Turin is known for its elegant architecture, rich cultural heritage, and as the home of the Italian automotive industry, with Fiat being founded there. It's famous for its grand boulevards and squares, baroque buildings, and palaces, as well as for the Mole Antonelliana, which is a symbol of the city. Additionally, Turin is renowned for its museums, including the Egyptian Museum, the second largest of its kind outside Egypt, and the National Museum of Cinema. The city also offers a variety of fine dining, shopping, and nearby Alpine skiing opportunities.
Visitors should not miss the iconic Mole Antonelliana and the National Museum of Cinema within it, the Royal Palace of Turin, the Egyptian Museum, the majestic Piazza Castello and surrounding palaces, the Basilica of Superga, the Museum of Oriental Art (MAO), and the beautiful parks such as Parco del Valentino. Many also enjoy walking along the Po River and exploring the historic Quadrilatero Romano district.
Yes, Turin is an excellent base for exploring nearby regions. It is well-connected by train to other Italian cities, and it's close to the Alps, making it convenient for day trips or longer excursions to ski resorts or the beautiful Valle d’Aosta region. Moreover, the wine regions of Langhe and Monferrato are within easy reach for those interested in eno-tourism.
The best time to visit Turin is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October), when the weather is mild, and there is less tourist influx compared to the summer months. Winter can also be a good time to visit, especially if you're interested in nearby winter sports opportunities, though it can be quite cold.
While the historic Fiat factory at Lingotto no longer offers public tours of its automotive production, the building itself has been repurposed and can be visited. It now houses a shopping center, a hotel, and the Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli art gallery. Visitors can also walk on the old test track on the roof, as featured in the movie 'The Italian Job.'
Traditional dishes to try in Turin include 'bagna cauda' (a warm dip made with garlic, anchovies, olive oil, and butter for vegetables and bread), 'vitello tonnato' (thin slices of veal with a creamy tuna sauce), 'agnolotti' (Piedmontese-style stuffed pasta), and various risotto dishes featuring local truffles and cheeses. For dessert, 'gianduja' (hazelnut chocolate) and 'grissini' (breadsticks) are both specialties originated from Turin.
Turin hosts a number of annual events and festivals. The Torino Film Festival is one of the most important film festivals in Italy, the Salone del Libro is a prominent international book fair, and CioccolaTò is a festival dedicated to chocolate, celebrating Turin's long-standing tradition in chocolatiering. Additionally, there are various music, art, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Yes, Turin offers the Torino+Piemonte Card which provides free or discounted access to many museums, exhibitions, castles, and fortresses in Turin and the Piedmont region, as well as discounts on local tours, transportation, and cultural events.
