Turin is one of the most underrated European cities I’ve been to, and probably the most underrated Italian city. Although it was once the capital of the country, it’s now overshadowed by cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. If you’re coming to visit, however, you’re in for a wonderful experience. I’ve compiled a list of my top things to see in Turin here, which I hope can help you experience the city to the fullest.
Be sure to always double check opening hours and prices, as they may be subject to change due to events and different periods. As always, if you are a student or hold the Abbonamento Musei card, take advantage of the discounts!
With that said, let’s get started.
#1: Via Roma, Piazza San Carlo, and Piazza Castello
I’ll start with the main street in the city center. When you exit Porta Nuova (the central train station) and walk toward the park, you’ll enter the elegant Via Roma. Here, you can browse shops ranging from the LEGO store to Zara to designer brands from under Turin’s famous porticoes. During the winter season, you can also see some of the most iconic installations from the Luci d’Artista exposition.
As you continue on, you’ll enter Piazza San Carlo, noted by the horse statue in the center and the twin churches on either side. Piazza San Carlo is known as Turin’s “living room” and is a cozy center to enjoy a gelato, find excellent chocolate, or get coffee at the historic Caffe’ Torino. If you look to the left (facing the churches), you can even see some cannonballs stuck in the walls of the building. This is a wonderful spot to hang out and enjoy the beautiful scenery, especially as there are usually singers in the piazza as well.
If you keep going down the street, you’ll end up at the famous Piazza Castello, which you can’t miss because of the palace at the end. This is Palazzo Reale, and the building to the left is Palazzo Madama. This is the heart of the city, and it’s one of my personal favorite places to spend time. Usually filled with people, it’s a hub of energy, especially in the summers, when the fountains are turned on. This is where we’ll really start for my top things to see in Turin.
#2: Palazzo Reale
You can’t come to Turin and skip Palazzo Reale. Construction started in the 16th century, when it became the permanent seat of the Savoy dynasty. The Baroque style, typically of the architecture in Turin, really is a sight to behold, and you’ll be amazed at the apartments inside. It’s luxurious, elegant, and elaborate–everything and more that you’d expect from a royal palace.
In addition to the beautiful furnishings and artwork present in the residence itself, Palazzo Reale houses the Musei Reali, including an extensive art collection, the Museum of Antiquity, an armory, and the library next door. The armory is probably the most noted part of the palace, and it’s definitely an impressive sight to behold. Even for people who aren’t interested in weapons, the frescoes and artwork present in the armory are worth seeing.
I would suggest an hour or two for the art collection alone. Primarily Renaissance-era paintings, it is a large collection that houses pieces from several different noted European painters. The Museum of Antiquity, found in the basement, offers a fascinating exploration of the Roman ruins found in the area. My favorite part about the museum is how it illustrates exactly where the ruins were and how they were built on top of. Fascinating stuff!
Then, of course, there is the royal garden. This is free to access, so you don’t need a ticket. If you come in the spring or summer, it is a gorgeous place to walk around and relax in. In fact, it’s one of my favorite places in the city–hence its place at the top of my list of top things to see in Turin.
#3: Palazzo Madama
Don’t worry–you’ll only need to go a few steps away. The neighboring Palazzo Madama is another royal residence filled with lots to see. Like I say in the article linked in the title, Palazzo Madama is one of my favorite museums in all of Turin because of the variety it offers. The best part? You can see all of the periods of the building’s history, from its Roman ruins to medieval walls to Baroque facade to more modern renovations. This is a truly historical building, and apart from housing fascinating temporary exhibits, it also has an impressive collection of art. There is medieval and Renaissance artwork at the bottom level, Baroque art and apartments on the second level, metalwork, dresses, porcelain and glass, treasure, and more, all displayed throughout four floors.
There is also a tower with a beautiful panoramic view of Turin and a hidden garden. Especially in summer, this garden comes alive with gorgeous greenery and beautiful flowers. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys art and history.
#4: The National Museum of Cinema
This is famous in Turin, and for good reason. It’s easily one of the best museums I’ve been to, making it one of the best things to see in Turin. The museum is inside the most famous landmark of Turin: the Mole Antonelliana. If you’ve ever seen a picture of the building with the star at the top, that would be it.
The museum is a comprehensive overview of the history of film. You begin by looking at the story, tools, and evolution of movies and cameras, slowly making your way to a giant room with various “sets” from different genres that you can walk through. There are interactive activities, movies in every room, and constant unique exhibitions. Some of the most recent ones have included props and works from Tim Burton, James Cameron, and Marvel.
You can also buy a ticket to go up to the top in an elevator and see the entire city. While I haven’t done this yet, I know that it’s popular to do. Just don’t do it if you’re about to graduate–there’s a superstition that says it can bring you bad luck in this case.
#5: Museo Egizio
This is one of the focal points of Turin, and for good reason. It’s the second largest Egyptian museum in the world. Now, it even has a temple (free to visit, or you can get a separate complimentary ticket) in the building, although you need to take a separate entrance.
If you like history, this is a must-see. You’ll need to carve out nearly half a day to enjoy it fully, but I promise you that it’s worth it. There’s so much to see that it will make your head spin. From extensive writing collections to enormous statues and sarcophagi, this museum has everything related to Ancient Egypt.
Pro tip: make sure to book your ticket in advance online. It’s one of the most popular things to see in Turin, which means that it can be crowded. I recommend going on a weekday if possible. The museum is located in city center, so it’s quite easy to access if you’re staying there.
#6: Parco del Valentino
Turin has many beautiful parks, but this is the most famous, as well as the largest. Located right on the edge of the Po, Parco del Valentino offers plenty of green space to play or picnic in, walking paths along the river and through the gardens to enjoy, and even some animals (nutria) to see if you know where to go.
There is also a medieval castle to explore, although it is currently closed until February 2026. I personally can’t wait until this is open again, as our walks through the park never feel complete without a quick pop inside.
There are several statues, water features, and floral arrangements to enjoy, and it’s easily one of the most peaceful parts of the city. When the weather permits, you’ll find the green spaces filled with people picnicking, grabbing a drink, and playing with their friends or children.
If you’re looking for other things to see in Turin, Parco del Valentino is also home to Castello del Valentino (now part of the Politecnico), a botanical garden that’s open during the warmer months, a small art museum, and Fontana dei Dodici Mesi (Fountain of the Twelve Months). It’s also close to the hip San Salvario neighborhood.
#7: The Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista
If you’re Catholic, this is one of the best things to see in Turin. Even if you’re not Catholic, it’s a place of such religious and cultural importance that I’d highly recommend it anyway. This cathedral, which is attached to Palazzo Reale and located in the center of Turin, is the home to the Shroud of Turin. This cloth is believed to have been Jesus’s burial cloth, and it bears the image of a man on it. While you cannot see the real shroud–only a replica–there is an area for prayer and reflection where it is housed in the church.
Beyond this being the main attraction, the cathedral is also a beautiful Baroque church. If you want to learn about contemporary Italian saints, there are several altars dedicated to them. This is also a beautiful spot to pray if you wish to do so.
If you want to learn more about the shroud, I recommend visiting the Museum of the Shroud, located about a 10-15 minute walk away. The guides are very knowledgeable, and the museum houses several artifacts related to the history of the shroud.
If you enjoy touring churches and are looking for similar things to see in Turin, I recommend the beautiful twin churches in Piazza San Carlo.
#8: Roman Ruins
This is one of the most amazing parts of Turin: how so many periods of history coexist. There are Roman ruins scattered throughout much of the city center, but the most prominent ones are in the Quadrilatero zone, which is close to the palace. Here, you’ll see remnants of Porta Palatina, the Palatine Gate in English. It was one of the entrances to the old Roman city (Palazzo Madama was built on one of the other entrances), and you can still see the indentations in the stones where carts passed. It’s notable for its bright red color.
As the Museum of Antiquity in the basement of Palazzo Reale explains, the remnants of a Roman theater also border the cathedral and palace. This is not only one of the coolest things to see in Turin, but also a free one.
I recommend walking through this area and grabbing lunch or dinner in the neighborhood. Make sure to try pizza al tegamino, a type of pizza originally from Turin!
#9: Galleria D’Arte Moderna (GAM)
GAM is Turin’s modern art museum, and it’s one that I enjoy regularly. Although modern art isn’t my favorite art period, GAM does a great job ensuring that there’s something for everyone, from the 1800s onward. They change their exhibitions regularly, so there’s always something new to see. Some of the recent exhibitions have included Berthe Morisot and Maria Morganti.
The museum is located slightly out of the city center (about a 10-15 minute walk) in the lovely zone of Crocetta, so once you finish visiting the museum, I highly recommend taking a peaceful walk around. This might not officially be one of the most famous things to see in Turin, but you’ll be sure to find it relaxing and enjoyable.
#10: The Museo D’Arte Orientale (MAO)
If you’re even slightly interested in Asian art or history, this museum is a must-see. It took me far too long to go there, but I immediately wished I’d visited sooner. The museum has both temporary and permanent exhibitions, and it’s organized according to region in Asia. There are four floors filled with art, artifacts, and a history documented exceedingly well. Even if this isn’t the typical Italian sightseeing stop, I’d recommend it because of its quality and tranquility. Don’t forget to stop by the small rooftop garden.
#11: La Venaria Reale
I’ll qualify this by saying it’s technically in a different city, but easily accessible by bus or train. Until September 2025, the train will be down, which means that you’ll need to take the GTT-operated bus, The Venaria Express. Having taken both, I’d honestly recommend the bus if 1) you have a GTT pass (it’s included), and 2) you’re based in city center. The bus makes a few stops, including at Porta Susa, one of the main two train stations. You’ll get there in about 30-40 minutes.
La Venaria Reale is one of the residences of the Savoia family. Filled with art, gorgeous architecture, a comprehensive history of the royal family, and decadence to the fullest, it’s a must-see when you’re in the Turin area.
This royal residence is enormous, and a full ticket includes entrance to the palace, the stables, the temporary art exhibits, the chapel, and the gardens. Be warned–this will take around half a day to fully explore, because it is enormous! Plan to grab lunch in the area after exploring the gardens, and keep an eye on the bus timetable.
#12: The Lingotto Mall
You’ll have to take the metro to get here, as it’s a bit far from city center, but it’s a large shopping mall built in the former Fiat factory. For art (and/or car) lovers, there is an art museum toward the top of the building (Pinacoteca Agnelli), through which you can access the rooftop testing track for Fiat and learn a bit more about the company’s history.
While Lingotto isn’t necessarily my favorite part of the city because of how far it is and how industrial it feels, I do think it’s worth a visit. It’s a very different feel from city center and a nice place to explore.
#13: MAUTO
I’ll admit that I haven’t personally been to this one yet. Being in Lingotto, it’s a bit far, so I rarely make the trip out there. However, I have heard nothing but amazing things about the automobile museum. Being the old home of Fiat, Turin is known for its automobile history. This museum is perfect for fans of all kinds of cars, especially F1 fans. I’ve heard that it can take around 1.5-2 hours to get through, so set aside a good amount of time!
#14: Walking Along the Po + Borgo Po
If you keep walking from the film museum and reach Piazza Vittorio Veneto, then go across the bridge, you’ll reach a different part of the city. Affluent and home to the beautiful Gran Madre church, it’s worth a walk around. One of our favorite places, apart from Monte dei Cappuccini (see below) is the cute little village of Borgo Po. There are stores, restaurants, parks, and even places to walk along the river. Especially when the city center gets busy, this area is a nice reprieve. It’s one of the more underrated things to see in Turin.
If you stay on the main side of the Po, you can keep walking along the riverfront until you reach Parco del Valentino. It’s a beautiful view and a nice way to get some exercise!
#15: La Collina / Monte dei Cappuccini
While you’re on the other side of the Po, after exploring the little village there, I recommend climbing the hill to Monte dei Cappuccini. This hill, noted for the church at the top, offers a beautiful view of the entire city. While there is a small hike to reach the top, it shouldn’t take more than 10-15 minutes. When you reach the top, you can visit the church, the mountain museum, and the restaurant. This is one of our favorites spots in Turin because of the vista, and you should definitely add it to your list of things to see in Turin.
A Final Word
If you’re looking for things to see in Turin, you certainly won’t be disappointed. While it doesn’t have the fame of cities like Milan, Florence, and Rome, it has something to offer for everyone. Art, culture, cars, and history, it’s a wonderful place to visit.
While reading this list, if several of these things to see in Turin really stood out to you, I’d recommend getting the Torino + Piemonte Card. You can pick the amount of hours that it’s valid for, and the prices are reasonable, especially considering how much you’ll be saving if you’re going to a lot of museums. With this card, all you have to do is present it at the entrance of museums, and they’ll print your ticket right up. If you’re only doing a few museums, it might not be worth it. If you’re visiting a bunch, however, I highly recommend it.
Have you been there? Let me know what other places you’d like to see on this list!
