All You Need to Know About Turin

Turin, the capital of the Italian region of Piedmont and home to a population of almost a million inhabitants, is a city with a mix of mesmerizing culture, captivating views, and rich cuisine. Often described as the “cradle of Italian cuisine”, Turin is densely packed with wonderful sites and sounds that are sure to leave tourists with an unforgettable experience. In this guide, we’re going to explore the many facets of Turin—from what to do and where to eat to getting around and enjoying the local culture.

What to Do in Turin

Turin is full of countless attractions and activities that offer something for everyone. From museums and religious sites to shopping and outdoor activities, you’ll find something unique for your own particular interests.

Museums

For culture-seekers, there are some excellent museums in Turin. The Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum) is one of the world’s great Egyptian museums, housing some amazing artifacts from ancient Egypt. The Museo del Cinema (Cinema Museum) offers an inside look at film history and the world of technology. The National Automobile Museum features vehicles from throughout the ages, from vintage cars to race cars.

Religious Sights

In addition to its museum attractions, Turin also has some fascinating religious sites. The immense Basilica of Superga houses the tombs of many members of the Savoy dynasty. The Church of Gran Madre di Dio, overlooking the River Po, is known as one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. And Turin’s main square, Piazza San Carlo, is well worth a visit for its grand statues and fountains.

Shopping

Turin is known for its many wonderful boutiques, offering stylish designer clothes, quirky accessories, and gourmet products. The many specialty shops in the area make it easy to find the perfect product or souvenir. And if you’re looking for antiques or hand-crafted items, head to Via San Tommaso or Via Garibaldi.

Outdoor Activities

Near Turin are plenty of opportunities for hiking and nature walks. Visitors can explore the trails of Superga Hill or take a guided tour of the surrounding area. It is also possible to rent a bike and cycle around the city, or even visit nearby vineyards for wine tastings.

Turin Food Scene

If there is one thing that people rave about when talking about Turin, it’s definitely their food scene. Turin is known for its homey cuisine that’s heavy on local produce, particularly cheese and vegetables.

What To Eat In Turin

Wine & Aperitivo – Many restaurants in Turin offer an Aperitivo as an appetizer—a selection of snacks that pair perfectly with a glass of wine—before dinner. Local favorites include pear, gorgonzola and grappa bruschetta; baccala cake; and smoked salmon with artichokes.

Pasta – Pasta dishes are popular here in Turin, particularly within its many trattorie and osterie. Common dishes are ravioli with gorgonzola butter and green salad; quenelle di salmerino al parmigiano (salmon quenelle with parmesan); farfalle al salmone e finocchio (bow tie pasta with smoked salmon and fennel).

Street Food – Turin also has some delicious street food offerings. Look out for panzerotti (a crispy pastry filled with cheese), fries with mixed sauces and meats, rice balls with porcini mushrooms, tripe and polenta sandwiches, crescione (a fried flatbread) and pizza trancio (sliced pizza).

Where to Eat in Turin

Gastronomica Selvatica – Run by brothers Marco and Giorgio Loragno, Gastronomica Selvatica is one of the most popular restaurants in Turin, specializing in wild game dishes such as wild boar stew and wood pigeon in mango sauce.

Focacceria Torinese – Located in Piazza Solferino, this small family-run restaurant has been serving pizzas and focaccias since 1898. Its classic menu also includes grissini (tiny breadsticks) made by hand every morning and arancini (risotto balls stuffed with cheese or meat).

La Locanda della Musica – If you’re looking for a more formal dining experience, you can’t go wrong with La Locanda della Musica. This upscale eatery serves up Italian-Mediterranean specialties featuring fresh produce from the surrounding areas.

Tour a Local Market

For a unique foodie experience in Turin, head to one of its weekly markets to sample some of the region’s most delicious produce, such as cheese, cured meats, honey and other specialty items. Every Saturday morning there’s an outdoor market at Porta Palazzo (the largest square in Europe), as well as smaller markets throughout the city on different days of the week.

Getting Around Turin

Turin is a relatively small city, which means it’s quite easy to get around by foot or bike—both are fantastic ways to explore! But if you’re looking for something faster, there are other options available as well.

Bus & Tram

The city has an extensive network of buses and trams that can take you pretty much anywhere in the city. The bus network runs every 10 minutes on average and all tickets cost €1.50 for 90 minutes—so you can get around quickly and cheaply.

Taxi

Taxis are another great way to get around Turin if you’re short on time. Rates for a taxi ride vary depending on the company but average around €2 per kilometer (with a minimum charge of €2–€4 depending on the company).

Car Rental

You can also rent a car if you want the greatest degree of freedom while getting around the city. Car rental firms such as Hertz and Europcar have desks at Turin’s airport as well as in several locations around the city centre. Alternatively, you can have a car delivered to your hotel or apartment at no extra cost.

Enjoying Life in Turin

Beyond its cultural sights and culinary delights, Turin also offers many other enjoyable activities for visitors—from bars and clubs to musical performances and local festivals.

Nightlife & Bars

Turin is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, boasting many different kinds of bars from historic wine bars to modern cocktail lounges. Popular spots include Luxor Palace Bar; Bar 8ino; Biondo Bartolo; Meccanica; Numa Pompilio; Arthouse; Chateau Aficionado; Egoismo Bar; Elysium Wine Bar; Headroom; Nevermind Cocktail Bar; Ombre Rosse; Solarium; Tanz; DRY Club; Vineria Levy; Of Interferencia Bar; RobiTramBar; Folksor Pop Up Cafe; Chupitos Shot Bar; Ugo Trippone Stand Up Comedy Club; Post Pub; Alto Live Music & Drinks Bar; Gatti Matti Cocktail Bar & Pub; Tea Room; B98 Club; Eclettico Discotheque at Hombre Club; Q Clubbing at Green Park Hotel; Lex Discotheque at President Hotel; La Tagliola Winebar & Club.

Performing Arts & Events

Turin hosts countless events throughout the year—from music festivals and theatre performances to art exhibitions and parades. Springs brings music festivals such as TuttoSpettacoli e Musica (all theatre & music), Jazzaar International Jazz Festival, Kore Opera Musica Popolare di Strada (KORE street opera/popular music), PIP Festival della Musica Popolare (PIP folk music festival), Festival Internazionale del Circo Contemporaneo e Nuovo Cirko SMI (the International Festival of Contemporary Circus & SMI New Cirko). Summer months offer outdoor movies screenings (Cinema all’aperto) as well as ethnic festivals such as Kthiru Festival Internazionale di Musica*Etno-Popolare (Kthiru International Ethno*Popular Music Festival). Finally autumn brings events such as Torino International Film Festival (Italian Cinema) and Torino Jazz Festival.

“Turin Street Food Walking Tour with Aperitivo & Tastings” From GetYourGuide

If you’re looking for an even more immersive food experience in Turin, why not join one of GetYourGuide’s “Turin Street Food Walking Tour with Aperitivo & Tastings”? This three-hour guided tour takes you through some of the best eats that this city has to offer along with an explanation about food culture in Piedmont—making for an unforgettable experience for any food enthusiast! Plus, you’ll get plenty of tasty Aperitivo tastings along the way so be prepared! To book this tour or find out more information, visit GetYourGuide’s website.

Overall, Turin is a vibrant and exciting city full of incredible sights and experiences that are sure to be cherished forever by any traveler lucky enough to visit this amazing Italian gem! Whether you’re interested in learning about Italian culture or indulging in amazing food and drink experiences—Turin has something for everyone! Happy travels!