Is Turin Worth Visiting? 16 Reasons to Love the Italian City

Is Turin worth visiting? I’m glad you asked! After being inspired by a couple of movies on Netflix and finding a great flight deal, I booked a trip to the Italian city and discovered a destination that should be on every Europe lover’s bucket list.

Turin has SO MUCH to offer, and it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in northern Italy, but if you’re not sure what makes it a must-see city, here are all the reasons to explore it at least once.

*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.

*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

*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.

Is Turin worth visiting? All the reason to travel to and beautiful pictures of Turin Italy.

Table of Contents

IS TURIN WORTH VISITING? ALL THE REASONS WHY THE ANSWER IS YES

IT’S A LOT LESS TOURISTY THAN OTHER ITALIAN CITIES

I hope it’s not your first time here, so maybe you know by now how much I love discovering underrated places in Europe.

Obviously, Italy is a highly popular destination, but I bet you thought about visiting Rome, Tuscany, and Venice before you even set your eyes on Turin (which is totally fine).

It’s funny because it is the fourth largest city in Italy, and it offers so many things to do and see, but it doesn’t have that reputation, so it’s easy to skip out on it.

So if you’re looking for a city that has yet to be discovered by too many international travelers, the Piedmont region’s capital is for you.

Turin is also a nice city break alternative to Milan, which is located only a 1-hour train ride away. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot to love about Milan too (though I get why it’s not everyone’s cup of tea), but Turin seems to cater to all types of travelers (in terms of interests, budget, etc.) and groups of travelers (families, friends, etc.).

YOU CAN ENJOY IT AT ALMOST ANY BUDGET

Is Turin a good place to visit in terms of prices? Definitely!

It may come as a surprise, but it’s true – you can enjoy the best of Turin on both a high AND a tight budget. First of all, from hostels to apartments to luxury hotels, it is possible to find accommodation no matter what your budget is.

To devour yummy food, you can find fantastic restaurants (like Cianci Piola and Poormanger) serving local dishes for as little as 5-6 euros, as well as mid-range and high-end restaurants.

Last but not least, attractions in Turin can be pricey (and there are dozens of them), BUT thanks to the Torino+Piemonte Card, you can visit most of them for FREE (it saved me A LOT of money).

You’ll also find plenty of budget-friendly activities like taking this free walking tour of Turin, exploring the Porta Palazzo open-air market, and strolling the lovely Valentino Park.

If you’re looking for cheap places to visit in Italy, the Piedmontese capital is a surprising option – it might take a bit more planning, but you can definitely visit Turin on a budget.

THIS CITY IS STEEPED IN FASCINATING HISTORY

I know this is something you can say about so many cities, but Italy literally wouldn’t be Italy without Turin.

We can go all the way back to when the Taurini tribe settled here or when the Romans established a town called Augusta Taurinorum (see where it got its name from?), but it was more than a millennium later that Turin really gained its importance.

Turin got to be the capital city of the Duchy of Savoy, the Kingdom of Sardinia, and the unified Kingdom of Italy, all ruled by the House of Savoy. In fact, it was the first capital city of the Kingdom of Italy, so it was (and is) seen as a symbol of Italian liberty.

It’s difficult to sum up Turin’s history in a couple of sentences, so luckily, you’ll find plenty of museums and landmarks across the city that will help you immerse yourself in everything it has witnessed. Don’t worry – I’m just about to mention a few.

Duomo di Torino (Turin Cathedral/Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista)

THE LANDMARKS ARE REMARKABLE

Considering its history, it’s obvious you’re going to find some incredible landmarks in Turin, which make it one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

One listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a group of palaces and villas in and around the city – the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy.

Those include the impressive Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama, Villa della Regina, Reggia di Venaria Reale, and others. It’s a real privilege to tour them, and they are one of the best reasons to visit Turin.

Other must-see landmarks in the city are the Duomo di Torino (Turin Cathedral), Gran Madre di Dio Church, Medieval Village, Mole Antonelliana (the most prominent building in Turin’s skyline), and the list goes on and on.

A room at the Palazzo Reale in Turin — Palazzo Reale (The Royal Palace)

Exteriors of the Palazzo Madama in Turin Italy — Palazzo Madama

THE MUSEUMS ARE NOT TOO SHABBY EITHER

Whether you consider yourself a museum lover or not, it’s pretty impossible not to enjoy at least several of Turin’s museums.

From the interactive Lavazza Museum (dedicated to the history of the Turin-born coffee empire and the entire production process) to the National Automobile Museum and its jaw-dropping collection of vehicles to the unique Egyptian Museum (the second-largest in the world), this city will blow your mind.

Egyptian Museum in Turin — Egyptian Museum

TURIN IS THE BIRTHPLACE OF SOME OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST JOYS

It’s pretty amazing to think how many everyday-life necessities and joys were born in Turin. I didn’t know it until recently, and you’d probably be surprised too that:

– Lavazza, one of the best Italian coffee brands, was founded in Turin in the late 19th century.

– The people of Turin were the first to produce solid chocolate. Before that, it had only been consumed as a beverage – you’re welcome, Earth!

– Vermouth, the famous fortified and aromatized wine, was created in Turin in the 18th century. It also led to the beginning of the aperitivo tradition, the infamous Italian happy hour.

– Before Nutella, as we know it today, was invented by Pietro Ferrero, the original spread of chocolate and hazelnuts – Gianduja – was born in Turin in the late 18th century.

– Fiat (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili di Torino), the largest automobile manufacturer in Italy, opened its first factory in Turin.

That’s why some of the best things to do in Turin include creating your own self-guided chocolate and aperitivo tours (you must buy gianduiotto and cremino), visiting the Lavazza Museum, and exploring the National Automobile Museum.

In addition, this city also played its part in the history of Italian fashion, Italian skiing, and so many other areas.

Gianduiotto chocolates at Caffarel in Turin — Gianduiotto

THIS CITY BREAKS RECORDS

Ready for a few more fun facts about Turin? Because if it’s not enough that it was Italy’s first capital and the birthplace of things we can’t live without, it’s also:

– Home to the world’s tallest museum – the National Museum of Cinema, housed in the stunning Mole Antonelliana building.

– Home to the oldest Egyptian museum in the world, which boasts the second-largest collection of Egyptian antiquities after the one in Cairo.

– Where the first Italian film screening took place (back in the late 19th century).

– Home to the largest Baroque square in Europe – Piazza Vittorio Veneto.

I can go on and on because this city is truly surprising, but I guess you’ll have to book a flight to Turin to keep discovering its secrets.

National Museum of Cinema in Turin — Why visit Turin? To see the tallest museum in the world

YOU CAN EVEN VISIT IT IN WINTER

If you’re looking to spend Christmas in Italy, Turin can be a fantastic European winter city break. As much as Italy is fun to explore from spring to fall, don’t rule out visiting it in November, December, January, or February.

Even though Turin’s streets are not as heavily decorated as other cities’ (like Vienna or London), it still feels festive, and you can also enjoy its Christmas markets and snowy days. Also, it can be a great European girls’ trip destination.

For more inspiration, read my post about visiting Turin in the winter.

IT’S HOME TO SOME BEAUTIFUL STREETS AND SQUARES

Not every neighborhood in Turin is ‘pretty’ or ‘enchanting,’ but the city center and a few other districts definitely have their charm.

Head to stunning Italian squares like Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Carignano, wander through the city’s covered porticoes around Piazza Castello, and walk along Via Garibaldi, and I know you’ll be hooked.

Piazza Carignano in Turin — What is Turin like? Pretty beautiful

IT’S A PERFECT DESTINATION FOR CHOCOHOLICS AND PASTRY & DESSERT LOVERS

Anyone with a constant sweet tooth and an addiction to carbs like me will be obsessed with Turin.

I’ve talked a bit about its connection to chocolate, but it really is amazing to see how many chocolate shops you can find in this city.

Don’t miss Caffarel, Guido Castagna, and Guido Gobino, though you’ll come across many others. Also, be sure to try the delicious Gianduiotto chocolate treat and Baci di Dama cookies.

Turin is also packed with cafes and pasticcerias (pastry shops/bakeries) serving the most incredible pastries and desserts, as well as Bicerin, a local chocolate & coffee hot drink.

For breakfast, enjoy a cup of coffee with a buttery croissant filled with pistachio or vanilla pastry cream, and after lunch, indulge yourself with a French-style dessert.

A dessert at Farmacia del Cambio in Turin

YOU CAN DEVOUR DELICIOUS PIEDMONTESE FOOD

Italian food is the best in the world, as I’m sure many would agree, and northern Italy is all about comfort food. Every region has its delicacies, and Piedmont is no exception.

In Turin, the capital of the region, you can devour Agnolotti (small stuffed pasta), Gnocchi al Castelmagno (gnocchi with a sauce made of a special Piedmontese cheese), Tajarin (a type of egg pasta), Risotto al Barolo, and many more hearty Piedmontese dishes.

Gnocchi al Castelmagno in Turin — Gnocchi al Castelmagno

IT’S A FANTASTIC DESTINATION FOR ITALIAN FOOTBALL FANS

I love European football, so how can I not enjoy a city like Turin, which is the home of Juventus, one of the most successful and iconic Italian teams?

Attending a game is always a fun experience because the energy is out of this world, but the Juventus Museum (located in the stadium) is also open to visitors.

IT’S AN ELEGANT CITY, BUT EVERYONE IS WELCOME

As I’ve mentioned, not all of Turin’s neighborhoods are ‘traditionally beautiful,’ but you can see its northern Italian elegance and understand why it was chosen to be a royal city.

That said, it doesn’t feel cold or ‘too exclusive’ that you feel like you don’t belong. The locals are extremely friendly and helpful, the streets are full of life, and it just knows how to make you feel welcome.

IT’S EASY TO TAKE DAY TRIPS FROM TURIN

While Turin can definitely be the starting point of a scenic Italian road trip, it’s also easy to take some day trips by public transport.

A few must-see places like the Palace of Venaria and the Stupinigi Royal Hunting Lodge (both are a part of the UNESCO-listed Savoy residences) are quite close and reachable by bus.

You can also easily visit plenty of other nearby towns and cities like Alba, Asti, Rivoli, Cuneo, Alessandria, and Ivrea by bus or train.

Reggia di Venaria Reale near Turin — One of the facades of the Palace of Venaria

IT’S A GREAT DESTINATION FOR A LONG(ISH) GETAWAY

If you’re wondering how many days you need in Turin and are looking for a city where you can spend more than a weekend, this city is the place for you.

You can easily fill up an itinerary of at least 4-6 days without leaving the city at all, and if you’re also taking day trips or a road trip, you can plan a much longer trip.

That said, you can also enjoy Turin in 2-3 days.

Front facade of Villa della Regina in Turin Italy

ITALY IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA

For me, countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal, and other beloved European destinations never disappoint.

Wherever I’ll travel to, I’ll be happy – I’ll surely find great things to do and see, I’ll immerse myself in the local culture, and I’ll enjoy the views (urban or rural), the food, and the people.

So if this entire post hasn’t convinced you yet that Turin is worth a visit, just remember that it’s part of a wonderful country called Italy, which is impossible not to fall in love with.

Medieval Village of Turin — Medieval Village

OTHER ITALY TRAVEL GUIDES

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