Essential Turin travel tips

LANGUAGE: Italian is the most spoken language.

MONEY/ATM: ATMs are widely available but it’s important to carry some cash for small transactions.

ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES:  All the plugs are Type C, F, and L with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz.

VISA: All EU passport holders will only need to present an identification document to enter Italy. If you are a non-EU traveler you will need to present a valid visa.  More information and official website

How to get around Turin

One of the best ways to get around the center of Turin is by bicycle. The city offers an incredible bike-sharing scheme with more than 100 stations. You can subscribe online or on the phone app, but remember it might take a couple of days before you receive the actual card. Click here for more information. 

Turin has a good network of buses, trams, and a metro system all run by the Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (www.gtt.to.it/en). You can download the app GTT Mobile, where you can purchase online credits/tickets and find out the latest updates. Otherwise, you can buy tickets from tobacconists, newsagents or bars.

Best historical things to do and see in Turin

Like most of Italy, Turin was under the Roman empire for many years, once collapsed the city was occupied by many different nations. Consequently, the city has a unique history to explore.

This Turin City Guide lists some of the best historical things to see and do in Turin.

Piazza Castello: The Royal Palace and Madama Palace

In the heart of Turin lies Piazza Castello with two major historical buildings: The Royal Palace and Madama Palace.

The first one was built in the 16th century and holds a central position in Turin as a symbol of power. The palace was the former residences of the House of Savoy, which ruled Turin until the 19th century. It was converted to a museum in 1946 and recently joined the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Madama Palace is a part-medieval and part-baroque building names after Royal Madam Maria Cristina. It’s one of the most ancient buildings in Turin and played a leading role throughout history. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Today it hosts a large collection of ancient arts.

Porta Palantina

Porta Palantina is a low-key and not very well known spot. Nevertheless, this is one of the best-preserved Roman gateways in the world. It’s built on a square base, with two towers higher than 30 meters. This roman gates, together with its beautiful park, offers visitors a unique and priceless archaeological experience.

Basilica of Superga

The Basilica of Superga was built in 1706 as a sign of gratitude to the Virgin Mary, for the defeat of the French troops in Italy.

This colorful church is 75 meters high and lies on top of a hill, therefore it’s visible from all over Turin and offers great panoramic views of the city.

The Basilicata of Superga is the final resting place of the Savoy family, these tombs make it an interesting place to visit. However, the Basilicata is mainly known for the tragedy of 1949, when an airplane with the entire Turin football team crushed into the back of the church. There were 31 casualties.

Church Santa Maria del monte dei Cappuccini

Not far from the center of Turin you can find the Church Santa Maria, a late-Renaissance-style church built in 1584 and consecrated in 1656.

This is located on a hill, called Monte Dei Cappuccini, overlooking the River Po and Piazza Vittorio Veneto. Here you can enjoy incredible views of the city, the alps, and colorful sunsets. Therefore, Monte Dei Cappuccini and its church have earned a spot as one of the best things to see and do in Turin.

Church Gran Madre di Dio

This neoclassic-style church was built in 1818 to celebrate the return of the Savoys after the fall of the Napoleonic empire. The outside of the church is very simple and elegant, this might not be one of the most eye-catching buildings in Turin but it represents an important part of history.

Valentino Castle

The Valentino Castle is one of Turin’s most noteworthy landmarks. It has a horseshoe shape, with four towers and it stands in the heart of one of the biggest parks in Turin.

The castle had various uses over the centuries, it was a former residence of the house of Savoy. Renovations were carried out in 1860 when the castle was more or less abandoned. Today, it’s considered a UNESCO world heritage site and it’s used by the University Politecnico di Torino.

Carignano Palace

This palace was built by Guarino Guarini in 1679 and it was used as an occasional home by Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s first king. 

It’s a symbolic place for the Savoy dynasty and a good representation of the Piedmont Baroque architectural style. The outside is simple but effective, while the interiors are decorated with beautiful frescoes.

Today Carignano Palace houses the National Museum of the Risorgimento.

Piazza San Carlo

San Carlo piazza is one of Turin’s most popular locations. It preserves a peaceful and historical look, and it’s often considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. In the center stands a monument to Emanuele Filiberto I, and just south of the piazza there are two very similar, but not identical, churches.

The square is surrounded by elegant baroque buildings, cafes, and restaurants. Today this area hosts many historical and social events, including concerts and live music.

Piazza Carlo Alberto

This is considered one of Turin’s most elegant squares. It’s entirely pedestrian and showcases a statue of Carlo Alberto of Savoy in the middle. Around the piazza there are plenty of traditional restaurants and cafes, therefore this is a great place to relax and enjoy some Italian food and wine or aperitif.

Piazza Vittorio Veneto

Piazza Vittorio Veneto is the largest square in Turin and one of the biggest in Europe. It’s located in the city center, and it connects, via a bridge, the church Gran Madre di Dio and the Monte Dei Cappuccini.  The square is surrounded by beautiful historical building and it’s often used as a meeting point for locals and tourists.

Venaria Reale

16 km from Turin City Centre

The Venaria Reale, or Royal game reserve, is a monumental historical complex, 16 km away from Turin city center. This is truly one of the most incredible sightseeing in Turin, and it’s one of the largest royal residences in the world.

After a 10-year-long restoration project, the Venaria Reale is now welcoming visitors from all over the world.

Next to this baroque Palace, there is a vast garden complex, where the city hosts exhibitions and regular live concerts throughout the summer. Because of its size, you will need most of your day to explore this Royal Residence.

Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi

27 km from Turin City Centre

The Palazzina di Caccia of Stupinigi was built in 1729 and lies 27 km away from Turin city centre.

The palace was the Savoy’s hunting lodge, as well as a place where the royal family celebrated weddings and parties.  There are no words to describe the beauty of this building, no wonder why it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today you can visit the inside, 137 rooms, and 17 galleries, all with totally different themes, fantastic furniture as exposed art.

Best Markets in Turin

Turin feels like an open-air market every day of the year. You can come across the occasional stall, that sells traditional food or antiques while walking around the city.

Use this Turin City Guide to help you organize your trip. Discover items from the past, enjoy colorful stalls, and learn about the city’s history. Here are two of the best markets in Turin.

Porta Palazzo Market

This is the city’s biggest market and the largest open-air market in Europe. it’s definitely a once in a lifetime kind of experience. Here you can find a farmer’s maker, fish, meat, and high-quality products. There is also a good selection of footwear, clothes, housewares, and toys.

Right next to the open-air market there is a glass building called Mercato Generale, a collection of artisans’ shops. Here you can find real gourmet food in many different shades and forms while enjoying a modern and stylish setting.

Balon and Gran Balon Market

This is a famous flea market behind Porta Palazzo. Here a hot air balloon rises 150 meters every day, giving its visitors an incredible view of the city.

Every Sunday the streets are packed with antique dealers, old furniture, and unique items. But, the best time to visit is the second Sunday of each month when the Gran Balon Market takes place. This time dealers display the best they have to offer, making this an incredible attraction.