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. Discover the top things to see in Turin in one day.
What to see in one day in Turin:
2. Shopping Street: Via Roma
5. Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
6. Lunch: Ristorante Pizzeria da Peppino
10. Chocolate Shop La Bottega, Guido Gobino
11. Egyptian Museum
13. Dinner: L’Acino
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. But fear not! This article unveils the perfect one-day itinerary to kickstart your exploration, with the best things to do in Turin. To find out what to see on a second day, check the second part of the guide with even more tips on what to do to make the most out of this amazing city.
Let’s dive into our one-day itinerary in Turin!
1. Breakfast at Pfatisch
If you arrive in Turin by train, the perfect way to start the trip is in the Pfatisch bakery, right next to the station. This charming cafe, with its 1950s vibe, has secured a special place in the hearts of Torineses and is now a must-visit bakery in Turin city.
If you’re a chocolate lover, make sure to go for the cornetto with Gianduia, a chocolate croissant in Italian, made with the special chocolate created in Turin. Try the city’s traditional pastries or opt for a savory croissant instead, either way, you are guaranteed to have a delightful experience.
Opening hours: Week days from 8.30am to 7.30pm and on weekends from 8.30am to 1.00pm and from 3.30pm to 7.30pm
2. Shopping Street: Via Roma
Get set for a 607-meter stretch of shops, charming boutiques, and exquisite bakeries! On Roma Street, you can find anything and everything. Its lovely porticos provide a cozy escape from both the sun and rain, making it a perfect activity for any day of the year. It’s the go-to shopping destination for the people of Turin. Once you experience the glamorous and vibrant energy you’ll instantly get why it’s their ultimate spot for a dose of retail therapy.
3. Castle Square
Italian: Piazza Castello
Roma Street ends exactly in Piazza Castello, the beating heart of Turin! In this gigantic, and curious-looking, square you can find 9 landmarks. The most relevant ones are the Royal Palace (which we are visiting next!), the Madame Palace (palazzo Madame) and, obviously, the Castle that gives the name to the square. Take a second to soak the energy of the day-to-day life of Turin in this magnificent Piazza Castello and get ready to explore the one and only…
4. Royal Palace of Turin
Italian: Palazzo Reale di Torino
This incredible palace, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once served as the residence for the influential Savoy family, who were a powerhouse in Turin. Back in the 16th century, the Savoys decided to establish Turin as the capital of their empire, commemorating the occasion with the construction of this magnificent palace. The following generations of the family continued the construction, incorporating decorative elements that were characteristic of their era.
A visit to this historic monument offers a glimpse into the golden days of life in the Palace. Each room is decorated with precious tapestries and a collection of Chinese and Japanese vases. The splendid gardens (that you can enter for free) and the world-known chapel of the Holy Shroud, add to the palace’s luxurious ambiance. Putting the cherry on top of the cake, you can also delve into the history of 16th and 17th-century war costumes through the examples showcased in the Royal Armoury houses.
Opening hours: Palace: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00am to 7.00pm. Garden: Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 5.00pm.
Ticket price: 15€ for adults, 2€ for visitors under 25 years, and free for visitors under 18 years old.
Buy your tickets here.
5. Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
Italian: Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista or Duomo di Torino
On the back of the Royal Palace, you’ll find the enormous Turin Cathedral. This 15th-century church is renowned globally for housing the Holy Shroud, attracting a lot of visitors to the church. This artifact consists of a length of linen cloth that bears a faint image of the front and back of a man. It is believed to have been used to wrap the body of Jesus after his crucifixion.
This Renaissance church is the only of that style in the whole city. Despite the impressive size, the building displays a rather simple interior. If you’re looking to find Turin’s most impressive church, make sure to check out this itinerary for the second-day trip to the city.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 12.30pm and from 4.00pm to 7.00pm Weekends from 9.00am to 1.00pm and from 3.00pm to 7.30pm
Ticket price: free
6. Lunch: Ristorante Pizzeria Da Peppino
Within a short 5-minute walk through the charming streets of Turin, you’ll find yourself at Ristorante Pizzeria da Peppino, our lunch spot. Not only is it centrally located, but it also offers amazing two-course meals for just 12€!
This spot serves up Italian classics like pizza and Cotoletta alla Milanese, along with Turin’s unique cuisine, including the must-try Vitel tonné – cold, sliced veal smothered in a creamy, mayo-like sauce flavored with tuna.
When it comes to pasta, my top picks are the agnolotti, a Turin staple, or the caserecci cacio e pepe, which was delicious. And, in the land where coffee is king, don’t forget to finish your meal like a true Italian: with a caffè espresso!
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 12.00am to 2.45pm and from 7.00pm to 10.45pm
Make sure to make a reservation here.
7. Subalpina Gallery
Italian: Galleria Subalpina
The French touch of the city is evident in the several galleries of Turin. Amongst the most wonderful ones is the Subalpina Gallery, a marvel from the 19th century designed in the Parisian style. Step inside, and you’ll discover another iconic spot – the charming Caffè Baratti & Milano. This peaceful and luminous building is the ideal spot for a little post-lunch snack or just a relax stroll back in time to experience the luxury of the 19th century.
Opening hours: Always open
8. San Carlo Square & Cafe
Italian: Piazza e Caffè San Carlo
Make your way into the majestic San Carlo Square, just a short 5-minute walk from the Gallery. This Baroque-style square, from the 16th century, has evolved alongside the city, having four different names throughout the centuries. Surrounded by splendid porticoes, the square’s focal point is the majestic statue honoring a military figure from the Savoy family. On one of the edges, lay the twin churches of Santa Cristina and San Carlo Borromeo.
An absolute must-do in San Carlo Square is a visit to the historic cafe with the same name. With over 200 years of history, this cafe has long been a hub for intellectuals. Today, due to its history and opulent décor, the cafe stands proudly on the list of Turin’s historic places. It serves as the perfect spot for a glamorous aperitivo or an exquisite tea time.
Opening hours: Every day from 8.30am to 8.30pm
9. Gates of Hell
Italian: Portone del Diavolo
Just a few meters from the lively San Carlo Square lies an esoteric and mysterious gem of Turin’s secrets. The grand wooden door of Palazzo Trucchi Levaldigi may initially appear as an ordinary carved piece, but take a closer look, and you’ll be greeted by two heads staring down at you. Things become even more disturbing as you realize that the doorknob is crafted in the shape of the devil’s head, flanked by two snakes joined by their heads.
Local legends say that there was once a wizard who summoned the devil for no good reason. Annoyed by this, the devil decided to punish the wizard by trapping him behind the door for eternity, leaving his mark on the door as a warning.
Did You Know? Turin is renowned as an esoteric city, full of black and white magic spots.
10. Chocolate Shop La Bottega, Guido Gobino
As you are aware by now, the city of Turin is famed for its exceptional chocolate creations. So, if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, make sure to visit (and indulge in!) a traditional chocolate shop. La Botega, run by the Gobino family, crafts the Gianduia cream and the renowned Gianduiotto chocolates using artisanal methods. From chocolate with raspberry to the classical recipe, you can’t go wrong! My advice is to choose the classic Gianduiottos – perfect for you and as a gift to your family – and throw in a little square called cremino, with a caramel element. It is in fact a special type of chocolate!
Opening hours: Every day from 10.00am to 8.00pm
11. Egyptian Museum
Italian: Museo Egizio
Just across the street from La Botega, you’ll find one of Turin’s iconic landmarks: the one and only Egyptian Museum. Even if you’re not the biggest fan of archeology, I highly recommend paying a visit to the museum, as it houses the second most impressive and important Egyptian collection, only behind the Cairo Museum. The collection started in the 19th century, but it truly gained prominence in the 20th century thanks to the contributions of the Italian Egyptologist Ernesto Schiaparelli.
With over 37,000 items on display, including 24 human mummies, the museum provides a captivating journey into the ancient empire. The information within the museum and the audio guide offer very clear explanations, transporting you to the fascinating world of old Egypt.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00am to 6.30pm and Monday from 9.00am to 2.00pm
Ticket price: 18€ for adults, 15€ for visitors over 70 years, 3€ for visitors between 15 and 18 years or university students, 1€ for visitors under 14 years and free for visitors under 5 years old.
You can also opt for a guided tour. Buy your tickets here.
12. Roman Neighborhood
Italian: Quadrilatero Romano
The Quadrilatero is a historic district located in the city center. The name comes from the ancient Roman castrum, the side of the former colony. Near the Palatina door, you can still admire the ruins of the old Roman wall.
Beyond its fascinating history, this neighborhood stands as one of the liveliest in Turin, full of vintage and new shops and cafes. Every street has its own charm, so go for a walk, get lost and immerse yourself in the city web.
13. Dinner: L'Acino
I bet you’re dying to get more recommendations on restaurants in Turin, and I’ve got you covered! In the Roman Neighborhood you find L’Acino, an authentic gem of Piedmontese Cuisine that specializes in artisanal pasta. The experience is even better thanks to the homely ambiance and the warm hospitality from the friendly staff.
The restaurant offers traditional regional dishes like Tajarin, a delightful type of spaghetti, and agnolotti, a very similar pasta to ravioli. Although the pasta is out of this world, don’t miss out on their flavorful meat dishes too! After all, it is not every day that you get to try the world-renowned Turin food.
What a way to finish your first day in the amazing city of Turin.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 7.15pm to 11.00pm
Transport and Moving Around
Although Turin is a big city, the attractions covered in this itinerary are at a walkable distance from each other. If you arrive in Turin by train, you can make your way into the city within a 15-minute walk through Roma Street, which is a point in the itinerary. If you prefer to catch public transportation, the line of bus and tram connect 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. In this first-day itinerary, we have covered some of the most iconic landmarks of the city of Turin. From the heart of the city – the Piazza Castello and San Carlo Square – to the famous Turin Royal Palace and the world-renowned Egyptian museum. We recommend some amazing restaurants and cafes where you can experience authentic Piedmontese cuisine.
However, a single day merely scratches the surface of this amazing city. If you want to find out what to do on a second day and what other restaurants in Turin you should try, check out this guide with an itinerary for a second day in the city.
Seeking a day trip from Turin?
With just a 1 hour journey, you can discover the iconic city of Milan
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