Even though the steeped-in-history capital of the Piedmont region is not touristy at all (yet), it still has its secret spots, which I was happy to discover while I was thoroughly exploring it. If you already marked famous landmarks like the Palazzo Reale, Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio), and Villa della Regina, here are a few of the best hidden gems in Turin, Italy (and some unusual things to do).
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*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
*As a partner of the Get Your Guide affiliate program, I got a 15% discount when I purchased my Torino+Piemonte Card. That said, I always share my honest opinions.
Still haven’t booked your Turin accommodation? Check out the highly-rated:
1. Emozione Torino (where I stayed – it’s a lovely apartment in the historic center)
2. Q71 Timeless Suites (in the heart of the historic center)
3. Corte Realdi Luxury Rooms Torino (overlooking the Royal Palace)
Want to save money when traveling to Turin? Get your Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass to enter the city’s top museums and palaces for FREE (each one costs 10-18 euros to visit)!
Unusual Things to Do and Hidden Gems in Turin, Italy
Unique Tours of Turin
While you can always take a classic free walking tour of Turin, why not get to know other aspects of the city?
From a mysteries & legends evening tour and an underground tour to an Art Nouveau tour and tasting local wines, there are more than enough highly-rated options for those who want to get off the beaten path.
Palazzo Della Vittoria and Casa Fenoglio-Lafleur
With its UNESCO-listed royal residences of the House of Savoy, Turin is a city that proudly celebrates Baroque architecture, but if you look in the right places, you’ll also find some stunning Art Nouveau buildings.
Two notable ones are located on the avenue of Corso Francia, both dating back to the early 20th century. The first is Casa Fenoglio-LaFleur, which has no shortage of floral decorations, as its name suggests.
The other is Palazzo della Vittoria, which demonstrates how to masterfully mix Art Nouveau and neo-Gothic styles and is known for the dragons embellishing its front facade.
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Turin and want to learn more about its Art Nouveau architecture, consider taking this highly-rated Art Nouveau tour.
Gallerie D’Italia
Gallerie d’Italia might be one of Milan’s most visited art museums, but did you know it also has branches in Vicenza, Naples, and Turin? The latter only opened its doors in 2022, so it’s definitely still a hidden gem in Turin.
Housed in the Palazzo Turinetti in the beautiful Piazza San Carlo, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and boasts an Italian journalism photography collection, as well as Baroque pieces from the Piedmont region.
It is open every day except Mondays and is free to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card (otherwise, full admission is 10 euros).
Panchina Degli Innamorati
While Valentino Park is home to several of Turin’s landmarks, such as Castello del Valentino and Borgo Medievale (Medieval Village), it’s also where you’ll find quirky little spots like the Panchina degli Innamorati (Lovers’ Bench).
This unique artistic installation depicts two street lamps sitting on a bench. It appears that one rests its head on the other’s shoulder, creating a delightfully romantic scene and an adorable photo spot.
Fetta DI Polenta
While it’s far from being the most striking building in Turin, Casa Scaccabarozzi, also known as Fetta di Polenta (translating to Slice of Polenta), has to be on this list due to its nickname and unusual structure.
When you look at this 19th-century building from all angles, you quickly realize it got its name from its triangular shape and yellow color, which make it resemble a slice of polenta (which is actually one of my favorite northern Italian foods).
Condominio 25 Verde
Another must-see, unique residential building in Turin is Condominio 25 Verde near Valentino Park.
I can only describe this eco-sustainable project as an urban forest, though you can also say it looks like a giant treehouse. What do you say – would you live there? (I totally would)
Courtyard of San Carlo Dal 1973
Leading to San Carlo dal 1973, a boutique shop selling designer brand clothing and accessories, you’ll find an adorable hidden courtyard.
Its decor changes from time to time, though plants and flowers are always there to make it picture-perfect.
Baci Rubati/Urbani
Baci Urbani is known as the “palace with a piercing”, a work of art created by the architect Corrado Levi. Its name translates to “Urban Kisses”, but it is sometimes referred to as Baci Rubati, which means “Stolen Kisses”.
It’s not every day that you get to see an 18th-century building with a hoop piercing, so while you’re wandering through Turin’s beautiful historic center, take a moment to photograph this quirky spot.
Sinagoga Della Comunità Ebraica DI Torino
Fun fact: The Mole Antonelliana, Turin’s most recognizable building (which now houses the National Museum of Cinema, the tallest museum in the world), was initially meant to serve as a synagogue.
Several years into its construction (in the 19th century), the Jewish community decided to stop funding it, as the architect made the project too expensive and architecturally unsuitable.
About a decade later, Turin’s current synagogue was built.
Located in the neighborhood of San Salvario, its Neo-Moorish facade definitely makes it an architectural gem in the northern Italian city, where the prominent styles are Baroque and Art Nouveau.
Spazio Adisco
If you’re visiting Turin in December, don’t miss out on Spazio Adisco, a small charity shop that turns into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season.
From miniature displays inspired by Christmas and winter to ornaments to gifts, it’s a great hidden gem to add to your Turin bucket list.
Turin Hidden Gems – Map
Access the map here.
Tip: After accessing the map, you can also open it on your Google Maps app. Simply open your app, tap the ‘saved’ icon at the bottom, scroll down and tap the ‘maps’ icon, and choose the MyMaps map you want to see (you can do the same on your computer).
Shop My Turin Map
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OTHER TURIN & ITALY TRAVEL GUIDES
Read more about Turin and northern Italy:
- Turin travel tips
- Turin weekend itinerary
- Where to stay in Turin
- Cafes in Turin
- Chocolate guide of Turin, one of Europe’s best chocolate-making cities (don’t miss the local hot drink – Bicerin)
- Reasons to visit Turin
- Aosta Valley road trip from Turin
- Hidden gems in northern Italy
- Best places to visit in northern Italy in October
- Places to visit in Northern Italy in winter
- Northern Italy road trip
- Road trips from Milan
- Hidden gems in Milan
- Turin or Milan
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Read more about Italy:
- Hidden gems in southern Italy
- Places to visit in Central Italy
- Places to visit in Italy in the winter
- Best road trips in Italy
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