Things to Do in Turin

About Turin

The Alps loom over Turin. Under that shadow, the Piedmontese capital mixes royal palaces with Fiat factories, baroque architecture with Art Nouveau cafés—all of it surprisingly coherent. Miles of porticoed streets create covered walkways worth using. The Po River cuts through town, its water reflecting the ochre buildings that turn gold at sunset. The culture is thick. You'll find the Shroud, old chocolate houses serving bicerin, and several good museums. The Savoy dynasty ran things here for centuries, then came the auto workers—both left their mark. What you get now is a northern Italian city that feels elegant without trying too hard. The courtyards are worth finding. Duck into the right doorways and you'll see what locals know. Turin doesn't announce itself the way Venice or Florence does, which works in your favor.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Purchase a Torino+Piemonte Card for unlimited public transport plus museum entries. The efficient metro, trams, and buses connect all major attractions. Rent a bike through [TO]Bike stations citywide, or walk the compact historic center which spans just 2km end-to-end.

Money: Budget €80-120 daily for mid-range travel. Many restaurants add 'coperto' (cover charge) of €1-3 per person. Tipping 10% is appreciated but not mandatory. Credit cards widely accepted, but carry cash for small cafés and markets in Porta Palazzo area.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly when visiting churches; cover shoulders and knees. Avoid loud conversations on public transport. Italians dine late – restaurants typically open at 7:30pm. Don't order cappuccino after 11am, and never with meals. Greet shopkeepers with 'Buongiorno' upon entering.

Food Safety: Turin's tap water is excellent and safe to drink. Seek restaurants where locals eat, especially near Quadrilatero Romano. Try traditional agnolotti del plin and bagna cauda. Avoid tourist traps near Mole Antonelliana. Book dinner reservations, especially weekends, as quality restaurants fill quickly.

When to Visit

Spring (April-May) offers ideal conditions with temperatures of 15-22°C, minimal rainfall (60mm monthly), and blooming parks. Hotel prices remain 20-30% below peak season, making it perfect for culture ensoiasts and budget travelers. Summer (June-August) brings warm weather (20-28°C) but occasional thunderstorms and 30-40% higher accommodation costs. The Turin Summer Festival lights up July evenings with outdoor concerts. Autumn (September-November) delivers crisp, clear days (12-20°C) ideal for museum hopping and truffle season in nearby Alba. October's Slow Food Salone del Gusto (biennial) attracts food lovers worldwide. Winter (December-March) sees temperatures drop to 2-10°C with possible snow, creating magical Alpine backdrops. Hotel rates fall 25-35% below peak, perfect for budget travelers who don't mind shorter days. The Christmas markets and La Lunga Notte dei Musei in May provide cultural highlights. Avoid August when many locals vacation and some restaurants close, though this means fewer crowds at major attractions. Wine ensoiasts should visit September-October for harvest season in nearby Barolo region, while winter sports lovers can easily access nearby Alps ski resorts within an hour's drive.