Turin (Torino) is a stylish Italian city with a touch of French charm. It sits in the Piedmont region in northern Italy and used to belong to the Duchy of Savoy, which shared borders with France and Switzerland. When Italy became one country in 1861, Turin—not Rome—became the first capital of Italy.
Today, you can still feel the French influence in its buildings, food, and culture. The city has royal palaces, grand cafés, amazing museums, and delicious food. Turin is also the birthplace of vermouth, the drink used in cocktails like Negronis and martinis. Best of all, it’s less crowded than many popular Italian cities.
Travel experts recommend Turin for its beauty, culture, food, and relaxing atmosphere.
Best Places to Stay
NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina
A peaceful, modern hotel in a historic building. Serves local food and has a great bar.
Villa La Madonna
A boutique hotel on a vineyard, 90 minutes from Turin. Only 18 rooms and a beautiful wine cellar.
Relais San Maurizio
A luxury hotel in a former monastery with a Michelin-star restaurant and spa.
Sina Villa Matilde
An elegant countryside hotel with pools, tennis courts, and great food, about 40 minutes from Turin.
Top Things to Do in Turin
Visit the Royal Palace
A stunning palace with chandeliers, frescoes, gardens, and an impressive armory.
Explore the Egyptian Museum
The second-best Egyptian museum in the world after Cairo.
See a Show at Teatro Regio
A historic theater rebuilt in a stylish modern design.
Go Up the Mole Antonelliana
A tall landmark where you can enjoy amazing city views and visit the Cinema Museum.
Visit Castello di Rivoli
A modern art museum located in an old castle just outside the city.
Where to Shop
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Antica Farmacia Bosio – Famous for beauty and skincare products.
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Latteria Bera – Known for fresh whipped cream, cheese, chocolate, and gourmet treats.
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Galleria Gilibert – A beautiful bookstore with rare books and vintage prints.
Best Nightlife
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Vermuttino – A small bar serving local vermouth cocktails.
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Bar Cavour – A stylish bar with velvet sofas and great cocktails.
Best Restaurants
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Caffè Baratti & Milano – A historic café full of old-world charm.
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Caffè Mulassano – Beautiful café with delicious sandwiches.
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Del Cambio – A famous fine-dining restaurant with classic Piedmont dishes.
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Pastificio Defilippis – Great place to try Piedmont pasta like agnolotti.
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Lao – Known for amazing handmade noodles and dumplings.
Neighborhoods to Explore
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Centro Storico – The main historic area with most attractions.
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Vanchiglia – A trendy area close to the city center.
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San Salvario – A lively neighborhood with nightlife and parks.
Best Time to Visit
Winter is peaceful and perfect for enjoying Turin’s café culture.
Spring and fall are great too—especially fall for wine and truffle season.
How to Reach
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Turin Airport (TRN) connects to European cities.
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From the U.S., fly to Milan Malpensa (MXP) and drive 90 minutes.
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Turin is also well connected by train.
How to Get Around
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The city center is flat and great for walking or biking.
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Public transport includes metro, buses, and trams (tickets cost €1.90).
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Taxis are available through Taxi Torino or the itTaxi app.
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