Turin
⭐ Ranked #49 in the Italy Review Top 100 – My Most Recommended Destinations
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Latest page update: 19 August 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Turin
Turin has a wide selection of established hotels, with well-reviewed properties in the historic centre and near the main boulevards. Many offer elegant period interiors or modern comforts, with convenient access to Piazza Castello, the Egyptian Museum and the city’s grand arcaded streets.
Grand Hotel Sitea is one of the leading choices in the centre, appreciated for its classic style, polished service and consistently strong guest feedback (€€€). Starhotels Majestic offers a comfortable stay near Porta Nuova, known for its spacious rooms, professional standards and convenient location for exploring on foot (€€). NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina provides a refined option in a historic building, noted for its elegant interiors, modern facilities and easy access to the main landmarks (€€€).
Grand Hotel Sitea is one of the leading choices in the centre, appreciated for its classic style, polished service and consistently strong guest feedback (€€€). Starhotels Majestic offers a comfortable stay near Porta Nuova, known for its spacious rooms, professional standards and convenient location for exploring on foot (€€). NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina provides a refined option in a historic building, noted for its elegant interiors, modern facilities and easy access to the main landmarks (€€€).
Where is
Where is Turin?
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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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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.
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.
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 |
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
Residences of the Royal House of Savoy Year: 1997 |
Film Appearance:
The Italian Job (1969) Various Locations |
What People Ask About Turin
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Discover
Discover Turin
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.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Turin
- Palazzo Reale is a grand royal residence in the city centre, once home to the House of Savoy. Visitors can explore lavish rooms, a royal armoury, and formal gardens. The palace is part of a larger museum complex including the adjacent Palazzo Madama.
- Mole Antonelliana is Turin’s most recognisable landmark, originally designed as a synagogue. It now houses the National Cinema Museum, with interactive exhibits and film memorabilia. A panoramic lift leads to a viewing platform with wide city views.
- Museo Egizio is one of the world’s leading museums of Egyptian antiquities. Its collection includes statues, sarcophagi, papyri and everyday objects from ancient Egypt. Detailed displays trace the history of excavation and the museum’s own origins in the 1820s.
- Cafés and arcades along Via Roma and Piazza San Carlo reflect the city’s 19th-century elegance. Turin is known for its coffee culture, including historic cafés serving bicerin and other local drinks. Covered walkways make it ideal for walking in any season.
- Excursions to the foothills of the Alps or the Royal Residences offer contrasting experiences just outside the city. Options include Reggia di Venaria Reale, a Baroque palace with gardens, or day hikes from Superga with views across the plain of Turin.
Tours and Activities
Turin Tours and Activities
- 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.
Where to Eat
Where to Eat 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)
Photo Gallery
Turin Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Turin
- Ivrea (approx. 50 km northeast of Turin): A charming town known for its historical significance, Ivrea is famous for the Carnival of Ivrea, a traditional event featuring the famous battle of oranges. The town is also home to the impressive Castello di Ivrea, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views, and several historic buildings in its lively town centre.
- Alba (approx. 50 km southeast of Turin): Situated in the heart of the Langhe wine region, Alba is renowned for its wine production, particularly Barolo. The town is also famous for its truffles, and visitors can explore the local markets and restaurants, where they can enjoy the region's culinary delights. Alba’s historic centre, with its narrow streets and medieval towers, is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Susa (approx. 50 km west of Turin): A town with a rich Roman history, Susa is home to several important archaeological sites, including the Roman Theatre and the Arco di Augusto. The town is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, offering excellent opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities in the nearby Parco Naturale del Gran Bosco di Salbertrand.
- Cuneo (approx. 80 km south of Turin): Known for its wide squares and elegant arcades, Cuneo is a charming town at the foot of the Alps. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the Piazza Galimberti, visit the Museo Civico, or take a trip into the surrounding hills for scenic views and hiking opportunities. The area is also known for its delicious local cuisine, including hazelnuts and cheese.
- La Mandria Park (approx. 15 km north of Turin): Located just outside the city, La Mandria Park is one of Italy’s largest parks and offers beautiful landscapes and historical sites. The park features the Royal Castle of La Mandria, a former royal residence, and provides ample space for outdoor activities, including cycling, hiking, and horse riding. It’s a peaceful escape from the city, with rich flora and fauna.
Piedmont Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Piedmont
1. Orta San Giulio
2. Lake Maggiore
3. Langhe
4. Turin
5. Borromean Islands
6. Monferrato
7. Reggia di Venaria Reale
8. Asti
9. Val di Susa
10. Barolo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont
1. Orta San Giulio
2. Lake Maggiore
3. Langhe
4. Turin
5. Borromean Islands
6. Monferrato
7. Reggia di Venaria Reale
8. Asti
9. Val di Susa
10. Barolo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Turin
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
Private Transfers
Turin Private Transfers
A private transfer is a convenient way to travel to or from Turin, whether you're flying into the city, heading to the train station, or connecting to nearby towns in Piedmont. You’ll be picked up from your chosen location and driven directly by a local driver—no changes, no delays, and no need to hire a car.
From central Turin, the drive to Turin Airport (Caselle) takes around 30 to 40 minutes (approx. 20 kilometres), depending on traffic. Transfers to Milan Malpensa Airport take about 1 hour 30 minutes (approx. 140 kilometres), while Milan Linate Airport is around 2 hours away. Journeys to Asti, Alba, or Bra typically take between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
To check availability or request a personalised quote, just fill out the short form below.
From central Turin, the drive to Turin Airport (Caselle) takes around 30 to 40 minutes (approx. 20 kilometres), depending on traffic. Transfers to Milan Malpensa Airport take about 1 hour 30 minutes (approx. 140 kilometres), while Milan Linate Airport is around 2 hours away. Journeys to Asti, Alba, or Bra typically take between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
To check availability or request a personalised quote, just fill out the short form below.
