Turin tucks itself away amongst the mountains of north-westerly Piedmont. This elegant city is home to a host of foodie firsts, from hot chocolate as we know it to the most Italian of foodie traditions: aperitivo.
But a holiday to Turin isn’t all café-hopping and fine dining. You could wander around the Museo Egizio’s collection of sarcophagi, climb the tower of Turin Cathedral (home to the Shroud of Turin), or take a seat at the National Museum of Cinema in the Mole Antonelliana.
Fancy exploring further afield? Turin makes an excellent springboard for exploring northern greats like Lake Maggiore and Milan.
Inghams operate a telephone Rep service in Turin.
Things to do in resort
Mole Antonelliana
The Mole Antonelliana is the iconic symbol of the city. The building towers over the city and pierces the skyline. It was built in 1848 as a synagogue, but today it’s the Museo Nazionale del Cinema, the perfect place to explore for those interested in film and cinema. Inside you’ll be able to delve into memorabilia from the earliest days of film production up to the present day. It also has a fantastic viewing platform where you’ll catch panoramic views of the city backed by the Alps.
Piazza Castello
Turin’s central square is surrounded by striking buildings that date back to the 16th and 18th centuries. These buildings now house museums, theatres, shops and cafes. You can’t miss the monumental Palazzo Madama, the original seat of the Italian Parliament and for a time the residence of Napoleon.
Visit the Historic Coffee Houses
Turin has many historic coffee houses where you can taste the region’s delicacy - chocolate. Take a seat in the charming setting and enjoy rich Turinese chocolate accompanied by a special blend of coffee. It’s a great pick me up whilst exploring the city!
Piazza Vittorio
Head to largest square in Turin, Piazza Vittorio, and join the Turinese as you mingle over aperitifs. There’s lots of bars, cafes and restaurants where you can sit out in the piazza in the sun. It’s a great place for watching city life pass by.
Visit Turin’s Aurora Quarter
This lesser known quarter is worth a visit. This is a very local area where you’ll get a real feel for the city. The beautiful square of Porta Palazzo is home to a permanent market where you can find almost anything imaginable. Balon boasts the largest flea market in Europe. Located in the charming Borgo Dora district, you’re sure to find some treasures as you wander through!
Caserma Cavalli
Join the young creative minds at the Caserma Cavalli home to the Scuola Holden of Storytelling and Performing Arts. On the front porch is the Fonte del Borgo, a public space where free events are held. Look out for what’s on when you arrive in Turin. Even if no events are taking place, it’s a nice place to relax in an armchair with a cup of coffee.
Parco del Valentino
This park is located on the west bank of the River Po which runs through the city. If you need a break from the buzz of the city, head here for a walk. Admire the grand villas that line the river banks. The Castello del Valentino, one of the Royal residencies of the House of Savoy is located in the park. As you wander though you can see the beautiful architecture of the UNSECO world heritage building.
Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo
Turin has a thriving experimental contemporary art scene. One of the best places to see it is at the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo. Originally set up in 1995 by Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo to encourage young Italian and international artists to have the freedom to produce new works. Today it is also home to a Museum and exhibition space. Set in the San Paolo, a district that harks back to the cities industrial past, the modern architecture stands out against the city.
Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile
Motor heads will be in their element here. The Museum has a collection of over 200 original cars made by 80 different brands from all over the world. Each car has its own story from its historical significance to its sporting prowess. The exhibition displays the evolution of the car up to the present day. There’s a nice little café and book shop at the museum. Great for a little pick me up after all of the sightseeing and it has a nice terrace you can sit out on in the sunny weather.
Superga Basilica
Just south of Turin’s city centre, the Basilica of Superga is high up on a hill that looks out over the city. The beautiful baroque church was built in the early 1700’s by the Duke Vittorio Amedeo II after defeating the French and Austrian army when they invaded Turin. We recommend taking the historic rack tramway to the top. It’s surrounded by the mountains and has fantastic views as you go up. You’ll be able to explore the Royal Apartments, tombs and climb the seep stairway to the top of the dome. There are hiking trails that lead from the Basilica into the Parco Naturale della Collina di Superga, where you can spend hours wandering through the meadows and along wooded trails.
LOCAL FOODS TO TRY
Bagna Cauda is an antipasti dish of grilled vegetables served fondue style with a mixture of anchovies, garlic and milk.
Bicerin is a hot chocolate-coffee drink invented in Turin
Truffles are grown in the Piedmont region, so when there harvested in September and October you’ll be able to find them on the menu in Turin.
Cheeses like Stracchino, toma, robiola and raschera are produced in the Piedmont region and northern Italy, making Turin a great spot for cheese lovers.
Vitello tonnato is an antipasti dish of thinly sliced meat with creamy tuna and anchovy sauce.
Gianduiotti chocolate made with hazelnuts is a firm favorite in Turin. Try it at one of the chocolate shops in the city.
Barolo wine is a red DOCG wine that’s worth trying, although it doesn’t come cheap. The piedmont region produces some of Italy’s finest wines so you’ll have plenty to choose from while you’re in Turin.
Location in resort
- Longitude: 7.6841559
- Latitude: 45.0652908
For more information on travel and transport visit our Turin page
