The 11 Best Things to Do in Turin

The first capital of Italy, the birthplace of illustrious politicians, and the home of iconic Italian gastronomic symbols such as vermouth and grissini, Turin is a treasure trove of wonders. If you’re eager to uncover the best things to do in Turin, you’ve come to the right place.

1. Stroll Through the Historic Centre

The historic centre of Turin is a captivating labyrinth of interconnected streets, wide pedestrian boulevards, elegant squares, and historical monuments that speak to centuries of rich history and culture.

Just a short walk from the Central Station, Via Roma is one of the first things to see in Turin. Its famous arcades lead to the beautiful Piazza San Carlo, affectionately referred to by the Turinese as the city’s living room. Here, you can admire the twin churches of Santa Cristina and San Carlo Borromeo.

Strolling under these elegant arcades, you’ll be transported back to the days of the Kingdom of Italy, feeling like a member of the royal family seeking shelter from the seasonal weather. Another must-see is Piazza Castello, home to the fortified Palazzo Madama and the majestic Royal Palace, key epicentres of local and national history.

To delve deeper into the legacy of the Savoy family and their transformation of the city, consider joining this guided tour of the Royal Palace. For a comprehensive introduction to Turin’s history, check out our free walking tour. Alternatively, explore at your own pace by getting your hands on the Turin and Piedmont card, which includes entry to some of the city’s top monuments.

2. Visit the Egyptian Museum

Among the many squares and historical sites, the Museo Egizio, or Egyptian Museum, stands out as a must-see in Turin. Did you know it’s the second-largest museum in the world dedicated to Ancient Egypt? With a collection of over 3,000 pieces, including sarcophagi, mummies, and well-preserved papyri, it’s an essential stop in the Piedmontese capital.

To fully appreciate its treasures, we recommend booking a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum. Let yourself be transported back to the time of the Pyramids, with the statues of Amenhotep I and Ramses II and the Temple of Ellesiya awaiting you!

3. Cycle through Valentino Park

Who doesn’t love a serene park to escape the city’s hustle and bustle? Valentino Park is the perfect retreat during your stay in Turin. Stretching along the Po River and easily accessible by tram, the park boasts several attractions, including the picturesque Borgo Medievale, a reconstruction of a medieval city.

With well-made bike lanes and streets perfect for cycling, exploring Valentino Park by bike is a delightful experience. It’s no coincidence that the park is the final stop on this Turin bike tour.

4. Delve into the World of Film at the National Museum of Cinema

If you’re a film fanatic, one thing you have to do in Turin is pay a visit to the Mole Antonelliana. With its monumental dome and spire recognisable at first glance, it’s one of Italy’s most important architectural icons. An undisputed symbol of the city, it was originally built as a synagogue, however, it now houses the National Museum of Cinema. On clear days, you can ascend to the top for a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding mountains.

The Cinema Museum is a must-see, featuring exhibits of great cinematic value, from Marilyn Monroe’s costumes to iconic film sets. Combine your visit with a ticket for the museum and the Turin sightseeing bus for a comprehensive experience.

5. Investigate the Museo di Antropologia Criminale “Cesare Lombroso”

Located just outside the city centre, the Lombroso Museum is one of Turin’s most intriguing destinations. Established by the famous phrenologist Cesare Lombroso, the museum houses skulls of criminals and murder weapons collected for his studies from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

If you love true crime, don’t end your holiday without visiting the Cesare Lombroso Museum. It’s for sure one of the most interesting things to see in Turin!

6. Admire the View from the Basilica of Superga

Erected on the hill of the same name, this Basilica is one of Turin’s iconic monuments. Up here, besides admiring the beauty of the late Baroque building, you’ll also enjoy a complete panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains.

To reach it, you’ll have to use one of Turin’s most peculiar tram lines, the Dentiera Sassi-Superga. This is a hilly line that will take you to the top at an altitude of 672 metres (2,204 feet). Superga has also been the scene of many historical events, including the famous plane crash of 1949.

7. Sip a Bicerìn behind the Santuario della Consolata

An unmissable architectural wonder in the city is the Santuario della Consolata, the most important and oldest sanctuary in the Turin archdiocese. This masterpiece of Baroque art was conceived by some of the most illustrious masters of 17th-century architecture.

A perk to visiting is that, behind the church, you’ll find the Caffè al Bicerìn, one of the oldest cafés in the city. It’s said that Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour spent much of his time here sipping bicerìn, a coffee native to Turin served by the glass enriched with chocolate and fior di latte. Don’t forget to taste it during your trip!

8. Explore Underground Turin

From the city’s highest point to its lowest depths, one of the most fascinating things to do in Turin is to explore its underground world. Wander through historical corridors and uncover legends and mysteries beneath the city’s surface. While Turin’s monuments above ground are undeniably beautiful, its underground treasures are equally captivating.

Almost every great noble palace in the city has a part that branches off underground. These tunnels were used to store royal iceboxes, but also as escape routes during conflicts or as catacombs. If you want to learn more, find a tour of Turin’s underground passages and immerse yourself in the city’s deep history.

9. Marvel at Turin’s Castles & Royal Residences

If you have time during your stay in Turin, we highly recommend spending a day visiting some of the stunning royal palaces around the city. If you want to visit them all, the best way to do it is by buying a Royal Pass, a tourist card offering free access to Savoy royal residences both inside and outside Turin. It’s a very convenient choice that also includes other major monuments in the region.

One of the highlights is the Palace of Venaria, an imposing 17th-century aristocratic residence built by Duke Charles Emmanuel II of Savoy as a hunting lodge. This UNESCO World Heritage site is at its most beautiful in spring when its vast gardens are in bloom. Another gem is Racconigi Castle, located about 40 kilometres (24 miles) from Turin, which boasts a rich history, sumptuous rooms, original furnishings, and a lush park that is a haven for various wildlife.

Closer to the city, Moncalieri Castle, the oldest of these residences, dates back to the Middle Ages and was a favourite of the women of the House of Savoy. Its characteristic horseshoe façade and large park offer a glimpse into the glorious past of the Savoy family.

10. Experience the Art of Aperitivo

A trip to Turn would be incomplete without tasting a Vermouth and learning the art of the aperitivo. Did you know that the countryside around Turin is the cradle of some of Italy’s finest wine-growing? In fact, it is where the concept of aperitivo was born, and with it Vermouth.

This herb-flavoured muscat wine is perfect for a relaxing and fragrant break, seated at the outdoor tables of a pretty country café. If this is right up your alley, we recommend joining our Casa Martini tour, the temple of vermouth in Pessione, a few kilometres from Turin.

11. Uncover Turin’s Mysteries

Lastly, let’s touch on what some say is the true essence of Turin: its magical and esoteric side. The city is reputedly filled with symbols linked to Freemasonry and Alchemy, earning it the title of ‘the magic city’.

Unveiling all its secrets is no easy task, but luckily, numerous guided tours delve into this intriguing aspect of Turin. If you’re fascinated by mystery, consider joining our Turin Mysteries and Legends tour.

With an expert guide, you’ll uncover the city’s secrets and visit its most iconic sites. It’s the perfect way to experience Turin in a day while discovering its most authentic character!

Turin is a city full of surprises. With so many things to do in this Italian city, we’re sure your time there will be nothing short of magical. For more inspiration on things to do in Turin, take a look at all of the other activities that Civitatis offers!