How to Spend a Weekend in Turin: 10 Best Things to Do
Everyone planning a trip to Italy is always crossing Milan, Rome, Venice, and Florence off of their list – but what about looking for under-the-radar things to do in more underrated cities in Italy like Turin?
Small cafe on the quiet streets of Turin, Italy; October 2023
Turin definitely isn’t one of Italy’s main tourist attractions, and for good reason – it’s more like a typical European city than a distinguished Italian destination like Florence or Cinque Terre.
Still, there are a few things worth seeing in Turin – and I’m going to share them with you in case you happen to be passing through Torino in your Europe travels, and why this hidden gem in Italy is definitely worth visiting.
Is Turin Worth Visiting?
Yes, I think Turin is truly worth visiting if you enjoy beautiful architecture, mountain views, and few crowds – as it’s a chance to get a better glimpse of day-to-day Italian life without the chaos or distractions found with tourists overcrowding other cities in Italy like Rome or Venice. However, if you're looking for dramatic coastal scenery or Italy's most iconic landmarks, I'd prioritize other destinations in Italy like the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre first.
🇮🇹 Who Should Visit Turin? 🏔️
| If You Like... | Visit Turin Because... |
|---|---|
| 🏙️ Milan | Turin feels like a less crowded, more relaxed version of Milan, with the same great food and beautiful Italian architecture — but with mountain views and less need to spend time on public transportation. |
| 🌷 Strasbourg | Turin shares Strasbourg's elegant architecture and walkability, with many corners of the city that give you that same "movie moment" feeling while wandering around. |
| 🎨 Florence | While Turin may not be quite as beautiful as Florence, it's much quieter and feels like a more subdued version of the city if extreme crowds make you claustrophobic. |
| 🏛️ Rome | Turin is more organized and structured than Rome. There are fewer tourist attractions, but also less chaos and a much better chance to experience what feels like "real Italy." |
View of Turin from Hotel Principi di Piemonte; October 2023
Why Turin Surprised Me
I didn’t really know what to expect when visiting Turin, but I was happily surprised – especially as someone who has already extensively traveled in Italy. All of the piazzas in the city are pleasantly stunning while still feeling approachable and local, the calm and residential atmosphere without massive crowds was a refreshing change of pace from other more hectic cities in Italy like Milan or Rome, and the omnipresent mountain backdrop added even more to Turin’s character.
Ready to plan your short trip to Turin?
Here are a few ideas of the best things to do in Turin if you’re short on time or only traveling there for a weekend:
Things to Do in Turin
1. Discover Piazza San Carlo
Situated in the city center, this is where you’ll find everyone on the weekends – eating a gelato or listening to a street artist.
Piazza San Carlo in Turin, Italy; October 2023
2. Take Photos of Palazzo Carignano
This is better for the photographers and writers who like peace and quiet – with umbrella covered cafes and classic Italian colors and architecture.
Palazzo Carignano in Turin, Italy; October 2023
3. Walk Around Piazza Castello + Palazzo Madama
Walking through here, I came across a wonderful violinist and giant finger-painting mat for toddlers. Not as pretty as the first two piazza’s – but it has its own character worth checking out.
Royal Palace of Turin at Piazza Castello; October 2023
4. Catch Good VIbes in Palazzo Reale + Royal Gardens
In all honest, this garden – or Giardini Reali di Torino – is just another park, unless you opt to leave out of the Royal Palace of Turin. If you do the latter, you’ll get more of a Palace of Versailles vibe – which could prove worthwhile if you’ve never been to Paris.
Giardini Reali di Torino; October 2023
5. Spot the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista or Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
I didn’t find it essential to go in here, but it was definitely a distinctive piece of architecture in the city – and more reminiscent of other cathedrals I saw elsewhere in Italy five years ago.
Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin, Italy; October 2023
Mercato di Porta Palazzo in Turin, Italy; October 2023
While it’s definitely worth stopping by to see just how massive it is, perusing this market on a Saturday afternoon isn’t likely to be peaceful – as it’s packed with locals trying to get their weekly groceries.
Something to keep in mind if this is a must-see while in Torino.
7. Climb to the Top of Mole Antonelliana for Panoramic Lift + View
I’m confident that this would’ve been the highlight of my trip, as much of the appeal with Turin is that it is a city surrounded by mountains.
Outside Mole Antonelliana in Turin, Italy; October 2023
Unfortunately, it was completely booked – which I was surprised by, seeing as Turin isn’t a tourist hub and it was shoulder season. Therefore, I recommend booking tickets in advance if this is a must-see during your Turin trip.
8. Chill Like a Local in Piazza Vittorio Veneto
In the end, this was my favorite of the many piazzas I saw in Turin!
Cafes surrounding Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Turin, Italy; October 2023
Mountains and tress in the distance at Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Turin, Italy; October 2023
9. Relax in Parco de Valentino + Castello de Valentino
In my opinion, this park was slightly nicer than the outskirts of the Royal Garden – as it was a little livelier and full families and friends alike playing cards and going for a late Saturday afternoon stroll.
Parco de Valentino in Turin, Italy; October 2023
The palace is worth a walk by too, as it again - reminded me of Palace of Versailles outside of Paris.
Castello de Valentino in Turin, Italy; October 2023
10. Take a Tram to View Turin from Basilica of Superega
As I was riding into Turin, I could see this basilica off in the distance – and it really was quite magical. One of my friends who studied abroad in Turin for 6 months kept saying that this is one of the most beautiful parts of Turin, as it allows you to see the dramatic scenery that surrounds the city.
I didn’t have enough time to do this on my trip, as it was a one hour venture and back from the city center – but if I were to go again, I think this would be at the top of my list.
One Thing I Regret Missing in Turin
Even if Turin is on the smaller side and under the radar in comparison to other powerhouse cities in Italy like Rome or Venice, it still requires a little bit of planning if you want to see the best things that Turin has to offer – like Mole Antonelliana.
Remember, going to the top of this viewing tower in Turin requires booking tickets ahead of time – I couldn’t get a spot even as a solo female traveler visiting Turin during shoulder season in October. If I were ever to return to Turin, this would definitely be the first thing on my list for next time.
🇮🇹🍕⛰️ Turin Travel FAQs ⛰️🍕🇮🇹
Want to see my trip to Turin in action?
Watch my YouTube video below to see all of the things mentioned in this blog post!
Still looking for things to do in Italy?
The last time I went to Italy was five years ago, and we went everywhere – so be sure to check out my Italy page if you’re planning a trip around the entire country.
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Last updated: June 6, 2026