City of art, culture and history, the ancient capital of the Savoy kingdom, a romantic and at the same time dynamic corner of Italy. Turin expresses itself in its different and colorful shades between precious pieces of ancient and fascinating history and examples of an architecture that captivates the eyes and the soul.
Yes, because Turin is like this, fascinates and amazes, bewitches and kidnaps. City with a multifaceted breath and an eccentric soul, here ‘s what to see absolutely in Turin .
Looking for a hotel in Turin
We have selected for you the best offers on Booking.com
1 – Mole Antonelliana and Museo del Cinema
You cannot get to Turin and not visit its symbol: the Mole Antonelliana. Built in 1863 as an Jewish temple, it was sold to the Municipality in 1878 which dedicated it to King Vittorio Emanuele II. The official inauguration, which took place with the positioning of the statue of the winged genius on the spire, dates back to 1889. Its 167 meters high allow it to dominate the city from which you can enjoy an incomparable view from the Tempietto (85 meters). The Mole now houses the National Cinema Museum and was also the film set of a very special film dedicated to the love for films.
It is also possible to combine tickets and visits with the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour . Info and prices here.
The Mole and the Cinema Museum are included in the Torino Piemonte Card.
Panoramic lift : do not miss the opportunity to get on the panoramic lift of the Mole, to enjoy a boundless view of the city! Info and prices here.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: via Montebello. Bus n. 13, 15, 55, 56, 61 Po stop. N. 68 via Rossini stop. N. 16 Corso San Maurizio stop – Get directions
- Hours: for the panoramic lift on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00. Saturday from 10:00 to 23:00. For the Museum from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 20:00 and on Saturdays from 9:00 to 23:00
- Ticket price: € 8.00 lift, € 11.00 museum, reduced € 6.00 / € 9.00; lift ticket + museum € 15.00, reduced € 12.00
2 – Royal Museums
Photo by Phyrexian. A real journey through the history of the old capital of Italy, through a complex of over 3,000 square meters. In fact, the pole of the Royal Museums includes the Royal Armory , the Royal Library , the Royal Palace , the Sabauda Gallery , the Archaeological Museum , the Royal Gardens and the Chiablese Rooms, which can be visited with a single ticket and departure from Piazza Castello. Due to their importance, the Royal Museums are rightfully among the most popular attractions in Italy and, in recent years, have reached peaks of over 500,000 visitors. The treasure presented concerns about 2000 years of history of the city, from the first Roman settlements, to the period of the Savoy domination, up to the years of the unification of Italy, moments in which Turin played a role of absolute protagonist.
Pay attention to the restrictions : in all buildings of the Museums it is possible to take photographs for personal use, but remember not to set up tripods and not to use the flash!
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: piazza Castello. Tram 4, 13, 15, 18. Bus n. 11, 12, 51, 55, 56, 61, 68 – Get directions
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00
- Ticket cost: € 15.00, reduced € 2.00
3 – Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista and Holy Shroud
Built in the Renaissance style between 1491 and 1498, the Cathedral is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, San Giovanni Battista. In the 17th century it was renovated to add the Chapel of the Holy Shroud by the architect Guarino Guarini. The Shroud is a linen sheet which, according to the Gospel stories, was used to wrap the body of Christ; and, perhaps by a miracle, the Holy Shroud escaped the 1997 fire that broke out from one of the scaffolding, on the occasion of a restoration. In 2015, the vision of the Shroud was granted thanks to its Exposition.
Limited visits: the Cloth is kept inside a conservation case, located in the Turin Cathedral, and is visible only during public exhibitions.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: via XX Settembre. Bus n. 8, 55, 57. Tram n. 15 – Get directions
- Hours: every day from 7:30 to 19:30
- Ticket cost: free. Access to the Chapel is included in the Royal Museums ticket.
4 – Porta Palazzo Market
Photo by Pierre5018. The Porta Palazzo Market is the largest open-air market in all of Europe . For this reason, in addition to being the hub of daily shopping for the inhabitants of Turin, it is one of the most visited attractions in the city by tourists. It is housed in the center of Piazza della Repubblica, in the historic Borgo Dora district, a few steps from the center and the most important attractions. It is divided into a covered area and an uncovered area, within which numerous product categories find space, from food, to clothing, from household items to footwear, including plants and fruit and vegetables. Initially, this market was held outside the city walls but, thanks to the redevelopment of the various internal districts, this daily appointment has been made available to everyone.
The Market can be reached by tram 4 from Turin Porta Nuova station in just 16 minutes and is accessible free of charge from Monday to Friday, from 07:00 to 14:00; Saturday until 19:00 – Get directions
Every second Sunday of the month the Gran Balon is held, the antiques, vintage and collectibles market. A 27-year long tradition!
5 – Venaria Reale
Built between 1659 and 1679 at the behest of Carlo Emanuele II,this palace is one of the most beautiful ducal residences in Piedmont and also one of the most visited in Italy. Developed along 2 kilometers that connected the village, which can still be visited today, the Royal Palace was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2007 . Of impressive beauty, the immense gardens, which can also be visited separately, just to enjoy the floral art and the many varieties of flowers that populate it without haste. The Royal Palace, with its Juvarrian Stables, is also a venue for exhibitions and events.
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Royal Palace of Venaria Reale: how to get there, prices and advice
Watch out for queues: the queue to buy the ticket can also cross the entire square in front of it, so we recommend that you buy tickets online. The option we suggest is a combined ticket with entrance and hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: Piazza della Repubblica 4, Venaria Reale. Train Turin Dora-Ceres line, Venaria stop. GTT bus n. 11, 72 – Get directions
- Hours: Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 to 17:00. Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 to 20:00
- Ticket price: € 20.00 complete, € 5.00 Giardini only
6 – Sanctuary of the Consolata
Photo by Bernard Blanc. Officially called the Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione, the Sanctuary of the Consolata is a Baroque masterpiece , as well as the most important place of worship in the city of Turin. There are several curiosities related to this building: first of all, it must be remembered that before becoming a symbol of the Baroque style thanks to the intervention of Filippo Juvarra, the church was originally a Romanesque structure. Only starting from 1700, did it change its architecture, until it reached the aspect we know. Furthermore, the story of the icon of the Virgin is also linked to it , which has disappeared and reappeared several times over the years. Today, the icon is present inside the crypt, but it is a copy.
The sanctuary is located in piazza della Consolata and can be reached by bus 19 or tram 13 – Get directions. Admission is free.
7 – Covered galleries
A peculiarity of the city of Turin, which unites it to the romantic Paris, are the famous covered galleries, also known as “passages”: in fact, they are covered passages inside buildings , which allowed, above all to nobles of the past, to be able to walk even on rainy days. Even today they host bars, clubs and shops and continue to represent the pride of the city. The most famous are three and, specifically, they are: the Galleria dell’Industria Subalpina , inside a nineteenth century building; the Galleria Umberto I, which was the seat of the Mauritian Hospital; the San Federico Gallery , the first historical site of the newspaper La Stampa. The Galleries are located in the historic center. They are free and always accessible.
To feel like a noble of other times, take a walk on a rainy day, being able to enjoy the light that passes through the windows of the buildings.
8 – Villaggio Leumann
An unusual attraction in Turin, and therefore undoubtedly to be included in the itinerary, the village Leumann was built at the end of the 19th century at the request of the Swiss entrepreneur Napoleon Leumann, as accommodation for his employees and still inhabited today by some of them. The village becomes interesting because inside are kept, perfectly preserved after a restoration work, theArt Nouveau buildings , as well as the period station Torino Rivoli, the Church of Santa Elisabetta, and the old elementary school . Today, the village is also supported by an Association that not only promotes cultural events related to it, but also guided tours to discover its entire history.
The Leumann Village is located in Collegno. Metro stop Paradiso. Bus n. 36 from Corso Francia towards Rivoli Novalesa stop – Get directions. It is free and always accessible.
It is a district of the city, which allows a free visit. But, to understand the historical importance of this place, entrust the associations that enhance it.
9 – Piazza Castello and Palazzo Reale
The beating heart of Turin, the main artery where the four most important streets join: via Roma, via Pietro Micca, via Po and via Garibaldi. It is in this square that there are many of the most beautiful buildings in the city such as the Royal Palace, the Government Palace and the Regional Council, Palazzo Madama. Piazza Castello has always represented the history of Turin, precisely since in 1584 it was designed by the architect Ascanio Vitozzi at the request of the Duke Carlo Emanuele I. The arcades that frame it are evocative. It is said that it is the most positive point of Turin and that it is a good omen to exchange a kiss before entering the square.
The Royal Palace is also really interesting: inside, in addition to the splendid garden, you can discover the sumptuous Royal Apartments, the enormous Royal Armory in the Beaumont Gallery, the Chapel of the Shroud and the Royal Library, which houses the portrait of Leonardo. To get the most out of it, we recommend a guided tour of the Royal Palace.
Take a break and take part in the guided tours : admire the lively stroll of the square while enjoying the typical Piedmontese specialties in one of the bars under the arcades. Most of the guided tours of the city also depart from here, which we highly recommend for a first approach and to identify the main points of reference together with a guide.
10 – Palazzo Madama
Built on the ruins of the Porta Romana, Palazzo Madama was a fortress and castle of Maria Cristina of France first and of Giovanna di Savoia Nemours later. Today it houses the seat of the Civic Museum of Ancient Art where ten centuries of Italian and European art history can be admired. Arranged over four floors, in the basement there is the Medieval Lapidary, on the ground there are Gothic sculptures and precious objects of the 13th and 16th centuries, on the first floor there are the arts of the 17th and 18th centuries, the second floor houses the Arts Decorative
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: piazza Castello. Tram 4, 13, 15. Bus n. 11, 12, 51, 55, 56, 61, 68 – Get directions
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00. Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00
- Ticket cost: € 10.00, reduced € 8.00
11 – Museum of Egyptian Antiquities
An unmissable place and a must for those who are passionate about art but not only, the Museum dedicated to the art and culture of ancient Egypt in Turin is also worth a visit for those who do not understand too much about art . In fact, this museum is second only to that of Cairo in terms of antiquity and the importance of its collections. Created in 1826 when the king of Sardinia Carlo Felice bought a large collection of Egyptian works, today the collection counts as many as 30 thousand pieces , which makes the Museum one of the most famous in the world .
Due to its importance, a priority guided tour is strongly recommended: in this way, you will not only skip the line at the entrance, but you will discover all the mysteries, anecdotes and stories of the richest Egyptian heritage in Europe.
SEE ALSO : What to see at the Egyptian Museum: timetables, prices and advice
Family area : if you are visiting with your family, take advantage of SpazioZeroSei, an area dedicated to children up to 6 years, with services, games and stories. The Egyptian Museum is included in the Torino Piemonte Card.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: via Academy of Sciences. Bus n. 13, 55, 56, 72. Metro Portanuova stop – Get directions
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 8:30 to 19:30
- Ticket price: € 9.00 in promotion, reduced € 2.00
12 – Piazza San Carlo
Known as the “Living room of the city”, Piazza San Carlo owes its name to the elegance and architecture of the buildings and monuments that surround it. Among the historic buildings, the Palazzo Solaro del Borgo, the Palazzo Guido Villa and the Monument to Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia stand out , which, while depicting a warrior on horseback, is actually a symbol of peace. Furthermore, among the most important works, we also mention the two “twin churches” , that of Santa Cristina and that of San Carlo.
But Piazza San Carlo is not just history and architecture, but also a meeting place for its cafes. In fact, there are several historical places that crowd this square and which, even in the past, were frequented by nobles and famous intellectuals. Among the most illustrious cafes, the Caffe San Carlo, frequented by Cavour and Giolitti, and the Caffe Torino which, on the other hand, seemed to be Cesare Pavese’s favorite place.
From the Porta Susa railway station, you can reach Piazza San Carlo with the underground line 1, or with buses 56 and 57 – Get directions. The square is free and always accessible.
13 – Gam Museum
Photo by Paolo Monti. If it is true that Turin is considered one of the main centers of international art, it is also true that one cannot leave aside the Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art which today houses45 thousand works including paintings, sculptures, installations and drawings. A collection that tells of centuries of art history, precisely from 700 to the present day. Built between 1891 and 1895, the Gam Museum is one of the most interesting attractions in a trip to the Piedmontese capital. The Museum also acts as a reference point for families and for educational and inclusion projects, with the creation of numerous special activities and workshops.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: via Magenta. Bus n. 5, 14, 33, 52, 64, 68. Tram n. 9, 15. Metro 1 stops Vinanzio and Re Umberto – Get directions
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00
- Ticket cost: € 10.00, reduced € 8.00
14 – Museum of the Automobile
Photo by Tony Harrison.
Photo by BestJack. The Turin Automobile Museum, also known as MAUTO, is one of the most important museums dedicated to cars and is currently named after Giovanni Agnelli. Naturally, a city like Turin, which has been a great protagonist in the history of this sector, could not fail to boast of a similar presence. The Museum was founded in 1932 thanks to the intuition of some car enthusiasts and, over the years, it has reached an ever greater importance, which has also transformed into an immense space to occupy. The exhibition itinerary is divided into three floors and is conceived as a journey through the history of cars, from vintage cars to futuristic ones , thus observingmore than 200 models . Since 2016, the MAUTO has been enriched with the Restoration Center, aimed at enhancing the old models, which are then kept inside the Open Garage.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: located outside the historic center, it can be reached by tram 18 from near Piazza Castello in 36 minutes and by metro 1 from Turin Porta Nuova station in 16 minutes – Get directions
- Hours: from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00; Monday from 10:00 to 14:00
- Ticket cost: € 15.00, reduced € 12.00
15 – Parco del Valentino
Photo by Gianni Careddu. How not to walk in the Parco del Valentino, one of the most famous parks in Italy . Not far from the heart of the city, redesigned in the 19th century by Barrilett-Dechamps, and for the Turinese a place for walking, jogging and cycling; for tourists, on the other hand, it represents a moment of relaxation from the intense itineraries of the city. Seat of the fascinating Castle, a Unesco World Heritage Site , which in turn houses the faculty of architecture of the Polytechnic. Do not miss a visit to the medieval village, a reproduction of a 15th century village built on the occasion of the International Exhibition of 1884. It represents a perfect setting for the already very suggestive city park and is a free attraction.
Allow yourself at least a couple of hours : it’s not just a park where the Turinese go jogging, but a place to breathe the real Turin air. Allow yourself at least a couple of hours to spend inside, to visit the village as well. And especially if you are with children, bring some peanuts to give to the many squirrels in the park, they will be happy to come and pick them up!
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: Corso Massimo D’Azeglio. Bus n. 9, 16, 42, 45 – Get directions
- Hours: Castle on Saturdays from 9:30 to 12:00. Borgo (Monday-Sunday) from November to March from 9:00 to 19:00, from April to October from 9:00 to 20:00
- Ticket cost: free admission; Reservation required to access the Castle
16 – Monte dei Cappuccini
The Monte dei Cappuccini in Turin is an unmissable stop for two reasons: first of all, you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the whole city , as well as the Alps; moreover, it is a place shrouded in mystery and a suggestive charm. In fact, there are several legends that see him as the protagonist, such as, for example, the one concerning the tongues of fire that protected the consecrated hosts from looting. On the mountain, in fact, there is also the Church of Santa Maria al Monte , whose origins are due to some deeds of the Savoy, who donated the land of the mountain to the Capuchin friars.
The Monte dei Cappuccini is located in piazzale Monte dei Cappuccini. It can be reached on foot, leaving the car in one of the car parks at the foot of the hill. Bus n. 33, 52. Tram n. 4, 16 CS – Get directions. It is free and always accessible.
Come at sunset : it is known as the Turin Hill, thanks to the view it offers over the city. We recommend a walk at sunset, to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding woods.
17 – Villa della Regina
The Villa della Regina is a splendid Savoy residencelocated on the hill of Turin from which, among other things, you can enjoy a magnificent view. It was built with the aim of hosting the Savoy sovereigns, first of all the wife of Maurizio of Savoy, Ludovica, to whom the villa was registered. Only later, from Villa Ludovica, the residence was called Villa della Regina, thanks to its subsequent illustrious guests. After centuries of splendor, the Palace fell into neglect following the numerous bombings that took place during the Second World War. Fortunately, in 1994, the residence was considered an artistic asset of the state, which is concerned with its recovery. Today, it is accessible to visitors and unmissable are its prized Chinese cabinets .
In autumn, this place will be surrounded by the colors of the foliage, in all shades of red and orange. If you can, schedule a visit during this time.
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices
- How to get there: from Turin Porta Susa station, tram 56 in about half an hour – Get directions
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00
- Ticket price: € 7.00, reduced € 2.00
Other attractions to visit
Among the other attractions that deserve a visit, we mention the Porta Palatina, an ancient gateway that once allowed the entrance to the city.
Among the palaces, Palazzo Carignano is a valuable example of Piedmontese Baroque architecture (€ 5.00). In the evening, a must is Piazza Carlo Felice , not far from the shopping street and meeting place for nightlife lovers, thanks to the numerous bars and restaurants; while, if you love a more intellectual air for your moments of relaxation, you could visit one of the historic cafes and appreciate the ancient delicacies of the city.
Finally, another very lively meeting point in the city, is Piazza Vittorio Veneto(known simply as Piazza Vittorio), also full of clubs and located along the left bank of the river Po. Not far from the center, the Basilica of Superga , sadly known for the tragedy of the Turin football team and for the royal Savoy tombs (€ 5.00), and the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi (€ 12.00).
Finally, about an hour from Turin, there is the Sacra di San Michele abbey, symbol of the Piedmont Region, which deserves a half-day excursion.
5 things to do in Turin
Door of the Devil – Places of Black Magic in Turin
Serralunga D’Alba – Tour Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
Tour Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
Vignale – Tour Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
Grinzane Cavour – Tour Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
Sunset of Monte dei Cappuccini
1/7
- Turin underground tour : not only the architectural beauties on the surface, but also the undergrounds of this city fascinate and are absolutely unmissable. Info and prices here
- Occult Turin : it is understood that, due to its history, Turin is a city full of secrets and legends, so you cannot miss a tour of the Occult Turin! Info and prices here
- Discovering the Langhe : it is not far from the Savoy capital, but this region, famous for its vineyards, deserves a full day of visits and tastings. Info, excursions and prices here
- Kissing in Piazza Castello : before visiting the buildings that surround the square, stop at the most positive point of Turin to exchange a kiss with a loved one and collect a lot of luck
- Admire the view at sunset : for an unforgettable photo of Turin, climb to the top of Monte dei Cappuccini, preferably at sunset on a clear day, and look out over the entire city
Plan your stay in Turin: flights, hotels and advice
Turin is connected with 2 important stations (Porta Nuova and Porta Susa) to other Italian cities and an international airport (compare flights). Once you arrive, the suggestion is to stay overnight in the historic center (compare the accommodations on Booking – from € 51.00), to be able to move on foot to the attractions. The average costs of housing are not low, but the city is large and there are also low cost solutions.
Precisely because it is so large and full of things to see, if it is your first time in Turin we recommend a guided tour of the city, for a first approach and to identify the landmarks. Alternatively, there is the evergreen tourist bus.
If you want to enjoy a particular light, visit the city in autumn, when its avenues and parks are tinged with shades of orange.
If you are with your family , you will love Turin! It is full of parks, pedestrian areas. Not only the riverside and the Valentino Park, but also the Doria Park, Borgo Rossini, and the gardens of the Royal Palace and Venaria. You can visit the Planetarium, the small cycling town, and go up to Superga with the “Dentiera”, a small cogwheel train. And in general, museums are super-equipped for families.
For young people, the nightlife is concentrated in the Quadrilatero Romano , the western area of ​​the Centro district, or in the San Salvario district. Cenisia’s is full of students.
