisine with a sophisticated twist. The restaurant’s luxurious interior, with its frescoed ceilings and refined atmosphere, makes it perfect for a special occasion. Guests can enjoy dishes such as agnolotti del plin (Piedmontese pasta) and vitello tonnato, showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list featuring local wines from the Langhe and Monferrato regions. Price Guide: €€€€ (High-end)
- Ristorante Consorzio: Ristorante Consorzio is a modern yet cosy restaurant that focuses on using local, sustainable ingredients to create contemporary Piedmontese dishes. Located just a short walk from the Mole Antonelliana, the restaurant offers a range of seasonal menus and expertly crafted dishes like risotto with hazelnuts and truffle, as well as a variety of meat and fish options. With an emphasis on quality and authenticity, Ristorante Consorzio is a must-visit for those seeking a more innovative take on traditional Piedmontese cuisine. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
- La Capannina: Situated in the San Salvario district, La Capannina is a beloved trattoria offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere and hearty Italian meals. Known for its rustic charm, it specialises in traditional Piedmontese and Italian favourites, such as vitello tonnato, bagna cauda, and a variety of fresh pasta dishes. The restaurant's welcoming staff and homely setting make it a great place to enjoy a relaxed meal with friends or family. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
- Trattoria Piemontese: For a taste of traditional regional dishes in a relaxed, no-frills environment, Trattoria Piemontese is the place to visit. Located in the heart of Turin, the trattoria is known for its authentic Piedmontese fare, including dishes like agnolotti and brasato al Barolo. The menu is straightforward, focusing on delicious, home-cooked meals made with the finest local ingredients. The friendly service and cosy atmosphere make it a great spot for a casual, comforting meal. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
Turin Gallery
Turin Travel
International visitors to Turin can take advantage of Turin Airport which is located just 15 kilometres from the city centre. As for getting around the city itself there are several options including trams, buses and the modern underground Metro system which was built for the 2006 Winter Olympics. One of the most important stops on the Metro is Porta Nuova which is also Turin's main train station with rail links to all of the other major cities in Italy.
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Fly to: Turin Airport - 22 minutes by car (16 km)
Main train station: Torino Porta Nuova (city centre) |
Connected to the Italian High Speed Train Network
Turin in-depth
Turin: the capital of Piedmont
Very much the cultural as well as political centre of Piedmont, Turin straddles an area between the Alps to the north and west, with the huge, flat Po Valley extending out to the east. The River Po threads its way around the city's eastern edge where it eventually meets another waterway, the River Dora, that flows through Turin's centre.
The 1969 film The Italian Job starring Michael Caine was shot largely on location in Turin and saw some of its most memorable scenes. The famous car chase of the minis fleeing the hotly pursuing police cars on top of buildings, through the river and even down the stairs of a church, give just a hint as to what can be found in the city that has, nevertheless, changed much during the intervening years.
Very much the cultural as well as political centre of Piedmont, Turin straddles an area between the Alps to the north and west, with the huge, flat Po Valley extending out to the east. The River Po threads its way around the city's eastern edge where it eventually meets another waterway, the River Dora, that flows through Turin's centre.
The 1969 film The Italian Job starring Michael Caine was shot largely on location in Turin and saw some of its most memorable scenes. The famous car chase of the minis fleeing the hotly pursuing police cars on top of buildings, through the river and even down the stairs of a church, give just a hint as to what can be found in the city that has, nevertheless, changed much during the intervening years.
Sightseeing: Turin city centre and its museums
Turin's best feature is its marvellous collection of museums and art galleries. There are two royal palaces here as well: the first of those is just on the edge of the city, the glorious Reggia di Venaria Reale which requires the best part of the day for an effective visit. The second is the Royal Palace of Turin, which lies right in the centre and within a short walk of another palace, the Palazzo Madama on Piazza Castello.
Widely-regarded as one of the best of its kind outside Egypt itself, Turin's Egyptian Museum has been open since 1824. Just a few steps from the Egyptian Museum lies the National Museum of the Risorgimento which showcases the events which led to the unification of Italy in 1861. The most iconic building in Turin is the Mole Antonelliana; at 168 metres tall it towers over every other building in the city and is the current home of the National Museum of Cinema. Apart from the fascinating and engaging displays of the cinema itself, you can take a lift to the top of the building and get one of the best possible views of the city.
Turin's best feature is its marvellous collection of museums and art galleries. There are two royal palaces here as well: the first of those is just on the edge of the city, the glorious Reggia di Venaria Reale which requires the best part of the day for an effective visit. The second is the Royal Palace of Turin, which lies right in the centre and within a short walk of another palace, the Palazzo Madama on Piazza Castello.
Widely-regarded as one of the best of its kind outside Egypt itself, Turin's Egyptian Museum has been open since 1824. Just a few steps from the Egyptian Museum lies the National Museum of the Risorgimento which showcases the events which led to the unification of Italy in 1861. The most iconic building in Turin is the Mole Antonelliana; at 168 metres tall it towers over every other building in the city and is the current home of the National Museum of Cinema. Apart from the fascinating and engaging displays of the cinema itself, you can take a lift to the top of the building and get one of the best possible views of the city.
Beyond the city centre: the outskirts of Turin
Away from the city centre lies another fantastic museum: the National Automobile Museum within a beautifully-designed, modern building housing an extraordinary collection of cars in imaginative settings. Other museums of note are the Juventus Museum, away from the city centre and close to the Venaria Reale Palace, the Galleria d'Arte Moderna in the city centre and the Borgo Medievale, an open-air museum close to the National Automobile Museum. Also keep an eye out for the wonderful Lavazza Museum which celebrates the production of coffee, something the city has a proud tradition in.
Away from the city centre lies another fantastic museum: the National Automobile Museum within a beautifully-designed, modern building housing an extraordinary collection of cars in imaginative settings. Other museums of note are the Juventus Museum, away from the city centre and close to the Venaria Reale Palace, the Galleria d'Arte Moderna in the city centre and the Borgo Medievale, an open-air museum close to the National Automobile Museum. Also keep an eye out for the wonderful Lavazza Museum which celebrates the production of coffee, something the city has a proud tradition in.
Unmissable sights in and around Turin
The most important religious building in the city is Turin Cathedral with its distinctive spire and huge bell tower called the Torre Campanaria del Duomo. Also of great interest in the city centre are the beautiful Santuario della Consolata and the Basilica di Maria Ausiliatrice. Another religious building, away from the city centre but reachable by a funicular railway, marks the spot of a modern tragedy that had far-reaching consequences for the city's other football team, Torino FC. On 4th May 1949, an aeroplane carrying the entire team, the most successful of their era, went down in the grounds of the Basilica di Superga. Among the 31 victims of the crash was the team's manager, the Englishman Leslie Lievesley.
A visit to Turin isn't quite complete without a trek up to the Monte dei Cappuccini. Aside from the church of the same name that sits at the top of it and the Museo Nazionale della Montagna next to it, the hill provides the best overall view of the city with the snow-capped Alps in the background, the Mole Antonelliana standing proud in the city centre, and the River Po winding its way around the edges. From here you can also get a great view down to the city's biggest park, Parco del Valentino which is a hugely popular spot, especially during the summer when you can take boat rides along the river or hire bikes to ride around the park.
The most important religious building in the city is Turin Cathedral with its distinctive spire and huge bell tower called the Torre Campanaria del Duomo. Also of great interest in the city centre are the beautiful Santuario della Consolata and the Basilica di Maria Ausiliatrice. Another religious building, away from the city centre but reachable by a funicular railway, marks the spot of a modern tragedy that had far-reaching consequences for the city's other football team, Torino FC. On 4th May 1949, an aeroplane carrying the entire team, the most successful of their era, went down in the grounds of the Basilica di Superga. Among the 31 victims of the crash was the team's manager, the Englishman Leslie Lievesley.
A visit to Turin isn't quite complete without a trek up to the Monte dei Cappuccini. Aside from the church of the same name that sits at the top of it and the Museo Nazionale della Montagna next to it, the hill provides the best overall view of the city with the snow-capped Alps in the background, the Mole Antonelliana standing proud in the city centre, and the River Po winding its way around the edges. From here you can also get a great view down to the city's biggest park, Parco del Valentino which is a hugely popular spot, especially during the summer when you can take boat rides along the river or hire bikes to ride around the park.
