22 Fun Things to Do in Turin: a Complete Guide to Piedmont’s Elegant Capital City
Last Updated: February 27, 2025
Graceful, elegant Turin is one of the most underrated cities in Italy. As the capital of the Piedmont region, Turin is a city of commerce and culture, with subtle French influence from centuries of Savoy rule. This guide spotlights 22 of the best things to do in Turin, to help you fully experience the charm of this stately provincial capital.
Jump to:
- Tour Palazzo Reale
- Stroll the Arcades of Via Roma
- View the Holy Shroud of Turin
- Be Transported to Ancient Egypt at the Museo Egizio
- Explore Palazzo Madama
- Photograph the Iconic Turin Skyline
- Go Hollywood at the Museo Nazionale del Cinema
- Walk Parco del Valentino (including its Medieval Village and French Chateau)
- Peruse the Bookstalls on Via Po
- Sample Piedmont’s Regional Cuisine
- Go on a Truffle Hunt
- Visit a Traditional Turin Coffee House
- Cheer on Juventus at Allianz Stadium
- Sample Piedmont’s World-Famous Wines
- Admire the Galleria Subalpina
- Step Back in Time at Venaria Reale
- Attend the Opera at Teatro Regio
- Climb the Hill to Basilica di Superga
- Shop Europe’s Largest Open-Air Market
- Celebrate the Automobile at Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile
- Catch a Buzz at Museo Lavazza
- Visit Europe’s Largest Rooftop Garden (and Former Fiat Test Track)
Tour Palazzo Reale
The House of Savoy ruled a large territory from Italy to France for nearly a thousand years. They left numerous opulent palaces across the region, all of which are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites and open to the public.
Palazzo Reale, in the heart of Turin, is absolutely worth visiting while in town. This grandiose palace was the royals’ primary residence for almost 400 years, and has magnificent halls, private quarters, and a spectacular royal armory.
If pressed for time, you can tour Palazzo Reale in about an hour, although we recommend allowing more time to explore the accompanying royal gardens, royal museum, and royal library.
Also included in your ticket is entry to the Museo Archeologico, with archeological and anthropological treasures from Greek and Roman statues, to Etruscan bronzes, and more.
Stroll the Arcades of Via Roma
Via Roma, encompassing one of Turin’s prime shopping districts, is bordered by stately arcades lining both sides of the street. Over time, strolling the arcades have become something of a rite of passage to do while in Turin.
For the iconic stretch, start in Piazza Carlo Felice and make your way northeast to Piazza San Carlo. Rain or shine, you’ll stay dry as you stroll beneath these elegant porticoes, joined by plenty of other admirers doing the same.
View the Holy Shroud of Turin
The famous Shroud of Turin has been revered for centuries as the burial shroud of Jesus. Since the sixteenth century, the Shroud has called Turin’s Cattedrale di San Giovanni home, with devout pilgrims traveling from near and far to pray at the altar of the relic.
A note of caution: it may feel underwhelming to some, as the actual Shroud is frequently not on display. You’ll still be able to examine a replica and explore the accompanying exhibit though, and there are enough pious believers kneeling in prayer to maintain a heightened air of reverence.
Be Transported to Ancient Egypt at the Museo Egizio
The Museo Egizio is one of the most visited museums in Turin. And for good reason, as the museum boasts the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Egypt.
You’ll find over 30,000 artifacts ranging from sarcophagi and mummies, to statues, tablets and papyrus, and even full tombs and temples that were transferred to Turin fully intact.
It makes a fascinating exploration for those interested in Egyptian history.
Explore Palazzo Madama
Just across the square from Palazzo Reale is another palace left from the House of Savoy. Palazzo Madama is uniquely ancient, with part of its structure dating back to the Roman city walls from the first century BC.
Madama was converted to a castle in the 1300s, and you can still see the stone façade and turrets from Piazza Castello. Inside, however, you’ll see the feminine touch of numerous regents, who left their mark with opulent interiors and luxurious furnishings.
Today, Palazzo Madama also houses the Turin City Museum of Ancient Art.
Photograph the Iconic Turin Skyline
The skyline of Turin from across the river, with the iconic dome of Mole Antonelliana dominant against the sharp outline of the Alps, is arguably the photo to capture while in Turin.
One of the best places to see the famous skyline is from the Turin City View Point (directions). Once you cross the River Po, it’s a short but steep uphill walk to the sixteenth century Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini church. However, your reward is one of the best vantage points in the city.
It’s particularly stunning at sunset, when the darkening sky contrasts against the twinkling of city lights below.
Go Hollywood at the Museo Nazionale del Cinema
The Mole Antonelliana, the focal point of the Turin skyline, has been many things since its completion in 1889. Today, though, it is home to the National Museum of Cinema.
A must for film buffs, the Museo pays homage to the history of both Italian film and the larger cinema industry.
Once you’re done touring the numerous collections and exhibits, be sure to take the glass elevator up to the top of the dome, with panoramic views of the city below.
Walk Parco del Valentino (including its Medieval Village and French Chateau)
Parco del Valentino is the primary park in Turin, stretching nearly 2 km from top to bottom. Enjoy strolling the groomed pedestrian paths or idling along the banks of the River Po.
The park has some truly stunning architectural gems tucked away inside its grounds.
Castello del Valentino is a 17th century French-style chateau, that feels like it was dropped straight out of Versailles.
Additionally, the 19th century Borgo Medievale is a full-scale replica of a medieval town. You’ll feel transported back in time to a working Middle Ages village, as you tour the local fortress, houses, workshops, gardens, and more.
Peruse the Book Stalls on Via Po
Book lovers will swoon over Via Po, where booksellers set up open-air stalls underneath the stately arcades. The book stalls stretch for blocks, with new and used offerings ranging from mainstream fiction to niche collectibles.
With multiple languages represented among the stalls, you’re sure to find your next read at a reasonable price.
Sample Piedmont’s Regional Cuisine
In a country defined by its cuisine, Piedmont is an underappreciated gastronomic hub. Its proximity to the Alps has, over the centuries, created and refined a series of hearty regional specialties meant to warm and sustain through cold winter months.
Some of the defining local dishes to try in Turin include tajarin and agnolotti pasta dishes, risotto, and vitello tonnato, a classic cold appetizer of sliced veal with salty anchovy sauce. You’ll also want to try bagna cauda, a warm dipping sauce of garlic, anchovy, and olive oil.
Finish it all off with gianduja, otherwise known as chocolate and hazelnuts. A Torinese classic, this flavor combination has been omnipresent in local desserts since Napoleonic times.
Of course, no mention of Piedmont gastronomy is complete without paying homage to the truffle. This deliciously earthy delicacy is served on nearly everything, from pasta and rice dishes to salads and main courses.
If you want to root out truffles at the source, it’s easy to join a truffle hunt in the woodlands just outside of Turin. More on that below…
Go on a Truffle Hunt
The rich, misty hillsides of Piedmont are ripe with truffles, a humble-looking little tuber that can easily fetch hundreds or thousands of Euros at auction.
Enthusiasts from around the world descend on Piedmont each fall, when truffle season peaks in October. However, truffle hunting tours are offered most months of the year. You’ll join the truffle hunter and their experienced dogs on a walk through the countryside, as they sniff out the telltale truffle aromas.
It’s about a 1-hour drive from Turin to the heart of truffle country, out near Alba and Asti. You can either meet your tour at its starting location, or for a small fee, some operators will pick you up in Turin. Most tours provide lunch, and some of the pricier ones also include a wine tasting.
There are an overwhelming number of truffle hunting tours out there. Truffle Hunting Alba is one of the bigger ones, while Piedmont Wine Tours will pick you up from the Turin train station. You can also ask your hotel for local recommendations, based on where you’re staying.
Visit a Traditional Turin Coffee House
Turin is famous for its coffee culture. Genteel coffee houses, with dripping chandeliers and parquet floors, have been a cornerstone of the city’s social life for centuries, and many are still in operation today.
Some of the most famous (and historic) coffee houses include Caffè Al Bicerin, Caffè Fiorio, and Caffè Torino.
Regardless of where you go, the traditional specialty to order is bicerin. This espresso concoction is served hot, blended with chocolate and milk, and often finished with a dollop of cream and chocolate shavings. It’s a decadent treat that is as much dessert as it is coffee.
Cheer on Juventus at Allianz Stadium
Juventus, one of the perennial heavyweights of Italy’s Serie A football league, plays at Allianz Stadium, just a 10–15-minute drive from the Turin city center. It’s a riotous environment to catch a game with the hometown favorites and their legion of diehard fans.
You can purchase tickets at the official Juventus website, but know that it can be challenging to get seats to in-demand games against top rivals.
Tip: If you’re hoping to attend a game against a big opponent, it’s worth it to sign up for a Juventus annual membership. You’ll have to pay the registration fee (starting at €50), but you’ll have priority ticket access as a result.
Sample Piedmont’s World-Famous Wines
The hillsides outside of Turin produce some of the world’s finest wines, on par with anything you’d find elsewhere in Italy or France.
The Piedmontese are deservedly prideful of their vineyards’ renown, and you’ll find extensive wine lists anywhere you go in Turin. Whether you pop into a local wine bar for a tasting, or order a bottle with dinner, it’s a treat to sample Piedmont wines at their origin.
Because of the unique northern climate, where warm Mediterranean breezes meet the cool fog of the Alpine foothills, Piedmont wines are generally smoother than the Italian wines of Tuscany or Sicily, which see more heat. Piedmont is known for its velvety, fruit-forward red wines, although you’ll find plenty of crisp white varietals as well.
When ordering, look for the DOCG classification (the highest rating of Italian wines) that signifies top quality.
The most exclusive Piedmont wine is Barolo, which also comes with the highest price tag. For a similar profile, look for Nebbiolo or Barbaresco, which stem from the same grape as Barolo but without as steep of a cost. Barbera is another easy drinking red wine.
Those who prefer white wines will enjoy the delicate Arneis or Erbaluce. They’re mostly grown in the foothills of the Alto Piemonte, close to the Alps, and their cool mountain origins reflect strongly in their crispness.
Admire the Galleria Subalpina
There’s plenty of swoon-worthy architecture throughout Turin’s city center, but the Galleria Subalpina is one of the most frequently photographed – and for good reason. This Art Nouveau-style masterpiece of glass and iron has served as a genteel shopping arcade since its opening in 1874.
Today, you’ll still find stores retailing the same wares they have for 150 years, including books and antiques.
When you’re ready to rest your feet, it’s a pleasant experience to post up with a coffee or aperitivo among the potted palms, at one of the classic dining establishments lining the ground floor.
Step Back in Time at Venaria Reale
The third Savoy palace on this list, Venaraia Reale is often one of the most popular to visit. Its all-white Hall of Diana is a marvel, and the rest of the grounds are equally sumptuous.
Venaria Reale is located in the suburbs of Turin, making it an easy day trip. You’ll want to allow 2+ hours for your self-guided tour.
The town of Venaria also abuts the palace grounds, with a charming half-kilometer-long stretch of village shops and restaurants offering al fresco dining. It’s a comfortable spot to linger and extend your stay in this pleasant Turin neighborhood.
Attend the Opera at Teatro Regio
Teatro Regio is one of the most famous opera houses in Italy, dating back to the mid-eighteenth century.
Unfortunately, the original structure burned down and was rebuilt in 1973. Consequently, today’s theater is more modern than the original complex, but it’s still a special experience to catch a show in a place with such a storied history.
The Teatro Regio season runs from October – June, with a robust schedule of operas and ballets. You can view the full schedule and get tickets on the Teatro Regio website.
Climb the Hill to the Basilica di Superga
This classical Baroque church sits on a hill across the River Po, and its location is half the allure. With ample views of that same iconic Turin skyline, it’s a stunning final resting place of the House of Savoy (most of them are buried here).
The Basilica’s architect spent a decade in Rome before securing this project, and the Roman influence is evident – some even comment on the similarities of Superga to the dome of St. Peter’s.
Shop Europe’s Largest Open-Air Market
Porta Palazzo, which sits just a few blocks from Palazzo Reale, is the largest open-air market in Europe. Every day except Sunday, the four quadrants of the Piazza della Repubblica are transformed into a bustling market.
Each quadrant is zoned to specialize in everything from fresh produce and meats, to clothing and footwear, to household goods and flowers.
The Centro Palatino section also hosts a series of educational and cultural exhibitions, ranging from art and science, to book and film presentations, and more.
Celebrate the Automobile at the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile
For car afficionados, the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile is one of the best things to do in Turin. It’s considered one of the premier automobile museums in the world, with an incredible collection of vehicles from the earliest ideations through to today.
Hometown Fiat gets plenty of love here, but you’ll also see models on display of over 80 different car manufacturers, from 10 different countries.
Temporary exhibits rotate constantly, so there’s plenty to return for, even if you’ve already seen the permanent collections. You can learn more about the current exhibits at the museum website.
Catch a Buzz at Museo Lavazza
Fiat (above) isn’t the only world-famous brand to originate from Turin. Iconic coffee and espresso purveyor Lavazza also calls Turin home, and now has its own dedicated museum.
It’s definitely one of the quirkier things to do in Turin, but is a fun outing for any coffee lover.
Plan to spend an hour or two here, learning about the history of both Lavazza brand and the larger coffee industry, with plenty of interactive exhibits for the whole family. The tour ends with a tasting of the renowned brew. Learn more at the museum website.
Visit Europe’s Largest Rooftop Garden (and Former Fiat Test Track)
La Pista 500, atop the 100-year-old Lingotto building, was formerly the kilometer-long test track for local car manufacturer Fiat. But in 2022, it was converted into what is now Europe’s largest rooftop garden.
The extensive complex includes 40,000 plants, along with art exhibits and even outdoor film screenings. You can view the current schedule and rotating art pieces at the La Pista website.
Have more time to explore the surrounding Piedmont region? Check out our guides to Piedmont wine tasting, where to stay in wine country, and other day trip ideas in 14 Fun Things to Do in Piedmont.
Featured image of Piazza Castello credit Cristiano Caligaris.
