A long weekend in Turin will allow you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city yet also enjoy a laid-back getaway filled with delicious food, wine, and chocolate, beautiful views, and friendly locals.
Unsure how to plan your trip? After thoroughly exploring the city on more than one occasion, I’m here for you with a 3-day itinerary (that can be adjusted if you want to spend 2 days in Turin or 4 days in Turin). Let’s get started!
*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.
What to Expect & is a Long Weekend in Turin Enough?
The capital of the Piedmont region is a surprising city break destination in northern Italy.
Turin’s history traces back to Roman times (though the area was inhabited even before that), but its true fame lies in its role as a royal city.
Being the capital of the Duchy of Savoy, the Kingdom of Sardinia, and the unified Kingdom of Italy – all ruled by the Savoy family – it was the dynasty’s main seat, so the city and the region are packed with centuries-old royal residences listed as one UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s also the birthplace of solid chocolate (how cool is that?), vermouth (along with the aperitivo tradition), and brands like Lavazza and Fiat, as well as home to mind-blowing museums, amazing restaurants & historic cafes, beautiful cathedrals, Baroque architecture, and much more.
How many days do you need to spend in Turin? While a long weekend might not be enough to see every nook and cranny, it can definitely give you a taste of many of its highlights and make you understand why it’s a wonderful Italian city that should not be overlooked.
You can, of course, add Turin to a longer Italy itinerary, whether you want to focus on the northern regions or travel all the way to the south.
3 Days in Turin – Itinerary Summary and City Map
Day 1: Palatine Gate, Duomo, Musei Reali (the Royal Palace), Egyptian Museum, free time in the historic center.
Day 2 (option 1): Lavazza Museum, Balon del Sabato, Porta Palazzo, free time in the historic center (optional – Palazzo Madama, Gallerie d’Italia, Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento, or Accorsi Ometto).
Day 2 (option 2): National Automobile Museum, Eataly Torino Lingotto, Valentino Park, San Salvario.
Day 3: Villa della Regina, Gran Madre di Dio, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, National Museum of Cinema (in the famous Mole Antonelliana building).
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Where to Stay During a Weekend Break in Turin, Italy
If you’re a first-time visitor and only have 2-3 days, the best area to stay in Turin would be the Historic Center (Centro Storico), which is the location of many must-visit sites and the ideal base to explore different parts of the city.
I stayed at a central 2-bedroom apartment called Emozione Torino (suitable for up to 6 people). It’s spacious and clean, fully equipped, and is located a short walk from the main sights and museums. You can read more reviews and see the latest prices here.
A few other highly-rated accommodations in the historic center include:
– Attic Hostel Torino (budget)
– Q71 Timeless Suites (mid-range)
– Corte Realdi Luxury Rooms Torino (boutique/luxury)
I also stayed in the tranquil and less touristy neighborhood of Crocetta at the cozy Hotel Liberty, situated only 10-15 minutes from the historic center. You can browse its latest prices and availability here.
Will the Torino+Piemonte Card Save You Money?
Whether you’re a sightseeing fanatic or not, city passes are not always worth the hype, BUT the Torino+Piemonte Card is actually a money-saver.
Considering its prices (€40/€46/€53 for a 2,3, or 5-day card) and the fact that it offers FREE entrance to every palace and museum on this itinerary (each costing 10-18 euros to visit), it’s a must-buy.
Using this long weekend itinerary, the 3-day Torino+Piemonte Card can save you at least 30-35 euros (per person, assuming you’re not eligible for any other discount).
It also offers free/reduced admission to other sites in the city and the entire region, but it does not include unlimited use of public transport. That said, my weekend itinerary is pretty much walkable, so a few single tickets are enough.
See the complete list of discounts and get your Torino+Piemonte Card here.
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, as well as discounts on a few museums and public transport.
Day 1 (Friday)
Bicerin
Italian breakfast is all about coffee and pastries, but on your first morning, I suggest you try something else along with your cornetto (the Italian croissant).
One of the best things to do in the Italian chocolate capital is to have a cup of Bicerin, a decadent hot drink made of chocolate, coffee, and milk.
While you’ll see it on the menu of every cafe in the city, head to the 18th-century Caffè Al Bicerin, where it was invented.
Situated in the gorgeous Piazza della Consolata (overlooking the Santuario della Consolata), this cafe is a bit pricey, but since it’s such a historic spot, I wouldn’t skip out on this experience.
Palatine Gate
Dating back to the first century BC, the Palatine Gate (Porta Palatina) is a Roman-era city gate that was used to access the Roman colony of Julia Augusta Taurinorum.
Located in the western part of the historic center, also known as Quadrilatero Romano, it is an amazingly preserved landmark and a beautiful photo spot.
Duomo DI Torino
The 15th-century Duomo di Torino is a must-see Renaissance-style landmark and the current home of the Shroud of Turin (a piece of linen sheet depicting an image of a man that is believed to be a part of Jesus’ burial garment).
Known as the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, it’s also one of the two last resting places of the House of Savoy (the other is the Basilica di Superga).
Musei Reali
You might have heard of the 16th-century Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace), but did you know that visiting it also includes access to an entire group of interconnected sites called the Musei Reali (Royal Museums)?
The palace itself was the seat of the court and the most important of the Savoy family’s residences in Piedmont, so it’s no wonder why it’s Turin’s top sight.
I especially loved the regal atmosphere of the first space you see as you enter, called Scalone d’Onore (Staircase of Honor).
A visit to the Musei Reali also covers the Royal Armory, Galleria Sabauda, Museum of Antiquities, and Cappella della Sacra Sindone (once the home of the Shroud of Turin). In addition, you can wander around the Royal Gardens free of charge.
Note that the entrance to the museums is at the lovely Piazza Castello.
Full admission is €15 (only €2 if you’re 18-25 years old), but they are FREE to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass (there’s no need to book your tickets in advance).
You can also take a guided tour of the Royal Palace.
Lunch
There’s no shortage of restaurants in the area, but I loved Poormanger (Via Palazzo di Città, 26/B – it also has two other locations), which is all about Italian-style stuffed potatoes.
They use seasonal ingredients (mostly from the region of Piedmont) and offer great prices (€5.5-€8.5) for their hearty food.
Only a minute away, another budget-friendly Piedmontese restaurant you can check out is Piola da Cianci (it’s a busy place, but it’s popular for a reason).
Egyptian Museum
If you want to experience the best of this city, the Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio) is a worth the visit, even if you’re not a museum lover.
Housing the world’s second-largest collection of Egyptian antiquities (the largest is in Cairo), it’s a fantastic attraction for all ages and a highly popular museum in Italy.
It may sound odd that a European city is the location of this type of museum, but since the House of Savoy started acquiring pieces in the 18th century, the collection just kept growing, consisting of papyrus, tombs, temples, statues, and more.
At the moment, you need to purchase your ticket in advance and pick a specific time slot.
Full admission is €18, but it is FREE to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card (when booking your entry ticket, simply choose the “Free admission by Pass” option).
Alternatively, the Royal Pass gives you a discount (when booking your ticket, choose the “Ridotto Speciale 1” option).
Historic Center
Take the rest of the day to explore the enchanting historic center freely.
Go shopping on Via Roma and Via Garibaldi, have an afternoon coffee and desserts at DAF Èlite or Farmacia Del Cambio, and take a self-guided Torinese chocolate tour at Stratta, Guido Gobino, and Caffarel (which invented the best chocolate-hazelnut treat – the gianduiotto).
Photograph the beautiful Palazzo Carignano (another one of the Savoy’s UNESCO-listed residences), see Piazza Carlo Alberto and Piazza San Carlo, and discover the covered arcades – Galleria Subalpina and Galleria San Federico.
If you feel like you need more time – don’t worry – you’ll have it on the other days.
Aperitivo and Dinner
The iconic Italian aperitivo tradition, a pre-meal drink (which nowadays, also includes some nibbles), was born in Turin when Antonio Benedetto Carpano invented the Vermouth in the 18th century.
Almost every bar, restaurant, and cafe in Turin offers an aperitivo deal. For dinner, you can head to Pastificio Defilippis, established in 1872.
*Here are two itinerary options for day two. If you can spend more than 3 days in Turin and extend your long weekend to 4 days (Friday-Monday), consider the second option ideal for your last day (because the first one includes a market only open on Saturdays).
Day 2 (Saturday) Option 1
Lavazza Museum
As the birthplace of such an incredible coffee brand like Lavazza, it’s only logical that Turin would establish a museum dedicated to it.
The first couple of rooms seem quite modest, but as your visit continues, the surprises keep on coming.
You’ll get to know the brand’s history and the production process in an interactive way (using an adorable Lavazza cup), pass through some unusual yet photogenic rooms, and even taste some coffee at the end.
I highly recommend not skipping out on this place, even if you’re not necessarily a museum lover. It’s genuinely an underrated highlight of Turin and a great place to visit, no matter how old you are.
Full admission is €10, but the Lavazza Museum is FREE to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card.
Balon Del Sabato
Taking place every Saturday from 7 AM to 6 PM in the small neighborhood of Borgo Dora (a part of the Aurora district), the 165-year-old Balon del Sabato is Turin’s infamous historic flea market.
Hundreds of stalls take over the lovely streets, selling antique furniture, old books, and many other second-hand items.
Even if you don’t buy anything, strolling around this market is a fun activity and a great way to know another part of the city’s history and culture.
Good to know: On the second Sunday of the month in the past 35+ years, Borgo Dora also hosts the Gran Balon, which is even more extensive than the Balon del Sabato.
Porta Palazzo
Within a few minutes, you’ll get to Porta Palazzo, the largest open-air market in Europe, established almost 200 years ago.
Located at Piazza della Repubblica, it also includes a few indoor markets, including Mercato Centrale and Antica Tettoia dell’Orologio.
Start by having your lunch here, in places such as Pescheria Gallina or Goustò, or grab a bite inside Mercato Centrale.
Then, take your time to explore this area to the fullest. From fruit and vegetables to cheeses and pasta to clothes and accessories, there’s nothing you can’t find here.
On Saturdays, the market is open from morning to evening, and the area can get very busy, so consider that.
Historic Center
Walking on Via Milano, you’ll get to the historic center again.
Apart from wandering around here some more, you can also visit one more of Turin’s museums, like the:
- Museum of Eastern Art (€10)
- Gallerie d’Italia (€10)
- Accorsi Ometto Museum (€14)
- National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento (€10)
- Palazzo Madama (€10), a Savoy landmark that now houses the Turin City Museum of Ancient Art
These are all free to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card (Palazzo Madama is also free with the Royal Pass).
This is, of course, where you can also have your dinner.
Day 2 (Saturday) Option 2
National Automobile Museum
As the place where the first Fiat factory opened, Turin is a city for car fanatics.
Another highly-visited museum that caters to all ages is the National Automobile Museum, which features vehicles from the 19th century to the present day.
From antique carriages to impressive race cars to quirky designs (such as a car covered by hundreds of tiny cars), you’ll want to photograph every single item on this jaw-dropping collection.
While full admission is €15, the museum is FREE to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card.
Eataly Torino Lingotto
Nowadays, you can find Eataly’s markets and restaurants all across the world, from the US to London to Japan.
But did you know it was born in Piedmont and opened its first marketplace in Turin (in a former vermouth factory)? That’s right!
Aiming to be “a place where people can eat, shop, and learn”, at Eataly Torino Lingotto, you will have the pleasure of shopping for high-quality Italian products while also indulging in a market-to-table lunch.
Not surprisingly, I mainly bought chocolates (local must-tries like gianduiotto and cremino).
Valentino Park
If you feel like walking instead of taking the bus/Metro, it will take roughly 20-30 minutes to get to the lovely Valentino Park, one of the best places to visit in Turin.
On your way, you can stop at Pasticceria Beatrice or Caffetteria Vergnano Dal Tiepolo for coffee.
At the park, there’s quite a lot to see:
- Fontana dei 12 Mesi (Fountain of the 12 Months)
- Giardino Roccioso (Rocky Garden)
- Borgo Medievale (a picture-perfect replica of a Piedmontese medieval village – closed for renovation until June 2026)
- Castello del Valentino (one of the Savoy residences)
- Botanical Garden of the University of Turin (only open from April to October)
If you’re looking for a place to unwind yet still enjoy some of Turin’s highlights, Valentino Park will not disappoint.
San Salvario
The park is a part of the San Salvario neighborhood, and now, you can take the time to wander around its streets.
This multicultural district attracts many students due to its nightlife scene, dozens of international cuisine restaurants and cozy cafes, and affordability.
There isn’t much sightseeing to do here, but be sure to check out the facade of the gorgeous Synagogue of Turin, a total hidden gem in the city.
For dinner, there’s no shortage of options, including Trattoria Carmen and Past-à-Porter.
Note that the western part of the neighborhood, right next to the train station, can be unpleasant to walk through when it gets dark, so keep that in mind.
Day 3 (Sunday)
Villa Della Regina
Perched atop a hill on the eastern side of the Po River, the 17th-century Villa della Regina is a beautiful UNESCO-listed Savoy residence.
With its gorgeous gardens dotted with sculptures, fountains, and pavillions, it feels like more than “just another palace”.
The villa also had its own vineyard, which came back to life not too long ago. During your visit, you can even buy a bottle of wine.
Getting to the villa requires some walking – the bus (number 56) from the city center only takes you to Piazzale Villa della Regina, from which you’ll have to continue on foot. This road is a bit steep, so bring comfortable shoes.
Full admission is €10, but you can visit it for FREE with the Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass.
You can reserve your spot here (be sure to select the right type of admission – you’ll see the ones suitable for the Torino+Piemonte Card and Royal Pass).
Gran Madre DI Dio
Descending on foot from Villa della Regina towards the city center is a lot easier (and a lot of fun!), and it will only take a few minutes to get to the Pantheon-like Church of Gran Madre di Dio.
Photos don’t do it justice because it’s truly impressive when you see it in person, so take a moment to appreciate this striking landmark.
Overlooking the river and Piazza Vittorio Veneto, it was built to commemorate the downfall of the French Empire and the return of the Savoy family from a two-decade exile.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto
Cross the Vittorio Emanuele I Bridge, and you’ll get to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, one of the largest squares in Turin.
Its history traces back all the way to medieval times, and it has hosted many events throughout the years, including rallies, festivals, and parades.
In this area, you can also have your lunch.
Mole Antonelliana (National Museum of Cinema)
The first image that pops up when you research Turin showcases the imposing Mole Antonelliana building, an architectural gem and one of the most emblematic symbols of the city.
Now housing the National Museum of Cinema (aka the world’s tallest museum), it was originally supposed to function as a synagogue. While you can admire its stunning exteriors, don’t skip out on visiting the museum.
It will take you on quite a journey, from the first camera lenses all the way to the biggest blockbusters and iconic characters. You can also purchase a ticket to take a panoramic lift to a scenic viewpoint at the top of the building.
Since you’re visiting on the weekend, note that it will definitely be busy, but I still recommend checking it out. That’s why it’s also best to book your museum ticket in advance (the lift ticket MUST be booked in advance).
Full admission is €18 (museum only), but it is FREE to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card (when booking your entry ticket, simply choose the “Museum Free Admission Convention” option).
The panoramic lift ticket costs €9 (but the city card gives you a discount), and a combo ticket is €20.
You can also get a discount with the Royal Pass (when booking your ticket, simply choose the “Museum Concession Fee Convention” option).
After spending three days in Turin, end your last day with dinner and drinks in the historic center.
Other Things to Know When Planning Your 3-Day Turin Itinerary
Other Activities You Can Add to This Itinerary
If you’re wondering what more to do in Turin in 3 days or just want to change things up a bit, here are some great options:
- Take a free walking tour of Turin
- Take a chocolate tour
- Enjoy the views from the best lookout point – Monte dei Cappuccini
If you want to explore Turin’s surroundings:
- Take a half-day trip to the UNESCO-listed Palace of Venaria or Hunting Lodge of Stupinigi (also included on the Torino+Piemonte Card)
- Take a half-day trip to the Basilica di Superga
- Take a guided half-day tour to the Sacra di San Michele medieval abbey
What to Eat and Drink
Northern Italian food is comforting, hearty, and warming, so if you want to immerse yourself in typical Piedmontese cuisine, add Gnocchi al Castelmagno, Tajarin, and Agnolotti to your list.
You’ll also come across plenty of mushroom risottos, focaccias with all sorts of toppings, and other delicious dishes.
Wine is also a huge part of what Piedmont has to offer, especially the famous Barolo and Barbaresco.
Getting Around
Regarding public transport, you’ll find a combo of bus, metro, and tram lines. You can buy tickets at metro stations, newsstands, or tobacco shops (look for Tabaccheria/Tabacchi).
There’s no need for a daily or multi-day ticket for this Turin weekend itinerary (a few single-journey tickets are enough), but feel free to purchase a 72-hour ticket, valid for all 3 types of transportation.
When to Visit
My first trip to Turin was in December and I loved it because of the holiday vibe, but if you’re after more pleasant weather, spring and fall can be a good choice (Turin in early October was wonderful, definitely one of the best places to visit in northern Italy in October).
Other Turin and Italy Guides
For more Turin tips, read:
- Turin or Milan
- Is Turin worth visiting?
- Turin travel tips
- Turin in the winter (one of the best winter city breaks in Europe / the best places to visit in Italy in winter)
- Aosta Valley road trip from Turin
Read more about Italy and northern Italy:
- Best road trips from Milan
- Northern Italy road trip, one of the best Italian road trips
- Places to visit in Northern Italy in winter
- Hidden gems in northern Italy
- Places to visit in Lombardy
- Things to do in Vicenza
- Piazzas in Italy
- Gifts for Italy lovers
- Romantic novels set in Italy
- Quotes about Italy
Check out my other European city break itineraries:
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