Looking for some Turin travel tips that will help you make the most of your trip? I think I can help as I explored it thoroughly on more than one occasion.
The northern Italian city is a visit-worthy underrated destination that anyone would love, famous for its cool museums, Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture, exquisite culinary and chocolate scenes, and UNESCO-listed royal palaces that remind us that it was the capital city of several kingdoms ruled by the House of Savoy.
To experience this city to the fullest, here are some must-know tips for visiting Turin.
*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. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my disclosure and disclaimer. This post may show pop-ups.
*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.
Trip-Planning Turin Travel Tips
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Where to Stay in Turin
While you’ll have things to do in various neighborhoods, there’s no doubt that the number one area to stay in Turin is the Historic Center (Centro Storico).
It’s where you’ll find many of the city’s sites and museums, and of course, it is also packed with restaurants, cafes, and shops. I stayed there at an amazing apartment called Emozione Torino.
A few other highly-rated places to stay in the Historic Center include:
- Attic Hostel Torino (budget)
- Q71 Timeless Suites (mid-range)
- Corte Realdi Luxury Rooms Torino (boutique/luxury) – right in front of the Royal Palace
That said, you’ll find accommodations for all budgets all around the city. I also stayed in the quiet (yet central enough) neighborhood of Crocetta at the lovely Hotel Liberty, which was cozy, clean, and comfortable, and the owners offered incredible service.
To choose the perfect neighborhood for you, you can also read my travel guide to the best areas to stay in Turin.
Torino+Piemonte Card – Worth It or Not?
There are quite a few things to consider before purchasing a city card, like:
- Does it offer free entrance to sites and museums or just a small discount?
- Can you visit these places for free without a card (on weekends, for example)?
- How much does it cost in comparison to the admission you’ll pay at these sites and museums?
That’s why I can safely say that the Torino+Piemonte Card, which offers FREE entrance to dozens of points of interest in Turin, is 100% worth it. I don’t normally buy city cards, but this one actually saved me a lot of money.
It is available for 1,2,3, or 5 days (note that the one-day card only offers free entrance to 3 sites). Unlike other city cards, it doesn’t offer unlimited use of public transport (only a discount on multi-day tickets).
BUT when there are so many incredible landmarks and museums in Turin, each costing 10-18 euros to visit, it’ll surely save you money, even if you have just a couple of days in the city and only visit 3-4 sites (the 3-day card can easily save you 20-35 euros).
The card also includes free entrance to landmarks in the entire region of Piedmont, so the 5-day Torino+Piemonte Card can be very useful if you’re taking day trips or a road trip from Turin.
Buy your Torino+Piemonte Card here (€30/€40/€46/€53) – there’s a link to the full list of discounts!
Alternatively, you can purchase the Royal Pass (€30), valid for 4 days and offering FREE entrance solely to the palaces and castles of the House of Savoy in Turin and Piedmont (and the Basilica of Superga), as well as discounts on a few museums and public transport.
Want to explore Turin with a guide? Book this free walking tour!
Getting to Turin
International flights arrive daily at Caselle Airport, but you can also get to Turin by train or bus from Milan, Genoa, or Bologna.
To find the cheapest or the fastest way to get to the city, I like to compare bus, train, and flight prices in one place on Omio. You’d be surprised, but sometimes flights can be cheaper than trains.
Getting From the Airport to the City Center
Turin’s Caselle Airport is located about 17 km (10.5 miles) away from the city center.
The cheapest way to get to the center is by bus 268, which leaves the airport every 15 minutes. A ticket costs 7.5 euros, and the ride should take about 45 minutes. Browse the timetable, get tickets, and read more details here.
Less budget-friendly (unless you’re a group of 3-4 travelers) but very convenient, a taxi will take you to the city center in about half an hour and should cost 35-40 euros.
Getting Around
As someone who loves to explore every nook and cranny of a city and discover its hidden gems, I think nothing compares to getting around on foot.
That said, almost every neighborhood in Turin offers interesting and fun things to do and see, so even with a walkable itinerary, you’ll need to use public transportation to move around the different parts of the city at least a few times.
While Turin’s metro lines only pass through a few streets and avenues, trams and buses are an extremely convenient way to get around the city. You can purchase tickets at metro stations, tobacco shops (look for Tabaccheria/Tabacchi), or an app – see all points of sale here.
The basic ticket costs €1.90 and is valid for a single journey on the metro or 100 minutes on buses/trams (starting from the first validation). You can also purchase a daily ticket or a multi-day ticket, which is valid for all three transportation modes.
If you get the Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass, you can purchase discounted multi-day public transport tickets at the Torino Tourist Office in Piazza Castello.
Weather in Turin
After visiting Turin in both October and December and loving it (super proud of myself for handling that cold winter weather in December), I can only imagine how amazing it is in spring and early summer (though keep in mind that there could be rainy days in every season).
Turin in winter: In December and January, average highs are 3°C-10°C (37.5°F-50°F), and lows are 0°C-2°C (32°F-35.5°F), and some days are cold yet sunny with a clear sky (that’s what I got to enjoy 95% of the time) while others are rainy or snowy. In February, temperatures start to get a bit higher and more pleasant (though some days can still be rainy).
It’s also good to know that Turin hosts a few Christmas events, and even though it’s not heavily decorated like cities such as Vienna or London, it still feels festive and cheerful, making it a great alternative Christmas destination in Europe.
Turin in spring: March is quite similar to February in terms of temperatures and rainy days, while in April and May, average highs are 15°C-23°C (59°F-73.5°F), and lows are 8°C-12°C (46.5°F-53.5°F).
Turin in summer: In June-August, average highs are 23°C-30°C (73.5°F-86°F), and lows are 15°C-20°C (59°F-68°F). It’s good to keep in mind that due to its location, northern Italy in summer is a lot more pleasant to wander around than other European destinations that can be unbearably hot, but it can still be very hot and humid.
Turin in fall: September offers similar temperatures to June and the beginning of July, while October is slightly cooler and wetter (though I hot to enjoy absolutely perfect weather at the beginning of October), and November is usually the wettest month.
Essentially, each season has its advantages and disadvantages, so it all comes down to your personal travel preferences.
How Many Days to Spend in Turin
Taking into consideration everything Turin and its surroundings have to offer, you can plan a 2-week trip in this area alone (or maybe it’s just me that likes to travel a bit more slowly and thoroughly whenever possible).
If you really have no choice, then sure, you can book a long weekend getaway to Turin, but if you want to explore it more properly highly recommend spending at least 4 days in the city.
For me, one day in Turin is not enough unless you’re only interested in wandering around the historic center and maybe visit 1-2 of attractions.
I can think of at least five towns and cities around Turin you can visit, so add more time if you also want to take day trips.
I know others might disagree and think you don’t need that much time in Turin, but I stand by my opinion and personal preference.
Some Attractions Must Be Booked in Advance
You need to book tickets to some of Turin’s museums and palaces in advance as you must pick the exact time you’ll visit them.
These include the Egyptian Museum, the nearby Reggia di Venaria Reale, and the lift to the viewpoint of the National Museum of Cinema (though you should also get your ticket to the museum itself since the lines can be long).
Get your tickets on each attraction’s official website, and note that you can choose a €0 admission that states you have purchased the Torino+Piemonte Card (and show it at the entrance).
**If you don’t purchase the city card, a combined ticket to the National Museum of Cinema and the lift costs €20. If you do get it, buy the museum and lift ticket seperately, and choose the Torino+Piemonte Card admission option – the museum is free to visit and the lift ride gets a small discount.
Top Landmarks and Museums to Visit if You’re Short on Time
There are literally dozens of things to do in Turin, so if you can only spend 1-3 days in the city, you have to plan your itinerary wisely. Here are some of the spots I think you shouldn’t skip:
Musei Reali (Royal Museums): A group of sites and museums (situated in Piazza Castello) connected to Turin’s history and the Savoy family. Their number one highlight is the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace), the most important royal residence of the House of Savoy in the Piedmont region. The ticket costs €15, but you can visit them for free with the Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass.
Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio): Houses the world’s second-largest collection of Egyptian antiquities (after the museum in Cairo). The ticket costs €18, but you can visit it for free with the Torino+Piemonte Card. You need to purchase your ticket in advance.
National Museum of Cinema: Housed in the gorgeous Mole Antonelliana building (Turin’s most emblematic landmark), it is the tallest museum in the world. The basic ticket costs €18, but you can visit it for free with the Torino+Piemonte Card. You can also take the lift to the building’s viewpoint (€9), but you must purchase your ticket in advance.
**If you don’t purchase the city card, a combined ticket to the National Museum of Cinema and the lift costs €20. If you do get it, buy the museum and lift ticket seperately, and choose the Torino+Piemonte Card admission option – the museum is free to visit and the lift ride gets a small discount.
National Automobile Museum: A super cool museum showcasing vehicles from the 19th century to the present day. The ticket costs €15, but you can visit it for free with the Torino+Piemonte Card.
Valentino Park: It is the city’s most famous park, home to a few beautiful landmarks like Valentino Castle and the Medieval Village (the latter is currently closed for renovations).
Villa della Regina: A gorgeous Savoy residence overlooking the city from the eastern side of the Po River. The ticket costs €10, but you can visit it for free with the Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass.
Other visit-worthy spots include the Palazzo Madama and Lavazza Museum, but if you only have one day in Turin, pick 2-3 of these places.
Take Day Trips (Or a Road Trip)
As if Turin isn’t fascinating enough, there’s a lot more to experience in Piedmont. I would have loved to take a good old Italian road trip to explore the region properly, but I did manage to see a bit of the city’s surrounding area.
That said, I did take a road trip from Turin to the Aosta Valley, which I highly recommend.
An easy half-day trip is to the town of Venaria (reachable by bus number 11), where you’ll find another Savoy royal residence called Reggia di Venaria Reale.
With its alpine backdrop and beautiful architecture on the inside and out, it is a must-visit. It is also free to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass (otherwise, a ticket can cost up to 20 euros!).
Other towns and cities in the area you can add to your itinerary are Rivoli, Moncalieri, Stupinigi, Cuneo, Alessandria, and Ivrea, but the list goes on and on. You can also book a half-day tour of the medieval abbey of Sacra di San Michele.
Food-Related Travel Tips for Visiting Turin
Bring an Extra Suitcase Just for Chocolates
Throughout the centuries, Turin has become a chocolate empire, and a shortage in cocoa supplies also led it to invent the genius combo of chocolate and hazelnuts, so there’s no better place in Italy to satisfy your sweet addiction than Turin.
You’ll find delicious treats to try, like gianduiotto and cremino, and you won’t be able to stop shopping at Turin’s chocolate stores. To get to know this aspect of the city better, read my Turin chocolate guide.
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
I hope you agree that Italian food is the best, and I’m sure the mountains of carbs you’ll eat in Turin will make you want to stay there forever. From pasta to risotto to gnocchi, Piedmontese cuisine doesn’t disappoint.
Northern Italian dishes are the definition of comfort food, so I know you’ll love trying agnolotti (a type of ravioli), risotto al Barolo, and gnocchi al Castelmegano (a Piedmontese hard cheese).
Good to know: Note that many restaurants are not open from morning to evening, so plan your days accordingly. Many of them are open from 12 PM – 3 PM and 7 PM – 11 PM.
You’ll also see almost every cafe, bar, and restaurant offering an aperitif, a cocktail (alongside some snacks) meant to stimulate your appetite before dinner. This tradition was actually born in Turin, not too long after the vermouth (a type of aromatized wine) was invented in the city.
As the Italian capital of chocolate, hot chocolate and a local drink called Bicerin (made of coffee, chocolate, and milk) are also must-tries.
Last but not least, let’s not forget about pasticcerias (pastry shops/bakeries) selling the most scrumptious Italian pastries and desserts.
Should You Pay for Hotel Breakfast?
Especially when going on a city break, it’s not always worth paying for hotel breakfast. It can be very overpriced sometimes, and it’s also much nicer to start your morning at a local cafe.
Since a typical Italian breakfast consists of coffee and a pastry, you’d want to consider a few things, including what kind of breakfast you expect/want to get at your hotel and what your hotel actually offers.
If Italian breakfast is enough for you, you can have coffee and a croissant in many cafes in Turin, and you’ll probably pay less (unless it’s a historic cafe which can be pricey).
If you’re looking for an offbeat girls’ trip destination in Europe, Turin could be a great choice!
Other Turin Tips
English Is Not That Much of an Issue
Let me start by saying that I always love to learn some words and sentences in my destination’s local language, not only to technically communicate with the locals but also because I know they’ll appreciate it.
Language brings people together, and travelers should make a bit of effort to learn at least a few useful everyday phrases.
Moreover, it’s not uncommon to travel through areas in Italy where the locals don’t speak English at all. However, it’s good to know that you probably won’t have that kind of problem in Turin as many (but not all) people do know at least a bit of English.
Visit Turin Before It Gets Touristy
Even though it’s the fourth-largest city in Italy, Turin is often overlooked by many travelers, and that’s one of the reasons it’s so charming and fun to explore.
I’m not saying you’ll be the only exploring the city, but it really doesn’t feel touristy considering it’s such a prominent city that offers so much to experience.
But since it makes such a fantastic city break destination and as people look for alternative places to visit, I have a feeling it will not stay underrated for too long, so don’t hesitate and book your flight right now!
OTHER TURIN & ITALY GUIDES
Are these Turin travel tips helpful? Read more about northern Italy:
- Hidden gems in Turin
- Northern Italy road trip itinerary
- Things to do in Vicenza
- Best places in Lombardy to visit
- Hidden gems in the north of Italy
- Road trips from Milan
- Turin or Milan
- Best places to visit in northern Italy in October
- Places to visit in Northern Italy in winter
Read more about Italy:
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