Despite being known as the Italian Royal Family’s home, Turin remains an unknown place to visit in comparison with Venice, Rome, or Florence. However, this city is one of my favourite hidden gems in Italy besides other unknown destinations, such as Bologna and Genova (Genoa). Here’s why everyone can easily fall in love with Torino (Turin), and why you should definitely visit it now!
1. It is the home to many palaces and churches
The entire city of Turin is big, but its old historic centre is small and very walkable. Surprisingly, you may be overwhelmed by the many grand palaces, cathedrals, and churches surrounding the central area. The one you must see is the Palazzo Reale di Torino and the Palazzo Madama in Piazza Castello. The Royal Palace of Turin is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Baroque architecture work by Filippo Juvarra, and is home to the House of Savoy - one of the oldest royal families in the world.
2. There are nice galleries to visit
Also known as an industrial city, Turin can surprise you with the abundance of modern shops all over the historic centre. Enjoy walking along many shops around various arcades, and visiting the grand galleries in this royal city. One of my favourite galleries is the Galleria Subalpina. Again, you will be surprised to find a relaxed atmosphere here as people simply enjoy viewing modern art and vintage antiques here.
3. Panoramic views of the city from Santa Maria del Monte
Are you wondering where to get the best view of the city without paying the entrance fee for Turin’s iconic Mole Antonelliana, the tallest museum in the world? From the city centre, walk across the Fiume Po (River Po) and climb up hill to the church of Santa Maria del Monte. This is the perfect spot to get a stunning panoramic view of the city down at your feet.
4. The Porta Palazzo outdoor market is great to experience
If you are addicted to street-foods and open markets, don’t miss Porta Palazzo around the Piazza della Republica - one of the biggest open street-markets in Italy. Here you can experience a few of the most intensive things about Italy: local sellers talking loudly, the freshest fruits and vegetable you can find in the city, and the typical lively atmosphere of a massive open market.
5. For excellent cuisine - go for an aperitivo!
Turin is one of the most popular areas for the must-try aperitivo experience in Italy. This is what the locals love about the Italian hang-out culture. After work, locals tend to go out for a drink together. With the aperitivo deal, you will pay between 6 EUR and 10 EUR (6.70 and 11.16 USD) for the price of one drink and an unlimited buffet. The price often depends on the kind of drink you order. One of my favourite bars for aperitivo in Turin is La Drogheria.
Cheap ways to get to Turin
Getting to Turin is not expensive, thanks to its international airport and good train or bus connections with other cities in Italy. Book your flight with Ryanair to enjoy summer deals, or buses with Megabus for cheap fares.
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Top 12 Day Trips From Turin, Italy - Updated 2024John Cedrick -
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