14 Amazing Places to Visit in Turin for 2025
Here we go - my number one destination in Italy (apart from Rome)! Turin was the city I was most excited about because I knew nothing about it when I planned my first visit in 2020. Since then, I’ve visited Turin three times, with the latest visit in November 2024. There were some disappointments, but even more pleasant surprises.
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I know you wonder whether Turin is worth visiting. Let me answer that with my own ranking.
Still wondering if Turin is worth it? Let my top picks convince you... 17 must-visit spots for 2025
17 Amazing places to visit in Turin for 2025:
- Explore the Egyptian Museum – easily the best in Turin
- Visit the Royal Palace of Turin – learn about the Savoy Dynasty
- Learn about car history at the National Car Museum in Turin Museo Nazionale delle Automobile
- The National Museum of Cinema (Mole Antonelliana)
- Discover Palazzo Madama
- Tour the Turin Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist)
- Wander under the Porta Palatina
- Visit the new old Medieval Village of Turin and Valentino Park
- Walk up the hill Monte dei Capuccini
- Piazza San Carlo
- Vibe with the Juventus Turin fans in Juventus Turin Stadium
- Visit the Basilica of Superga
- Try Turin Chocolate Scene
- Take the Underground Turin Tour
I wrote the list below from my own experience and suggestions. I loved all those places while visiting them. Turin is such a fun city to visit..
These attractions are all must-visit places in Turin and I would include them in any of a 1-day or 2-day Turin Itinerary.
1. Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum)
For me, the Turin Egyptian Museum is easily the top 1 must-see place in Turin! I didn’t expect much, and I was stunned. It’s so huge! It’s the largest Egyptian Museum outside of Egypt.
Most of the artifacts were discovered at the beginning of the 20th century at archeological sites in Libya and Egypt and moved to Italy (what about the eighth commandment, huh?).
6 feet distance—Egyptian Edition
For me, the funniest thing was that the collection is so big, that in the normal museum a single burial statue would be cherished as a Holy Grail. In Turin? Yeah, well, let’s stack all that crap in one big showcase signed “Burial Statues”.
On the bright side, the signs and labels are in English (unlike in Austria, Germany, or Spain). On the first visit this themed one in particular caught my eye:
The fact they stole the entire temples, ancient art, and statues is acceptable, but I felt kind of weird seeing the 24 human and 17 animal real mummies. That’s a bit morbid, even for me. Like, yeah, it’s interesting, but the idea that someone will dig me up after 4,000 years I’ve been dead and start to showcase me, that’s just awkward (lucky cremated fellas, right?).
I like the museum’s approach, on the other hand. If you think it’s ethically wrong (or the contrary) to display the dead bodies, you can express your opinion in the official survey issued by Museo Egizio on that matter.
Egyptian Museum
2. Visit the Royal Palace of Turin
Royal Palace of Turin—gold and luxury
This was the most beautiful palace I’ve seen in Italy. It was the royal residence of Savoy Kings and was conveniently located in the city center of Piazza Castello. I went on the tour accidentally, but it was totally worth it.
I wanted to get to the Royal Armory, but you have to pass through the whole palace to get there, so I surrendered, and we did the entire tour. And it was one of the rare occasions when I was pleasantly surprised.
I usually don’t like Baroque Palaces but honestly, I was pretty stunned by all the gold and glitter inside. For me, it’s a huge difference from the outside to the inside.
You can tell the Savoy Royal Family must’ve been the Rockefellers of their time by the lavish interiors. Everything is gilded and richly decorated, and the single chandelier is worth my annual salary.
The ticket to Royal Palace covers:
- The King’s chambers (part of Royal Museums)
- Royal Armory with stuffed horses and armored knights
- Royal Library with original Da Vinci’s pieces
- Galleria Sabauda with Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and others
- Palace Gardens (Royal Gardens)
This place was simply mind-blowing. The tour took us around 2 hours and we didn’t visit everything, so allow enough time in your schedule for this UNESCO World Heritage Site masterpiece.
A stunning noble creature… and Karin on the right.
3. Learn about the History of cars at the National Car Museum in Turin
According to The Times magazine, the National Car Museum in Turin is one of the 50 best museums in the world. The regular reader won’t be so surprised to hear that, but I disagree. Like yeah, it has three floors and almost 200 cars on display, from the first Ferraris and Rolls-Royces to the F1 race cars and military jeeps.
Rev up your knowledge at Turin’s National Car Museum... A journey through the history of automobiles awaits
But I still think the Hollywood Cars Museum in Las Vegas and the BMW Museum in Munich are better. What to say, I was keeping this one as the cherry on top of Turin sightseeing and the Egyptian Museum got me far more.
To be clear, I’m not saying it’s not worth a visit. It’s like a boy’s paradise. You get to see the evolution of various types of cars, the history of engines and tires, and most importantly… the love of my life. The 1968 Jaguar E-Type is the most beautiful car in the world.
I always say I’m going to buy this beauty for my retirement and just flex in it like a proper old grumpy man. The original piece is worth more than 2 million USD. Wish me luck.
Having the time of my life, just standing next to this classic.
4. The National Museum of Cinema (Mole Antonelliana - Museo Nazionale del Cinema)
Did you know that Turin is the birthplace of Italian cinema? Well, I didn’t either. The National Museum of Cinema was a thrilling visit for an hour and a half. To begin with, it’s located in Mole Antonelliana, which is like the Eiffel Tower of Turin.
This most notorious Turin landmark is a must-see tourist attraction for everyone! The cinema exhibitions trace the history of the silver screen from the first cameras to the Star Wars movie props (yep, Star Wars was filmed in Italy).
Lights, camera, magic... Exploring Italy’s coolest cinema museum—where film history comes to life
A bit of Architecture and History
The Mole Antonelliana isn't just another pretty building, it's actually the world's tallest unreinforced brick building, reaching a mind-boggling 167.5 meters. And get this, was supposed to be a synagogue back in 1863, but boy, did those plans take a wild turn!
National Cinema Museum Experience
Since 2000, they've turned this architectural marvel into Italy's coolest cinema museum. Wandering up the spiral layout, I totally lost track of time—it's like a time machine through film history!
Who among you also likes old Italian comedies?
Fun Fact: I have a sort of guilty pleasure in old Italian comedies like Fantozzi and his stupid stories.
The Temple Hall knocked my socks off with all its cinema exhibits. Between the vintage movie gear, props, posters, and costumes, I ended up spending way more time here than I planned. (My feet weren't too happy about that, but my inner film geek was in heaven!)
Top Tip: For the ultimate experience, take the panoramic elevator to the 85-meter-high viewing platform. I’m telling you; it will blow your socks off.
Me and the Mole Antonelliana
5. Discover Palazzo Madama
Do you want to talk about a building with some serious history? Palazzo Madama had me absolutely floored. We're not just talking a few hundred years here - this UNESCO World Heritage site spans two whole millennia, from its humble beginnings as a Roman gate to the masterpiece it is today.
Historical Significance
The palace's story reads like a wild history book. Picture this: first century BC, it starts as this Roman gateway called Porta Decumana. Fast forward through the Middle Ages, and it's transformed into this medieval fortress before the Savoia-Acaja family claims it. Then in 1637, Christine of France (the first Madama Reale) decided to make it her home.
Later, Marie Jeanne of Savoy comes along and turns it into this absolutely stunning royal palace. These ladies knew how to make a statement—the place became this incredible hub of power and art.
Palazzo Madama— the incredible hub of power and art
What is inside Palazzo Madama?
After being in Italy for a while I try to spend as little time as possible in art galleries, but I spent hours getting lost in the palace's massive art collection—we're talking 75,000 pieces here. Just the graphic art section alone made my head spin: 5,900 drawings and 9,000 engravings from the 16th to 19th centuries.
Let me tell you about my favorites:
- This mind-blowing Portrait of a Man by Antonello da Messina—it's their crown jewel
- Four massive volumes packed with 395 Juvarra drawings (I couldn't stop staring!)
- Some of the rarest Piedmont Baroque art you'll ever see
6. Tour the Turin Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist)
Now the (un)real deal. I think Turin is not so sought after by tourists in comparison to other big cities in Italy. Which is a pity because it’s truly beautiful. But those who travel to Turin usually do so because of one of the most important Christian artifacts of all time. Millions of Christians came to Turin Cathedral to see the Turin Shroud with their own eyes… and they were disappointed.
You literally cannot see anything. The Holy Shroud is kept in a bullet-proof, climate-controlled, air-tight box in a separate chapel. If you want to see at least the replica of the shroud you need to visit the Most Holy Shroud Museum.
Interested in the history of the Turin Shroud? Read up on its authenticity, occasional display, and more in the article A Sceptic Visits the Turin Shroud: It Sucks and It’s Fake Anyway
Turin Cathedral
Besides the Shroud, the cathedral is not that interesting. It was built in the 15th century and modified several times (after fires and renovations and such). Some members of the Savoy Royal Family are buried there and that’s it.
Long story short, the Turin Cathedral sucks and I’m sorry I didn’t do a more thorough research which would save my time.
7. Wander under the Porta Palatina
The only standing Roman gate to the city. Originally, there were four of them, but they didn’t make it to these days. In fact, Turin has many interesting tourist attractions, but it’s not nearly as rich in Roman monuments as Aosta city.
And even Porta Palatina isn’t completely Roman, the two towers on the side were added during the 15th century. On the other hand, it’s supposedly the best-preserved Roman monument in northern Italy. I had the opportunity to compare Porta Palatina with the Roman monuments in Aosta and while there’s much more in Aosta, they’re not in such a good state.
The visit is for like ten-minute window, including the picture taking.
Porta Palatina
Read also: Top 10 Things to Do in Aosta Valley
8. Visit the New Old Medieval Village and Valentino Park
This is a funny one. As if the entire Piedmont region hadn’t enough castles and palaces, they decided to build a fake medieval village in the center of Turin on the riverbank in Valentino Park. Borgo Medievale was created at the end of the 19th century as a reconstruction of a typical 15th-century Piedmont village.
Pretty good job if you ask me. Like, you know it’s not the real deal, but the whole village is complex and beautifully decorated. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it there, maybe next time. It’s situated in Valentino Park across the river from Monte dei Capuccini, ideal for a picnic or a late afternoon walk along the riverbank.
Tip: Another notable building in the park is Castello del Valentino, a splendor Savoy residence in a French style, nowadays home to the University’s Department of Architecture. I would call it a pocket version of Versailles.
Parco de Valentino
Valentino Park
The entrance alone is worth writing home about - this incredible Monumental Arch to the Artilleryman that Pietro Canonica crafted in 1930. The botanical garden knocked my socks off- off-it's been there since 1729 and houses more than 4,000 different plants and medicinal herbs. I stumbled upon this amazing "Boschetto" section from the 1830s-40s with all these exotic species. Totally didn't expect that!
River Activities
The Po River really makes this place special. I love watching the rowing clubs doing their thing along Borgo Crimea. There are these amazing tree-lined paths everywhere - perfect for jogging, biking, or just taking a peaceful walk by the river. When you need a break, there are plenty of spots to grab a drink and rest your feet. Though I learned the hard way that the riverside cafes can be pretty packed on weekends!
9. Walk up the Monte dei Capuccini
We couldn’t miss the best viewing point of the city, so we decided to climb up the hill to Monte dei Capuccini for the most iconic view of Turin with the Alps in the background (like the one from the title picture).
The name of the hill comes from the order of Capuchins, who built a church and a convent up on the top. When we were already there, we decided to look inside the Museo della Montagna, as we had a free entrance with the Torino + Piemonte Card.
Climbed up Monte dei Capuccini for that iconic Turin view... Bonus: a peek inside Museo della Montagna
Nothing interesting there… except the 2006 Winter Olympic Games exhibition which commemorates the hosting of the Olympics. You can wrap up the visit in one hour or so.
10. Piazza San Carlo
You know those perfect European squares you see in movies? Piazza San Carlo is even better in real life. Designed back in 1642 by Carlo di Castellamonte, it's hands down one of Turin's most stunning baroque squares. Fun fact: it used to go by fancy names like Piazza Reale and Place Napoléon before becoming the cultural hotspot it is today.
It’s a large rectangular square with a bronze equestrian statue of the Duke of Savoy in the middle. What makes this place particularly photogenic are two symmetrical churches at the end, the church of Santa Cristina and the San Carlo Borromeo church, forming a frame for the statue.
We had a morning coffee in the square enjoying the view of arcade buildings and a quiet atmosphere. No wonder it’s called “a drawing room of Turin”. Moreover, the Turin Shroud is one of them.
Piazza San Carlo
11. Vibe with the fans of Juventus in the Juventus Turin Stadium
Okay, that’s not for everyone. As I said, Turin is like a Disneyland for big boys. For any football fan, visiting the Juventus Turin Stadium is a must. It was officially opened in 2011 with a capacity of 41,000 seated spectators.
Feel the roar of the Juventus fans at Allianz Stadium
Now I can show off a little, because the first ever guided tour was led by former Juventus player, now a member of the board, Czech midfielder Pavel Nedvěd.
Anyhow, the daily tours will take you to the dressing rooms, facilities, and the pitch as well as to the museum (J-Museum) on the grounds. The whole tour takes around an hour.
12. Visit the basilica of Superga
Perched way up at 672 meters, the Basilica of Superga is one of those places that literally stops you in your tracks. I nearly gave up climbing those hills to reach it! But this baroque beauty, which took 14 years to build before its completion in 1731, was totally worth the struggle.
Panoramic City Views
I thought I was going to pass out climbing those 131 spiral steps to the dome's balcony, but oh my goodness—the views! On a clear day (I got lucky on my third visit), you can spot these famous Alpine peaks: Monviso, Orsiera, Rocciamelone, Gran Paradiso, Apostoli, Torre di Lavina, and Monte Rosa with Dufour peak. Rousseau wasn't kidding when he called it "the most wonderful sight that can strike the human eye".
Conquered the climb to Basilica di Superga—672m up and 131 spiral steps...
How to Get to Basilica of Superga in Turin
Let me save you some headache with getting there (learned this the hard way):
- Easiest route: Grab tram 15 from Piazza Castello to Sassi station, then hop on this cool historic rack tramway—18 minutes of scenic bliss
- Sunday warriors can catch Bus 79 every hour from Sassi (10:15 AM to 8:15 PM)
- Driving? Follow Strada Comunale di Superga from Corso Casale, but parking can be a nightmare
Top Tip: Check the weather forecast before you go. I made the mistake of visiting on a foggy day and could barely see my own feet, let alone those stunning Alpine views. The guided tours are actually worth it - I usually skip them, but the stories about this place are fascinating!
13. Try Turin Chocolate Scene
Let me tell you about my dangerous love affair with Turin's chocolate scene. It all kicked off back in 1560 when Duke Emanuele Filiberto served up the city's first cup of hot chocolate. Now? This place pumps out 85,000 tons of chocolate every year - that's 40% of Italy's total chocolate production! I gained about five pounds researching this section, but somebody had to do it!
Turin’s chocolate scene is dangerously delicious... From historic hot chocolate to artisan truffles—trust me, I did the hard research
Best Chocolate Shops
After trying way too many samples (tough job, I know), here are the absolute must-visit spots:
- Peyrano (est. 1915) - these folks are the current kings of artisan chocolate, carrying on Antonio Peyrano's legacy. Their dark chocolate truffles nearly made me cry!
- Guido Gobino - their Tourinot and Cremino al Sale are mind-blowing. I actually went back three times in one day
- Baratti & Milano (around since 1858) - their pralines and cremino chocolates are what dreams are made of
- Pfatisch (opened 1929) - still making chocolate the old-school way, and trust me, you can taste the difference
Tasting Experiences
Every November, they throw this massive chocolate party called CioccolaTO in Piazza San Carlo. Picture over 100 chocolate masters showing off their skills - it's pure chaos in the best way possible! As of 2024, there's even a new chocolate museum. Between the big players like Ferrero, Caffarel, and Streglio, plus all these passionate artisans, Turin's chocolate scene is absolutely thriving. My waistline can confirm!
Ready to explore Turin's secret underground world? Fifteen meters below those busy streets, there's this incredible maze of tunnels and wartime shelters that'll blow your mind [9]. The whole network dates back to the 18th century, and boy, does it have stories to tell!
14. Take the Underground Turin Tour
Historical Tunnels
I nearly got lost wandering through these underground passages (thank goodness for the guide!). You've got these ancient refrigerators that are still exactly like they were back in the day. Then there's the Infernotti—these massive sandstone cellars where they used to store food, but get this—they also hid exiles and outlaws! The best part? Learning about Pietro Micca, this absolute legend who sacrificed himself in 1706 to save Turin from the French. Talk about taking one for the team!
The Turin metro sign—you won't get lost with me
War Bunkers
During World War II, these tunnels became literal lifesavers. People would rush down here during air raids - we're talking 50 feet underground! The shelter under Porta Palazzo still has all these original markings and brick symbols that helped people find their way during raids. I spent ages trying to decode them (probably annoyed my guide with all my questions).
Top Tip: They only run the tours on Fridays in 2025, and you absolutely need to book ahead. Wear comfy shoes and bring a jacket—I froze my tail off in shorts and flip-flops! If you're a history buff like me, you'll go nuts over all the military stories and architectural details. Just don't do what I did and forget to charge your phone—there are some incredible photo ops down there!
Conclusion
You know what? Turin completely threw me for a loop. While everyone was rushing off to Rome and Florence (and yeah, they're great), I discovered this incredible city that nobody seems to talk about. Between those jaw-dropping royal palaces, museums that rival any in Europe, and neighborhoods buzzing with life, I can't believe Turin isn't on every Italy itinerary.
What really got me was how the city mixes old and new without trying too hard. One minute I'm geeking out over ancient Roman stones, the next I'm sipping natural wine in some trendy bar that used to be a medieval chapel. I actually got lost trying to find the Egyptian Museum and ended up in this tiny chocolate shop that's been making gianduiotti since Napoleon was around!
Turin surprised me. A city of royal palaces, quiet museums, and a mix of old and new—without the tourist crowds
After wandering through every corner of Turin—from the posh Quadrilatero Romano (where I definitely looked out of place in my hiking shoes) to the artsy chaos of San Salvario—I realized something: this city's got soul. It's not trying to be the next Florence or Milan. It's just doing its own thing, mixing royal swagger with a modern edge. And the best part? You can actually hear yourself think here, unlike those other Italian cities where you're basically playing tourist dodgeball.
What are the must-visit attractions in Turin?
Turin offers numerous attractions, including the Royal Palace, Egyptian Museum, Mole Antonelliana, and Palazzo Madama. The city is also known for its historic cafes, chocolate shops, and vibrant districts like San Salvario.
How long should I plan to stay in Turin?
A weekend or two days is generally sufficient to see Turin's main highlights. However, if you want to explore the city more thoroughly and visit surrounding areas in the Piedmont region, consider staying for 3-4 days.
Now that you’ve got the must-visit list, it’s time to experience Turin
What is Turin famous for?
Turin is renowned for its royal history, being home to the Shroud of Turin, and its automotive heritage with FIAT. The city is also celebrated for its chocolate, particularly gianduiotto, and its strong football culture with teams like Juventus.
Which areas in Turin are best for experiencing local culture?
For an authentic Turin experience, explore the Quadrilatero Romano for its historic charm, San Salvario for its vibrant nightlife and multicultural atmosphere, and Porta Palazzo for its bustling market scene.
Curious about the Turin Shroud? Dive into its history, authenticity debates, and rare displays in A Sceptic Visits the Turin Shroud: It Sucks and It’s Fake Anyway
What unique experiences can I have in Turin?
Turin offers several unique experiences, including underground tours of historical tunnels, tasting the famous bicerin coffee, exploring the world's oldest Egyptian museum outside Egypt, and enjoying panoramic views from the Mole Antonelliana or Basilica of Superga.
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Resources:
https://museoegizio.it/en/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_Egizio
https://www.museocinema.it/en/national-cinema-museum
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palazzo_Madama,_Turin
https://www.britannica.com/place/Palazzo-Madama
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turin_Cathedral
https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/basilica-of-superga-in-turin-italy/
https://turismotorino.org
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