Turin is a wonderful city rich in culture, stunning architecture, delicious food and historical significance as Italy's first capital. Situated on the Po River and with views of the Alps in the distance, Turin has something to offer for everyone.
I had a brief 24 hours to spend in Turin after completing the Gran Paradiso Circuit Trek and summiting Gran Paradiso. This is how I chose to spend it and things I feel you need to know about this vibrant city.
Where To Stay?
I stayed in Hotel Diplomatic which was a last minute find. It was pretty decent priced and very central. Anywhere around the centre was perfect for me as a solo traveller who was arriving late.
Getting Around?
So I actually walked most places (got to get they steps in) but the city is well connected with trams, busses and a metro line that are all simple enough to navigate.
Things To Do in Turin -
Whilst I appreciate that there is a lot more to do in Turin than the list I am about to present, I will limited to 24 hours so this is what I got up to...
Square Piazza Castello -
A beautiful square in the heart of the city surrounded by historical buildings and the royale palace. A must see if you want to admire the architecture and get a feel for the vibe of the city. There are fountains in the square and it lights up at night so if possible visit both during the day and night. The square is known to have some wonderful street performers so keep a look out for them, I was lucky enough to discover a woman singing opera and hearing Con te Partiro with the backdrop of the palace was an extremely special experience.
Palazzo Reale -
The Royal Palace of Turin, or "Palazzo Reale di Torino", is a historic palace which displays the grandeur of the House of Savoy, rulers of the region for centuries. Built in the 16th century, it served as their official residence and remains as a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and Turin's cultural heritage. Now, as UNESCO world heritage site, the palace attracts visitors from across the globe to marvel at the lavish interior designs and extensive collections. Highlights include the royal armoury and the royal apartments full of luxurious furnishings. The Chapel of the Holy Shroud, with its captivating gothic design, holds the Shroud of Turin which is believed to have been Jesus Christ's burial cloth. This room was one of my favourites down to the interior alone. The palace also has an extensive art gallery with paintings, sculptures and decorative arts but I personally don't think I was able give it as much time and attention as it needed in order to appreciate it fully. You could spend hours upon hours in here taking it all in, I would suggest no less than 3 hours. Tickets cost €15 for an adult, if you don't want to part with the €15 but would still like to experience some of the palace then you are able to enter the royal gardens to walk around. The garden is beautiful and there is a little restaurant there to enjoy some drinks and enjoy the views.
Palazzo Madama
Found in the square of Piazza Castello, this didn't look too much from the outside as there was lots of scaffolding up when I was there but inside showcases a mix of Roman, baroque and medieval architecture. Originally a royal residence to members of the House of Savoy (how many residencies did these guys need 😅) but now home to the Civic Museum of Ancient Art. The highlights for me had to be the open terrace on the top floor - giving you a 360 degree view of Turin, you could stare at the view here for days. And of course the grand staircase on entry is simply magical - I was living my Bridgerton best life on this. I loved visiting this place for to admire the display of all the changing art styles over the centuries.
Parco del Valentino
The largest and most famous public park in Turin, situated on the edge of the River Po. Perfect for a sunny day walk or a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Don't miss the medieval village, rock garden or fountain of the twelve months. In the heart of the garden there is the Valentino Castle, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th century, its structure is very similar to that typical of French castles, with four towers to delimit the perimeter and mansard roofs. It houses all the construction techniques of the fifteenth century, with fortified houses, shops, alleys and drawbridge. A beautiful sight to admire. Inside the park there are also waterfalls and small streams. Look out for the Bench of Lovers (Panchina Inamorata), the most photographed bench in Turin! This particular structure represents two lampposts, sitting on a bench, which seem to be embraced. At the end of the Park stands the beautiful Fountain of the Months - an artistic sculpture with 12 female statues dedicated to the different months of the year. If would recommend hiring a bike to cycle through the park or taking a picnic.
Food Glorious Food
You will be absolutely spoilt for choice for food in the centre of Turin. So many quaint little cafes - I wanted to try them all. I ended up eating at Sicily on Streeat which was amazing. I had arancini balls and they were to die for, if I remember correctly one was a three cheese and the other was a bolognaise filled one 😋. I also developed a bit of an obsession for crema di caffe - which was a frothy whipped coffee drink. I had these at numerous cafes - perfect to cool down and get your caffeine hit on a hot day.
This blog has been short and sweet but like I mentioned, I was only there for 24 hours. If you have been to Turin and read this, let me know of anything I have missed in the comments. And if you are planning to visit Turin on a short trip - I hope this helps you to plan your trip.
Happy Adventuring
