We have always been a little bit obsessed with the city of Turin. Partly because of the food and drink scene (which is one of the best in Italy) but also because of the city itself – there are so many reasons to visit Turin. After the frenetic pace of Rome and the packed streets of Florence and Venice, getting off the train to visit Turin feels like we’ve traveled to another world.

Turin has everything you could want from an Italian vacation, with beautiful buildings, fascinating history, museums, markets, shops and of course excellent food. Despite this, it remains one of the lesser-visited cities in Italy and doesn’t feature in many people’s travel plans.
If you’re unsure whether you should travel to Turin, here are our top 5 reasons to visit Turin:
1. Turin’s Food Scene
Reason number 1 for visiting Turin is of course the incredible food on offer here. The Piemonte or Piedmont region is where the Slow Food movement started with its focus on local, top quality produce, and there are many regional specialities to try!
Pasta, Truffles and More
You’ll have plenty of options available to you in Turin, with a focus on Piemontese classic ingredients like truffles, cheeses and meats.
Try some of the pasta dishes such as thin noodles of tajarin topped with shaved white truffle or square pieces of agnolotti ravioli – even more tasty when you’ve been out in the forests truffle hunting in person! Arborio risotto rice is grown here so expect a lot of different risottos – our favorite regional version is risotto al Barolo, made with the delicious Barolo wine.

Vitello Tonnato originated in Piedmont and is a classic summer dish, and in the winter Bollito Misto is frequently on the table. This mix of boiled meats is far more appetizing than it sounds, especially with the accompanying sauces which contrast with the rich meats.
Don’t miss the chance to try Bagna Cauda if you have the opportunity as this is a unique regional dish. The sauce is made from garlic, anchovies and butter and then used as a dip or fondue for vegetables and bread.
Sweets
Are you more of a dessert person? Turin has lots to offer!
The city has been producing some of the best chocolate ever since the 1500’s when it was introduced to Europe, with the dukes of Savoy being particularly fond of hot cocoa. The rich blend of hazelnut and chocolate called Gianduia was also invented here (making good use of the amazing hazelnuts that grow in the region), so you won’t be disappointed if you have a sweet tooth.

There is always something new to try, but the classic Gianduiotto chocolates are a must, wrapped in their iconic gold paper.
Turin’s long love affair with hot chocolate also produced Bicerin, a drink that combines espresso, hot chocolate and milk in layers. Indulgent yes, but after a long day of sightseeing it is the perfect pick-me-up!
2. Turin’s Incredible Museums and Galleries
For a relatively small city, Turin is home to many world-class museums and galleries. If you’re a fan of museums you’ll have your pick so it pays to do some research on all the options out there, but here are our top picks:
The Royal Palace of Turin (Palazzo Reale di Torino)
Home to the royal Savoy family until the Italian monarchy was abolished in 1946, the Royal palace was converted into a museum almost immediately meaning the interior decor and furniture was preserved. Complete with museums showcasing the private art collections of the Savoy family and the Royal Armory, the palace also has beautiful gardens and is accessed from the stunning Piazza San Carlo.

The Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio)
This is one of the most important Egyptian museums anywhere in the world, with a vast collection that developed out of the Torino nobility’s fascination with ancient Egypt. Founded in 1824, the French scholar Jean-François Champollion used the collection to help him decipher the hieroglyphic script that was previously unreadable, and the museum today still continues this tradition of research and discovery.
The National Cinema Museum (Museo Nazionale del Cinema)
Housed in the Mole Antonelliana, which was once the tallest brick building in Europe, the museum tells the story of film through vintage equipment, posters, photographs and of course movies. Focusing on both Italian and international cinema you could easily spend hours here! As a bonus, you can also take an elevator up to a panoramic terrace for stunning views of the entire city.

The National Automobile Museum (Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile)
Dedicated to the history of the Italian automobile industry, the museum goes further than just cars and examines the creation of the automobile along with racing and the technology involved. With around 200 cars on display, this museum is very compelling, even if you’re not obsessed with cars!
The GAM (Galleria d’Arte Moderna Torino)
Another first for Turin, the city was the first in Italy to create a collection of modern art, with the original site opening in 1863. Through the 20th century they expanded their collection and today the contemporary art gallery contains works by iconic artists like Picasso and Andy Warhol. Well worth visiting if only because of the regular exhibitions and events, which are always interesting.
3. World-Renowned Wine and Liqueurs
The chances are that you’ve heard of or tasted some of the wines from Piemonte before, but tasting them locally elevates the experience to another level!
Wines
The main wines from the Piedmont region are Barolo, Barbaresco and Asti, but this is really the tip of the iceberg. Red, white and sparkling wines are all made here with extremely high levels of quality so you’re sure to find something you like.
In Turin you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try many local wines, but if you really want to delve into the world of Piemonte wines, then taking a trip to the vineyards themselves and talking to the producers is the way to go.
Read our blog here for a deeper introduction to the different wine regions in Piemonte if you’d like to learn more.

Aperitivo
Vermouth, fortified wine with added botanicals, was created in Turin in the 16th century but it wasn’t until the 19th century that it became a primary element in many cocktails.
The custom of having a glass of vermouth or a cocktail with a small snack before dinner has long been popular in Turin and at aperitivo time you will find all of the city’s bars extremely busy!
You have to join in the fun at least once, so grab a seat, order your drink and enjoy.
4. Discover Turin’s Fascinating History
As you may have realized by now, Turin has a long, rich history which has definitely left its mark on the modern city. If you’re a history buff, there are many places where you can dive into the past, which we love pointing out when we’re showing off Turin to our visitors!
Layers on Layers
An ancient Roman colony was founded here in the first century BC and you can see the ruins of one of the principal gates into the town at Palazzo Madama, another Savoy royal palace. This palazzo is on Piazza Castello, also built on Roman ruins.
Palazzo Madama itself was originally a 14th century castle before being turned into a palace, and was later home to the first senate of the Kingdom of Italy. All the layers of time here definitely make the palace a must-visit for history lovers!

The Savoy Family
The influence and actions of the Savoy family played a huge part in making Turin what it is today. The dukes of Savoy ruled a large part of northern Italy and in 1563 made Turin their capital. The Savoy’s funded many renovations and new buildings, including the Palazzo Reale and other beautiful royal palaces, creating a truly elegant city filled with Baroque architecture.
The Savoy’s continued to be at the center of power and politics all the way through to the 20th century. Spearheading the Italian unification movement, the Savoy dukes became Italian kings and Turin was the first capital of the newly unified country until it was moved briefly to Florence and then Rome. You can learn about this period of history at the Museum of the Risorgimento in Palazzo Carignano – which is where Italy’s first king was born.
We also have the Savoy family to thank for preserving one of possibly the most important artefacts in Christian history, the Holy Shroud. The Shroud of Turin is said to be the linen cloth that Jesus’ body was wrapped into after he was crucified, with the imprint of a man’s body faintly visible on the cloth. It came into the possession of the Savoys in the 1400’s and they brought it to Turin where it has remained ever since.
5. Turin’s Extensive Outdoor Areas
While visiting churches and museums may be some people’s idea of heaven, there’s plenty to do in Turin outdoors.
Local Markets
Let’s start with one of our favorite spots, the Porta Palazzo market. This is one of the largest outdoor markets in Europe, with over 500 stalls selling food and drinks. Some stalls sell regular produce to be taken home, but there are many others offering freshly prepared meals, snacks and drinks.
We recommend heading here to try lots of different things, and it’s perfect if you’re traveling in a group as everyone can get what they like!
Browsing the stalls of the Balon antique and flea market is a fun way to spend a Saturday, and on the second Sunday of each month an even bigger version of the market is held, called the Gran Balon.

Outdoor Activities
If you’re looking for a place to escape the people and the city for a little while, there are some lovely spots to head to.
The Royal Gardens around the Royal Palace are huge, so once you get away from the area immediately in front of the palace you’ll find yourself surrounded by greenery and very few people. Wander through tree-lined paths and relax in the shade – this is a wonderful summer destination.

Wanting a more strenuous activity? The hill of Monte dei Cappuccini overlooks the Po river but is still close to the city center, and is a great spot for a hike. You’ll be rewarded with incredible views at the top!
One more bonus reason to visit Turin…
Yes, we said we had five reasons to visit Turin, but there is one more that needed to be included!
No crowds.
Yes, seriously, no crowds.
Turin is of course a major city in Italy so it is full of people, but the majority of those people are locals. You will not struggle to get tickets to visit museums or the royal palaces, and the only other people trying to get a table at popular restaurants are residents.
Compared to Rome, Florence and Venice, Turin is a totally different experience. You can explore the city in a more authentic way and with so much to see here, what are you waiting for?
Join Casa Mia Tours on one of our Piemonte experiences and learn more about the history, food and drink of this wonderful region – we’re sure you’ll love it!
