What to do in Turin

Turin is a city that truly offers something for everyone. Its history, geographical position, and manageable size make it a rich and varied destination. Whether you are into sports, culture, gastronomy, or nightlife, you will easily find your own way to experience the city. Not sure what to do in Turin?

As a born-and-raised Turinese, official tour guide, and art historian, I have put together a first selection of things you can do in Turin to help you make the most of your stay.

Enjoy!

1) Explore the City on Foot

The first thing to do in Turin is simple: walk. You will cover many kilometers, but that is part of the pleasure of discovering the city. The historic center is compact (roughly 1.5 by 2 kilometers) and is best explored on foot. It is made up of different districts, each with its own atmosphere, shaped by different historical periods. Architecture lovers can move from the Roman quarter to Art Nouveau corners, from rationalist buildings to grand Baroque spaces.

Beyond the historic center, where most monuments and squares are located, other neighborhoods are also worth exploring: the 19th-century district of San Salvario with its young, multicultural vibe, or Aurora, where the city’s industrial heritage is still visible and increasingly open to transformation.

I offer classic walking tours of the historic center as well as alternative and thematic tours: https://www.piemontetour.com/turin-city-tours/

2) Take a Bike Ride Along the Po River

The River Po is deeply loved by us Turinese and offers several kilometers of cycling paths along its banks. Taking a bike ride is an excellent way to see the city from a beautiful and refreshing perspective.

Valentino Park, Turin’s first public park, stretches along the riverbanks and can be explored on foot or by bike. In addition to nature, it features important cultural landmarks such as the
Castello del Valentino, the Borgo Medievale, and the Fontana dei Dodici Mesi. Take a break at one of the riverside cafés or kiosks, even just for a coffee.

3) Go Hiking

If you enjoy being active, bring hiking shoes. The hills of Turin begin just across the river. Numerous trails start directly from the city, ranging from easy walks to more demanding hikes. The view of Turin from above is simply beautiful.

4) See the City from Above

There are several ways to enjoy Turin from a panoramic perspective. You can take the elevator inside the Mole Antonelliana, or enjoy free viewpoints from Monte dei Cappuccini or the
Basilica di Superga.

If you prefer to combine the view with a cocktail, you can visit Piano35 Lounge Bar, located in the tallest building in the city.

5) Dive into the History of FIAT

It is impossible to speak about Turin without mentioning FIAT and the automotive industry. You can explore this chapter of the city’s history by visiting the Lingotto, the Centro Storico FIAT, or the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile. My industrial heritage tour is also available for those who want to understand how deeply this industry shaped Turin: https://www.piemontetour.com/lingotto-fiat-and-turin-industrial-history/

6) Try a Local Beer

Head to Piazzale Valdo Fusi and try a beer from Baladin, one of Italy’s best-known craft breweries: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HQoaydJfomZcZUJQ7

7) Enjoy Great Music

Music lovers have many options. You can attend an opera at the Teatro Regio di Torino, a concert by the Filarmonica TRT, or spend an evening at the Jazz Club Torino.

8) Experience the Nightlife

Turin’s nightlife is most vibrant on Friday and Saturday evenings. For excellent cocktails, explore Piazza Vittorio Veneto and the neighborhoods of San Salvario, Quadrilatero Romano, Vanchiglia, and Aurora.

9) Drink a Bicerin in a Historic Café

If you love cafés and pastries, Turin is a special place. From historic coffee houses that transport you back in time to contemporary spaces with modern atmospheres, the choice is wide. Don’t miss a traditional bicerin, the city’s iconic layered drink made of coffee, chocolate, and cream. Which are Turin’s historic cafés? https://www.piemontetour.com/turins-historic-cafes/

10) Visit the Allianz (Juventus) Stadium

Football fans may enjoy visiting the Allianz Stadium and the Juventus Museum. Even if you are not a Juventus supporter, the club’s history is closely connected to FIAT and the city itself, offering another perspective on Turin.

11) Explore the Museums

Turin offers a remarkable number of high-quality museums, from the world-famous
Museo Egizio to more niche museums such as the Chocolate Museum. The range is impressive and suitable for all interests.

12) Take a Day Trip

If you have an extra day, consider visiting Alba, about one hour and twenty minutes by train from Porta Susa station. Alba offers a charming medieval center and the opportunity to explore Piedmont’s wine and culinary culture. Several hiking trails also begin directly from the town.

13) Go Wine Tasting

Choose an enoteca in the city center or head to the surrounding hills to discover the famous wines of Piedmont.

14) Visit a Market

Every district in Turin has one or more daily markets where you can buy fruit, vegetables, cheese, cured meats, textiles, and household goods. Locals love shopping at markets because prices are good and quality is high.
Right in the city center, you will find Mercato di Porta Palazzo in Piazza della Repubblica. It runs daily until 1:00 pm and all day on Saturdays. It is said to be the largest open-air market in Europe. It is not dangerous, but as in any crowded place, keep an eye on your belongings.

15) Join a Private Food Tour

A culinary city tour is a guided walk through Turin with several stops to taste typical local specialties. Moving from place to place on foot, you experience the city through food, history, and everyday culture. It is a relaxed and engaging way to understand Turin from the inside: https://www.piemontetour.com/food-tour-turin-english/