12 things to know before traveling to Turin, Italy

Set in the shadow of the Italian Alps in the northwestern region of Piedmont, Turin is an ideal city for a weekend break in Europe. It has a fascinating historic center and a long list of monuments, galleries and world-class museums. Its historic cafes serve Italy’s most lavish aperitifs, and its nightlife is varied and energetic.

You’ll find there’s always something going on in Italy’s fourth-largest city. Here’s everything you need to know about where to go, the costs and climate, and key attractions before you visit Turin.

1. Learn Turin's claims to fame

Turin was the seat of the royal Savoy family for centuries, and from 1861 to 1865 it was Italy’s first capital. It’s home to the Sindone di Torino (Shroud of Turin), a linen cloth purported to be the burial shroud of Jesus Christ, which is housed at the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista but rarely on display (learn all about it at the Museo della Sindone). And the city is the birthplace of many iconic Italian brands, including Fiat cars, Lavazza coffee and the Juventus football club. Nowadays, Turin is best known for its princely baroque architecture, stately art nouveau cafes, sumptuous aperitifs and decadent food and wine.

2. Plan for 2 or 3 days in Turin

Two to three days is enough to cover the key sights, including the Egyptian treasures in the Museo Egizio, the sumptuous 17th-century Palazzo Reale, the city's landmark Mole Antonelliana and the collection of 200 or so cars at the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile. It will also give you time to explore the historic center and enjoy an aperitif or two.

With a little more time, you could strike out further afield on a day trip, possibly to see artworks by Modigliani, Manet and Matisse at the Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli or the vast assemblage of contemporary art at the Castello di Rivoli. You could even head to Reggia di Venaria, some 14km northwest of Turin, one of the world's largest royal palaces.

3. Practice basic Italian greetings

While it’s always good to have a few Italian phrases up your sleeve, it’s not essential. You’ll get by fine with English and have no problems communicating at hotels, cafes, restaurants and visitor sights, particularly in the center, where you’ll likely spend most of your time. But greeting those you meet with an enthusiastic buongiorno (good morning) or buonasera (good evening) will be much appreciated, as will arrivederci (goodbye) as you bid them farewell. Grazie (thank you) is usable in both formal and informal settings to express gratitude.

4. Pick a neighborhood that suits you

To be in the heart of the action, stay in the historic center, where you’ll have pretty much everything on your doorstep. For a more youthful, multicultural vibe, try the party-loving San Salvario district to the southeast of the center, or hip Vanchiglia and Aurora to the north. Families after a more peaceful atmosphere could try Crocetta, an elegant and well-connected residential district, or leafy Borgo Po over the river.

5. Budget at least €100 per day

Reckon on €100–200 a day for a daily budget. This covers staying in a midrange hotel or B&B, eating out (€25–30 for a restaurant meal) and taking in the main sights (€5–15 for museum tickets).

To keep costs down, many restaurants and trattorias offer fixed-price lunch menus. Similarly, you can save by dining on an apericena (a meal-sized buffet) rather than having a formal restaurant meal.

For sightseeing, the Torino+Piemonte Card provides free and discounted admission to many sights as well as savings on public transportation.

6. Book museum tickets in advance

You’ll need to plan ahead for some sights. Museo Egizio tickets with timed entry must be purchased ahead of time, and booking advance tickets to Reggia di Venaria Reale is also recommended. You’d do well to book tickets for the panoramic lift at the Mole Antonelliana, especially if you’re planning to visit on a weekend.

7. Pack for the time of year

You’ll need heavy coats, hats and scarves for winter (December through February) when it can get bitterly cold, sometimes even snowy. April and May are the best time to visit, but rain is a risk in spring as well as in autumn, so make sure to bring an umbrella and light rain jacket. Summer (June through August) means hot weather, so come prepared with light, loose-fitting clothes. Comfortable, worn-in walking shoes are a must, whatever the season. Locals also like to dress smart casual when dining out.

8. Know the soccer score

Turin is a top city to catch a football game. Local allegiances are split between the city’s two teams: Juventus, aka la Vecchia Signora (the Old Lady), an aristocrat of the European game and serial winner of Italy’s Serie A; and Torino, a scrappy midtable team known locally as il Toro (the Bull). Check the clubs’ websites for schedules; the season runs from late August to May.

9. Get to grips with public transportation

You can easily explore Turin’s center on foot. For outlying districts, you’ll find no shortage of buses and trams. Getting around Turin on its public transportation system is a breeze once you’ve got the hang of it. First, always buy your ticket before you board a bus or tram. Do this at an authorized newsstand or bar, at an automatic vending machine or through the ToMove app. You need to validate your ticket onboard, either by inserting it into the validating machine or holding it up to the contactless reader.

10. Nowhere does aperitivo better than Turin

Vermouth was invented here in 1786, and an early evening aperitivo (aperitif) is a cherished local rite. Head to a cafe between 6pm and 8pm, order a drink – perhaps a Campari-, Aperol- or vermouth-based cocktail – and dive into the complimentary food buffet.

Recent years have also given rise to the apericena, at which the lavish food offering can effectively substitute for dinner. Reckon on €7–15 for an apericena in a city center cafe. Bars we like include Pastis, an evergreen favorite on Piazza Emanuele Filiberto, and Affini San Salvario, a stalwart in the hip San Salvario district.

11. The best sunset views are on Monte dei Cappuccini

After a 10-minute hike up Monte dei Cappuccini, you’ll be rewarded with fabulous views over the city’s rooftops to the Alps on the horizon. For maximum romance, head up at sunset.

12. Practice common sense in terms of safety

Turin is a safe city to visit, however, it still pays to be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Use your common sense and watch your valuables. At night, be particularly vigilant in the area around Stazione Porta Nuova and Porta Palazzo market.