Turin is also known as the forgotten city of Italy and after visiting it you’ll understand why it was the first capital of Italy and still is one of the industrial city areas of the country.
The vermouth, the Nutella and the Fiat cars were invented in Turin and it was also the first Italian city to have a cinema of its own.
If you sum all these inventions and add the beautiful landscapes and proximity to the Alps, it looks like Turin is a great destination to have a picnic in the park, a trip to the mountains and a snack with friends before an evening of movies or visiting museums.
In case you’re thinking about visiting the North of Italy, we give you 25 things to do in Turin.
1. Feel like an explorer in the halls of the Egyptian Museum.
This space houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on this side of the Nile.
2. Discover the incredible halls of the “Pallazo Madama“.
Which is the former residence of the Savoy and is now a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. If what you see seems amazing wait until you get a glimpse of the Roman ruins inside.
3. Take a stroll at “Piazza Castello“.
When leaving the Palace, which was the first Italian Senate, you will find yourself in “Piazza Castello” which is the city center and has been the most important place in the city for centuries.
4. Take your time and stroll among the shops of Via Roma.
5. Make a stop at the Caffé Mulassano for aperitifs.
It’s quite an experience to have a Martini or a glass of Prosecco in this tiny bar with marble tables.
6. Return to the “Piazza Castello” to immerse yourself in the luxurious halls of the Palazzo Reale.
It is the first royal residence of the Savoy and the center of the Piedmontese politics for over 3 centuries. After the visit you’ll understand why Turin is known as the Paris of Italy.
7. Walk along the arches of the Piazza San Carlo.
It’s nicknamed the “livingroom of Turin” and here you can find some of the oldest cafés in the city.
8. If you’re a football fan, your place is with Juventus.
Visit their stadium and stop by the museum to soak up their history.
9. Wander between the Barroque and Rococo architecture.
Which is typical of Turin and admire the colorful facades: bright blue, lemon yellow and many others…
10. Head over to the ancient Iulia Augusta Taurinorum.
It is now called Turin, by looking at the Porta Palatina, one of the best preserved Roman buildings in the world.
11. Recharge your energy at “Pepino Gelatería“!
After so many monuments you will have to recharge your batteries, so we suggest going to the “Pepino Gelatería” and ask for a Pingüino which is their most popular ice cream since 1884!
12. Visit the green heart of Turin – Valentino Park.
It is close to the river Po and architectural gems like the Borgo Medievale.
13. Moviegoers can’t miss the “National Cinema Museum” which has plenty of projections to offer.
It’s really a unique place!
14. Visit Torre Torino.
One of the best things about this museum is located inside the “Mole Antonelliana” tower. With your ticket in hand just climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the beautiful views.
15. Try all the chocolate you can.
Turin is also famous for chocolate and there is even a card called ChocoPass that lets you try different chocolate creations in the pastry shops of the city. Although the best-known producers are Ferrero, Caffarel and Stregli you can’t miss trying the artisan chocolate bars.
16. Find out more about one of the most mysterious objects in the world, the Shroud Of Turin.
You will find it in the Cathedral.
17. The “Carignano Palace” houses the “National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento“.
It’s the largest museum about the unification of Italy. It’s an essential visit to understand the country as it is today.
18. Did you know that the Martini brand is from Turin? You can’t find a better place to have a try of this drink!
19. Walk through the Grand Balôn market.
If you are in Turin during the second Sunday of the month, you can’t miss the Grand Balôn which is an antique market where you can find books, glasses, vintage cameras, furniture…
20. Do you like souvenirs? Buy some candies in Pastiglie Leone, one of the oldest sweet shops in Turin.
21. Travel back in time through the shop windows of Via Po.
Old libraries are mixed with the latest trends.
22. Delve into what was the first Fiat factory, the Lingotto building.
After the factory closed in the 80s, the space has been reused to house exhibitions, concert halls and restaurants…
23. To see Turin from above, go up to the Basilica of Superga.
It’s 650 meters above sea level!
24. In case you get tired of walking, you can always ride the tram line 7.
The journey is short but it’s worth to to see the inside of their old cars.
25. Book one of your nights to experience a lively night out in Murazzi, a district that stretches along one of the banks of the Po.
Our favorite bars are Big Mama and Disco Club Chalet.
I must say all places which have shared here are iconic and lovely.