Best Things To Do in Turin

Turin is the capital of Piedmont, a city located in northern Italy. It stands out for its refined buildings and picturesque streets, which are full of unforgettable experiences. You can go on historical tours, discover the incomparable Piedmontese gastronomy and enjoy the beauty of the most famous sites. For example, you cannot miss a visit to the Royal Palace, the Egyptian Museum and the Palazzo Madama.

In addition, the best activities in Turin bring together experiences through its streets, the most outstanding buildings of the artistic current and secrets of the old town. Of course, a visit to this city is not complete if you don't escape to the Sacra di San Michele, a sacred beauty on top of a hill. There are so many things to do in this Italian destination, I'll tell you all the options you can't miss!

Turin is a very elegant Italian city with a vast history, gastronomy, artistic sites and high-class events. Don't miss the opportunity to get to know its baroque buildings and the contrasts that make this European corner special. If you don't want to miss anything, then you should take advantage of a guided experience to get to know its monuments, squares and hideaways that make it special. The locals know perfectly the most enjoyable places with the most entertainment options, so they can fill you in on what to see or do.

If you plan to stay at least 2 days in the city, then you have to take a look at the must-sees:

• Piazza San Carlo: it is located in the heart of the city and during your stay you will pass through here many times, as it interconnects the four main arteries, known as Via Roma, Via Garibaldi, Via Po and Via Pietro Micca.
• Ristorante del Cambio: a famous Piedmontese restaurant that boasts Michelin stars, as well as a long list of celebrities who have enjoyed a meal there. Among them are Audrey Hepburn, Nietzsche and the Agnelli family.
• Galleria Subalpina: if you want to travel back in time, you probably have to take a look at this authentic gallery that was built in the 19th century. Its elegant Renaissance style will remind you of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.

An authentic and unmissable activity in Turin is to delve into the most outstanding traditions of this Italian perimeter. The best way to do this is with a gastronomic experience in the home of a local. It is ideal for those who enjoy getting to know a city through the palate, as a local will prepare for you specialties of Piedmontese cuisine.

If there is one thing you can do in Turin until you get tired, it is undoubtedly eating. You'll find options everywhere, but nothing matches experiencing refined recipes made with quality ingredients. Generally, you'll have to set aside two hours for this tasting. If you are short on time and only plan to be in Turin for 1 day, this is your chance to try it:

• Tomini al verde: Italy is famous for its cheese specialties, this dish offers a typical cheese from Piedmont accompanied by a sauce flavored with oil, parsley, capers, anchovies and garlic.
• Agnolotti del plin: escape the limits of the safe and dare to try a pasta stuffed with grilled meat.
• Bonet: of course, the dessert cannot be missed and you may try one of the most famous of the local gastronomy. It is made with eggs, cocoa, coffee and amaretti cookies. These cookies are also crazy for the palate, they are prepared with almonds and egg whites.

These are some of the dishes you can try during this experience, but be open to surprise yourself with seasonal dishes and explosive flavors.

The Royal Palace of Turin is one of the most impressive spaces, where you can enjoy an itinerary full of learning. If you go on your own, be sure to bring a map of the structure because there is a lot to see. It was built at the end of the 16th century, commissioned by the Savoy dynasty that reigned at the time. There are guided tours starting at 51 euros that allow you to skip the lines to this coveted building.

Here you cannot miss the Scala delle Forbici, a magnificent colorful staircase built especially for the wedding of Prince Charles Emmanuel III with Anna Christina of Bavaria. In general, it has 5 outstanding areas not to be missed:

• Halls of the Royal Palace: it has three floors known as the Throne Room where the ducal apartments are sheltered, and the Ballroom that witnessed exuberant parties. Among these spaces you can appreciate the Dome of the Cappella della Sacra Sindone, where years ago the Holy Shroud where Jesus Christ was wrapped was kept. It has other opulent rooms such as the Galleria del Daniel and the Salone degli Svizzeri.
• Royal Armory: some of the oldest and most important collections of weapons in the world are housed here.
• Royal Library: contains about 220,000 ancient volumes, as well as drawings by important artists.
• Sabauda Gallery: has hundreds of paintings that belonged to the Savoy family, its founders.
• Archaeological Museum: considered one of the best museums in Turin, it has objects from Roman times and silver treasures. It is located subway and houses busts, sculptures and other fascinating items.

Travel to Egypt without leaving Turin, in an experience through this particular museum. It houses more than a century of history, making it one of the most important collections in the world. Spend at least two hours exploring more than 37,000 priceless artifacts. You can enjoy a visit on your own, but it is always very crowded, so it is preferable to opt for a guided experience for small groups without queues.

In this way, you can comfortably appreciate the findings, carefully guarded in the Egyptian Museum of Turin, which is not in vain among the best museums in the city. Its corridors are dedicated to Egyptian culture and you can take the opportunity to appreciate them:

• Gallery of the kings: you can see fascinating statues of the most famous pharaohs in history such as Tutankhamun, Ramses II or Amun.
• Ostracon of the dancer: it is a guarded jewel that is believed to have been rescued between 1292 and 1076 B.C. It represents the acrobatic dancer, a figure of the gymnastic dance of Ancient Egypt.
• Book of the Dead of Luefankh: travel to the Hellenistic era, to know an authentic papyrus that had indications on how to survive in the other world.

The Cathedral of Turin or Duomo di Torino is a free monument where the Shroud of Turin, which wrapped the body of Jesus Christ, is kept. It can be seen on some occasions sacred ceremonies are held, known as the Ostension of the Holy Shroud. Additionally, the charm of this sacred building lies in its harmonious architecture, since it was carved on the remains of three churches and has precious areas such as the bell tower, the octagonal dome and the chapel.

Here you will find some tombs of the Italian royal family, as well as the tomb of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Note that the cathedral is located in the historic center, so it is a marvel surrounded by monuments and iconic locations that are a must on your journey through Italy. If you plan to stay at least 2 days in the city, you can enjoy the scenery and take advantage of the Piemonte Card, which offers free access or discounts to certain Old Town attractions.

Some of the locations you can visit near the cathedral include:

• The Egyptian Museum of Turin, more than enough reason to enjoy a tour of the Old Town.
• The Palatine Gate, the entrance to the ancient Roman city, which you will pass through several times during your stay in Turin.
• The Balloon Market, a peculiar market full of contrasts, ideal for getting to know the city from another perspective. It is usually held every Saturday and has areas for food, handicrafts, clothing, flowers and more.

The Oriental Art Museum of Turin is a corner with a far from traditional experience, housing one of the most valuable collections of Asian art in Italy. It has five galleries that you can explore at your own pace, inside an original 18th-century structure that was remodeled to create this museum in 2008.

It's one of the best museums in Turin, as you can travel through Japanese, Pakistani and Chinese works. In addition, you will get a glimpse of outstanding paintings, prints and other art objects, such as artistic exhibits of three-toed dragons. Note that the tour starts in its dreamy gardens, and then moves to three floors filled with fantastic works. In its halls you can see profane art, Islamic art collections and enjoy special events: concerts and educational activities, ideal if you are looking for things to do in Turin with children; also art workshops, conferences and more.

The Palazzo Madama is a dazzling castle where you can dedicate yourself to enjoying a historical tour. It is located in Piazza Castello, a short distance from the Royal Palace. It has collections of history and architecture, strategically divided. It is considered one of the most elegant buildings that eludes a journey back in time through several eras: medieval, Renaissance and Baroque. You'll be dazzled by displays of ceramics, glassware and period clothing.

The best tour buses in Turin include routes through this sapphic palace, so it may be an option to consider. There are also guided tours that save you the queues and allow you to appreciate its beauty without the crowds. An interesting fact is that it was originally a Roman gate, until it ended up becoming an imposing castle. Additionally, here you can visit the Civic Museum of Ancient Art, which houses hundreds of works of art.

Turin can be considered the capital of art, so it is interesting to contemplate a tour of the Art Nouveau or modern art of the city. You can trace a route on your own, or book a guided experience through the most important artistic currents. Most of the visual attractions bear the signature of Pietro Fenoglio, a master architect whose story is revealed in the best local tours. If you want to appreciate examples of emblematic buildings, I recommend you consider:

• Fenoglio-Lafleur House: it is one of the best examples of the Italian Liberty style, an artistic current that arrived in the Piedmontese capital in 1902. Take a few minutes to marvel at its large stained glass windows and wrought iron balconies.
• Casa dei Draghi: a building that mixes neo-Gothic style with Art Deco, which has five imposing floors that are worth a look.

Of course, you can't leave Turin without enjoying a scenic view of its imposing façade. The Piedmontese capital has strategic enclaves, where you can appreciate the colorful sunset and catch a glimpse of the most important buildings. A less crowded option is the Monte dei Cappucini viewpoint, located on an easily accessible hill.

If you prefer a more comfortable and modern alternative, then you should go for the Mole Antonelliana viewpoint located in the building of the Turin Film Museum. You can go up by a panoramic elevator, to detail every corner of the city. Other options to get 360° views of the city are:

• Basilica of Superga: it is a cherished building for the Turinese, as it is located on a hill with privileged views. Thus, you will have a multifaceted experience as you can enjoy a tour of its facilities, enjoy the view and use the old Turin tramway that is used to go up.
• Campanile del Duomo: this historic bell tower was built in 1468 and is quite a journey, as you have to climb around 200 steps. I promise you it's worth it, because the reward is views of the domes of the main buildings.

Just forty-five minutes from Turin hides the Sacra di San Michele, an experience you should take advantage of if you plan to spend more than 2 days in the city. It is a monument rich in art and history, but you should keep in mind that to appreciate its beauty up close you will have to climb Monte Pirchiriano at almost 1,000 meters above sea level. Follow the myths that intertwine around this abbey, which has defied time while remaining intact.

The best way to get there is through a guided tour, so you don't have to worry about anything. However, you can also combine a train and bus tour to explore on your own. As for tickets, at the door you can purchase an individual ticket from 8 euros for a 45-minute free tour taking advantage of the QR codes that unlock explanatory videos. Some of the things you'll be able to see in this imposing building include:

• The Sepulchre of the Monks, which corresponds to the remains of an ancient temple and cemetery.
• The Statue of Sacra di San Michele, an artistic piece of the Archangel St. Michael donated in 2005 by the sculptor Paul dë Doss-Moroder.
• The Staircase of the Dead, named for its steep structure that leads to the Zodiac Gate Sacra di San Michele where ancient skeletons used to be sheltered and today sacred tombs of monks are preserved.