A Weekend in Turin: Itinerary for a Perfect Getaway

Have you ever been to Turin? If not, I've got just what you need. This is a graceful city of the northern Italy region of Piedmont. If you are in quest of a getaway that would be both rewarding and relaxing, I can assure you that there is nothing better than going to Turin for a weekend.

To make the most of your short stay, I'm going to do my best to provide you with the best itinerary possible. I will guide you to make your visit to Turin in a weekend an unforgettable experience. Oh, and if you need answers while you're reading, here's the official Turin tourism website: Turin Tourist Office. Ready? It's reading time!

First view of the incredible city of Turin.

Before going any further, I'm sure you're asking yourself this question: Why should I listen to you and go to Turin for a weekend? Let me explain why. Even if Turin is less famous than Rome or Florence, Italy’s more coveted cities, it still has an abundance of wonderful treasures in terms of culture and history. Turin is a delightful city composed of captivating architectural works, amazing art, and exquisite gastronomy. And it is particularly known for its baroque structure, as well as delectable culinary delights.

Apart from its rich history and culture, the downtown area will please the shop-and-market lovers with its stylish boutiques and busy market stalls. And how can I forget the classy coffee and rich exquisite chocolate that Turin is well known for?

With this well-planned itinerary, even in a span of merely 2/3 days, you will be able to see all the lesser-known parts of Turin. Prepare to be lost in this breathtaking and captivating city.

Nothing beats Turin's calm atmosphere.

Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello

One of the things that I think you should do on the first day of your Turin visit is walking through its historical centre. There is Piazza San Carlo which is sure to capture your attention with its extraordinary appearance. Nicknamed 'the drawing room of Turin', this square is surrounded with beautiful baroque architecture and is home to the twin churches of San Carlo Borromeo and Santa Cristina. Do not forget to stop between excursions and have an espresso (I mean, we are here to enjoy, no?).

A few minutes’ walk away, Piazza Castello awaits you with its majestic atmosphere. In the center of this square stands Palazzo Madama, which represents the union of two eras: the Middle Ages and the Baroque period in terms of architecture. You will also find the Royal Palace (I will talk about it on day 2, so stay tuned), former residence of the dukes of Savoy, where the Civic Museum of Ancient Art is located.

Piazza San Carlo at night.

The Mole Antonelliana and the Cinema Museum

Once you have finish with these historic squares, make your way to the one thing you can’t miss: the Mole Antonelliana. You certainly saw it on the first picture of this post, and ask yourself what it was. It is a great structure, built as a synagogue originally which has later become a landmark of the city. And by taking the panoramic lift to the top, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire city and its surroundings. Better than having to walk up 40 flights of stairs, right?

Wherever you look, you can't miss the Mole Antonelliana.

Once you've finished with the lift (and the impressive view that goes with it), get ready for the exciting spell of cinema by visiting the National Cinema Museum, which is located inside the Mole Antonelliana. The museum will help to get acquainted with the history of world cinema thanks to its various interactive exhibits and astonishing collections of posters, costumes and film props. Even if you're not a film buff, I think it's a really great place to visit.

Nearby

• Via Roma: This elegant shopping street joins the two squares – Plaza San Carlo to Plaza Castello. You should definitely take a leisurely stroll through the area, and discover the trendy boutiques and restaurants of the old days.
• Galleria Subalpina: A splendid covered gallery, which is located between Piazza Castello and Via Roma. I think it is ideal for a culinary pause or just for appreciating the brilliant design of the place.

When it comes to Turin's rich history and contemporary culture, I guarantee you that these are the places to see. Ready for more? Don't miss our itinerary for day 2!

How can you not be amazed by the Galleria Subalpina?

Royal Palace and Palazzo Madama

There is no better way to begin immersing yourself in the culture of the city than by visiting the Royal Palace, so that is what we begin with. This is a beautiful Baroque building which once served as the official palace of the Dukes of Savoy. Don't miss the sumptuously decorated rooms that once belonged to the royal family.

Just a few steps away, you can find the Palazzo Madama where you can take photographs. It is now an art college, for your information. Here you can view paintings from the Middle Ages to contemporary times, as well as various known artists and items of historical interest.

Palazzo Madama.

Automobile Museum

A bit off the city center is the Automobile Museum which is a delight to car lovers (like me!). This captivating museum gives the history of the automobile industry in Turin, with particular emphasis on ... (maybe you can guess this one) ... the renowned Fiat brand! There will be impressive displays of classic and modern vehicles, as well as opportunities to discover how the industry has developed over the years.

Automobile Museum Turin

Egyptian Museum

After your foray into the world of automobiles, head to the Egyptian Museum. This one is among the oldest and most important museum for the world culture and ancient Egypt in particular. You will have the opportunity to see numerous Egyptian articles, mummies, statues, and common items will be very interesting for you. I include it on the list because I truly believe that this place deserves a visit, just to appreciate how the influence of this ancient civilisation is still present in Turin.

Monte Dei Capuccini

Conclude your day by heading over to Monte Dei Capuccini. This peaceful place offers breathtaking views of Turin and its surroundings. This is the time to catch your breath (I know, I've got you running around) and admire the view from the hill where you can see the whole city. It is also a very nice spot for memorable photographs of your visit. Were you aware that Monte Dei Capuccini is also a good place to view the sunset? I'm just saying...

Parco del Valentino and Royal Gardens

Let's go for day 3! To begin your day three in Turin, I advice you to spend some time walking in the splendid Parco del Valentino. This park is situated on the banks of the Po River and is undoubtedly an oasis of tranquility in the center of the city. You will find flower gardens, elegant fountains, and even a reconstructed medieval village, which is the Borgo Medievale.

Then, you could move on towards the Royal Gardens, which are located next to the Royal Palace. Why not simply stroll along the paths lined with classical statues, admire the well-tended flowerbeds and enjoy the tranquillity offered by this historic green space?

Parcodel Valentino, a perfect place for you weekend in Turin.

Outdoor Activities

The Valentino park and the Royal Gardens are not only a relaxation area. It also offers numerous exercise facilities outdoors:

• Jogging: The paved surfaces are really great for the morning jog.
• Picnic: You can also buy some local dishes and have a picnic on the grass.
• Birdwatching: With a little luck, you may spot some interesting local species (Please don't ask me what kind of birds, I don't know anything about them).

San Salvario and culinary delights

When you have finished enjoying these delightful green spaces, a great area to visit from my point of view is the very lively San Salvario district. This area is famous for its nighttime entertainment as well as for a great number of restaurants and bars. Here you will find the culinary wealth of the city of Turin. Some specialities I really think you should not miss:

• Bagna Cauda: A hot dip made from garlic, anchovies and rich oil into which raw or cooked vegetables are dipped.
• Vitello Tonnato: Veal, cut into thin slices and topped with creamy tuna sauce.
• Agnolotti: Stuffed pasta from the region of Piedmont.
• Gianduiotto: A praline chocolate that has its roots in Turin.

Have you already got your mouth watering or is it just me?

Vitello Tonnato

For an unforgettable meal, you could head over to one of the many genuine restaurants that have practically taken over the area. Among the restaurants that I tried, here are some of my favourites:

• Scannabue: Specializing in authentic Piedmontese cuisine.
• Ristorante Consorzio: Very convivial establishment with good range of local wines.
• Barbiturici: Ideal for having exotic cocktails after supper.

Apart from offering mouthwatering delicacies, the San Salvario district also gives you a chance to indulge in small craft shops and farmers’ markets, which, in my opinion, make this part of the city more interesting.

Thanks to these fun activities of nature and food, I guarantee you that your third day in Turin will be full of explorations and delight in all the senses.

How to get to Turin from other cities in Italy?

I've talked about what to do in Turin, but it is now time to tell you how to get to Turin. This city is perfectly connected to other major Italian cities through various means of transportation:

• Train: The city is served by the TGV and the Frecciarossa (which is a super-fast train, basically), and offers fast and comfortable journeys. For example, it takes about 1 hour by train from Milan.
• Bus: There are 146 direct bus lines which link the city of Turin with other cities. Although it's a bit more economical, you should note that the journeys can be longer (and as Benjamin Franklin would say, time is money!).
• Plane: Turin airport is well connected, but for more options, you can also arrive via Milan airport and take a train or bus to Turin.

Best time to visit Turin

You should know that every season has its unique charm to discover Turin:

• Spring: The city at that time has just the right temperatures (not too hot, not too cold), coupled with the beautiful sight of blooming flowers, which I think make the city really inviting.
• Summer: Although sometimes hot, summer offers long days perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.
• Autumn: It's obvious that autumn colours add a magical touch to urban landscapes and parks.
• Winter: Suitable for those not interested in heat or large crowds of tourists, Turin in winter allows for peaceful exploration (and with the advantage of Christmas markets).

Ideal duration of stay

As I've repeated throughout this post, even with limited time, you can fully enjoy Turin with a well-planned itinerary. Here's a quick summary of my suggestions for each day:

Day 1: Discovery of the historic center

• Piazza San Carlo
• Piazza Castello
• Mole Antonelliana and Cinema Museum

Day 2: Cultural immersion

• Royal Palace
• Palazzo Madama
• Automobile Museum
• Egyptian Museum
• Monte Dei Capuccini

Day 3: Nature and gastronomy

• Parco del Valentino
• Royal Gardens
• San Salvario District

Don't forget to use public transport to optimize your travels. You can also look for more information on the GTT-TOMove system, which I find very convenient as it offers a variety of tickets including a 1h40 ticket or a ticket for the day.

One of the most beautiful cities in Europe and perhaps the best Italian destination for a short global travel (in my opinion), a weekend in Turin will pleasantly surprise the most demanding traveller. But only if the trip is properly arranged and you are able to enjoy the city’s rich culture and nature all within a few days.

So are you now ready to embark on the discovery of Turin during an exciting (and very short) weekend? Don't forget that everything I've said is just a suggestion. Your only objective is to fully savour every moment in this fascinating city.

In addition to its historical and cultural appeal, Turin boasts a dynamic gastronomic culture. So be sure to sample the local favourites including the exquisite gianduja chocolates and the equally delightful vitello tonnato.

For me, spending a total of three days in Turin is an incredible experience. Most visitors come for the culture, the culinary delights or, quite simply, to stroll through its beautiful streets. But you, what are you waiting for to plan your next escape to the beautiful city of Turin?