Last Updated on November 28, 2022 by Helen E. White
Turin is one of the most beautiful cities to see in Italy. The Piedmontese capital is undervalued compared to its neighbor Milan and other national destinations. Although it may not seem like it, there are many things to do in Turin.
The city is and has been very important: it was the first capital of Italy in 1861, the residence of the powerful House of Savoy and the birthplace of important Italian politicians such as Cavour. In addition, it has many museums and sacred objects that denote the power that the city had. In this post, we tell you 25 things to do in Turin.
See More: Where to Stay in Turin
25 Things to See and Do in Turin
1. Visit the National Film Museum
It is curious that the main attraction of a city like Turin is a museum. However, the Museo Nacional del Cine can be considered as much more than a museum. Located inside the Mole Antonelliana, the most unique building in the city, it will allow you to learn about the history of cinema.
From the first cameras to the film industry we know today. The visit is very entertaining and fun, even for children.
2. Appreciate the Mole Antonelliana and Go Up to Its Viewpoint
As we have said, the Mole Antonelliana is the most representative building in Turin. Since 1888, its 167-meter height stands out against the Turin skyline. As a curiosity, it was initially designed to house a Jewish synagogue. This Turin symbol appears on the reverse of all two euro-cent coins produced in Italy. Finally, and most importantly, it offers a panoramic viewpoint that offers great views of the city and the Alps.
3. Have the Best Views From Santa Maria Del Monte
If you want another place with good views, you have to go up here. For us, from the viewpoint of the Basilica of Santa María del Monte, you have the best panoramic view of the city. The main advantage regarding the views from the Mole is that from this point you will see the iconic building. Without the Mole Antonelliana, the Turin skyline is orphaned.
Getting there is not complicated. You must cross the Vittorio Emmanuele I Bridge and go up about 800 meters. The views are spectacular and enjoying them is something you have to do in Turin.
4. Browse the Egyptian Museum, One of the Best Things to Do in Turin
Turin is an elegant city that has some of the most important museums in Europe. The Egyptian Museum in Turin is no exception: it is considered the second most important museum in the world for its collection of Egyptian antiquities, only surpassed by Cairo.
Vitalo Donatti, professor of botany at the University of Turin, was the main person responsible for making Turin a world reference. In 1760, after a few trips to Egypt, he brought more than 300 precious objects to the city, including a statue of Ramses II. Later, with the Savoy family in the city, in 1824 there was a purchase of more than 1,000 objects, including mummies and papyri, which expanded the collection.
5. Go to the Basilica of Superga
There are visits that fall a bit far from the city, and going to see the Basilica of Superga is one of them. This imposing basilica, built in the 18th century, houses the tombs of many princes and kings of the House of Savoy.
As a curiosity, on May 4, 1949, the Torino FC plane crashed into the back of the Basilica of Superga without leaving any survivors. It is one of the most serious tragedies in the world of football. In those days Torino was considered the best team in the world. The accident occurred when the team was returning from playing a match against Benfica. Going to the basilica is a good way to honor the victims.
6. Get Lost in the Parco Del Valentino
It is the oldest and most beautiful public park in Turin. Apart from the Mole Antonelliana, it is another of the symbols of the city. It is very loved by the locals, who very often disconnect walking through its paths. It is located right on the bank of the Po River.
Apart from the tranquility, the park offers many other treasures: first of all, the Valentino Castle, a spectacular building that is the headquarters of the Faculty of Architecture of the Turin Polytechnic. And perhaps its biggest attraction is the Borgo Medievale, a particularly beautiful medieval-style building. Although it makes us think that it belongs to that period, it was built in 1884 for the Universal Exhibition in Turin. It recreates a medieval town with all its characteristics: houses, buildings, shops… Without a doubt, visiting this park is something that must be done in Turin, yes or yes.
7. Enjoy Piazza San Carlo, One of the Most Beautiful Things to See in Turin
It is one of the most important squares in the city. It is the nucleus of concerts, demonstrations and many other events held in the city. With more than 12,000 square meters, it is one of the largest in the city.
Piedmontese political life has always developed in the cafes around this square. That is why some of the oldest coffee shops in the city still survive in this area. Don’t leave Turin without having a drink on the terrace of the authentic Caffè Torino.
8. Feel the Elegance of Piazza Castello
If you are in Piazza Castello, it means that you are in the heart of Turin. Here you can enjoy the facades of the two main palaces of the city: the Royal and the Madama. It is an elegant square, where the four main streets of Turin come together and where the most valuable buildings in the city are located.
9. Visit the Juventus Stadium
If you like soccer, you will surely want to visit the stadium of one of the most historic clubs, Juventus FC. If the budget doesn’t reach you to go see a game or the dates simply don’t match, don’t worry.
You will be able to put yourself in the shoes of the footballers and jump onto the field as if you were going to play a Champions League match.
10. Enter the Turin Cathedral Where the Shroud is Located
There are few objects as valuable as the Shroud of Turin, or also known as the Shroud. The story says that it is the mantle with which Jesus Christ was covered after the crucifixion. The truth is that there is a lot of controversy on this topic. Despite the fact that the Pope venerated it on June 21, 2015, the Catholic Church has never recognized its authenticity, although it has not denied it either.
For many, it continues to be a forgery made during the medieval period. In 1988, scientists from three universities concluded that the cloth was from the 11th or 12th century, so it could not be the cloak of Jesus.
True or not, we think it’s a thing to see in Turin. The Shroud is in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin. The entrance to the cathedral is free.
11. Fall in Love With the Royal Palace, One of the Most Recommended Visits to Do in Turin
One of the buildings that are in Piazza Castello is this imposing palace. It was the first and most important residence of the House of Savoy and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to see its beautiful interiors and imagine how one of the most powerful families in Europe lived, don’t miss it.
12. Stroll Through the Royal Gardens
One of the best areas of the Royal Palace is its beautiful gardens. Unlike if you want to enter the Palace, walking through its gardens is an activity to do in Turin that will not cost you a single euro.
13. Visit the Madama Palace, Another Interesting Palace to See in Turin
It is the other palace that is located in Piazza Castello. Although it does not have the importance of the first, it is also very beautiful to see. It was also one of the residences of the House of Savoy and can be visited today.
In addition, since 1934 Palazzo Madama has housed the Turin Civic Museum of Ancient Art. As a curiosity, several archaeological treasures are preserved under the building, such as the Decumana Gate, one of the four that gave access to the Roman city.
14. Eat a Burrata Pizza at Tre Da Tre
In Turin, as in any part of Italy, the food is especially good. His diet of pasta, pizzas and gelatos satisfies almost any tourist. Tre da Tre is a central restaurant, right next to the Mole Antonelliana, which we loved. In particular, their spectacular burrata pizza. These things are not described, they are simply tested. You’ll tell us what you think.
15. Enjoy an Ice Cream by Alberto Marchetti
And after a good pizza, you can’t miss a good gelato. In general, Turin has very good ice cream parlors. Despite the fact that some are more famous, we love this one and whenever we go to Turin we taste one of its artisan ice creams. It doesn’t matter what you ask for, it will be great. If you want a recommendation, the lemon one is supreme.
16. Go Shopping on via Roma
It is one of the most important streets in Turin. If you like to go shopping, in Via Roma you will find the main commercial windows. The most curious thing is that the shops are hidden under the characteristic porticoes of the city that keep it glamorous.
17. Stroll Along the Banks of the Po
Something that cannot be missing from your list of things to do in Turin is a sunset walk along the banks of the Po. Although it may seem like a small thing as it passes through Turin, it is the longest river in Italy. Both in summer and winter, if you want to relax before going to sleep, be sure to take a walk along the banks of the river.
18. See the Gran Madre Di Dio Church
Going down Via Po, on the other side of the river, you will see a colossal church that will remind you of the Pantheon in Rome. This is Gran Madre di Dio, a neoclassical temple that was built in 1814 to commemorate the return to the throne of King Vittorio Emmanuele I after defeating Napoleon. From the temple, you can see spectacular views of Vittorio Square in Turin.
19. Do Not Miss the Museo Nazionale Dell’automobile
This is another of the most outstanding museums in the city. Even if you are not a car lover, knowing its history is always something curious. There you can see copies of the most classic cars to the most modern ones. The museum has 3 floors and is very educational and interactive. The only downside is that if languages are a bit difficult for you, there is nothing translated into Spanish.
20. Take a Walk Around the Mercato Di Porta Palazzo
If you are in Turin on a weekend it is always curious to see it. It is one of the largest open-air markets in Europe. There you can find everything and at a good price. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, it’s a lot of fun to see its rather chaotic environment. Undoubtedly, a curious visit to do in Turin.
21. Visit the Carignano Palace and Learn About the History of the Country
Inside is the Museo del Risorgimento, essential to discover the living Italian history. It is also a great opportunity to see this beautiful palace. Regarding the museum, although it is not very didactic, the history is quite interesting.
22. Go Up the Coline Di Torino, a Highly Recommended Plan to Do in Turin
If you want to see the city from another perspective, we encourage you to climb the hill of Turin. From there you can see the Snowy Alps and appreciate a beautiful sunset. Without a doubt, it is a beautiful way to end a day in Turin.
23. Remember the Roman Period by Observing Porta Palatina
In ancient Rome, Turin was called Iulia Augusta Taurinorum. The Palatine Gate was one of the four access gates to the city.
24. If You Want Atmosphere, Have a Martini in Piazza Vittorio
Piazza Vittorio is one of the areas with the most nightlife in the city. In case you didn’t know, the Martini was created in Turin. To pay homage to him, it wouldn’t be bad if you had a drink in one of the bars in Piazza Vittorio. You will enjoy its great atmosphere and it is something different to do in Turin.
25. Escape to Milan, a Good Excursion to Do in Turin
Finally, our last proposal to do in Turin is a getaway to Milan. Turin is a city that you can get to know quickly: in a couple of days, you have already seen most of its attractions. Milan is less than 2 hours away by car and just 1 hour by train. It is even a good option for a day trip.