Set between the Alps and the Po River, Turin (Torino) was Italy’s first capital and the Savoy dynasty’s power seat—hence its palaces, grand boulevards, and elegant cafés. It’s also the cradle of Fiat, Juventus, vermouth, and gianduja chocolate, all wrapped in a city that moves at a civilized, café-sipping pace.

Turin’s cultural calling card is the Museo Egizio, one of the world’s largest Egyptian collections. The city rewards wanderers with Baroque piazzas, the Mole Antonelliana and its Cinema Museum, and the bustling Porta Palazzo—Europe’s largest open-air market. Food lovers come for agnolotti del plin, vitello tonnato, bagna cauda, and the quintessential hot-chocolate-and-espresso drink, bicerin.

Practical notes: museums often close early on Mondays or Tuesdays (always check hours—Cinema Museum is usually closed Tuesdays; Royal Museums often close Mondays). The Torino+Piemonte Card can be good value for museum entry. Turin is flat and walkable, with a simple metro and trams; comfortable shoes and a light jacket are wise in cooler, misty months.

Turin

Regal yet down-to-earth, Turin blends aristocratic architecture with inventive cuisine. Its arcaded streets shelter cafés that defined Italy’s coffee culture, while craft vermouth bars revive the aperitivo tradition.

• Top sights: Royal Museums (Palazzo Reale, Armoury, Shroud Chapel), Museo Egizio, Mole Antonelliana & National Cinema Museum, Piazza San Carlo, Piazza Castello, Quadrilatero Romano, Porta Palazzo Market.
• Good to know: Bicerin was born here; try it near the Santuario della Consolata. Gelati “Pinguino” (the original chocolate-dipped gelato bar) is a Turin icon.
• Neighborhood vibes: Centro for palaces and museums; Quadrilatero for markets and osterie; San Salvario for bars and late dining; Crocetta for leafy streets and boutiques.

Where to stay (center and walkable to sights): consider Turin Palace Hotel (rooftop views, by Porta Nuova), NH Collection Piazza Carlina (design-forward in a historic convent), Grand Hotel Sitea (classic elegance), or boutique choices like Hotel Victoria & Iside Spa or Combo Torino (trendy riverside hub). Browse options and apartments on Hotels.com and VRBO.

Getting to Turin: From within Europe, high-speed trains via Omio (trains) often beat flying city-center to city-center—Milan to Turin ~1h (€10–30), Rome to Turin ~4h30 (€40–100), Paris to Turin ~5h40 (€29–120). Budget buses via Omio (buses) are slower but cheap—Milan ~1h45 (€7–15). For European flights to TRN, compare on Omio (flights). Long-haul flyers can check Trip.com (flights) and Kiwi.com for deals.

Day 1 — Arcades, Egyptian marvels, and aperitivo in the Quadrilatero

Morning: Travel into Turin and drop your bags. If you arrive at Porta Nuova, fuel up with an espresso and hazelnut pastry at a local bar in or near the station, then stroll Via Lagrange toward Piazza San Carlo—Turin’s “living room” framed by twin churches and historic cafés.

Afternoon: Dive into the Museo Egizio with a skip-the-line guided visit to unlock context and highlights like the Tomb of Kha and the Turin King List. Consider the small-group experience for depth:

Turin: Egyptian Museum Monolingual Skip-the-Line Guided Mystery Tour,Small group

Post-museum, wander Via Roma and Piazza Carignano. For a late lunch, try Pastificio Defilippis (since 1872) for tajarin with ragù or agnolotti del plin. Sweet stop: Baratti & Milano for gianduiotti, or Gelati Pepino 1884 for the original Pinguino gelato bar.

Evening: Start with aperitivo in Quadrilatero Romano—order a classic vermouth-based cocktail at Affini or creative sips at Smile Tree, paired with local cheeses and salumi. For dinner, book Consorzio (Slow Food stalwart) for finanziera and seasonal Piemontese dishes, or Tre Galline for heritage recipes. Nightcap with Turin’s famed “black-and-white magic” lore on this atmospheric tour:

Torino Magica® Evening Tour

Day 2 — Royal Turin, the Mole skyline, and a chocolate farewell

Morning: Begin at Piazza Castello with a guided visit to the Royal Museums—Palazzo Reale, the glittering Armoury, and the restored Chapel of the Holy Shroud. A guided tour brings the Savoy saga to life and streamlines entry:

Royal Palace and Shroud Chapel with local Guide & ticket

Before or after, slip into Caffè Al Bicerin (near the Consolata sanctuary) to try the namesake layered drink—espresso, chocolate, and cream—in the tiny wood-paneled salon where it was born.

Afternoon: If your departure is later, head to the Mole Antonelliana for the panoramic lift and the National Cinema Museum’s playful exhibits. Quick, tasty lunch ideas: Da Cianci Piola Caffè for affordable Piemontese comfort plates on a lively square, or Scannabue in San Salvario for a modern trattoria take. Chocolate lovers can swap the Mole for this guided tasting (ideal for one last indulgence):

The Turin Chocolate & Wine Tasting Experience

Allow ~30–45 minutes from the center to Turin Airport (TRN) by shuttle bus or ~30 minutes by taxi. For trains/buses to your next stop, compare options on Omio (trains) and Omio (buses); for flights, check Omio (flights) or long-haul on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you’re staying one more night, reserve Del Cambio (1 Michelin star) for a grand finale under frescoes, or keep it casual riverside in Vanchiglia with pizza al padellino and a Barolo by the glass. For a skyline toast, the Piano35 lounge sets the scene above the city lights.

Optional add-ins (if you extend your stay): Bike the boulevards and parks with a guide—ideal orientation and photo stops:

Highlights and hidden gems of Turin Bike Tour

Foodies can also join a semi-private street food walk for market bites and chef tips:

StreetFood D'Luxe Experience: Tastes of Turin | Semi-Private

Two days in Turin deliver royal drama, museum masterworks, and Piedmont’s soulful cooking—with time to savor bicerin and an unhurried aperitivo. You’ll leave with chocolate-scented memories and a promise to return for the Langhe hills, Barolo cellars, and more of Turin’s quiet elegance.