Top 6 Turin Attractions in Italy

After being ravaged by the pandemic, Italy is once again pulling tourists to the country. Turin, a city in northwestern Italy, significant in the history of Italy, continues to draw attention. Turin was the first capital of Italy. Being the capital city, Turin was adorned with castles and palatial structures. The top Turin attractions date back to the 17^th or 18^th century.

The rulers did visualize transforming the city to match the level of Paris or Vienna. Occupancy of royal families in the city only further embellished Turin. The streets, arcaded buildings, museums, castles, churches, and palaces are now the major Turin attractions.

The antique city was then revamped for the 2006 Olympics. Since then, it has been one of attractive spots to visit like Rome or Venice in Italy.

A note of gratitude to Alina Sedecaru, an artist based in Turin for the inputs and pictures. Her Instagram handle is ALINA SDK-ART.

Piazza Castello

Perhaps the most dynamic spot from where you could start your tour of Turin. With the historical monuments and entertaining activities surrounding the area; Piazza Castello remains the centre of Turin attractions. Basically, a public space that is the gateway to iconic structures like Palazzo Reale, the Palazzo Madama together, the Royal Armory and the Royal Theatre. You can also walk to a couple of the historical churches in the vicinity.

You can see the First World War memorial, in tribute to Emanuele Filiberto, 2nd Duke of Aosta. All these historical spots are within a radius of a few KMs; meaning a walking tour will suffice to visit them all.

Being one of the best Turin attractions, you have the luxury of visiting the scores of hotels, cafes and gelateria (ice cream shops) while being here.

• The time needed to see around? Around 3 hrs.
• Entry fee? NA
• English tour guide? Available.

Palazzo Madama

Another one of the beautiful Turin attractions. The historical and exotic palace can be covered along with Piazza Castello as it is in the vicinity. The ancient structure centuries old has endured the test of time. Tourists admire the medieval castle that later became a palace. Now, the structure houses the Turin City Museum of Ancient Art. The museum displays a vast collection of ceramics, drawings, and sculptures.

Besides the view inside, people admire the view of the city from top of the palace especially that of the iconic monument: The Mole Antonelliana.

• The time needed to see around? 3 hrs. (combined with Piazza Castello)
• Entry fee? NA
• English tour guide? Available.

Palazzo Reale

The sixteenth-century edifice, the Royal Palace of Turin, calls for a lot of admiration. And rightly so for being the powerhouse of Turin for centuries. It used to house the royal families until 1865. An apparently simple building with several windows facing the frontal view.

Unlike the exterior, the view inside can amaze with multiple well-designed rooms and decorations. The palace also houses other various attractions like the Royal Library with over 2 lakhs books. And The Royal Armory and its impressive collection of stuffed horses with their armoured riders. There is also the Galleria Sabauda exhibiting paintings from the 14th century to the 20th century. And the royal gardens too. No doubt it is considered as one of the top Turin attractions.

• The time needed to see around? 2 hrs.
• Entry fee? NA
• English tour guide? Available.

The Cinema Museum / Mole Antonelliana

The towering structure of Mole Antonelliana is the icon of the city. The symbol of Turin, Mole Antonelliana is inscribed on 2-euro cents. Built in the 1880s the Mole or monumental building was originally a Jewish Synagogue. It has now been converted to a museum.

The Museum promises to provide a thrilling and unforgettable experience. It is said that Turin is the birthplace of cinema in Italy. And it is only apt that a museum dedicated to movies is fashioned in Turin. It showcases a plethora of objects related to cinema. From the first cameras to the helmets of the Star Wars saga, a lot can be observed herein.

There are two cinema halls with screens and seats arranged therein.

They say the tour to Turin is incomplete without taking a view from the top of Mole Antonelliana. Obviously, the towering structure gives a panoramic view of the city. And it is certainly one of the major attractive spots in Turin.

The night sight of the lit-up basilica is a spectacle too.

• The time needed to see around? 2 hrs.
• Entry fee? Applicable
• English tour guide? Available after booking online.

Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum)

Located in the centre of Turin between the Piazza San Carlo and the Piazza Castello; the Egyptian Museum is visited by history lovers. As the name suggests the museum and the objects within are mostly dedicated to Egyptian archaeology and history. It is renowned as the second-largest museum in the world.

The collection includes statues, sarcophagi, Seti II and Ramessesa among other scripts and earthenware.

• The time needed to see around? 1 hr.
• Entry fee? Applicable
• English tour guide? Available after booking online.

Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista/ Turin Cathedral

Dedicated to the patron saint of Turin; Giovanni Battista the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista is the main church of Turin. And it is located next to the Royal Palace. Built-in the late 1400s the cathedral is more famous for preserving the Turin Shroud. The shroud supposedly bears the image of Jesus of Nazareth and is believed to be his burial shroud. It has astounding marble works to be admired among other images and portrayals. 

• The time needed to see around? 30 minutes.
• Entry fee? NA
• English tour guide?  NA

How to reach Turin?

By plane – About 15 KM away from the city centre is Turin's international airport. Airport and city are conveniently connected by train and local bus.

By train – There are three railway stations in the city: Porta Nuova, Porta Susa and Lingotto FS.

By road – All the major cities in the country are connected by road. In around two hours you can reach Milan.

Best Time to visit Turin

Spring in Italy – March to May— is the pleasant season to visit. Non-essential travel to Italy continues to be restricted. All the spots will be re-opened to tourists after 6th of April.