Turin, Italy
Italy

How to Spend One Day in Turin, Italy: The Ultimate 2025 Guide

Often overshadowed by Italy’s more famous cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan, Turin (Torino) is a hidden gem in the north of Italy. With its elegant boulevards, grand piazzas, rich history, and delicious cuisine, Turin offers a perfect blend of culture, art, and gastronomy. If you have just one day to explore this underrated Italian treasure, here’s an itinerary to help you experience its best sights, flavors, and experiences.

Morning: Discover Turin’s Historic and Cultural Heart

Start Your Day at Piazza Castello

Begin your exploration in Piazza Castello, the beating heart of Turin. This grand square is surrounded by stunning palaces, museums, and historic landmarks. It’s the ideal place to get a feel for the city’s aristocratic past and admire its Baroque architecture.

  • Must-See Buildings:
    • Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace)
    • Palazzo Madama (A blend of medieval and baroque styles)
    • Teatro Regio (Turin’s famous opera house)

Visit the Royal Palace of Turin (Palazzo Reale)

A short walk from the square takes you to Palazzo Reale, a magnificent 17th-century palace that was once the residence of the powerful House of Savoy.

  • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee: €15
  • Must-See: The Royal Apartments, the Armory, and the Royal Gardens
  • Pro Tip: Take a quick detour to the nearby Duomo di Torino, home to the Holy Shroud of Turin (only displayed on rare occasions).

Grab a Classic Italian Breakfast at a Historic Café

Turin is famous for its coffee culture, so stop by Caffè Torino or Caffè Mulassano, both historic establishments, for a typical Italian breakfast.

  • Must-Try:
    • Bicerin (a rich layered drink of coffee, chocolate, and cream)
    • Cornetto alla crema (Italian croissant filled with cream)
    • Gianduiotto chocolates, a local specialty made with hazelnuts

Midday: Museums, Markets, and Authentic Piedmontese Cuisine

Explore the Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio)

Next, head to one of Turin’s most renowned attractions, the Museo Egizio, home to the world’s second-largest collection of Egyptian artifacts.

  • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Entrance Fee: €18
  • Must-See: The Temple of Ellesyia, mummies, and ancient papyri
  • Pro Tip: Book tickets online to avoid long lines!

Stroll Through Porta Palazzo Market

Turin is home to Europe’s largest open-air market, Porta Palazzo, where you’ll find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local delicacies.

  • Best for: Trying regional street food, people-watching, and experiencing local life
  • Must-Try:
    • Toma and Castelmagno cheeses
    • Vitello tonnato (veal with a creamy tuna sauce)
    • Fresh truffles (seasonal but a must if available)

Lunch at a Traditional Trattoria

For an authentic Piedmontese lunch, dine at Tre Galline or Ristorante del Cambio, a historic restaurant dating back to 1757.

  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Agnolotti del Plin (small stuffed pasta with meat or cheese)
    • Brasato al Barolo (beef braised in Barolo wine)
    • Bonet (a traditional chocolate and amaretti dessert)
  • Price Range: €25-40 per person

Afternoon: Panoramic Views and Iconic Landmarks

Visit the Mole Antonelliana and National Cinema Museum

Turin’s most iconic landmark, the Mole Antonelliana, houses the National Cinema Museum, one of the best film museums in the world.

  • Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee: €15
  • Must-Do: Take the glass elevator to the top for stunning panoramic views over the city and the Alps!

Wander Through Via Roma and Piazza San Carlo

If you enjoy shopping and elegant architecture, take a walk down Via Roma, home to luxury boutiques, and end in Piazza San Carlo, one of Italy’s most beautiful squares.

  • Best for: Shopping, coffee breaks, and soaking in Turin’s atmosphere
  • Must-Try: Another Bicerin or a Vermouth-based aperitivo

Evening: Aperitivo and a Memorable Dinner

Enjoy an Aperitivo at Quadrilatero Romano

Turin is the birthplace of aperitivo, so don’t miss the experience of enjoying a pre-dinner drink with light bites at Piazza Emanuele Filiberto or Blah Blah in Quadrilatero Romano.

  • Popular Drinks: Vermouth, Negroni, or a classic Spritz
  • Best Aperitivo Spots: La Drogheria, Smile Tree

Dine at a Michelin-Starred or Cozy Trattoria

For your final meal in Turin, choose between fine dining or a traditional trattoria:

  • Michelin-Starred: Del Cambio (for an elegant experience)
  • Classic Trattoria: Osteria Antiche Sere (for rustic, local flavors)
  • Must-Try Dinner Dishes:
    • Tajarin pasta with truffle
    • Fritto Misto alla Piemontese (a mix of fried meats and vegetables)
    • Panna Cotta, originally from Piedmont

Final Tips for Visiting Turin

  • Getting Around: Turin’s public transport system is efficient – a day pass (€5) covers buses and trams. Walking is also a great way to explore!
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Language: While many people speak English, learning a few basic Italian phrases can be helpful.
  • Safety: Turin is a safe city, but as in any major city, be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Conclusion

One day in Turin may not be enough to see everything, but this itinerary ensures that you experience the city’s best attractions, food, and cultural gems. From royal palaces and world-class museums to stunning panoramic views and unforgettable culinary delights, Turin offers a perfect blend of elegance, history, and charm. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or cinema lover, Turin will leave you with lasting memories. Buon viaggio!