Turin
Food | Wine | ArchitectureTurin Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go
We spent all of April in Turin. Turin, known for its exquisite blend of food, wine, and architecture, captivates travelers with its unique charm.
Turin’s architecture is a fascinating blend of historic and contemporary styles, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage and modern influences. From the grandeur of Baroque buildings to the sleek lines of contemporary structures, Turin offers a diverse architectural landscape for visitors to explore.
Turin is a culinary paradise known for its exquisite food and wine offerings. The city boasts a rich gastronomic tradition that combines Piedmontese flavors with influences from neighboring regions. When it comes to food, Turin is famous for dishes such as agnolotti, a type of stuffed pasta, and bagna cauda, a warm dip made with garlic and anchovies. These traditional dishes can be enjoyed in local trattorias and osterias throughout the city.
In addition to its delectable cuisine, Turin is also renowned for its exceptional wines. The region of Piedmont is home to prestigious wine varieties such as Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera. Wine enthusiasts can explore the vineyards of Langhe and Roero, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their outstanding wines.
Below is a guide to our favorite food, wine, and architecture in Turin, plus some tips and resources we picked up along the way. We hope this information will inspire you to plan your next trip!
This website contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Turin Food
Turin is known for its rich culinary heritage, blending traditional Italian flavors with influences from neighboring regions. The city is renowned for its wide range of savory dishes such as agnolotti del plin (small, stuffed pasta), vitello tonnato (sliced veal with tuna sauce), and bagna cauda (a warm dip made with garlic and anchovies). Additionally, Turin is famous for its exquisite chocolates, especially gianduja, a hazelnut chocolate spread that originated in the city.
Exploring the food scene in Turin is a delightful experience for food enthusiasts looking to savor authentic Italian dishes with a unique regional twist.
Turin Wine
Turin’s wine culture is as rich and diverse as its culinary scene, with the region of Piedmont being a haven for wine enthusiasts. From the robust Barolo to the elegant Barbaresco, Piedmont offers a wide range of prestigious wines that delight even the most discerning palate.
Visiting the vineyards of Langhe and Roero is a must-do activity for wine lovers, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and sample some of Italy’s finest wines amidst stunning landscapes.
Whether indulging in a glass of Nebbiolo in a wine bar or exploring the charming vineyards of Langhe and Roero, Turin offers a truly immersive experience for wine enthusiasts. The Piedmont region’s rich winemaking tradition and diverse varietals provide a unique tasting journey that reflects the area’s terroir and dedication to quality.
Visitors to Turin can indulge in wine-tasting tours to sample these world-class wines while learning about the winemaking process. Pairing these fine wines with the region’s delicious cuisine is an experience not to be missed for any food and wine lover visiting Turin.
The Piedmont Wine page includes information we’ve gathered about the outstanding wines produced in the region.
Turin Architecture
Turin is renowned for its architectural marvels. One of the most iconic landmarks in Turin is the Mole Antonelliana, a towering symbol of the city that houses the National Museum of Cinema.
Additionally, the royal residences of the House of Savoy, the ruling family of the region, stand out as some of its most iconic landmarks. The Royal Palace of Turin, also known as Palazzo Reale, is a magnificent building with grand facades and opulent interiors that showcase Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles.
The Palazzo Madama, situated in the heart of Turin, is a unique blend of medieval and Baroque architecture. Originally a Roman gate, it was later transformed into a castle and eventually became a royal palace. Today, it houses the Civic Museum of Ancient Art, displaying a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Another royal palace in Turin with historical significance is Palazzo Carignano. Built in the 17th century, it was the birthplace of Victor Emmanuel II, Italy’s first King. Today, it houses the Museum of the Risorgimento, showcasing artifacts from Italy’s unification movement.
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful surroundings, Turin’s architectural wonders are sure to captivate your imagination.

Where Is Turin Located?
Turin is located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. It is on the Po River and surrounded by the Alps on the western and northern sides.
Turin is approximately 2 hours west of Milan and 2.5 hours northwest of Genoa.
Where Is the Best Place to Stay In Turin?
Hotels in Turin
There are many great places to stay in Turin. For the best experience, we recommend staying near Centro (the castle marker on the map below). The Centro area is the most pedestrian-friendly, with many restaurants and historical shops, and the main attractions are nearby.
Here’s a map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
Book your stay now!
What Is The Best Time To Visit Turin?
The best month to visit Turin depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best weather, fewer crowds, or the best value? Following are our suggestions for each.
Weather
The best weather is a personal preference. We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55° F and sunny. The weather in Turin during the summer is warm and humid but not nearly as hot as in Rome or Southern Italian destinations.
Below is a chart showing the average high and low temperatures for each month so you can decide what is best for you.

Shoulder Season
The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often called the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Turin is April through May and September through October. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit. We spent all of April in Turin. The weather was cool and occasionally rainy. The city was busy but not overcrowded.
Best Value
April and October are good months to visit Turin for the best value and with fewer crowds. The weather during these months is cool in Turin and similar to our preferred temperature for walking most of the day.
Other Things to Know About Turin
Airport
Turin Airport, also known as Turin-Caselle Airport, is an international airport located 10 miles (16 km) north-northwest of Turin.
Train Station
Torino Porta Nuova is the city’s largest train station, with 20 platforms serving 350 regional and high-speed trains daily.
Time Zone
Central European Standard Time (UTC/GMT +1) and Central European Summer Time (UTC/GMT +2).
Currency
Euro €
Language
Italian – Turin is a city where English is spoken by many in the restaurants and shops.
Visa
Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Italy if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Italy, check out our article on traveling visa-free.
Electricity
Italy’s electrical outlets are Type C, F, and L. They have a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter.
If you have many items to plug in, we recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.
SIM Card
Travelers will want a SIM card for Italy. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.
To get a local SIM card, you have to find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.
We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased through an app prior to arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.
Car Rental
The fantastic train system in Italy makes rental cars unnecessary for most destinations. However, rental cars are needed to reach smaller towns and explore the countryside. In addition to the major car rental companies found in the United States, Sixt and Europcar are common throughout Europe. For a comparison of rental car offers from large, international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.
FAQs About Turin
What is Turin, Italy best known for?
Turin, Italy is best known for its rich history, being the hometown of Fiat, and its delicious chocolate creations like gianduja. The city also boasts stunning architecture, including the Mole Antonelliana and royal palaces. Turin is famous for its beautiful piazzas and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-visit destination in Italy.
Is Turin, Italy worth visiting?
Turin, Italy is definitely worth visiting for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is best known for being the hometown of Fiat, its delicious chocolate creations like gianduja, and beautiful piazzas. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical sites or indulging in gastronomic delights, Turin has something to offer every traveler.
Is Turin cheap or expensive?
Turin, Italy is generally considered to be more affordable compared to other major Italian cities like Milan or Rome. While prices can vary depending on where you dine or shop, Turin offers visitors a good value for their money when it comes to accommodation, dining, and attractions. Travelers can enjoy luxurious experiences without breaking the bank in Turin, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore Italy’s rich cultural heritage.
Is Milan or Turin better?
Both Milan and Turin are vibrant cities in Italy, each with its own unique charm. Milan is known for being a global fashion and design capital, while Turin is renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture. If you’re into fashion and modern lifestyle, Milan might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you appreciate history, art, and a more relaxed atmosphere, Turin could be the perfect destination for you. Ultimately, the choice between Milan and Turin depends on your personal preferences and interests.
Turin Blog Posts
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.