by Hpnx9420 (cropped) / CC BY-SA 3.0

Turin Exudes an Aura of Timeless Elegance

A. About Turin

Nickname:The City of Four Rivers

Nestled amidst the picturesque Piedmont region of Italy, Turin exudes an aura of timeless elegance, where Baroque architecture intertwines seamlessly with modern innovation.

Turin, with its regal palaces and majestic boulevards, stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage, beckoning travelers to immerse themselves in its storied past.

Embodied by the majestic Mole Antonelliana piercing the city's skyline, Turin emerges as a beacon of intellectual enlightenment.

As the cradle of Italian automotive prowess, Turin resonates with the rhythmic hum of innovation, where the echoes of Fiat's legacy harmonize with the city's penchant for forward-thinking design and engineering excellence.

From the hallowed halls of its museums to the bustling vibrancy of its cafés, Turin casts a spell of enchantment upon visitors, inviting them to explore its labyrinthine streets and uncover the hidden gems nestled within its charming neighborhoods.


The Good

Turin offers a decent variety of sights with over 30 attractions that seamlessly blend historical grandeur with contemporary charm.

Situated at the foothills of the majestic Alps along the scenic Po River, Turin's location is suitable for tourists, enhanced by several pleasant pedestrian zones, a reasonable standard of cleanliness, and an efficient public transport system.

Turin is renowned for its excellent cuisine, especially its local dishes.

Negative Aspects

No evident flaws detract from Turin's appeal.


B. Best Things to Do in Turin in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than sixty sights in Turin. The following sights contribute to a good score of 6.35/10 in this most important category:

# Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) 7 3.5 out of 5 stars

The Egyptian Museum of Turin houses one of the largest and best collections of Egyptian antiquities in the world, with more than 30,000 artefacts (6,500 are exposed).

The museum reopened in 2015 after a very successful modernization. Highlights include the Statue of Ramses II and the intact tombs of Kha and Merit, the Mensa Isiaca and the rock temple of Thutmose III.

    • Important Masterpieces: 11
    • Highlight: Statue of a young Ramses II, Dynasty XIX (ca. 1539–1076 BCE), 77 cm × 53 cm (30 in × 21 in)

Museum   Gallery Space: ca. 10,000 m2 | Pre-booking: ⚠️ Highly advised

by Museo Egizio / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# PALAZZO REALE (Royal Palace) 6 3 out of 5 stars

Step into a world of regal splendor at the Palazzo Reale, where centuries of Turin's illustrious history come to life within its opulent halls and lavish chambers.

From the ornate Baroque interiors to the majestic Throne Room adorned with shimmering chandeliers and priceless works of art, this magnificent royal residence offers a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of Italian monarchs, inviting visitors to bask in the grandeur of a bygone era.

Explore the Palazzo Reale's opulent Royal Apartments, spectacular Royal Armoury, Royal Library, Royal Gardens, Palazzo Chiablese, and more, immersing yourself in Turin's royal history and cultural treasures.

Royal Palace 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1997 [part of "Residences of the House of Savoy"] | Completed: 1663 | Style: Baroque

by Ambra75 / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Mole Antonelliana 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Towering majestically over the skyline of Turin, the 167 m-high Mole Antonelliana with its graceful spire is the pinnacle of the Turin skyline and an iconic symbol of the city.

Originally conceived as a synagogue, this iconic landmark now houses the Museo Nazionale del Cinema.

Ascending via a glass elevator, guests glimpse the museum's remarkable design before reaching the summit, where a breathtaking panorama of Turin awaits, revealing the city's grandeur.

Tower | Viewpoint Total Height: 167 m | Observation Deck: 85 m [with elevator] and outside| View Type: Outdoor [behind a large metal fence] | Completed: 1889 | Pre-booking: ⚠️ Highly advised

by Wikimedia / CC BY-SA 3.0

# PALAZZO MADAMA and City Museum of Ancient Art 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Palazzo Madama and the City Museum of Ancient Art stand as majestic guardians of Turin's rich cultural heritage, beckoning travelers to traverse the corridors of time within their opulent walls.

Palace and Museum  

by Marco Coïsson / CC BY-SA 30

# National Museum of Cinema 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Delve into the magic of cinema at the National Museum of Cinema, housed within the breathtaking confines of the Mole Antonelliana.

From the earliest experiments in moving pictures to the latest innovations in cinematic technology, this immersive museum showcases a mesmerizing array of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and iconic film memorabilia, celebrating the artistry and impact of cinema on a global scale.

Film Museum 

by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra/ CC BY-SA 2.0

 

# Piazza San Carlo 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Discover the timeless charm of Piazza San Carlo, an elegant square steeped in centuries of history and bustling with vibrant energy.

Lined with graceful porticoes and adorned with statues and fountains, this iconic gathering place embodies the essence of Turin's cultural heritage, offering an enchanting setting for leisurely strolls, al fresco dining, and people-watching against the backdrop of historic landmarks.

Square

by FrDr / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Piazza Castello 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Piazza Castello stands as the pulsating heart of Turin, a bustling square steeped in history and architectural splendor.

Surrounded by grand palaces (like the Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale) and adorned with ornate fountains, this iconic landmark serves as a vibrant hub of social and cultural activity.

Square

by Geobia/ CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# MAUTO - National Automobile Museum  5 2.5 out of 5 stars

From the pioneering inventions of Fiat to the sleek lines of Ferrari, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the captivating narratives of innovation and craftsmanship that have shaped the modern automobile landscape.

Car Museum  Established: 1960

Rahil Rupawala, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

# Valentino Park and the Borgo Medievale 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

A verdant oasis amidst the urban bustle, Valentino Park enchants visitors with its tranquil beauty and captivating charm.

Meandering pathways lead explorers through lush greenery, past babbling brooks and serene ponds, towards the enchanting Borgo Medievalea meticulously reconstructed medieval village that transports guests back in time to the days of knights and nobles.

Park  Land Area: 0.5 km2 / 123 acres | Created: 1856

by Angelomalvasia / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

#10 | Palazzo Carignano and Museum of the Risorgimento 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The grandeur of Turin's architectural marvel, Palazzo Carignano, beckons travelers to delve into the annals of Italian history at the Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano.

 Palace and Museum

by moi-même / Public domain 

 

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌍 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Turin

#11 | Cappella della Sacra Sindone (Chapel of the Holy Shroud) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Located within the confines of Turin's Cathedral and visitable via the Palazzo Reale, this venerated chapel serves as the final resting place of the Shroud of Turin, a relic steeped in mystery and devotion.

Chapel

by Trappy / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

#12 | Basilica of Superga 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Perched atop the verdant hills overlooking Turin, the Basilica of Superga offers breathtaking views of the city.

Built in the 18th century to fulfill a vow made by Victor Amadeus II, Duke of Savoy, the basilica's majestic dome and elegant façade command attention.

Accessible via a picturesque cogwheel train, it offers stunning views of Turin and houses the tombs of Savoy family members.

Church | Viewpoint

by Paris Orlando / CC BY-SA 4.0

#13 | Galleria Sabauda 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Nestled within the opulent walls of the Palazzo Reale, the Galleria Sabauda stands as a testament to Turin's rich artistic heritage, showcasing a meticulously curated collection of over seven hundred paintings spanning from the medieval era to the Baroque period.

Visitors are enveloped in a journey through time, wandering amidst grandiose works by renowned artists such as Raphael, Rembrandt, and Van Dyck, each painting a vivid tapestry of historical significance and cultural splendor.

- Highlight of the Collection: Orazio Gentileschi, Annunciation, c. 1623, 286 × 196 cm

Fine Arts Museum

by Paris Orlando / CC BY-SA 4.0

#14 | Historic Coffee Houses 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Step into the hallowed halls of Turin's historic coffee houses, where time stands still amidst the aromatic symphony of freshly brewed espresso and the melodic hum of animated conversation.

Among the best are the grand 19th-century Caffè San Carlo, Baratti & Milano, Caffè Mulassano, Caffè Fiorio, Caffè Al Bicerin and the Art Nouveau Caffè Torino.

Historic Cafés

by Herbert wie / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

    • Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo (Baroque Church) 5
    • Allianz Stadium (Juventus Stadium) 5
    • MAO - Museo d'Arte Orientale 5
    • Rivoli Castle and Contemporary Art Museum 5
    • Mercato Centrale Torino 4
    • Fondazione Accorsi Ometto - Museo di Arti Decorative (Museum) 4
    • Santuario Basilica La Consolata (Baroque Church) 4
    • Porta Palatina 4

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Turin

REGGIA DI VENARIA 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

The Reggia di Venaria – the second largest castle in Italystands as a quintessential exemplar of Baroque grandeur, its opulent architecture and meticulously manicured gardens weaving a tapestry of aristocratic magnificence amidst the Piedmontese landscape.

Royal Palace 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1997 [part of "Residences of the House of Savoy"] | Completed: 1679 | Distance from Turin: 15 km

by Tiziano Photography / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

The Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, with its elegant symmetry and refined ornamentation, serves as a testament to the intricate interplay between nature and human ingenuity, offering a sanctuary where the pursuits of the hunt harmonize with the aesthetics of royal leisure.

Palace  Distance from Turin: 25 km

by Paris Orlando / CC BY-SA 4.0

by Paris Orlando / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Turin (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Turin for at least two entire days:

 Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) 7

🌍 PALAZZO REALE (Royal Palace) 6

Mole Antonelliana 6

National Museum of Cinema 6

 🌍  REGGIA DI VENARIA 6 (Royal Palace) (15 km from Turin) 6

Piazza San Carlo 6

Piazza Castello 5

MAUTO - National Automobile Museum 5

🌍 PALAZZO MADAMA and City Museum of Ancient Art 5

Valentino Park and the Borgo Medievale 5