Have you ever heard of Turin, the hidden gem of Italy? Perhaps you haven’t fully grasped its beauty and charm yet. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Rome or the familiar romance of Venice, Turin possesses an elegant, ancient, and surprisingly captivating beauty. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Alps, this city is not only the gateway to the fertile Piedmont region but also a treasure trove of unique culture, history, and cuisine, waiting to be discovered by passionate travelers. Let’s embark on a journey with “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to visit Turin and experience its slow-paced life, savor its refined flavors, and admire its magnificent architecture – you’ll surely fall in love and never want to leave.
Why Turin Deserves to Be Your Must-Visit Destination in Italy?
Turin, or Torino in Italian, is an elegant and charming city located in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. It is renowned not only for its stunning natural scenery, surrounded by the majestic Alps, but also as a rich cultural, historical, and culinary center. Unlike the noisy, bustling atmosphere of other famous tourist cities in Italy, Turin offers a more peaceful and tranquil ambiance, allowing visitors to leisurely explore and fully enjoy its beauty.
When you visit Turin, you will be immediately impressed by its magnificent Baroque architecture, grand squares, and tree-lined streets. Turin was the first capital of unified Italy, and that glorious historical imprint is still preserved through its splendid royal palaces, world-class museums, and historic cafes that have existed for centuries.
Moreover, Turin is a culinary paradise with renowned specialties such as fresh agnolotti pasta, fragrant truffles, sweet gianduja chocolate, and the unique bicerin drink. In Turin, you not only visit the city but also experience a refined, slow-paced lifestyle and enjoy authentic cultural and artistic values. If you are looking for a different destination, a little-known gem in Italy, then Turin is the perfect choice.
Explore the Highlights When Visiting Turin
Admire the Panoramic View of Turin from Monte dei Cappuccini
To begin your journey of visiting Turin, there’s no better place than Monte dei Cappuccini hill. Located on the banks of the Po River, this hill offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire city. From here, you can admire Turin’s ancient architectural beauty, highlighted by the iconic Mole Antonelliana tower, with the majestic backdrop of the snow-capped Alps in the distance. Especially at sunset, the scenery of Turin from Monte dei Cappuccini becomes more romantic and magical than ever, a must-see moment for those who love photography and romance.
Panoramic view of Turin city skyline and the Alps mountains from Monte dei Cappuccini hill
Savor Fresh Agnolotti Pasta and Piedmont Cuisine
When visiting Turin, experiencing the local cuisine is an indispensable part. The Piedmont region is famous for its delicious and unique dishes, among which fresh pasta is a specialty you definitely must try. Agnolotti pasta, a square ravioli characteristic of Piedmont, is usually filled with rich roasted meat and served with a flavorful sugo d’arrosto sauce. You should also try “plin,” a smaller ravioli variation, or tajarin, fresh egg noodles similar to tagliatelle. Traditional restaurants in Turin are always ready to serve you excellent fresh pasta dishes, imbued with the flavors of the Piedmont region.
Close-up of Agnolotti pasta, a regional specialty of Piedmont and Turin, filled with meat and served with sauce
Discover the Flavor of Renowned Truffles
The Piedmont region is also known as the “kingdom of truffles,” a rare and expensive type of mushroom. The town of Alba, not far from Turin, is the world-famous truffle center, hosting an annual truffle festival in October and November. When visiting Turin during this season, you will have the opportunity to enjoy exquisite truffle dishes at many restaurants in the city. Although the price may be a bit high, the unique and refined flavor of truffles will surely bring an unforgettable culinary experience.
Truffle festival in Alba, near Turin, attracting food lovers from around the world to experience and purchase truffles
Explore Ancient Egyptian History at the Museo Egizio
Another unique and fascinating destination when visiting Turin is the Museo Egizio, the Turin Egyptian Museum. It is one of the most important Egyptology museums in the world, housing the second-largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world, after the Cairo Museum. With 24 human mummies, the majestic statue of Ramses II, and the intact tomb of Kha and Merit, the Museo Egizio will take you back in time, exploring the mysteries of ancient Egyptian civilization. This is an ideal destination for those who love history and archeology.
Enjoy Bicerin, Turin’s Iconic Drink
Bicerin is a distinctive hot drink of Turin, dating back to the 18th century and still loved today. Bicerin is a harmonious combination of strong espresso coffee, sweet hot chocolate, and a layer of rich cream. To experience Bicerin authentically, visit Caffe Al Bicerin, a famous historic cafe in Turin. Stepping into the cafe, you will feel a cozy, ancient atmosphere with shimmering candlelight and delicately decorated wood-paneled walls, as if entering another world. Enjoying a cup of hot Bicerin in this space will surely be a memorable experience during your journey of visiting Turin.
A glass of Bicerin, Turin's famous hot drink, layered with espresso, chocolate, and cream
Admire Baroque Architecture at Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama
Strolling through the ancient streets of Turin, you will be amazed by the magnificent Baroque architecture. Piazza Castello is one of the most important architectural highlights of the city, home to many impressive historical buildings, including Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) and Palazzo Madama.
Palazzo Reale, formerly the royal palace of the Savoy family, was built in the 16th century and is now a museum displaying classical art and historical artifacts. Not far away is Palazzo Madama, a unique architectural work designed by architect Filippo Juvarra, which currently houses the Turin City Museum of Ancient Art. Visiting Turin and missing the chance to admire the magnificent architecture of these two palaces would be a great omission.
Palazzo Reale, the Royal Palace of Turin, showcasing its grand Baroque architecture and long history
Discover Unique Art Nouveau Architecture
Turin is not only famous for Baroque architecture but also one of the representative cities for the Art Nouveau style (also known as Liberty style in Italy). About a 20-minute walk from Piazza Castello, you will reach an area concentrated with unique Art Nouveau architectural works. Buildings with soft lines, delicate floral motifs, and a harmonious combination of art and nature will fascinate you. You can explore this area on your own or join a guided walking tour to better understand this special architectural style during your visit to Turin.
Art Nouveau architecture in Turin, characterized by soft lines, floral motifs, and ornate decorations on building facades
Shop at the Lively Porta Palazzo Market
To experience the local rhythm of life and explore traditional market culture, visit Porta Palazzo Market, the largest open-air market in Europe. This market sells all kinds of goods, from fresh produce and local specialties to clothing, household goods, and souvenirs. Strolling through the colorful stalls, admiring the fresh products, and immersing yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the market will be an exciting experience during your visit to Turin. Porta Palazzo Market is also located near Porta Palatina, Turin’s famous ancient city gate, so you can combine visiting both places.
Porta Palazzo Market, Europe's largest open-air market in Turin, where visitors can experience local culture and shop for a variety of goods
Admire the Mole Antonelliana Tower, Symbol of Turin
The Mole Antonelliana tower is a unique architectural work and an unmistakable symbol of the city of Turin. Initially designed as a synagogue, the tower later became a monument commemorating national unification. You can buy tickets to take an elevator to the top of the tower, at a height of 85 meters, to admire the panoramic view of Turin from above. Right at the foot of the tower is the National Cinema Museum, another interesting destination for movie lovers during their visit to Turin.
Mole Antonelliana tower, a unique and iconic architectural landmark of Turin city, standing tall against the sky
Indulge in Shopping in Turin
Turin is a shopping paradise with a harmonious combination of international brands and unique local stores. Via Garibaldi pedestrian street is the most famous shopping street in Turin, home to many familiar fashion and cosmetic brands. In addition, you should also explore the gallerias, luxurious covered shopping arcades, which are often home to high-end brands. Visiting Turin is not only about exploring culture and history but also an opportunity for you to indulge in shopping and find your favorite items.
Via Garibaldi street, the most famous shopping street in Turin, filled with a variety of stores and brands
Immerse Yourself in the Sweetness of Gianduja Chocolate
Turin is famous for chocolate, especially the renowned Gianduja hazelnut chocolate. You can find Gianduja chocolate everywhere in the city, from small shops to luxurious pastry shops. To experience the finest Gianduja chocolate, visit Guido Gobino, a famous address loved by many locals and tourists. Interestingly, the history of Nutella, the world-famous hazelnut chocolate spread, also originates from the Alba region near Turin. Pietro Ferrero, the inventor of Nutella, started with the name Giandujot before renaming it Nutella in the 1960s. If you are a chocolate lover, visiting Turin will surely be a sweet and memorable journey. And don’t forget to enjoy gelato at Grom, one of the best ice cream shops in the city.
Guido Gobino chocolate shop, a popular destination for enjoying Gianduja chocolate in Turin, showcasing artisanal chocolates
Gelato ice cream at Grom, one of the best ice cream shops in Turin, displaying a variety of flavors
Relax at Valentino Park and Castle
Valentino Park, one of the most beautiful green spaces in Turin, is an ideal place for you to relax and enjoy the fresh air after busy hours of visiting the city. This large park is located along the Po River, very suitable for picnics or leisurely strolls. In the park, you will find the beautiful Fontana di Dodici Mesi fountain and the ancient Valentino Castle. Valentino Castle was once the residence of the Savoy royal family and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also housing the Architecture Department of the Polytechnic University of Turin. If you have time, you should also visit Borgo Medioevale, a beautifully recreated medieval village inside Valentino Park, where you can explore ancient architecture and shop for souvenirs.
Fontana di Dodici Mesi fountain, a beautiful twelve-months fountain in Valentino Park, Turin, with water cascading down
Borgo Medioevale village, a recreation of a Piedmont medieval village within Valentino Park in Turin, featuring stone buildings and towers
Tips and Helpful Advice for Visiting Turin
Ideal Time to Visit Turin
Turin is a great destination year-round, with each season offering its own beauty. Winter in Turin is quite cold and dry, with an average temperature of about 3 degrees Celsius (37 degrees Fahrenheit). Summer is warm but not too hot, with a maximum temperature of about 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit). However, the best time to visit Turin is in spring (April – June) or autumn (September – October). In spring, the weather is warm, trees sprout, and the scenery is beautiful. In autumn, the weather is cool and pleasant, and the leaves turn yellow and red, creating a romantic scene. September is considered one of the most beautiful months in Turin, with dry weather and comfortable temperatures (around 18-21 degrees Celsius or 64-70 degrees Fahrenheit).
Romantic autumn in Turin, showcasing colorful foliage and a pleasant atmosphere, ideal for visiting and exploring the city
How to Get to Turin
You can get to Turin by plane, train, or bus. Caselle Airport (Turin Airport) has international and domestic flights, connected to the city center by bus and train. The SADEM bus is a popular means of transport from the airport to the center of Turin, taking about 45-60 minutes. Turin’s main train stations are Porta Susa and Porta Nuova, with train lines connecting Turin to other major cities in Italy such as Milan, Venice, Bologna, Rome, Florence, and even Paris (France). In addition, you can also reach Turin by bus from other cities in Italy and France.
Caselle Airport (Turin Airport), the international gateway to Turin city, with airplanes parked on the tarmac
Getting Around Turin
Turin is a walkable city, especially the city center. Turin’s public transport system includes buses, trams, and metro, helping you move conveniently to different locations in the city. You can buy public transport tickets at metro stations, newsstands, tobacconists, or bars. There are various types of tickets such as 100-minute tickets, day tickets, or multi-day tickets (48/72 hours) for you to choose from. In addition, the Turin sightseeing bus is also an interesting option to explore famous tourist attractions, especially if you don’t want to walk much or want to explore areas further from the center. This bus departs from Piazza Castello and will take you through many attractive sights of Turin.
Conclusion
Visiting Turin is a journey of unexpected and exciting discoveries. From magnificent Baroque architecture and world-class museums to unique cuisine and fresh green spaces, Turin has all the elements to become an ideal destination for those who love travel and cultural exploration. Plan your trip to Turin today to experience for yourself the beauty and charm of this gem of Italy. Are you ready to discover Turin?