Turin is a magical destination full of ancient landmarks, Baroque palaces, cathedrals, royal residences, and a plethora of cafes and restaurants. It’s also home to a range of offbeat photo spots and an abundance of hidden gems you won’t find in travel guides.
Take a tour around the city to get a glimpse of its best attractions, or head out of town to explore nearby Piedmont vineyards and wine cellars on half- or full-day trips.
1. Palazzo Reale
One of the city’s oldest and most fascinating palaces, Palazzo Reale is home to a sprawling collection that includes Greek and Roman archaeological treasures. It also houses a dazzling armoury hall and temporary shows.
The palace, built for Carlo Emanuele II around 1646, has lavishly decorated rooms complete with jaw-dropping coffered ceilings. They’re adorned with paintings, furniture, porcelain and other finery that was collected by the Savoy royal family.
This imposing palace, situated on a strategic point overlooking the city’s two gates, is also renowned for its grand Staircase of Honor. The work of Domenico Ferri, the staircase was designed in 1862 to celebrate the unification of Italy.
The palace is also home to the Cappella della Sacra Sindone, a 17th-century chapel dedicated to the Shroud of Turin that was saved from the fire that hit the city in 2018. Its highlights include early Piedmont and Dutch religious works as well as Rembrandt self-portraits.
2. Porta Palatina
Located near the Duomo di Torino and Palazzo Reale, Porta Palatina is one of the best-preserved 1st century Roman gates in the world. It was built around 25 BC by Emperor Augustus and is a wonderful place to see if you’re visiting Turin.
The Palatine Gate was the main access point from the north to the ancient city of Julia Augusta Taurinorum, now known as Turin. The Roman civitas was considered an important town in Italy, but it took many centuries before it developed into what it is today.
In the early eighteenth century, after Vittorio Amedeo II of Savoy decided to remove the dated gate, it was saved by Italian architect Antonio Bertola. It is now one of the few archaeological monuments in the world to have survived such an intervention.
3. Porta Palazzo Market
A market is a great way to immerse yourself in a culture. Here, you can find any sort of goods, from food to home accessories, and the prices are incredibly cheap!
A visit to Turin isn't complete without a trip to the city's largest market, Porta Palazzo. It's considered the biggest open-air market in Europe, and it's one of the best ways to soak up the city's unique character.
As you wander around, you'll come across stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables (pomegranates, kiwis, avocados!), meats, fish, and more. And while you're here, don't forget to try a piece of handmade pasta!
The Market is a vibrant and bustling space, filled with locals who are constantly on the move. It's also a great spot to pick up souvenirs of your time in Turin.
4. Mole Antonelliana
The Mole Antonelliana is Turin’s most recognizable landmark, as well as one of its symbols. The building was initially conceived as a synagogue but was later bought by the city and transformed into a monument of national unity.
Designed by architect Alessandro Antonelli, the Mole stands 167.5 meters tall. The building’s four-faced dome features Fibonacci numbers, which are written in red neon lights.
At the top of the tower, a winged genie statue was intended to crown the tower but was knocked down by lightning on 11 August 1904. This statue remains prodigiously poised on the terrace below.
After 1904, the tower’s upper part was destroyed by storms and a 5-pointed star replaced it.
The building is also home to the Museo del Cinema, which is located inside the spire. The museum offers a tour of Italian films from their earliest days to the present day.
After visiting the museum, visitors can take a panoramic lift up to 85 meters tall and enjoy fantastic city views from the soaring tower’s viewing platform. The elevator takes 59 seconds to travel the distance, which is great for photographers!
