12 Very Best Things To Do In Turin, Italy

Turin is a totally beautiful city to explore in northern Italy. Nestled in the northwest fringes of the country, Turin is the capital of the Piedmont region which is known, around the world for its yummy cuisine and classic architecture. Though, Turin has so much to experience, too. There are heaps of the best things to do in Turin dotted all across (and just outside) the city.

Best Things To Do In Turin, Italy Via Po

Best Things To Do In Turin, Italy Mole Antonelliana Piedmont

This makes Turin one of the best Italian cities to visit for a long weekend trip; or even longer!

We had the most amazing time in northern Italy. So, to help you get the most out of your time visiting Turin, I’m sharing our top places to visit once you arrive. This way, you can focus on all the sights to see and the delicious chocolate that Turin is famous for.

Have fun in Turin.

1.) Quadrilatero Romano

The Quadrilatero is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Turin and totally amazing to stroll around in the late afternoon.

Way back when, the Quadrilatero was occupied by Romans, and it’s still thriving to this day. Now, one of the best ways to get around Quadrilatero. However, tread carefully as the pavements and roads can be uneven in parts.

As you wander around, make sure to visit Mastio della Cittadella. It’s the old citadel development that is so epic to wander around. Also, take a peek inside the Museum of Oriental Art that’s great to visit if the weather gets a bit wet. There’s also the Piazza Statuto, designed by Giuseppe Bollati,

Oh, and if you’re interested in Turin’s long history, book this underground tunnel tour when visiting the city.

The tour takes place under the Citadel and takes around three hours. On the tour, you’ll get to explore tunnels dating back to the 18th century and the iconic royal ice rooms.

Just be sure to book this tunnel tour before arriving; tickets sell out fast and are limited.

2.) Mole Antonelliana

Probably one of Turin’s most iconic buildings, the Mole Antonelliana is incredible to see.

In fact, you can spot Mole Antonelliana from many parts of Turin. After all, when it was built in the 1800s, it was the tallest brick building in all of Europe.

Historically, this site housed a Jewish synagogue before it was changed to the National Museum of Cinema. Nowadays, you can book this ticket for a guided tour of the museum and up to the very top viewing platform of Mole Antonelliana.

From here, you can see views for miles around and even the Italian Alps in the distance. It’s one of the best things to do in Turin and a spot you can’t miss.

3.) Turin’s Museums

One of the things I love most about Turin is its world-class museums. The city is a treasure trove of history and there are so many museums and exhibits to explore.

After arriving, make sure to visit the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento. It’s the most prestigious Risorgimento Museum in all of Italy. Now, Risorgimento was almost like an enlightenment period, or renaissance period which brought Italy into existence.

Alternatively, head over to the Turin Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio) which was started in the early 1800s. It is located in Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello and it is dedicated to Egyptian archaeology and the ancient Egyptian civilisation.

Oh, and don’t forget to head over to the National Car Museum of Turin (MAUTO). Perched in the south of the city, it’s one of the best things to do in Turin if you love cars. It’s well worth a trip for a few hours for any Italian car fanatic.

For ease, buy this Turin City Card that gets you free entry into all museums, royal residences, historical castles and so much more. It makes it a trip to Turin so easy (and cheaper than buying all the tickets individually).

4.) Royal Palace of Turin (Palazzo Reale)

Of course, you can’t visit Turin without heading inside one of its beautiful palaces. The Royal Palace of Milan is a beautiful estate that was built in the 16^th century and is so impressive to see.

There is so much history on the walls of this building and the interior just needs to be seen; especially the King’s Throne. We loved it.

Anything you’d think an Italian palace should have, the Palazzo Reale has it. Just be sure to give yourself at least 90 minutes to stroll around.

5.) Rivoli

Just on the fringes of the city itself, visiting Rivoli is one of the best things to do in Turin after exploring the city centre. You see, there’s been a town here for almost 2,000 years and although it might be small, it’s gorgeous to visit.

Once here, make sure to visit the Modern Art Museum, which is pretty impressive; inside and out. You see, this is another gem of a museum which was the Royal House of Savoy in Rivoli. Inside, you’ll get to wander around the contemporary art exhibits and take in the views as it’s perched beautifully on a hill.

Oh, and be sure to head over to Gelateria La Romana for their pistachio gelato. Honestly, I went back twice for it. So good.

6.) Basilica of Superga

Basilica of Superga is an absolutely impressive Roman Catholic cathedral that is dedicated to St John the Baptist. Not only that, it is the seat of the Archbishop of Turin.

The large cathedral has amazing architectural designs and the environment is serene and peaceful inside. It is also the resting place of the Shroud of Turin which makes this cathedral all the more significant and historic.

You can even scale the dome if you like. It’s so impressive and it only costs around 3 euros, or so. Not only that, but the tram ride to the top of the hill is absolutely gorgeous and the views are just stunning.

7.) Turin’s Markets

Not too far from Piazza Castello, Porta Palazzo Market is one of the largest in all of Turin. Now, lots of the outdoor stalls have fresh produce to buy, but if you head inside you’ll find a food area with heaps of stalls selling everything from local pasta and freshly-baked focaccia.

If you want a more antique or flea market, then head over to the Balon Flea Market. Just like the Cortile del Maglio area of Turin, Balon is home to industrial designs and this flea market is one of the biggest in Turin. With over 250 stalls in this large space, anything can be found in this market. Trust me, I looked!

However be aware, the latter market only takes place until 6 pm on the second Sunday of each month.

8.) Palazzo Madama

Palazzo Madama is another Palace in Turin that you honestly can’t miss. After all, this palace was also the very first seat or council of the Kingdom of Italy. How cool is that!

Once here, be sure to visit the Palazzo and explore the museum. It’ll take around 40 minutes and it’s well worth it. Keep your eyes peeled for the ‘Triumph of Virtue of Madama Reale‘ that was created by the iconic, Domenico Guidobono.

Also, for some great views, head to the top of the tower which is a great vantage point over Turin.

9.) Parco del Valentino

Take a stroll through Parco del Valentino for a few hours next to River Po. You see, this park houses a medieval castle and quaint little shops that you can visit.

Now, the garden is big; so be prepared for a longer stroll and wear comfy shoes. Also, don’t forget to visit Borgo Medioevale which is a few centuries old (folly). It’s gorgeous to visit.

Plus, you’ve got Castello del Valentino that’s so impressive to explore.

10.) Sacra of San Michele

Around a 50-minute drive from the centre of Turin, Sacra of San Michele is so iconic to see when visiting the wider Piedmont area of Italy.

The abbey is incredible to see and stands proudly overlooking the Piedmont countryside close to Turin.

To make things easy, book this half-day tour from Turin. The tour organises all the transport to Sacra of San Michele and a qualified guide. Just be prepared for the 250 steps.

11.) Stupinigi Royal Palace

Perched on the southern Fringes of the city, the Stupinigi Royal Palace might just be the best in all of Italy. Though, that’s subjective, of course.

Built back in the 1700s, this colossal palace and gardens are open to visit for a small fee. This is typically around 12 Euros (approximately). Once inside, you can explore some of the ornate rooms, see the frescos and learn more about Napoleon’s stay in the Royal palace.

Give yourself around 2 hours to stroll around.

12.) Gallery Subalpina

Perched in the city centre, visiting Gallery Subalpina is one of the best things to do in Turin as you wander the city streets.

It’s an absolutely gorgeous shopping gallery that’s so pretty. Make sure to stop by Baratti and Milano for a cappuccino. It’s nearly 200 years old and the inside is so gorgeous. Plus, the coffee is great, too!