Things to do in Turin

A city of regal elegance and an art destination with a contemporary twist, Turin looks to the future but honours its past as the capital of Savoy and one of Italy’s major industrial powerhouses. There’s an edgy, modern feel to this Piedmontese city, softened by the backdrop of mountain peaks. Turin stands out for its prestigious museums and sumptuous Savoyard residences, as well as its mastery of making fine chocolate. Alongside its tourist hotspots and glittering palaces, Turin hides a magical and mysterious side – full of legends and mystical symbolism – a meeting place between white and black magic. With so many must-see attractions and curious anecdotes to discover, we’re positive that a weekend in the Piedmontese capital will surprise you.

Top six things to do in Turin

1. Visit the Egyptian Museum of Turin

An unlikely location perhaps, but Turin is home to the oldest Egyptian museum in the world – second only to Cairo in terms of the importance of the artifacts on display and the size of the museum. Founded in 1824, it was initially filled by the spoils of the Napoleonic expeditions to Egypt. A visit to this museum takes you on a journey through 4,000 years of history to discover a fascinating and unusually advanced civilisation. Among the various galleries you will marvel at 24 human mummies and around 18 metres of papyrus texts. Don’t miss the King’s Gallery, a dramatically lit series of statues of Dea Sekhmet, together with other gods and divinities. This is a museum of considerable size and with so much to see, we recommend a guided visit to best appreciate the depth of the exhibits and the story they tell.

2. Discover the secrets of the Mole Antonelliana

There’s no symbol of Turin more iconic than the Mole, a unique architectural monument built by the eccentric Alessandro Antonelli in the late 19th century. Reaching 168 metres in height, this striking, mysterious tower nestles among the city streets. Inside, it’s home to another of Turin’s unmissable sights – the National Cinema Museum. Once inside the Mole, you’ll retrace the history of cinema, plus you can hop into the panoramic glass lift that takes you up inside

the Mole’s landmark dome to the ‘tempietto’, where you leave the lift and step outside for an awesome 360-degree view over the whole city and, on clear days, the Alps beyond. You might also discover a few secrets about this unusual monument. Our favourite has to be that the pointed tower is a conduit for white magic, acting as an antenna bringing positive energy from the sky down to earth.

3. Admire the Royal Palace of Savoy

Turin is an elegant city, once the capital of the Savoyard dynasty. You can still feel the royal influence echoing down the centuries, especially in the marvellous architectural legacies of the Savoy residences, chich are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Royal Palace, in the historic centre, is not to be missed, built between the 16th and 18th centuries in baroque and neoclassical styles. Part of the Royal Museums of Turin complex, the palace is famous for its sumptuous interiors and its wonderful gardens, inspired by the great European palaces of the 17th century. Other must-see museum sites are the Armoury, the Library and the Galleria Sabauda, an important art gallery with an outstanding collection of works by great Italian masters, such as Lippi, Mantegna and Tintoretto.

4. Stroll through Valentino Park

Every city has its best-loved city park, and Turin’s is Parco Valentino, a particularly popular and welcoming swathe of green. It extends along the bank of the river Po and enjoys a great location within easy reach of the historic centre. During your visit to the Savoyard city, whether it's summer or winter, you won’t want to miss taking a walk through its tree-lined avenues. Animal lovers will enjoy the great variety of birds that inhabit the park, while little ones will surely fall for the tame squirrels. Along the riverbank, you’ll come across a replica of a medieval village, complete with workshops, a fortress and little shops where you can buy typical products from the region.

5. Take a trip to the Basilica of Superga

Among Turin’s many highlights, a trip to the Basilica of Superga is a must-do. This imposing yet ornate baroque church was inaugurated in 1731 and has dominated the city skyline ever since. It sits on top of the hill just east of Turin, reachable by car, bus and tramway. If it’s a beautiful day and you like a hike, take the trail through the woods which takes you from the Sassi station to the Basilica in about 2 hours. This hilltop monument is the work of the famous architect Filippo Juvarra, and it’s packed with art and hidden treasures. The numerous altar paintings are of great artistic and cultural value, while down in the crypt you can visit the Royal Tombs, where members of the Savoy family are laid to rest. Finally, climb the 131 steps up to the dome, from where you can enjoy a glorious view across the city to the sweep of the surrounding mountains.

6. Have a snack in a historic café

As you wander the streets of the city centre, you can’t fail to spot some of Turin’s grand historic cafés. Many of them date back to the early 19th century, so stopping off for a coffee or a snack feels like jumping in a time machine. Classically decorated with marble tables, gold embellishments and carved woodwork, Turin’s historic cafés are the ideal place for anyone with a sweet tooth to sample the local delicacies. Stop at the Café Al Bicerin, opened in 1763, to sip the delicious drink from which it takes its name – a delectable blend of coffee with hot chocolate and chilled cream. Or why not pop into Baratti & Milano, where the famous Torinese treat ‘cremino’ was invented. Chocolate fans will love gianduiotti, another local delicacy made with nuts, and the Pfatisch pastry shop, with its praline gianduiotti, is a great place to try them.