Things to Do at Palazzo Reale

Complete Guide to Palazzo Reale in Turin

About Palazzo Reale

The Royal Palace of Turin served as the primary residence of the House of Savoy from 1646 to 1865, occupying an entire city block with 3,365 rooms spread across four floors. Standard admission costs €12 ($13), but the €20 ($22) combined ticket including the Royal Armory and Sabauda Gallery provides excellent value - book online to skip lengthy weekend queues. The palace's Royal Apartments showcase original 17th-century furnishings, including the famous Chinese Cabinet with over 1,000 pieces of oriental porcelain. Walking through the opulent state rooms, your footsteps are muffled by thick Persian carpets while the scent of aged wood and old fabric preservation fills the air. The Throne Room's gilded ceiling soars overhead, creating an acoustic environment where even whispered conversations seem to carry extra weight. Crystal chandeliers cast dancing light patterns on silk-covered walls, while floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the palace's formal gardens where you can hear the distant sound of fountain water and traffic from Via Po beyond.

What to See & Do

Royal Apartments

Opulent rooms showcasing centuries of royal living, including the striking Throne Room and the Chinese Cabinet with its intricate lacquered panels

Royal Armory

One of the world's most important collections of arms and armor, featuring pieces from the 15th to 17th centuries - genuinely fascinating even if you're not usually into military history

Scala delle Forbici (Scissors Staircase)

Juvarra's architectural masterpiece - an elegant double staircase that's become something of an Instagram darling, though it's impressive regardless of your social media habits

Royal Gardens

Peaceful formal gardens behind the palace where you can actually sit and decompress after all that royal grandeur - surprisingly quiet given the central location

Chapel of the Holy Shroud

Guarini's Baroque chapel (currently being restored) that once housed the Turin Shroud - worth seeing for the architecture alone

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (last entry 6:00 PM). Closed Mondays, except for some holidays. Hours might vary seasonally, so it's worth checking ahead.

Tickets & Pricing

Full ticket around €15, reduced rates for students and seniors. You can book online to skip lines, which is probably wise during peak season. Combined tickets with other Turin museums are available.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, and you'll have better light for photos. Spring and fall are ideal - summer can get crowded with tour groups.

Suggested Duration

Plan for 2-3 hours if you want to see everything properly. You could rush through in 90 minutes, but that seems like missing the point.

Getting There

The palace sits on Piazzetta Reale in Turin's center. Walking from Porta Nuova station takes 15 minutes through the city's elegant streets, and the nearest metro stop is Porta Nuova on Line 1. Forget driving here. Parking in the historic center is a nightmare, and while paid lots exist nearby, you'll save time using public transport or just walking. Most trams and buses stop within a few blocks anyway.

Things to Do Nearby

Turin Cathedral and Holy Shroud
Just steps away, housing the famous Turin Shroud (though it's rarely on display) and featuring some lovely Renaissance architecture

Palazzo Madama
Another royal residence turned museum, with an eclectic mix of medieval, baroque, and decorative arts - the medieval towers are particularly striking

Egyptian Museum
One of the world's most important Egyptian collections outside of Cairo - surprisingly comprehensive and well-curated, about a 5-minute walk away

Mole Antonelliana
Turin's iconic tower and symbol, visible from many palace windows and housing the excellent Cinema Museum - worth the elevator ride to the top

Via Po and Piazza Castello
The elegant porticoed street and main square right outside the palace - perfect for coffee, shopping, or just soaking up Turin's refined atmosphere

Tips & Advice

The audio guide is actually worth it - the palace doesn't always do the best job of explaining the historical context otherwise

Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash isn't - the natural light in the main rooms is usually sufficient anyway

If you're visiting multiple Turin museums, look into the Torino+Piemonte Card - it might save you money and includes public transport

The palace can get surprisingly warm in summer, and some rooms don't have great ventilation - dress in layers you can adjust