With Baroque-style buildings, tree-lined boulevards and the Alps sitting to the west, Turin is a hidden Italian gem. The city is considered Italy’s “chocolate capital” and is the birthplace of the famous gianduja, a hazelnut chocolate paste that inspired Nutella.
Things to do in Turin
There are many town squares in Turin to visit, but Piazza San Carlo should be first on your list. This beautiful square is surrounded by quaint cafes, boutique shops and locally-run art galleries. Spend an hour or two hopping from shop to cafe in the early morning as the locals take to the streets for their breakfast.
Historians can enjoy a visit to Mole Antonelliana, a 19th-century tower located near to the cities Royal Gardens. The tower is home to a panoramic terrace and the National Cinema Museum, which spreads over several levels and explores the history of cinema.
Set atop the hill of Superga, just a 20-minute drive away, is the Basilica di Superga church. This Baroque-style building has a grand presence and inside you’ll find delicate sculptures, ancient monuments and six chapels.
Turin is also home to one of the world’s most important Egyptian museums, thanks to its expansive and impressive collection of Egyptian artefacts. The Museo Egizio is dedicated solely to Egyptian art and culture. You can enjoy a guided tour through the Old Kingdom, Tomb of Kha and the Papyrus room.
Getting around Turin
Turin Caselle Airport is a 30-minute drive north of Turin, with buses, trams and an underground network regularly servicing the city. There’s also a network of cycle paths running throughout town if you’d prefer to explore on two wheels.