Turin Travel Guide – plan your perfect getaway to Italy's hidden gem in the Alps
View from Monte dei Cappuccini over Turin and the Alps
Turing is probably best known for being the home to the industrial giant Fiat and the famous coffee brand Lavazza. It is still an industrial powerhouse in Italy, but the city offers a rich history especially as it was the seat of the prefecture Po during the reign of Napoleon. It’s normally not on the radar of tourists visiting Italy, but it makes for a perfect long-weekend escape.
In this travel guide I will provide some ideas so you can plan you perfect itinerary for this northern Italian gem. I will also include some off-the-beaten-track sights and the best photography spots with unique views. Turin offers an incredible array of locations perfect for travel photography enthusiasts.
If you need more travel planning tips for your trip through Italy, check out my guides to Milan, Florence, Rome or the perfect week-long trip through these three cities.
Travelling to Turin – essential tips for seamless travel planning
Turin’s modern Caselle Airport (TRN), located 16km from the city centre, offers frequent trains and buses. Both train and bus will get you quickly to where you need to be in Turin. Low-cost carriers and major European airlines serve domestic, regional, and international routes from the airport. Unfortunately, there are not many direct intercontinental routes. Therefore, coming from outside Europe and planning a stay in Turin your best options are either:
Connecting through one of the major European hubs like London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Munich,
Flying into an Italian city like Milan, Florence or Rome and take the train, or
Taking a train from Paris (direct), Zurich or Geneva (via Milan), Munich (via Bologna) or Vienna (via Venice).
View of Turin from Mole Antonelliana
Turin has two major train station, Porta Nuova and Porta Susa. With Trenitalia and Italo you have plenty of high-speed connections to and from Milan (around 1 hour), Bologna (around 2 hours), Florence (around 3 hours), Rome (around 5 hours), Naples (around 6 hours), and Venice (around 3.5 hours). Both stations connect to the Metro and trams, making it easy to explore the city. So, even though there are few international options, including Truin in your itinerary as part of your Italian adventure is quite easy.
If you like driving, then obviously that’s an option as well. Turin is close to France and Switzerland. If you're near the borders of Lyon, Grenoble, Geneva, or Tessin, it's easy to plan a quick escape.
What to do in Turin
As mentioned before Turin has quite a rich history spanning over the last few centuries and it’s not a surprise that there is no shortage of things to do and see. This also includes some very beautiful buildings and scenic spots that give you some unique photo opportunities. Turin is quite compact, and you can easily plan your visits around the major piazzas.
Explore Turin's historic heart
The major sight and the iconic landmark in Turin is the Mole Antonelliana. It was originally planned and constructed as a synagogue. In 2000 the building became the National Museum of Cinema (Museo Nazionale del Cinema). Even if you’re not the biggest cinephile visiting the museum is fun and very interesting. You can watch some classic films in the main hall. Today, it remains the tallest unreinforced brick building. When you’re in the central hall you will see that the copula is free standing with a vertical glass elevator going up to the roof. From the roof-top you have an amazing view over the city and the Alps in the background. Perfect for travel photographers.
A few minutes walking northwest you will get to Piazza Castello, which is the historic heart of Turin. The square is surrounded by important sights, like the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale di Torino) including the Galleria Sabauda (featuring important Italian, Dutch and Flemish paintings from the 14th to the 18th century), the Royal Gardin (Giardini Reali di Torino) and Palazzo Madama. Each one is worth visiting, especially the Royal Garden, which offers great travel photography spots. Few steps further around the corner from the Royal Palace you’ll find Porta Palatina and Quadrilatero Romano. Wander through and explore this lesser-known historical area. You’ll find charming cafes, restaurants, and old Roman ruins in the narrow streets, giving you a feel of ancient Turin.
Museo Nationale del Risorgimento Italiano
Step back in time – history and hidden gems
Believe it or not, Turin has one of the most significant collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts outside Cairo. The Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio) was founded in 1824 and builds on the artifacts transported to and through the city under Napoleon’s reign. A must-see museum, especially if you travel with kids.
Not far from the museum you have Piazza San Carlo a scenic photo spot with historical buildings like the Museo Nationale del Risorgimento Italiano in the grand Palazzo Carignano (an ornate baroque Palace) and the Library of the University of Turin. The Museo Nationale del Risorgimento Italiano is a less-visited museum showcasing the unification of Italy. History lovers will enjoy the immersive exhibitions. Another picture-perfect piazza close by is Piazza San Carlo, with plenty of cafés (try the Gelato at Gelateria La Romana) and shops around it. At the north end of the Piazza look for the Galleria San Federico for some more unique travel photo opportunities.
Relax and reconnect with nature in Turin’s green spaces
For a bit of green and getting away from the city hustling and bustling make sure to visit Parco del Valentino along the Po riverbanks. Visit the Borgo Medievale which is a full-scale replica of a medieval village. A hidden gem that transports you back in time with picturesque alleys and craft shops. If you’re looking for great images for your collection, you have plenty of options here.
Another great photo spot with some scenic views over the city you’ll find around the Superga Basilica (Basilica di Superga). The hilltop baroque church with a magnificent dome is also the burial site of the royal House of Savoy, that ruled the area. For a fun ride make sure you take the historic tramway up the mountain.
Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale di Torino)
Uncover Turin’s best-kept secrets
For your Turin travel planning, here are some off-the-beaten-track sights.
If you’re interested in a creative neighbourhood filled with street art, away from the typical tourist routes visit MAU (Museo d'Arte Urbana). Explore this open-air museum in the Borgo Vecchio Campidoglio district, where vibrant murals cover the walls of buildings.
For the coffee-aficionado’s under the readers you don’t want to miss the Lavazza Museum. This modern museum is showcasing Lavazza’s history and Turin’s coffee culture. It’s interactive and offers a unique insight into the city’s love affair with coffee.
If you look for antiques or unique souvenirs visit the Balon Flea Market. Held every Saturday, it’s one of Turin’s oldest flea markets. Take your time to stroll through the stalls in the Porta Palazzo district to find vintage clothes and quirky treasures.
Tips on where to stay in Turin
As a first-time visitor to Turin, you should plan to stay close or in the city centre. Centro Storico offers quick and easy access to major attractions like Piazza Castello and Via Roma.
Close by and not far from the train station Porta Nuova the neighbourhood of San Salvario is another great option. It’s a trendy, lively area perfect for experienced travellers looking for an enticing nightlife, amazing Italian food and some local vibes.
A bit further south you’ll find the area called Crocetta. With its quieter streets and upscale vibe, it’s ideal if you’re a returning visitor. The neighbourhood offers an ideal mix of residential calm and proximity to major sights.
Food and Drinks
Typical local dishes to try
As in any other Italian city there’s an abundance of great food and restaurants to explore and to discover. Besides the traditional stables, there are some must try local varieties and dishes.
Bagna Cauda is one of them. It’s a warm, garlicky dip prepared with anchovies, olive oil and butter. Usually, it comes with some raw vegetables. Another local dish not to miss is Agnolotti. It’s a small stuffed pasta, filled with meat and covered with a sage-butter sauce. If you’re graving a heartier treat, try Vitello Tonnato. This is a dish made of thin slices of veal with a lovely creamy tuna and caper sauce. No doubt an unexpected but delightful combination. If you have some place left for a dessert, go for Gianduiotto, a chocolate hazelnut treat you can only find here.
As mentioned, there are many great restaurants where you can try these local delicacies. Trattoria Valenza is a rustic spot in the Vanchiglia neighbourhood which serves traditional Piedmontese cuisine and is frequented by locals. Ristorante Consorzio also serves these regional dishes with a modern, inventive twist. For some sweet treats plan a visit at Caffè Al Bicerin. It’s Turin’s oldest café serving the towns and their signature drink Bicerin, a rich blend of coffee, chocolate, and cream.
Mole Antonelliana
Some off-the-beaten-track dining experience
Scannabue in the San Salvario area is a place you should try if you want to have some great food away from the touristy spots. You’ll find many locals here enjoying a nice family lunch or dinner. The bistro offers a low-key, intimate setting serving regional dishes. If you’re staying in Crocetta district, check out Piola da Celso. In this hidden gem loved by locals you’ll get some of the most authentic Piedmontese dishes in a cozy and unpretentious atmosphere. For a light lunch and some fresh homemade pasta stop by Brün - Buona Pasta Fresca. It’s close to the major attractions and few steps from Piazza San Carlo. You can choose from different pasta types and sauces. The dishes are basic, but super delicious.
Travelling around Turin
Getting around Turin is very easy and convenient with its good public transport network, bike sharing services and the walkable layout of the centre.
Turin has few metro lines, trams and buses that make travelling around the city quick and efficient. You can buy single tickets that let you go on the different modes of transportation for up to 90 minutes. Going around by bike or walk between the attractions are great options as well and let you explore the city even more.
Best Photography Spots in Turin
Turin may not top many travellers’ lists, but it offers plenty of great opportunities for travel photography. Whether you're capturing the majestic Alps from the Mole Antonelliana or experimenting with urban shots at Dora Park, Turin is a travel photographer's dream.
Your first stop for some amazing images should be Mole Antonelliana and its intriguing structure. Not to mention the view from the top of the building overlooking the city with the Alps in the background. Ideal for sunrise and sunset photography.
If you want to have the Mole in your photo as well climb up Monte dei Cappuccini. This hilltop spot offers a stunning view of the river, the city centre and the mountains surrounding Turin. For some more panoramic views and shots visit Superga Basilica. The best vistas you have during autumn when the hills are ablaze with colour.
Piazza San Carlo, aka Turin’s “living room”
If you like street photography take advantage of Piazza San Carlo, also known as Turin’s “living room”. The square, with its twin churches, is perfect for travel photos, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
For some great sunset images and stunning opportunities during Golden Hour explore Parco del Valentino along the Po River. Try to capture the reflections of the city in the water.
Looking for some off-the-beaten-track photo spots in Turin explore Fabbrica Fiat, Piazza Vittorio Veneto or Dora Park. Fabbrica Fiat – Lingotto is the old factory building of Fiat where production ceased in 1982 (production started in 1933) and since then was renovated as a meeting facility and includes the Casa Fiat which is part of the Pinacoteca Agnelli. The roof-top still has the 1.1-kilometre-long test track, that you can walk or jog.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto is the largest square in Turin which offers a stunning view towards the Po River and the Gran Madre di Dio church. Less touristy but offering some unique angles of the city, especially at dawn.
Finally, Dora Park should be on your itinerary for some urban travel photography in Turin. This post-industrial park offers raw, artistic settings. Its old factories, graffiti, and sculptures make for great urban shots.
The outline of this travel guide provides a great balance for first-time and experienced travellers, with detailed sections on what to see, do, and eat, plus hidden gems for unique photography.
I hope with all the above, I could help you with your planning for your trip to Turin. Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to me. Need more travel planning help? Contact me!
Here a link to my Turin site which hopefully gives you some ideas what to expect.
