24h in Turin travel guide
Turin is a fascinating city with a rich history and plenty to offer visitors. Often overshadowed by Milan, it is instead a very worthy destination.
Turin, or Torino in Italian, is an historic city located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy and it was the first capital of Italy, after Italy’s unification in 1860.
Easily reached by international and domestic flights, it is also conveniently reached by train from many European and Italian cities.
Top Attractions
Mole Antonelliana:
The symbol of Turin, this iconic building houses the Museo Nazionale del Cinema and offers stunning views of the city from its tower.
The construction of the Mole Antonelliana began in 1863 and was completed in 1889 by architect Alessandro Antonelli, of which takes its name.
Standing at 167.5 meters (550 feet), the Mole Antonelliana was once the tallest brick building in the world.
Today, it houses the Museo Nazionale del Cinema (National Cinema Museum), which is one of the most important and comprehensive film museums in the world. It showcases a vast collection of film memorabilia, equipment, posters, and interactive exhibits.
One of the main attractions of the Mole Antonelliana is its observation deck, accessible by an elevator. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Turin and the surrounding Alps from the top of the tower.
Opening Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Panoramic Lift
- Last Lift Ride: 10 minutes before closing time
Ticket Information
- Museum Admission: €12
- Panoramic Lift: €9
- Combined Admission: €17
It’s recommended to pre-purchase tickets online to avoid queues. The ticket office is open until one hour before closing time.
Palazzo Reale
The Palazzo Reale di Torino (Royal Palace of Turin) is a historic palace in Turin and a significant symbol of the House of Savoy. The palace was originally built in the 16th century and later modernized in the 17th century by Christine Marie of France, with designs by the Baroque architect Filippo Juvarra.
It houses:
- Chapel of the Holy Shroud: Built to house the famous Shroud of Turin, it is a notable religious and historical site.
- Royal Armoury: One of the most scenographic collections of ancient arms and armours in the world.
- Royal Gardens: Beautifully landscaped gardens that offer a peaceful retreat within the palace grounds.
- Museum: Since 1946, the palace has been a museum and is part of the Musei Reali Torino (Royal Museums of Turin)
The Palazzo Reale is a treasure trove of history, art, and culture, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the House of Savoy and the rich heritage of Turin. It is a must see!
Visiting Information
- Address: Piazzetta Reale, 1, 10122 Torino, Italy.
- Opening Hours: Generally open to the public, but it’s best to check the official website for current hours and ticket information.
- Ticket Information: Admission fees may vary, and it’s advisable to purchase tickets online in advance.
Museo Egizio of Turin
One of the world’s most important collections of Egyptian artifacts.
The first time I visited I was 11 years old on a school trip and it blew me away. Already an archaeologist at heart, I was totally enthralled by the incredible collection of Ancient Egyptian artwork on display.
The museum houses over 30,000 artifacts, making it the second most important collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world, after the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
The first Egyptian artifact arrived in Turin in 1630, an altar table in imitation of Egyptian style. This sparked King Charles Emmanuel III to commission Vitaliano Donati to travel to Egypt and acquire items.
In 1824, King Charles Felix acquired the Drovetti collection, which included 5,268 pieces. Egyptologist Ernesto Schiaparelli enriched the museum’s collection with his discoveries between 1900 and 1920.
The museum holds the longest papyrus in the world, the Papyrus of Iuefankh, which is 1847 cm long. The museum displays 24 human mummies and 219 animal mummies and sarcophagi.
Visiting Information
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM.
- Tickets: It’s recommended to purchase tickets online in advance. Admission fees may vary, so it’s best to check the official website for the latest information.
- Tickets and some tours can be found here:https://www.getyourguide.com/turin-l390?tripItemId=36970
Basilica di Superga
The Basilica di Superga is a stunning Baroque church located on the Superga Hill, just outside Turin.
Architect Filippo Juvarra built the Basilica between 1717 and 1731, following the commission by Duke Victor Amadeus II of Savoy, who had vowed to the Virgin Mary during the Battle of Turin in 1706.
The building reaches a height of 75 meters, with the hill reduced by 40 meters to enable its construction.The Basilica contains the tombs of many members of the House of Savoy, including kings and princes. The Royal Crypt is the final resting place of the Savoy family.
Superga also marks a tragic event from May 4, 1949, when a Fiat G.212 aircraft operated by Avio Linee Italiane crashed into the Basilica di Superga, carrying the entire Torino football team, famously known as the Grande Torino, along with club officials, journalists, and crew members.All 31 passengers died. There is a monument on site.
Visiting Information
- Opening Hours: The Basilica is open daily, but it’s best to check the official website for any changes or special events.
- Admission: Admission to the Basilica is free, but there may be fees for visiting the Royal Tombs and the Panoramic Dome
Parco del Valentino
One of my favourite sites in Turin, it’s a beautiful park along the river Po, perfect for a relaxing stroll. It houses:
Botanical Gardens: Home to a vast collection of plants and flowers, offering a serene environment for nature lovers.
Castello del Valentino: A grand Baroque castle built in the 17th century, now housing the Architecture Faculty of the Polytechnic University of Turin.
Borgo Medievale: A charming medieval village built for the 1884 Turin International Exhibition, featuring reconstructed buildings and interactive exhibits.
Fontana dei 12 mesi: A fountain depicting the twelve months of the year
Activities
- Walking and Biking: The park’s extensive pathways are perfect for leisurely strolls or bike rides.
- Events: Hosts various cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals throughout the year.
- Picnicking: A popular spot for locals to enjoy picnics, especially during the warmer months.
Visitor Information
- Opening Hours: Open daily, with no entrance fee.
- Accessibility: The park is accessible to visitors with disabilities, with designated pathways and facilities.
Chocolate city for chocolate lovers
Enjoy one, or more, chocolate dessert in one of the many poshy cafes in Turin and discover Turin’s iconic chocolates:
Gianduiotto: In 1865, Michele Prochet created Gianduiotto, a chocolate made by blending cacao with hazelnuts from Piedmont’s Langhe zone. This smooth, delicious treat became a symbol of Turin and is still popular today.
Cremino, another renowned chocolate from Turin, combines layers of gianduja chocolate with a hazelnut paste centre.
Turin is home to numerous chocolate shops and cafes where you can indulge in a variety of chocolate treats. Some well-known chocolatiers include Peyrano, Baratti & Milano, and Streglio.
Chocolate Festivals: The city hosts events like CioccolaTÒ, a festival celebrating chocolate with tastings, workshops, and more.
Fun Fact
Nutella: Although not originally from Turin, Nutella was created in the nearby town of Alba and has become a beloved chocolate spread enjoyed worldwide
Best Time to Visit:
Anytime! Stunning in winter, under the snow (but very cold), best times are likely spring and autumn, ideal for pleasant weather. Avoid summer when it’s crowded and stiffly hot.
