Visit Turin in 1 day: our Top 8 things to do

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• 🏖️See all the activities to do in Turin

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Visit Turin: what to see? What to do? 

If you come to visit Turin in 1 day, remember to make the most of your time with the hop-on hop-off tourist bus. Ideal if you want to see an overview of the city without tiring yourself out : See the different stops here

Explore the Mole Antonelliana and the National Cinema Museum

The emblematic neo-classical symbol of Turin, climb to the top in 59 seconds. You will arrive on the terrace located at 85 metres altitude to admire the panoramic view of Turin with the Alpine mountains as a backdrop. Inside the Mole is a magnificent dome, created by the artist Mario Merz.

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Once back down, go and visit the National Cinema Museum (Museo Nazionale del Cinema) located within the Mole Antonelliana itself. Founded in 1953, this fascinating museum tells the history of cinema through an immersive experience. This cinema museum is the largest in Europe, covering 3,200 square metres with a vast film collection spread over five floors. You will see Charlie Chaplin's hat, the first cameras and even Marilyn Monroe's shoes. A must if you come to visit Turin with the family ! 

A bit of history: the Mole Antonelliana was built in 1863  by the Italian architect Alessandro Antonelli, as a place of worship for Turin's Jewish community. However, construction fell far behind schedule, which is why the city of Turin decided to buy the unfinished building. On the death of King Victor Emmanuel II in 1878, the Mole Antonelliana housed the Risorgimento Museum before finally hosting the famous Cinema Museum.

Visit the Egyptian Museum of Turin

Dreaming of seeing sarcophagi, mummies or papyri? Dive into the second largest Egyptian collection in the world after Cairo's, with fascinating artefacts and mummies. Located in  the Palace of the Academy of Sciences. The Museo Egizio in Turin houses the finest collection of art and objects, as well as ancient frescoes, outside Egypt. It was created by King Charles Felix of Savoy in 1824.

A visit not to be missed if you want to familiarise yourself with Egyptian civilisation. Note that near the museum, you will be close to 

• Piazza Carignano, a pretty square with the Palazzo Carignano and many cafés

• Piazza Carlo Alberto and its restaurant terraces all around

Visit the Royal Palace of Turin

Dive into the royal history of the House of Savoy by exploring this majestic palace and its well-kept gardens. Located on Piazza Castello, Turin's emblematic square with the Palazzo Madama and the Teatro Regio, the Palazzo Reale in Turin tells the story of the Piedmontese capital, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this former residence of the Dukes of Savoy, discover its sumptuous apartments, its royal museum, its armoury and its royal library. Entry costs about €12, but access to the royal gardens behind the palace is free.

Don't miss the Royal Library, founded in 1831, which houses more than 200,000 volumes, including drawings by masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo. The reading room, with its decorated vaults and wooden shelves, is accessible free of charge.

Then, stroll along Via Garibaldi, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe, which offers a unique shopping experience with its many shops and cafés.

Taste a bicerin in a historic café

Not far from Piazza Castello, then take Via Roma, Turin's emblematic pedestrian artery. This 700-metre street links Piazza San Carlo to the Palazzo Reale and is lined with luxury boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo and Swarovski. Street musicians liven up this walk, ideal for shopping or strolling. A chance then to take a gourmet break and taste bicerin, a traditional Turin drink made with chocolate, coffee and cream, which you can find in historic cafés such as the Caffè Torino.

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Continuing along Via Roma, you will arrive at another important square in Turin, Piazza San Carlo, nicknamed "the drawing room of Turin", where you can visit the church of San Carlo Borromeo. This elegant 17th-century square is lined with colonnades and dominated by the twin churches of San Carlo Borromeo and Santa Cristina. In its centre stands the equestrian statue of Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy. Enjoy a cappuccino on a terrace at the Caffè Torino or the San Carlo to soak up the local atmosphere.

Opposite, if you continued along Via Roma, you would arrive at Piazza Carlo Felice and Turin's central station Porta Nuova.

Admire the Cathedral of St John the Baptist and the Holy Shroud

Located on Piazza San Giovanni, this cathedral clad in white marble houses the famous relic of the Holy Shroud, an essential sight when you come to visit Turin in 1 day or more. 

Note that within the Chapel of Saint Eusebius are the tombs of several members of the House of Savoy (notably Duke Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy and Prince Eugene of Savoy-Carignano).

Stroll in the Valentino Park (Parco del Valentino)

Now, head to the west bank of the Po, in the San Salvario district, to find Turin's largest park with its botanical garden. Perfect if you want a relaxing break in the greenery with a view of the river.

With its Arch of Triumph right at the entrance, you will be able to see: 

• The Medieval Village (Borgo Medievale) with its fortress and charming Piedmontese houses specially reconstructed
• The Valentino Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its botanical garden inside.
• The Fine Arts Promotion Museum of Turin
• The Fountain of the 12 Months with its artificial waterfall and 12 statues for the 12 months of the year. 

Higher up, you will find a playground with a few attractions for children if needed. 

Stroll through the Quadrilatero Romano and San Salvario districts

Discover the charming authentic lanes, wine bars and many typical Piedmontese restaurants in these trendy districts. The Quadrilatero is a stone's throw from Turin's biggest market, and Europe's, the Porta Palazzo market (to be avoided at night, however).

Go up to the Basilica di Superga

Take a rack railway (the historic Dentera tram) to this magnificent basilica overlooking Turin for a stunning view of the Alps and the city. Inaugurated in 1731, the Basilica of Superga also houses royal tombs belonging to some members of the House of Savoy (Vittorio Amedeo II, Carlo Emanuele III, Carlo Alberto and Vittorio Emanuele) in an underground crypt.

During the visit, you can admire the royal apartments and access the Juvarra dome. Once on the balcony, you will see Turin like nowhere else.  

If you have more time, here are a few other suggestions:

Teatro Regio

End your day with an evening at the Teatro Regio, one of the most prestigious opera houses in Italy. Located on Piazza Castello, this historic theatre offers a varied programme ranging from classical opera to contemporary concerts.

Visit Turin in 1 day on foot: best itinerary

Here is how to visit the Capital of the Kingdom of Savoy with an itinerary combining the most beautiful squares and tourist sites. 

Remember, this is where two great figures of Italian history who unified the provinces of Italy were born: Victor Emmanuel II and Count Cavour. 

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Visit Piedmont: what to do from Turin? 

Here are the best excursions to take from Turin:

Visit the Venaria Reale 

At the gates of Turin is the Venaria Reale with its 80,000 square metres and 60 hectares of gardens. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 (UNESCO), the Palace is located within La Mandria alongside the Castello di La Mandria. During this visit, you can admire: 

• the Salone di Diana designed by Amedeo di Castellamonte,
• the Grand Gallery, 
• the Chapel of Saint Hubert 
• the Stag Fountain located in the Court of Honour 
• and the stables designed by Filippo Juvarra in the 18th century.

Go to the royal hunting lodge of Stupinigi

Located in Nichelino, only 10 kilometres from Turin, the Palazzina is one of the most prestigious Savoy residences in the Piedmont region.

Built in 1729 for hunting and royal festivities, the Palazzina hosted many royal or noble weddings. Tsar Paul I of Russia, as well as Napoleon and Pauline Bonaparte, stayed there. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Palazzina houses the famous carriage of Napoleon, designed in 1805 by the coachbuilder Jean-Ernest-Auguste Getting.

Go to the Langhe 

Dive into the heart of the Langhe, a superb hilly region of Piedmont known for its vineyards and picturesque villages. After visiting Turin, set off to explore Barolo, famous for its eponymous wine, or Alba.  

What to see? What to do in Barolo? 

• Take part in a tasting at one of the many local cellars and discover the history of this emblematic wine
• Visit the Barolo Castle which houses the Wine Museum
• Explore the vineyards on foot or by bike
• Dine in a gourmet restaurant to taste local specialities such as truffles. 

What to see? What to do in Alba?

• Discover the Alba truffle market, famous for its white truffle. 
• In autumn, go to the International White Truffle Fair, a must-see event.
• Stroll through Alba's historic centre with its charming medieval centre and San Lorenzo cathedral
• Take part in a Piedmontese cooking workshop with its traditional dishes such as tajarin (pasta) or ravioli del plin in a culinary workshop.

That's it, our article "Visit Turin in 1 day" ends here. We hope all these ideas for visits and activities help you plan your stay in Piedmont. All that's left is to wish you a great trip to northern Italy and plenty of good vibes 😎

FAQ Visit Turin in 1 day

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.

What can I do in Turin in one day?

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In one day in Turin, start with the Mole Antonelliana and its Cinema Museum for an incredible panoramic view. Then explore the Egyptian Museum, one of the largest of its kind, then stroll around Piazza Castello and visit the Royal Palace. Enjoy a walk in the Parco del Valentino, ideal for relaxing, before discovering the old town with its historic cafés and shops. Finally, taste Turin hot chocolate in one of the traditional cafés.

Which district to visit in Turin?

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Turin's historic centre, around Piazza Castello, is perfect for starting your visit. You will find many monuments, museums and restaurants there. The San Salvario district is ideal for discovering local life with its bars, restaurants and cosmopolitan atmosphere. If you like green spaces, the Parco del Valentino district will offer you a lovely nature escape in the heart of the city.

Which district to eat in Turin?

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The San Salvario district is an excellent choice for eating in Turin. This lively district is full of restaurants, trattorias and cafés where you can enjoy local specialities such as "agnolotti" or "vitello tonnato". The Quadrilatero Romano, near Piazza Castello, is also a popular spot for its traditional restaurants, pizzerias and bars. Finally, Via Po and its surroundings offer many dining options with a lovely view of the Mole Antonelliana.

What is special about Turin?

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What is special about Turin is its unique blend of tradition and innovation. Former capital of Italy, it is renowned for its Baroque architecture, rich royal heritage, and prestigious museums, notably the Egyptian Museum, one of the most important in the world. Turin is also the birthplace of Italian hot chocolate and of the famous gianduiotto, a local speciality. Finally, the city is an automotive centre, being the home of Fiat, and combines this industrial modernity with a strong culture of art and gastronomy.

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