Best Things To Do in Turin

Turin is the capital of Piedmont, a city located in northern Italy. It is noted 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 its 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 include street experiences, artistic highlights and secrets of the old town. Of course, a visit to this city is not complete without a trip to the Sacra di San Michele, a sacred hilltop beauty. There are so many things to do in this Italian destination, here are all the options you can't miss!

Turin is a very elegant Italian city with a rich history, gastronomy, artistic sites and high-class events. Don't miss the opportunity to see its baroque buildings and the contrasts that make this corner of Europe 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 hidden spots that make it special. The locals know the most enjoyable and entertaining places to visit, so they can fill you in on what to see and do.

If you plan to spend at least 2 days in the city, then you have to check out 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 and a long list of celebrities who have enjoyed a meal here. 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 specialities of Piedmontese cuisine.

If there is one thing you can do in Turin until you get tired of it, it is undoubtedly eating. You'll find options everywhere, but nothing matches experiencing refined recipes made with quality ingredients. Generally, you will 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 specialities, this dish offers a typical cheese from Piedmont accompanied by a sauce flavoured 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 is a must and you might try one of the most famous of the local gastronomy. It is made with eggs, cocoa, coffee and amaretti biscuits. These biscuits are also crazy for the palate, made with almonds and egg whites.

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

Turin's Royal Palace is one of the most impressive spaces, where you can enjoy a learning-filled itinerary. If you go on your own, be sure to bring a map of the structure because there is so much to see. It was built in the late 16th century, commissioned by the reigning Savoy dynasty of the time. Guided tours are available from 51 euros, allowing you to skip the queues to this coveted building.

Not to be missed here is the Scala delle Forbici, a magnificent colourful staircase built especially for the wedding of Prince Charles Emmanuel III to Anna Christina of Bavaria. In general, it has 5 outstanding areas that you cannot miss:

• Halls of the Royal Palace: it has three floors known as the Throne Room where the ducal flats are sheltered, and the Ballroom which 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 Armoury: some of the oldest and most important collections of weapons in the world are housed here.
• Royal Library: contains around 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 underground and houses busts, sculptures and other fascinating items.

Travel to Egypt without leaving Turin, in a unique museum experience. Home to more than a century of history, it is one of the most important collections in the world. Spend at least two hours exploring more than 37,000 priceless artefacts. 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 will be able to see fascinating statues of the most famous pharaohs in history such as Tutankhamun, Ramses II or Amun.
• Ostracon of the Ballerina: a guarded jewel believed to have been recovered between 1292 and 1076 B.C. It represents the acrobatic dancer, a figure of the gymnastic dance of Ancient Egypt.
• Luefankh Book of the Dead: travel back to the Hellenistic era, to see an authentic papyrus that had instructions on how to survive in the other world.

The Turin Cathedral 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 during sacred ceremonies, known as the Ostension of the Holy Shroud. In addition, the charm of this sacred building lies in its harmonious architecture, as it was built on the remains of three churches and has beautiful 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 centre, so it's 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 or discounted access to certain attractions in the Old Town.

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

• The Egyptian Museum of Turin, reason enough 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 Mercado del Balloon, a peculiar market full of contrasts, ideal for getting to know the city from a different perspective. It is usually held every Saturday and has areas for food, crafts, clothes, flowers and more.

The Museum of Oriental Art in Turin is 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, within an original 18th-century structure that was remodelled 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'll 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 secular art, Islamic art collections and enjoy special events: concerts and educational activities, ideal if you're looking for things to do in Turin with kids; also art workshops, lectures and more.

The Palazzo Madama is a dazzling castle where you can indulge in a historical tour. It is located in Piazza Castello, a short walk 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.

Turin' s best sightseeing buses include tours of the 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, 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 take a tour of the city's Art Nouveau or modern art. 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 told on the best local tours. If you want to appreciate examples of emblematic buildings, I recommend you to 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 coloured windows and wrought iron balconies.
• Casa dei Draghi: a building that mixes neo-gothic style with Art Deco, it 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 colourful 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 Turin Film Museum building. You can go up in a panoramic lift, 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. In this way, you will have a multifaceted experience as you can enjoy a tour of its facilities, enjoy the views 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, as the reward is views of the domes of the main buildings.

Just forty-five minutes from Turin lies the Sacra di San Michele, a must-see experience if you plan to spend more than two days in the city. It is a monument rich in art and history, but be aware that to appreciate its beauty up close you will have to climb Monte Pirchiriano at an altitude of almost 1,000 metres. Follow the myths that are interwoven around this abbey, which has defied time and remained intact.

The best way to get there is via 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 buy an individual ticket from 8 euros for a 45-minute self-guided tour using QR codes that unlock explanatory videos. Some of the things you can 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 Michael donated in 2005 by the sculptor Paul dë Doss-Moroder.
• The Staircase of the Dead, named after its steep structure leading up to the Zodiac Gate Sacra di San Michele where ancient skeletons used to be sheltered and nowadays sacred tombs of monks are preserved.