Turin, Italy is a city so much rich in history and cultural attractions that one day is obviously not enough to see, do, visit and taste everything it has to offer.
But believe me, a day trip is definitely enough to fall in love with its elegant baroque architecture, it vibrant atmosphere and its tasty local specialties, that you will want to come back as soon as possible for a longer stay.
So follow my guide to make the most of your one-day trip to Turin.
Owing to its position and excellent connections, you can easily reach Turin by car, bus, train or plane.
By Air
You can fly to Torino airport from the main european cities. Check if there are direct connections from your departure airport, then search and book your flight at the best price
Bus service between the airport and Torino centre is about 45 minutes, stops at Porta Susa (Corso Bolzano) and Porta Nuova (Piazza Carlo Felice). Tickets cost €7.00
Taxis are available outside the airport's Arrivals hall, the ride to the city centre is about 30 minutes and it costs approximately €36.
By Train
If you travel by train, chances are that you arrive at either Porta Nuova or Porta Susa, the two international train stations right in the city center. Both are a short walk from some of the main sites and well connected to buses, trams and underground railway, but if you plan to walk around I'd suggest to get off at Porta Nuova.
Turin is a very walkable city, but you can also take advantage of its extensive network of public transport, trams, buses and underground railway that run from early morning to late at night. Here you get all information on lines, routes and fares.
Insider's Tip: Get the Torino+Piemonte 2-Day City Card that allows free or reduced entrance to main cultural sites, museums, monuments, royal residences in and around Turin. It also includes discounts to public transport 2-day and 3-day tickets
The Royal Palace of Turin (Italian: Palazzo Reale di Torino) was built in the 17th century and has served as the residence of the kings of Italy. It is a massive and impressive building, surrounded by beautiful gardens, located in the city center, near the Piazza Castello. The palace is open to the public and boasts a number of interesting exhibits, including artworks, artifacts, and historical documents.
The Egyptian Museum of Turin (Italian: Museo Egizio di Torino) is considered one of the most important museums of its kind in the world, with a collection that includes more than 30,000 objects dating from the Paleolithic period to the Roman period. It is open to the public and offers a number of exhibits and educational programs. Some of the highlights of the museum's collection include the Royal Tombs of Tanis, the Mummy of Kha and Merit, and the Temple of Ellesija.
As this museum is a very popular attraction, especially on festive days, I recommend to visit it with an Egyptian Museum skip the line guided tour.
Access the Mole Antonelliana (included in your City Card), one of the city's most unique buildings, housing the National Museum of Cinema. And don't forget to enjoy the panoramic lift ascent to the top of Mole Antonelliana, with amazing panoramic views of the city.
A little traditional restaurant ("piola" in Piedmontese) where to taste local delicacies at very reasonable prices. Best of all, it's located near the main attractions of the city center.
A long-running restaurant for Piedmontese cuisine overlooking the stunning Piazza Vittorio. A bit touristic but the food is great, well cooked and reasonably priced.
Overlooking Piazza della Repubblica and its colorful market, Goustò is a Piedmontese cuisine restaurant, serving old traditional recipes, also from the Aosta Valley, Liguria and the Savoy region, and wines from local producers.
Founded in 1780, the Caffè Fiorio is one of the most famous historical café in Turin. Here you can delight at some of the best ice cream and hot chocolate in town.
Located under the Piazza San Carlo's Baroque arcades, Caffè Torino has been active since 1903. An enchanting Art Nouveau masterpiece that has always been synonymous with elegance and impeccable service.
Add to
Details
Do you know that Turin is one of the world's capitals of chocolate? To find out more and to get a complete list of the best chocolate shops, cafés, workshops, tours, check-out my
A tiny but enchanting store: a real chocolate boutique, where to buy gianduiotti and pralines of extraordinary quality. A reference point for chocolate enthusiasts under the Mole and beyond thanks to his Giuinott, that you have to taste absolutely while in Turin.
The Giuinott is a small reinvented gianduiotto from which the milk and cocoa powder were removed to make a sweetness of hazelnuts and cocoa.
Another Guido Castagna's specialty to try is the +55 cream, that boasts 68% of Piedmont IGP hazelnuts, and the Speziati chocolates mint and liquorice flavored.
The Flagship store of the Juventus Football Team, where to buy the official black&white merchandise from shirts to every kind of gadgets and homeware.
Add to
Details
Stay
Just in case you decide to stay overnight, here are a couple of my favorite hotels, both centrally located and therefore just a stone's throw away from the main attractions and the shopping streets.
This lovely boutique hotel offers ornately decorated, old English-style rooms. Exceptional location, service and breakfast quality at a reasonable price.
A very comfortable 4-star hotel in a 17th-century building just minutes' walk from the Egyptian Museum and Mole Antonelliana. Breakfast is served in the courtyard and there's a restaurant serving Italian and international cuisine.
Add to
Details
**This travel guide contains some affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase or booking through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you**
Hire me!
Did you enjoy this guide, but you'd like your own custom list or personalized travel itinerary in Turin, or anywhere else in Italy? Don't hesitate and check out my Custom Italy Travel Services below.
Hi! I’m Maria, italian Travel Creator with a passion for Italy and a background as a travel and food writer.
A passionate traveler myself, I constantly explore my own country, Italy, far and wide, from North to South, discovering and testing (and tasting too, of course ;) off-the- beaten-path destinations, exciting experiences and delicious food.
Over time I shared my extensive, first-hand knowledge of Italy through my articles and on my blog Compagnia dei Viaggiatori. Now it's the pillar to create original travel guides and tailor-made itineraries for discerning travellers to Italy willing to live an authentic Italian travel experience.
Will you be the next one?