Visiting Turin
Turin Travel guide
By Giuseppe Baldassarri Italian travel blogger
Turin, located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, elegant architecture, and delicious food.
Turin, also known as Torino in Italian, is famous for several things. Here are some of the highlights:
1. Chocolate: Turin is renowned for its chocolate-making tradition. It is home to historical chocolate shops and brands, such as Guido Gobino and Baratti & Milano. The city is particularly famous for its gianduiotto, a chocolate hazelnut praline that originated in Turin.
2. Fiat Automobiles: Turin has a significant connection to the automotive industry. It is the birthplace of Fiat, one of Italy's most famous automobile manufacturers. The city has a strong automotive heritage and is home to the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile (National Automobile Museum), which showcases the history of Italian car manufacturing.
3. Shroud of Turin: The Shroud of Turin, a linen cloth believed by some to bear the image of Jesus Christ, has been kept in Turin since the 16th century. It is one of the most famous religious relics, attracting visitors from around the world.
4. Baroque Architecture: Turin is known for its stunning Baroque architecture, characterized by grand palaces, elegant churches, and beautiful squares. The city's historical center features notable examples, including the Royal Palace, Palazzo Madama, and the Church of San Lorenzo.
5. Turin Olympics: The city hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 2006, attracting athletes and visitors from all over the world. The event brought international attention to Turin and its modern sports facilities.
6. Turin's Cuisine: Piedmont, the region where Turin is located, is celebrated for its gastronomy. Turin is famous for dishes such as agnolotti (stuffed pasta), bagna cauda (anchovy and garlic dip), and brasato al Barolo (braised beef in Barolo wine). The region is also renowned for its wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco.
7. Museums and Culture: Turin boasts a wealth of museums and cultural institutions. In addition to the National Automobile Museum, it is home to the Turin Egyptian Museum, one of the world's most significant collections of Egyptian artifacts. The city also hosts various art galleries, theaters, and music festivals.
These are just a few of the things for which Turin is famous. The city offers a blend of history, culture, culinary delights, and a vibrant atmosphere that attracts visitors from near and far.
Here are some of his reviews of the best attractions that you can book:
Turin: where to stay?
Turin, a city in northern Italy, offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. The best place for you to stay in Turin will depend on your interests, budget, and the attractions you want to explore. Here are some popular neighborhoods and areas to consider for your stay in Turin:
1. **City Center (Centro Storico):** Staying in the city center will put you close to many of Turin's historic and cultural attractions. You'll find a range of hotels, from luxury to more budget-friendly options. Piazza Castello is a central point, and from here, you can easily explore the Royal Palace, the Mole Antonelliana, and other landmarks.
2. **San Salvario:** This lively and trendy district is known for its nightlife, eclectic atmosphere, and great food. It's a good choice for travelers who enjoy a more bohemian vibe and want to experience local bars and restaurants.
3. **Aurora:** Located just to the north of the city center, this area has become increasingly popular with travelers. It offers a mix of accommodation options and is well-connected to the city's main attractions.
4. **Vanchiglia:** This district is situated along the River Po and offers a quieter and more residential feel while still being close to the city center. It's a great choice if you want a peaceful environment but still want easy access to the city's highlights.
5. **Crocetta:** Crocetta is a more upscale residential area with beautiful tree-lined streets and a quieter ambiance. It's a bit farther from the city center but still accessible by public transportation.
6. **Porta Nuova Station:** If you prefer convenience and easy access to transportation, staying near Porta Nuova Station is a good choice. It's one of the city's major train stations and a hub for public transport.
7. **Lingotto:** The Lingotto area is famous for the Lingotto building, once the location of an automobile factory. It's a bit removed from the city center but offers modern and comfortable accommodation options.
When choosing where to stay in Turin, consider your interests and the type of experience you want to have. Keep in mind that Turin has an efficient public transportation system, including trams and buses, so even if you're not in the city center, you can easily reach the main attractions. Also, make your reservations well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred accommodation.
Booking.com7 Days in Italy: Last Updated Itinerary Ideas.
7-day itinerary for visiting Turin and its surroundings, along with some local food and wine specialties to try:
Here's a suggested 7-day itinerary for exploring Turin and its surroundings, along with some local food and wine specialties to try:
Day 1: Arrival in Turin
- Arrive in Turin and settle into your accommodation.
- Take a stroll along Via Roma, Turin's main street, and explore Piazza Castello, home to the Royal Palace and Palazzo Madama.
- Enjoy a traditional Piedmontese dinner, trying dishes like vitello tonnato (sliced veal with tuna sauce), agnolotti (stuffed pasta), and bagna cauda (anchovy and garlic dip). Pair your meal with a glass of Barolo or Barbaresco, two renowned red wines from the region.
Day 2: Turin's Historic Center
- Visit the Mole Antonelliana, a landmark building that houses the National Cinema Museum. Enjoy panoramic views of Turin from its observation deck.
- Explore the Egyptian Museum, one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts outside of Egypt.
- Try some local pastries, such as the famous gianduiotto (chocolate hazelnut praline) or bicerin (a layered drink of espresso, chocolate, and milk).
Day 3: Day Trip to the Langhe Wine Region
- Take a day trip to the Langhe wine region, known for its vineyards and picturesque landscapes.
- Visit the town of Alba, famous for its truffles. Explore the Alba Truffle Market if visiting during truffle season (October to December).
- Enjoy wine tastings at local wineries, sampling Barolo, Barbaresco, and other excellent wines produced in the area.
- Try dishes featuring white truffles or truffle-based products, such as tajarin (thin egg pasta) with shaved truffles or truffle-infused cheeses.
Day 4: Royal Residences of Turin
- Explore the Royal Palace of Turin, a former residence of the House of Savoy. Admire its opulent rooms, art collections, and gardens.
- Visit the nearby Venaria Reale, a grand palace and UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its gardens, galleries, and exhibitions.
- Savor a traditional Piedmontese dinner at a local trattoria, enjoying dishes like brasato al Barolo (braised beef in Barolo wine) or bollito misto (mixed boiled meats).
Day 5: Turin's Museums and Art
- Visit the Turin Egyptian Museum, home to one of the most extensive collections of Egyptian artifacts in the world.
- Explore the GAM - Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, showcasing works by Italian and international artists.
- Enjoy an aperitivo at one of Turin's historic cafes, such as Caffè Mulassano or Caffè Torino, accompanied by local appetizers like grissini (breadsticks) and tigelle (small savory breads).
Day 6: Turin's Chocolate and Cafes
- Discover Turin's chocolate heritage by visiting historic chocolate shops, such as Guido Gobino or Baratti & Milano.
- Take a chocolate tasting tour to learn about the art of chocolate-making and sample different varieties.
- Indulge in a cup of hot chocolate, known as "cioccolata calda," at one of Turin's famous cafes, such as Caffè Al Bicerin or Caffè San Carlo.
Day 7: Turin's Parks and Farewell Dinner
- Spend the day relaxing in Turin's beautiful parks, such as Parco del Valentino or Parco della Pellerina.
- Visit the Automobile Museum to explore the history of Italian car manufacturing.
- For your farewell dinner, try regional dishes like agnolotti del plin (small meat-filled pasta) or fritto misto alla Piemontese (mixed fried meats and vegetables).
Please note that this itinerary is a suggestion, and you can customize it based on your preferences and the specific attractions and restaurants you wish to visit. Turin offers a mix of history, art, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant cafe culture, providing a delightful experience for visitors.
How to get to Turin, and view the map in real-time.
Getting to Turin and viewing a real-time map is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps to help you plan your trip and navigate around the city:
**Getting to Turin:**
1. **By Air:** The most common way to reach Turin is by flying into Turin Airport (Aeroporto di Torino-Caselle), also known as Turin-Caselle Airport (TRN). It is the main international gateway to the city. From the airport, you can take a taxi, airport shuttle, or public transportation to reach the city center.
2. **By Train:** Turin is well-connected to the Italian and European rail networks. The city's main train station is Torino Porta Nuova, which offers high-speed train services to major Italian cities like Milan, Florence, and Rome, as well as international destinations.
3. **By Bus:** Long-distance buses, such as FlixBus and other regional operators, connect Turin to various cities in Italy and neighboring countries.
4. **By Car:** If you're driving, you can reach Turin via the Italian autostrada (highway) network. The city is well-connected to major cities like Milan, Genoa, and other parts of Italy.
**Viewing a Real-Time Map in Turin:**
To view a real-time map of Turin, you can use popular map and navigation apps like Google Maps. Here's how to do it:
1. **Download the Google Maps App:** If you don't already have it, download the Google Maps app on your smartphone or tablet. It's available for both iOS and Android devices.
2. **Open Google Maps:** Open the Google Maps app.
3. **Search for "Turin, Italy":** In the search bar at the top, type "Turin, Italy" and press Enter. The map will center on Turin.
4. **Zoom In/Out:** You can use your fingers to pinch and zoom in or out on the map to explore the city and its surroundings.
5. **Real-Time Location Services:** Make sure that your device's location services are enabled. This will allow you to see your own location on the map in real time as you move around the city.
6. **Directions:** You can also use Google Maps to get directions to specific places in Turin, whether it's a hotel, restaurant, museum, or any other point of interest.
Remember that a data or Wi-Fi connection is required for real-time map updates, so ensure you have a working data plan or access to Wi-Fi while using the app. Google Maps also provides options for walking, biking, and public transportation directions in Turin, making it easier to navigate the city.