Is Turin Worth Visiting? A Complete Traveler’s Guide

If you’re wondering, ‘Is Turin worth visiting?’ look no further. As an Italian who has explored Turin on numerous occasions, I have the insight to guide your decision. 

With its rich history, elegant architecture, world-class museums, and delicious cuisine, Turin is a hidden Italian gem that offers a unique blend of cultural and gastronomic experiences, making it a must-visit destination.

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Verdict: Should You Visit Turin?

Is Turin worth visiting? Yes! You should visit Turin if you seek an authentic and diverse Italian experience, with its blend of history, culture, gastronomy, elegant architecture, and accessibility to surrounding regions.

Top Reasons Why Turin is Worth Visiting

Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting Turin. We’ll review each of these reasons in detail throughout the article.

1. Authentic Italian Experience: Experience modern Northern Italy in this lesser-traversed city.
2. Royal Palaces: Home to beautiful palaces like Palazzo Reale, reflecting its historical significance.
3. World-Class Museums: Boasts museums like the Egyptian Museum and National Automobile Museum.
4. Elegant Architecture: Known for stylish streets and buildings, a legacy of the Savoy dynasty.
5. Delicious Food and Wine: Famous for Torinese cuisine, wine, and chocolate, including Nutella.
6. Easy Day Trips: Well-connected for exploring Italy, France, and Switzerland.

Facts About Turin

Historical Significance

Turin, the capital of the Piedmont region, was historically a major European political center and served as Italy’s first capital from 1861 to 1865.

Ancient Origins

The city was founded almost 2400 years ago by a Celtic tribe, the Taurini.

Architecture

Turin is well-known for its Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neo-classical, and Art Nouveau architecture.

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Royal Connection

Turin was the seat of the powerful House of Savoy, and many royal palaces, such as Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama, can be found in the city.

World-Class Museums

Turin boasts an array of museums, such as the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum), renowned for possessing the most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian relics outside of Cairo.

Automobile Industry

Turin is known for its automobile industry, particularly the car giant Fiat, founded in 1899.

Related Reading: 12 Best Italian Car Brands That Will Rev Your Engine

Chocolate Production

The city is famous for its chocolate production, especially the traditional gianduiotto, lingot-shaped chocolate.

The Holy Shroud

Turin is home to the Holy Shroud, believed to be Christ’s burial cloth, which is located in the city’s Duomo.

The Po River

River Po, the longest river in Italy, flows through Turin, offering scenic paths and river walks along its banks for visitors to enjoy.

The Mole Antonelliana

This 167-meter tower with a distinctive aluminum spire is the architectural symbol of Turin and houses the National Cinema Museum.

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Pros and Cons of Visiting Turin

Considering a trip and wondering if Turin is worth visiting? This Italian city has distinct attractions and potential downsides that could impact your travel plans. Here’s a look at the pros and cons to help guide your decision.

Pros	Cons
Authentic Italian experience	Weather: cold in winter
Royal palaces	Language barriers
World-class museums	Limited attractions
Elegant architecture	Nightlife
Delicious food and wine
Vibrant cultural scene
Easy day trips

Pros of Visiting Turin

Royal Palaces

Turin is home to beautiful royal palaces, such as Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace of Turin) and Palazzo Madama, showcasing its historical importance as the first capital of unified Italy.

Authentic Italian Experience

Turin is a lesser-traversed Italian city, allowing you to experience a modern Northern Italian town and its locals in a very authentic way.

World-Class Museums

The city boasts some of the best museums, including the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum), the National Museum of Cinema, and the National Automobile Museum.

Elegant Architecture

Turin is known for its elegant streets, squares, and arcaded buildings, reflecting its past as the seat of the powerful Savoy dynasty.

Delicious Food and Wine

Turin is famous for its Torinese cuisine, wine, and chocolate, including Nutella.

Easy Day Trips

Turin is well-connected to major cities in Italy, France, and Switzerland, making it an ideal base for exploring the regions around it.

Cons of Visiting Turin

Weather

Turin can experience cold and foggy weather during winter, which may not be ideal for some travelers.

Language Barriers

Turin is a less touristy city, and English may not be as widely spoken as in other Italian cities. This can make communication difficult for non-Italian speakers, especially outside tourist areas.

Limited Attractions

Turin may have fewer attractions than other Italian cities, such as Rome or Florence. However, the city still offers plenty of museums, palaces, and other sights to explore.

Nightlife

While Turin has a lively cultural scene, its nightlife may not be as vibrant as other Italian cities. However, there are still plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy.

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Best Things To Do In Turin

If you’ve decided Turin is worth visiting, you’re in for a treat. When visiting Turin, there are plenty of exciting things to see and do. Here are some of the best activities and attractions to consider.

1. Visit the Mole Antonelliana

This iconic tower symbolizes Turin and houses the National Cinema Museum. Enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful city from its observation deck.

2. Discover the Royal Palace

Explore the Palazzo Reale (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a magnificent royal residence with lavish interiors, art collections, and beautiful royal gardens.

👉 Book Royal Palace and Egyptian Museum Skip-the-line Tour to explore Turin’s majestic history and marvel at ancient treasures without the wait.

3. Explore Unique Museums

Turin is home to a variety of unique museums, such as the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum), Museo Nazionale del Cinema (National Cinema Museum), and Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile (National Automobile Museum).

4. Experience the Shroud of Turin

Visit the Turin Cathedral (Duomo di San Giovanni) to see the Shroud of Turin, a religious relic believed by some to be the burial cloth of Jesus.

👉 Visit the Turin Holy Shroud, one of Italy’s most mysterious relics. Join the tour and explore the enigma that continues to captivate believers and skeptics alike.

5. Stroll through Piazza Castello

This central square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Palazzo Madama and the Royal Palace. This is the perfect place to enjoy the atmosphere and enjoy the architectural beauty.

6. Explore Palazzo Carignano

Located in central Turin, this is a unique architectural masterpiece and former residence of the Princes of Carignano. Now housing the Museum of the Risorgimento, its distinctive rounded façade and elegant Baroque design make it a must-visit for history, architecture, or art enthusiasts.

7. Visit Parco del Valentino

A sprawling romantic park in Turin’s heart, complete with a botanical garden, castle, and the Borgo Medievale, a replica medieval village.

Whether you’re interested in a leisurely walk, a family picnic, or exploring historical architecture, this Valentino Park offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit for nature, history, and art enthusiasts.

8. Visit the Basilica of Superga

Take a trip to this beautiful basilica on a hilltop overlooking Turin. This is one of the best places to enjoy a panoramic view of Turin and the surrounding areas.

9. Enjoy Coffee in a Historic Café

Turin has a rich café culture, and you can savor a cup of coffee in historic establishments like Caffè Al Bicerin or Caffè San Carlo, located in the iconic Piazza San Carlo.

10. Indulge in Local Cuisine

Turin is known for its delicious food and drink. Sample local specialties like truffles, Barolo wine, and traditional Piedmontese dishes.

Hungry for Turin’s flavors? Explore them on a food tour. Book our recommended Turin food tour now!

Best Tours and Activities in Turin

Booking a tour is one of the best ways to enjoy Turin, Italy. Here are five of the best options.

1. Egyptian Museum Guided Experience in Small Group

⭐ RATING: 5.0 out of 5 Stars
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Maximize your visit to the Egyptian Museum of Turin with a prebooked ticket and guided tour, allowing you to bypass admission lines, explore the museum’s extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts, and enjoy an informative small-group experience. (Book this Tour)

2. Discover Piedmont Wines in Turin

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Explore the renowned wine heritage of Piedmont in the heart of Turin at Cultura Liquida Wine School, where a professional sommelier guides you through a fun and immersive tasting of four traditional wines, complete with insights into winemaking techniques, serving, pairing, and more. (Book this Tour)

3. Royal Palace and Egyptian Museum Skip-the-line Tour

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
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Efficiently explore two of Turin’s major attractions, the Royal Palace and Egyptian Museum, with a skip-the-line guided tour that covers the highlights of both sites, including the baroque halls of the royal residences and ancient art in the “Museo Egizio,” in just a few hours. (Book this Tour)

4. Turin Highlights Small-Group Walking Tour

⭐ RATING: 5.0 out of 5 Stars
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Join a local guide for a 2-hour walking tour to discover Turin’s best offerings, starting at Piazza San Carlo to learn about the city’s history and admire the monument of Emanuele Filiberto of Savoia, then continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Piazza Carignano. 

Explore the city’s royal past in Piazza Castello, taking in key monuments like the Royal Palace and Palazzo Madama, and conclude the tour with the iconic Mole Antonelliana, Turin’s true symbol. (Book this Tour)

5. Tastes of Turin Street Food Tour

⭐ RATING: 5.0 out of 5 Stars
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Embark on a walking tour of Turin’s neighborhood eateries to explore the city’s unique gastronomic culture, sampling a wide range of local delicacies from street food to restaurant dishes, accompanied by wines and coffee, and guided insights into the history and culture of Turin’s cuisine. (Book this Tour)

Food and Cuisine in Turin: Must-Try Dishes

If there’s one thing Turin is worth visiting for, it’s the food. Turin is known for its delicious cuisine, based on Piedmontese traditions, and offers flavors that differ from what you’ll find elsewhere in Italy. Here are some must-try dishes in Turin.

Bagna Cauda

Dip into this warm and flavorful concoction of garlic, anchovies, olive oil, and butter, paired with fresh vegetables.

Vitello Tonnato

This dish consists of thinly sliced veal with creamy tuna sauce and capers.

Tajarin al Tartufo

Experience a delicate pasta dish featuring thin strands complemented by raw egg yolk, aromatic truffles, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

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Salsiccia di Bra

Savor this traditional sausage, a blend of beef and pork infused with red wine, renowned in the Piedmont region.

Battuta al Coltello di Fassona

Indulge in this finely minced raw beef delicacy, enhanced with a simple olive oil, salt, and pepper seasoning.

Agnolotti

Relish this stuffed pasta, filled with a choice of meat, vegetables, or cheese, and elegantly dressed in a butter and sage sauce.

Grissini

These thin, crispy breadsticks are a common accompaniment to meals in Turin.

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Marron Glacé

This candied chestnut is a popular dessert in Turin.

Zabaione

This sweet cream made from egg yolks, sugar, and sweet wine is often served as a dessert.

Chocolate

Turin is famous for its chocolate production, and you can find a variety of chocolate treats, including gianduiotto, a chocolate and hazelnut confection.

Related Reading: 12 Best Italian Chocolate Brands: Italy’s Finest

Museums and Art Galleries in Turin

Turin has a rich cultural heritage, home to several museums and art galleries worth visiting. Here are some of the top museums and art galleries in Turin.

Museums

Musei Reali

Musei Reali Torino includes the Royal Palace, the Royal Armory, the Royal Library, and the Archaeological Museum.

Museo Egizio

This museum is home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of Egyptian antiquities, including mummies, sarcophagi, and hieroglyphics. (Book a Tour of the Museum)

Museo Civico d’Arte Antica

This museum is housed in the beautiful Baroque palace of Palazzo Madama and features a collection of ancient art and artifacts.

Museo d’Arte Orientale

The Museo d’Arte Orientale showcases a collection of Asian art and artifacts, including ceramics, textiles, and sculptures.

Castello di Rivoli Museo d’Arte Contemporanea

This museum is housed in a castle and features contemporary art exhibitions and collections.

Art Galleries

Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (GAM)

GAM Torino features a modern and contemporary art collection, including works by Italian and international artists.

Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli

The Pinacoteca Agnelli is located in the Lingotto district and features a modern and contemporary art collection, including works by Italian and international artists.

Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo

This contemporary art gallery features works by established and emerging artists from around the world.

CAMERA – Centro Italiano per la Fotografia

The Centro Italiano per la Fotografia is dedicated to photography and features exhibitions and collections of contemporary photography.

Events & Festivals in Turin

For those interested in diving into the local culture of Turin, we’ve discovered an excellent source for current Events and Festivals in Turin.

Cost of Living in Turin

The cost of living in Turin varies depending on the type of lifestyle and accommodation. 

• A family of four estimated monthly costs are $3,155.2 (€2,873.8) without rent.
• A single-person estimated monthly costs are $907.6 (€826.7) without rent.
• The average cost of living in Turin is $1,337 (€1,155).
• The average cost of living for a family in Turin is $1,635 (€1,410), for students, is $1,410 (€1,215), and for a single person (bachelor) is $1,420 (€1,223).
• Turin’s average cost of living is $1,246 (€1,076).
• The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are €3,061 ($3,609), and for a single person, it is €1,444 ($1,707).

The cost of living in Turin is generally considered affordable compared to other Italian cities. However, the cost of living can vary depending on the accommodation type, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

Best Time of Year to Visit Turin

Weather in Turin

In general, Turin has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and damp, while summers are warm and humid. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with the most rain falling in the spring and fall.

Season	Avg. Temp.	Rainfall	Description
Winter (December-February)	2.8°C – 4.5°C	45mm – 75mm	Cold, damp, cloudy, and foggy
Spring (March-May)	8.9°C – 16.8°C	105mm – 145mm	Mild, rainy, and occasionally sunny
Summer (June-August)	20.8°C – 23.1°C	70mm – 75mm	Warm, humid, and partly cloudy
Fall (September-November)	13.2°C – 12.3°C	85mm – 115mm	Cool, rainy, and occasionally sunny

The best time to visit Turin is generally during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). Here’s why.

• Pleasant Weather: Spring and early autumn offer mild temperatures, making outdoor activities and sightseeing comfortable.
• Cultural Events: These seasons are also popular for cultural events and festivals in Turin.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Summers in Turin can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold. Spring and early autumn provide a balance between the two extremes.
• Cost Savings: Visiting Turin during the shoulder seasons may offer better deals on accommodations and flights compared to the peak summer months.

While spring and early autumn are generally recommended, it’s important to note that Turin is worth visiting year-round and offers attractions and activities for every season.

Getting to Turin and Around the City

Getting to Turin

By plane: Turin has an international airport, Turin-Caselle Airport, about 16 km from the city center. Several airlines, including ITA Airways, Ryanair, and Lufthansa, serve the airport.

By train: Turin is well-connected to other Italian cities by train, with frequent high-speed trains to Milan, Rome, and Florence.

By bus: Several bus companies operate services to Turin from other Italian cities, such as Flixbus and Eurolines.

Getting Around Turin

Public Transportation

Turin has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro line. The local transport company, GTT, operates over 80 lines throughout the city.

Walking and Biking

Turin is a walkable city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. Biking is also a popular way to get around the city, with several bike rental services available.

Taxis and Car Rentals

Taxis and car rentals are available in Turin but can be expensive. It’s also important to note that the historic center of Turin is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL), and driving into this area without proper authorization can result in a fine.

Safety and Healthcare in Turin

Turin is generally considered a safe city for tourists. Still, taking precautions and being aware of your surroundings is always essential. Here’s what you need to know about safety and healthcare in Turin.

Safety

Turin is a safe city, and violent crime is rare. However, pickpocketing is a common problem in tourist areas, so keeping an eye on your belongings is essential. Women traveling solo can generally experience a sense of safety in Turin.

The Porta Nuova area, located around the train station, can be dangerous on its east side, so it’s best to avoid this area at night.

Healthcare

Tourists in Turin can access medical treatment through public and private healthcare systems, including the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). However, finding an English-speaking doctor may require a personal referral.

Emergency Numbers

Should an emergency arise in Italy requiring immediate medical assistance or an ambulance, simply dial 112 from any phone. There’s no need for a country code if calling from within Europe. If you are a U.S. citizen, please take a moment to read this.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Days Is Turin Worth Visiting For?

The duration of a visit to Turin can vary depending on personal preferences and the available time. Here’s a summary of the suggested durations from the search results:

One to two days: Turin can be explored, and the main sights can be seen within one to two days. This allows for a glimpse of the city’s main attractions and a chance to wander around.

Two to three days: Allowing for a slightly extended stay, two to three days is enough to cover the key sights in Turin, including the Egyptian Museum, Palazzo Reale, Mole Antonelliana, and Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile.

Is Turin Safe?

Turin is considered a safe destination for travelers, with a low crime rate and a well-policed city. The city has an excellent healthcare system that adds to the town’s safety.

Like in any city, it’s important to be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas and to use common sense when it comes to personal belongings.

While there may be some reports of pickpocketing and street scams, taking precautions such as watching your belongings and being cautious can help mitigate these risks.

It’s advisable to avoid walking alone late at night and to be cautious in certain areas, such as the east side of the Porta Nuova area.

Final Thoughts

Turin, a hidden gem in northern Italy, is unquestionably a destination worth visiting. With its authentic Italian experience, royal palaces, world-class museums, elegant architecture, delicious food and wine, vibrant nightlife, and easy day trips, Turin offers a diverse and engaging experience for all types of travelers. 

While there are some potential downsides, such as language barriers and cold weather during the winter months, these can be mitigated by taking necessary precautions and planning accordingly. 

Overall, Turin promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler.

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