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Travel Guide to Turin, Italy

Mar 3, 2025

Turin, Italy: A Travel Guide

Overview

  • Turin (Torino in Italian) was the first capital of unified Italy in 1861.
  • Located in Piedmont, it blends Italian and French influences.
  • Known for its royal palaces, historic cafes, and museums.
  • Birthplace of vermouth, an integral part of cocktails like Negronis.

Top 5 Can't Miss Experiences

  • Royal Palace: Explore the opulent apartments and gardens by Versailles' landscape architect.
  • Galleria Gilibert: Buy vintage posters at this antiquarian bookstore.
  • Historic Cafés: Try a bicerin at Baratti & Milano or Mulassano.
  • Bar Cavour: Enjoy vermouth-based cocktails.
  • Relais San Maurizio: Extend your stay in the luxurious Piedmont hills.

Best Hotels and Resorts

  • NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina: A four-star hotel with local specialties and a modern bar.
  • Villa La Madonna: Boutique hotel in a vineyard with a UNESCO-listed wine cellar.
  • Relais San Maurizio: 17th-century monastery with a Michelin-starred restaurant.
  • Sina Villa Matilde: 18th-century residence with pools, tennis courts, and Piedmontese cuisine.

Best Things to Do

  • Royal Palace: 17th-century Savoy royal residence, featuring an impressive armory.
  • Egyptian Museum: Second largest collection after Cairo, showcasing ancient Nile civilization.
  • Teatro Regio: Mid-century modern design theater with shows and tours.
  • Mole Antonelliana & Museo del Cinema: Panoramic views and a cinema museum.
  • Castello di Rivoli: Modern art museum in a historical castle.

Best Shopping

  • Antica Farmacia Bosio: Stock up on Italian cosmetics and curatives.
  • Latteria Bera: Famous for whipped cream and gourmet items like cheese and truffles.
  • Galleria Gilibert: Rare books and vintage posters.

Best Nightlife

  • Vermuttino: Specializes in vermouth in the Quadrilatero Romano.
  • Bar Cavour: Offers a sumptuous design with a menu of cocktails.

Best Restaurants

  • Caffè Baratti & Milano: Historic café with a rich cultural history.
  • Caffè Mulassano: Known for its tramezzini and beautiful interiors.
  • Del Cambio: Classic dishes in a storied setting with innovative touches.
  • Pastificio Defilippis: Specializes in agnolotti and fresh pasta.
  • Lao: Renowned for Asian cuisine and handmade noodles.

Neighborhoods to Visit

  • Centro Storico: Home to main attractions like the Royal Palace and Egyptian Museum.
  • Vanchiglia: Hip district with local spots, near Centro Storico.
  • San Salvario: Known for nightlife and the Polytechnic University's Faculty of Architecture.

Best Time to Visit

  • Winter: Fewer tourists, ideal for enjoying bicerin and café culture.
  • Spring/Fall: Great for foodies, with events like the White Truffle Fair.

Transportation

  • Airports: Torino-Caselle Airport for European flights, Milan Malpensa for international.
  • Public Transit: GTT operates metro, trams, and buses.
  • Taxis: Taxi Torino with a flat rate from the airport.

Tips

  • Turin is less crowded than other major Italian cities, offering a unique blend of culture and history with less tourist congestion.