Best Things to Do in Turin: Itinerary to Explore Italian Culture

Think of Turin as Italy’s best-kept open secret. It’s got royal palaces but doesn’t take itself too seriously, chocolate that could ruin all other desserts for you, and cafés where locals sip espresso like it’s a competitive sport. Add in museums that rival the big cities and a skyline crowned by the Mole Antonelliana, and you’ve got a city that knows how to impress without shouting about it. And here’s the kicker: it’s also the doorway to Piedmont wine tours, meaning you can swap city strolls for Barolo and Barbaresco tastings in under an hour. Turin is classy, quirky, and just the right amount of indulgent, exactly why it should be on your list.

What are the best things to do in Turin?

Start at the Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum in Turin is often called the best of its kind outside Cairo, and it’s easy to see why. With over 30,000 artifacts, from mummies and sarcophagi to statues and everyday objects, the collection is massive and surprisingly engaging even if you’re not an Egyptology nerd. Located a short walk from Piazza San Carlo, it’s one of Turin’s top attractions and the perfect backup plan if the weather turns gloomy.

Visit the Mole Antonelliana

The Mole Antonelliana is Turin’s most recognizable landmark. Originally designed as a synagogue in the 19th century, the city later acquired it and today houses the National Cinema Museum. Inside, you’ll find an interactive journey through film history, from early motion devices to iconic movie memorabilia. The highlight, though, is the panoramic glass elevator that shoots up to the top, giving you unbeatable views of Turin and, on a clear day, the Alps in the distance.

Explore the Royal Palace of Turin

The Royal Palace of Turin is a deep dive into Savoy grandeur and a must on any city itinerary. Built in the 16th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the seat of the House of Savoy. Inside, you’ll find lavishly frescoed halls, the Royal Armoury with centuries of weapons and armor, and the Treasury filled with priceless Savoy jewels. Step outside, and the palace gardens offer a calm spot with wide views of the city, no wonder it’s always listed among the best things to do in Turin.

Stroll across Piazza Castello

Piazza Castello is the beating heart of Turin and the perfect place to kick off your visit. Surrounded by landmarks like Palazzo Madama, the Royal Palace, and the Galleria Sabauda, the square is packed with history and baroque flair. It’s also a great spot to pause, snap a few photos, and map out the rest of your Turin itinerary.

Enjoy coffee and chocolate at a historic café

Turin is Italy’s chocolate capital and the birthplace of the famous bicerin, a rich mix of espresso, chocolate, and milk foam. Try one at a historic café like Caffè Al Bicerin, and you’ll see why locals have been sipping it for centuries. Pair it with some of the city’s legendary hot chocolate while overlooking Turin’s elegant squares, and you’ve checked off one of the sweetest and best things to do in Turin.

Visit the Chapel of the Holy Shroud and Turin Cathedral

The Chapel of the Holy Shroud, part of Turin Cathedral, has safeguarded the world-famous Shroud of Turin for centuries. While the relic is rarely on display, the chapel itself is a masterpiece of baroque architecture and a moving place to visit. Its history and spiritual atmosphere make it one of Turin’s most remarkable landmarks.

Explore Baroque grandeur at Palazzo Madama

Right on Piazza Castello, Palazzo Madama is part castle, part palace, and full of history. Its architecture blends layers from Roman foundations to medieval towers and a grand baroque façade. Inside, the building now hosts the Civic Museum of Ancient Art, with collections of decorative arts, textiles, paintings, and artifacts that trace Turin’s past.

Relax along the Po River

Spend an afternoon along the Po River, Turin’s natural backdrop and a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. You can stroll the riverside paths, stop for an aperitif at one of the floating cafés, or even rent a boat for a different view of the city. With tree-lined banks and open views, it’s one of the most relaxing ways to wind down after a day of sightseeing in Turin.

See Roman Ruins at Porta Palatina

The Porta Palatina is one of the best-preserved Roman gates in the world and a striking reminder of Turin’s origins as a Roman settlement. Dating back to the 1st century AD, its red-brick towers once guarded the northern entrance to the city. Today, it stands in the middle of modern Turin, making for a quick but unforgettable stop where ancient history meets the city’s vibrant present.

Find local flavor at Mercato di Porta Palazzo

The Porta Palazzo Market is the largest open-air market in Europe and a must for anyone who loves food. Stalls spill over with fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal specialties, while the street food stands serve up quick bites full of local flavor. Beyond the food, it’s also the perfect place to soak up everyday life in Turin, with locals shopping, bargaining, and catching up over coffee.

Admire the dome and ceiling frescoes at Basilica di Superga

Another excellent day trip and one of the best things to do in Turin, the Basilica di Superga sits high on a hill overlooking Turin, with sweeping views that reach the Alps on clear days. Inside, the baroque interior stuns with soaring domes, colorful stained glass, and the royal tombs of the House of Savoy. It’s a place where history, faith, and panoramic beauty all come together, making it one of Turin’s most memorable escapes.

What are the best things to do around Turin?

Enjoy the National Automobile Museum

Dive into one of Turin’s coolest collections. Just 10 minutes from the city center by car (or about 20 minutes by tram), it showcases over 200 cars from around the world, including iconic Italian brands like Fiat, Ferrari, and Alfa Romeo. The museum mixes history with sleek exhibits, showing how cars shaped culture and style over the decades. Even if you’re not a car fanatic, the displays are fun, interactive, and a fresh break from palaces and piazzas.

Drive to Rivoli’s cultural heights

Just west of Turin, 11 miles, Rivoli is a relaxed hill town with cozy streets, local trattorias, and wide views of the Alps. At its heart stands the Castle of Rivoli, once a Savoy residence and now one of Italy’s leading contemporary art museums. The mix of modern art inside and baroque architecture outside gives the place a unique vibe.

Visit Venaria Reale

Just 30 minutes from Turin, the Palace of Venaria Reale is like walking onto a royal movie set. Built for the Savoy family, it’s massive, ornate, and guaranteed to impress. You can drift through endless halls, get lost in its sprawling gardens, and, yes, you’ll probably compare it to Versailles at some point.

Taste tradition on a Monferrato Hill

Set on the hills of Albugnano, this family-run winery has been making wine for generations. Here you’ll taste Nebbiolo, Freisa, and other local grapes in a relaxed setting, often paired with small bites like salami or hazelnuts. The atmosphere is simple and welcoming, with sweeping vineyard views all around. It’s the kind of stop where you sip, learn a little, and just enjoy a genuine slice of Piedmont wine country. It’s only a 50-minute drive from Turin, but it’s worth the drive!

Discover the sparkle of Asti

Famous worldwide for its sweet, sparkling wines, Asti is a lively town in the heart of Piedmont, 49 minutes away from Turin. Walking through its historic center, you’ll find Gothic churches, medieval towers, and bustling piazzas that capture its charm. No trip is complete without stopping at an Asti winery to taste Moscato d’Asti or a glass of spumante straight from the source. Beyond the wine, markets and festivals fill the streets with energy year-round.

If you’re planning to visit Asti Italy, expect a mix of history, culture, and plenty of sparkling flavors.

Head to the iconic streets of Alba

A little bit more than an hour of drive from Turin brings you to Alba, the food and wine capital of the Langhe. Famous for its white truffles and fine Nebbiolo wines, the town is also a great base for visiting an Alba winery and tasting Barolo or Barbaresco right at the source. Beyond the food and wine, Alba charms with its medieval towers, frescoed churches, and cozy cafés where espresso and hot chocolate are part of daily life.

If you’re planning a longer stay in northern Italy, check out our guide to the things to do in Alba, this town is a deliciously cultural stop to add to your Turin itinerary.

Good to know before visiting Turin