The city of Turin is truly one of a kind. Although located in the north of Italy, the proximity to France is majorly reflected in the city’s charm and classic architecture. If you’re planning a trip to the amazing Torino city, you have found the ultimate guide on what to do!
With beautiful French-inspired buildings, luxurious cafes, unique museums, and world-recognized gastronomy, Turin has it all. If you already visited the top attractions mentioned on the first-day itinerary, discover other lesser-known things to see on a second day in Turin.
Quick Facts
Turin, nestled in the picturesque region of Piemont, stands as one of the industrial hubs in northern Italy. Its roots trace back to the 3rd century B.C. when the Taurini people occupied the area (thus the name Torino, in Italian). Evolving into a Roman colony, Turin’s history throughout the centuries is a captivating journey that involves various empires, where the city was sometimes conquered, sometimes the conqueror. When the unification of Italy started, Torino stood as the country’s capital, between 1861 and 1865.
Internationally recognized, Turin is a focal point of the automotive industry, serving as the home to Fiat and later Alfa Romeo. Renowned also for its rich coffee culture (represented by the famous Lavazza brand); the Vermut, an aromatic wine also celebrated in France. And, of course, the famous Gianduiotto, a piece of chocolate made with Gianduia – a type of chocolate with 30% hazelnut cream, originated right here in Turin. A city full of talent in various areas!
Itinerary
As the 4th most populated city in Italy and with more than 2.000 years of history, a single day might just scratch the surface of Turin’s top attractions. That’s why we created this second-day itinerary with extra sights to explore in Turin. If you missed the itinerary with the classic things to do, check it out here.
Let’s dive into our one-day itinerary with lesser-known spots in Turin!
1. Breakfast at Caffè Al Bicerin
It’s not every day that you’re lucky enough to find a cafe with 230 years of history, but it’s certainly possible in the city of Turin! We are talking about the iconic Caffè al Bicerin, a small coffee shop and bakery renowned for inventing a distinctive Torinese drink known as Bicerin.
This curious drink features three distinct layers of coffee, chocolate, and cream, each with its own temperature and thickness. However, my personal favorite was a complete surprise! Complement the Biceran with a request for their handmade croissant infused with Gianduia (Turin’s signature chocolate) and cream. Undoubtedly the best croissant you will ever taste in your life!
Opening hours: Every day from 8.45am to 7.30pm and on Wednesday when it’s closed
Pro Tip: Given its popularity among both locals and tourists, anticipate a queue for ordering and seating. In my opinion, the wait is well worth the exceptional experience.
2. Santuario della Consolata
Just across from Al Bicerin cafe, you’ll find the Santuario della Consolata, a truly remarkable church. Its origins trace back to the 10th century when the initial structures were erected beside the Roman fort, pre-dating the establishment of Turin as a city.
This Baroque sanctuary was home to numerous miracles, receiving the patronage of influential members of the Savoy family. Their contributions led to the opulent interior richly decorated with valuable marbles and sculptures. In fact, it stands as one of the most beautiful and impressive churches in Italy. Not to be missed when visiting Turin!
Opening hours: Every day from 8.00am to 7.30pm
Ticket price: free
3. Statuto Square
Italian: Piazza Statuto
A 10-minute walk will bring you to Statuto Square, the epicenter of Turin’s dark magic. This location has been connected to tales of death and misfortune spanning centuries. From its origins as a Roman necropolis, to serving as an execution site during the French invasion, and suffering a tremendous fire in 1983, this square has seen it all.
The centerpiece of the square is a fountain in honor of the workers of the railway infrastructure, symbolizing the triumph of knowledge over physical strength. However, some suggest that the figure on top of the fountain represents Lucifer himself, and that the monument is actually a portal to the underworld. Are you brave enough to explore this mysterious site?
4. San Federico Gallery
Italian: Galleria San Federico
As you make your way to the city center once again, your next destination is the prestigious San Federico Gallery, an architectural marvel from the 1930s. This iconic venue is home to the famous Lux Cinema and has accommodated luxury shops and restaurants over the years. A stroll through the gallery will transport you through time, providing a nostalgic experience that captures the charm of the 20th century.
Opening hours: Every day from 8.30am to 10.30pm.
Ticket price: free
5. Lunch: Ristorante del Duomo Bicerin
Right in the heart of the city of Turin lies a hidden gem. The restaurant Bicerin del Duomo is one of the finest places you can experience Torinese food and more! You can feel the quality and freshness of each ingredient which results in amazing dishes. Here you can try Piedmont’s local cuisine such as local cold meats and cheeses (tagliere in Italian), Piedmontese beef, Tajarin pasta, and if you’re lucky enough to be in the truffle season, anything with truffle!
In fact, I suggest trying the pasta carbonara with truffle. It was without a doubt the best I had eaten in the whole of Italy.
Pro Tip: The restaurant often provides discounts for bookings made through The Fork website.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 12.00am to 15.00pm and from 7.00pm to 11.00pm. Close on Monday
6. Mole Antonelliana
This amazing building stands as a distinctive element in Turin’s landscape, often considered by many as the symbol of the city. Curiously, this 19th-century landmark was originally intended to serve as a synagogue, but today it serves as the famous National Museum of Cinema. As one of the most significant film museums in the world, it houses numerous artifacts tracing the history of cinema, including objects used in famous movies, as well as tools that uncover some of movie-making secrets. To conclude this visit on a high note (literally) you can go to the panoramic terrace, situated 85 meters above the ground, and enjoy a 360-degree view of this beautiful city.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9.00am to 7.00pm. Closed on Tuesday
Ticket price: 15€ for adults, 13€ for visitors under 26 years, and free for visitors under 5 years old.
Buy your tickets here.
7. Valentino Park
Italian: Parco del Valentino
For our next visit, I suggest taking the tram and enjoying the beautiful city views of Turin on your way to Valentino Park. Get out at the Valentino stop, where you’ll be welcomed by an avenue adorned with the vibrant colors and textures of the park’s majestic trees. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, as you proceed towards the river, you come across Valentino Castle. This amazing building houses the Architecture University of Turin and holds the distinction of UNESCO World Heritage Site. What a spectacle!
Continuing the walk with the Po River always on your left, you’ll reach the heart of the park. Here, you’ll discover a variety of distinct areas, featuring floral and arboreal heritage characteristic of the Piedmontese landscape, a botanical garden, a rock garden, and even a Japanese garden. Spread throughout the park are several statues and monuments that add to the overall elegance and charm of the surroundings.
Within the park, a visit to the Borgo Medioevale is a must — an authentic reconstruction of a medieval castle typical of the Piedmont region. The entrance is free, and you’ll find several little shops within the castle walls. During my visit, the castle, known as Rocca, was unfortunately closed for reconstruction, but I still highly recommend exploring the villa inside the walls.
Pro Tip: Valentino Park is home to numerous squirrels. Grab the opportunity to bring along some peanuts or almonds (with shells) and feed these adorable creatures with your hands.
Opening hours: Always open
8. Platti Cafe
Italian: Caffè Platti
When exploring the charming city of Turin, one must aim for at least two historic cafes each day to be able to get to know at least half of these iconic locations! The second establishment of the day is Platti Cafe, founded by the Platti brothers more than 150 years ago. The luxury interiors are furnished according to the Baroque style, adorned with grandiose chandeliers ceilings, and framed mirrors.
However, the impeccable aesthetics aren’t all, as Caffè Platti maintains a high reputation when it comes to pastry. Here you’ll find an array of traditional Piedmontese specialties, including the famous Platti cake, whose recipe has been kept top secret for many years. Will your taste buds be the ones to crack this delicious mystery?
Opening hours: Every day from 7.30am to 9.00pm
9. Dinner: Pastificio DeFilippis
Concluding such an incredible journey calls for an unforgettable dinner, and the ideal spot is the restaurant Pasticificio DeFilippis, conveniently located near the train station. This restaurant showcases classic Piedmontese gastronomy with a creative twist, offering a culinary experience from appetizers to desserts.
Kick off your meal with the must-try Piedmontese multiplate, featuring Russian salad, Vitello tonnato, and other savory delicacies. For the main course, you can opt for the traditional Turin dishes, such as agnolotti, a ravioli-like pasta, or explore modern Italian cuisine with suggestions like beef infused with aromatic herbs and balsamic vinegar. It goes without saying that this is the perfect opportunity to try some regional wines, white or red, depending on your dish selection.
The combination of exquisite food and the elegant and inviting ambiance sets the stage for the perfect final dining experience in the city of Turin. Cheers!
Transport and Moving Around
Although Turin is a big city, the attractions covered in this itinerary are at a walkable distance from each other, except for Valentino Park. If you arrive in Turin by train, you can make your way into the city within a 15-minute walk. If you prefer to catch public transportation, the line of buses and trams connects the whole city with great coverage of scheduled times.
From other cities you can reach Turin by train:
- Milan – around 1 hour
- Florence – around 3 hours
- Rome – around 4 hours
Tips
Overall when traveling to Italian cities it is recommended to book restaurants and to buy tickets in advance, to make sure your vacations go as smoothly as possible.
Summary
Turin is a historic and very developed city, full of things to see and flavors to try. This itinerary covered some of the not-so-popular landmarks of the city of Turin. From the iconic Cinema Museum – the Mole Antonelliana – to the mysterious Statuto Square and the most beautiful church in the city. We recommended some amazing restaurants and cafes where you can experience authentic Piedmontese cuisine.
Don’t forget to check out the classic itinerary with the most renowned things to do in Turin, such as visiting the famous Piazza Castello, the mighty Turin Palace, and discovering other amazing restaurants to try.
Seeking a day trip from Turin?
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Check our travel guide about Milan!
Milan, Italy: the city that effortlessly joins the new, such as luxury fashion, with the glorious days of the past, like the timeless Milan Cathedral. If you will be exploring Milan city and you are wondering what to do