Tourist Information
Top sights in Turin
Museums
You should take the opportunity to explore the diversity of Turin through its numerous remarkable museums, which reflect the city's rich history, culture, industry, and international influence. Attractions not to be missed include Museo Egizio, the world's most significant collection of Egyptian remains outside Cairo, and the National Museum of Cinema, located in the iconic Mole Antonelliana tower. Additionally, you can visit Museo Civico d'Arte Antica at Palazzo Madama and the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento at Palazzo Carignano.
Turin's industrial heritage is showcased at the National Automobile Museum (MAUTO), which tells the city's automotive history.
Turin is also a vibrant hub for contemporary art. Works and installations created over the last thirty years by internationally renowned artists are displayed in public spaces and in several museums and foundations, such as the GAM-Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art.
Finally, Turin also provides the opportunity to visit one of the most important collections of Asian art in Italy at Museum of Oriental Art (MAO).
Royal Residences
The “Crown of Delights” is a group of castles built by the Savoy family, that have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. At the center of Piazza Castello stands the majestic Royal Palace (which will be visited on June 5 evening) which, along with the Savoy Gallery, the Royal Armoury, the Royal Library, and the Archaeological Museum, forms the “Royal Hub”.
Located along the Po River is Valentino Castle, built by Christine of France in the French style, now housing the Faculty of Architecture of Politecnico di Torino. Another touristic location easily accessible from the city center is Villa delle Regina; located in the hillside, it is surrounded by Italian gardens with pavilions, fountains, and agricultural areas.
Just outside the city, there are two more magnificent landmarks. One is Reggia di Venaria, which was the former royal residence of the Savoy family (included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites from 1997); today, it hosts events, exhibitions, and concerts in its opulent rooms and stunning gardens. However, the favorite building of the Savoy family for elegant feasts and solemn weddings was Stupinigi Hunting Lodge, designed in the style of contemporary Central European residences.
Main places of worship
Since 1578, the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist (the main cathedral of Turin) has been the sole representation of Renaissance art in the city. It houses the Holy Shroud, the sacred linen that is believed to have wrapped the body of Christ.
Turin's churches not only serve as places of worship but also stand as remarkable examples of architecture and art, predominantly in the Baroque style. Among the noteworthy destinations that appeal not only to the religious but also to admirers of architecture include: the Church of San Lorenzo, which commissioned to Guarino Guarini by the Court of Savoy. In Piazza San Carlo there are the twin churches of Santa Cristina and San Carlo. The Church dedicated to San Filippo was designed by Juvarra. Finally, the Basilica della Consolata which is particularly beloved by Torino’s citizens, is a Roman Catholic Minor Basilica and Marian sanctuary in central Turin.
Taste Torino
A visit to Turin promises a culinary journey filled with delightful sensations to be savored. Appetizers present several options including meats, fish, vegetables, eggs, salami, and cheeses, all complemented by the traditional "grissini," invented in the 17th century for Prince Victor Amadeus II of Savoy. Among the appetizers, Turin offers "vitello tonnato", i.e., a dish of cold, sliced veal covered with a creamy, mayonnaise-like sauce that has been flavored with tuna.
As a main course, the iconic "agnolotti," meat-filled pasta served with a choice of gravy, butter and sage, ragout sauce, or meat broth. The “tajarin” is a type of ribbon pasta similar to tagliatelle, but very thin. In Piedmont, the recipe includes egg dough and it is usually served with butter and truffles or "sugo d'arrosto", i.e., a sauce made from the drippings of roast meat. The extensive selection of handmade cheeses from Alpine valleys is not to be overlooked. Delicacies are clearly best accompanied by the renowned Piedmontese red and white wines: Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Arneis, and many more.
Regarding the dessert, how not to mention the "gianduiotto", a chocolate praline prepared with hazelnuts and chocolate in the shape of ingots, the “brutt e bun“ (roughly reading as “ugly and good”), a traditional cookie with rustic appearance but delicious flavor and satisfying texture, the “bonèt“ a traditional custard dessert similar to crème caramel except for the addition of Amaretto and cocoa powder, and the “ricoperto al ciccolato”, or “pinguino” (“penguin”) a tasty bar of ice-cream on a stick covered with crispy chocolate. Finally, the "bicerin" is a traditional hot drink made of espresso drinking chocolate, and milk served layered in a small glass.
An authentic dinner experience in Turin begins with the lively ritual that unfolds late afternoon in the city's cafes, wine bars, and clubs along the river: the aperitif. Whether it is a cocktail, a glass wine or a "vermouth" paired with sandwiches, cold cuts, local cheeses, pasta, risotto, or multiethnic specialties, the evening is set to commence in style!
Experiencing Turin and its surroundings
Turin, City Sightseeing
Turin, City Sightseeing company offers the opportunity to enjoy the major attractions in Turin seated on a two-flor panoramic bus. Three itineraries are available for tourists. The RED Line tour allows visitors to explore the city center and the main museums, as well as the hill near the Po River, featuring Valentino Park and the Medieval Village. The BLUE Line offers an itinerary to discover unexplored and fascinating sites, such as the National Automobile Museum, the Lingotto with the Pinacoteca Agnelli, Eataly (where to buy Italian food from allover Italy), and the Olympic sites. The GREEN Line provides access to the outskirts of Turin, including destinations such as the Lavazza Museum, the Parco Dora district, the Allianz Stadium & Juventus Museum, and Reggia di Venaria. The sightseeing tours are available in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese and Russian. During the tour tourists are allowed to hop on and off at leisure and visit the most important places in the city.
Merenda Reale®
The Royal Chocolate Time can be a travel through time: taste a Merenda Reale® in the participating historical cafés or in the cafeterias of the Royal Residences. Choose between a steaming hot chocolate or a Bicerin, presented with the irresistible "bagnati" and other chocolate specialties, strictly for dipping such as: torcetti, lingue di gatto, canestrelli, baci di dama, cri cri, diablottini and gianduiotti.
Extra Vermouth - L’ora del Vermouth™ di Torino
The EXTRA Vermouth is not just a tasting, it is a ritual, a unique experience. A gastronomic pleasure and, at the same time, a didactic opportunity to discover the aromatised wine that appeared at the end of the 18th century at the court of the Savoy Family and in the shops of Torino's liquor makers. The participating establishments will exclusively be using Vermouth di Torino, of which they offer 3 distinctive brands and 5 different types including Extra-Dry, Dry, White, Amber and Red. Vermouth is served cold, with or without ice, with untreated and organic lemon or orange peel. You can decide to taste three Vermouth di Torino in purity or combine one in purity with a cocktail. Alongside the real Vermouth di Torino, a selection of typical local products and Piedmontese cuisine, including cheeses and cured meats, anchovies and tomini al verde, Russian salad, vitel tonné and meat all'albese, peppers in bagna càuda, breadsticks... all the way to hazelnuts and gianduiotti: five samples, one of which is sweet, as historical tradition requires.
Torino Magica® Tour
The city of Turin is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Po and the Dora, and positioned at the apex of two triangles—one of white magic and the other of black magic. This makes Turin boast a centuries-old esoteric tradition. The Torino Magica® Tour is a curious journey that unfolds among unsettling faces, Masonic enigmas, and esoteric symbols, bringing to life the mystery of the Devil’s Gate, spectral dragons, the legend of the alchemical caves, and culminating in the mystery of the Dioscuri and the secrets of the Gran Madre.
Torino city center
The city center of Turin roughly coincides with the perimeter of the first colony "Augusta Taurinorum" founded by the ancient Romans around 28 B.C. The area covers about 5 km². The original squared topographic layout is still recognizable in the street network of the city, featuring perfectly parallel and perpendicular orthogonal streets.
The largest number of monuments and historic sites are located in the city center. Moreover, the areas encompassing Via Po, Via Garibaldi, Via Roma, Via Pietro Micca, Piazza Castello, and Piazza San Carlo are traditionally recognized as hosting the city's most prestigious shops, renowned restaurants, and historical bars.
