From cars and chocolate to calcio and religious artefacts, Torino (or Turin as it’s interchangeably known) is a city bursting with elegance, rich history and vibrant culture.
Located in the Piedmont region in the northwest corner of Italy, the city offers a unique mix of stunning views over the Alps and a direct link to Venice if you care to take a trip down the Po River.
Known for its baroque architecture, delicious cuisine, and passionate football scene, Torino seamlessly blends its royal past with a dynamic present. Compared to a lot of the older cities in Italy, Torino is very orderly; laid out in an elegant grid, with one rectangular collonaded piazza linked to another by passageways. This makes it surprisingly walkable, with pedestrianised streets that allow you to amble from one piazza to another.
Here’s your essential guide to making the most out of your visit to this captivating city.
History of Torino
Torino has long been a city of great historical significance. It was the first capital of a unified Italy in 1861, a fact that laid the groundwork for its strong royal influence. The House of Savoy, one of Europe’s oldest noble families, resided there for centuries, leaving behind a legacy visible in grand palaces, churches, and elegant boulevards. The city is also famous for housing the Shroud of Turin, one of the most famous religious relics in the Christian world, which draws thousands of pilgrims to this day.
Torino Today
Torino is the third largest city in Italy and one of its most powerful. It was the first capital of Italy when the country was formed during the Risorgimento which led to the unification of Italy.
Once one of the leading automotive hubs in the world after the Agnelli family founded Fiat 125 years ago, Turin’s role in the industry has shrunk dramatically over the past 40 years. While Fiat, which is now part of the Stellantis group, remains headquartered at its traditional Mirafiori plant in the south of the city, it is a shadow of its former self.
Mirroring industry-wide challenges, Fiat has shut down four plants over the past four decades and Mirafiori, once known as the “city within a city”, has lost the lustre of years past.
At the same tie, some of Italy’s largest companies remain headquartered in Turin, including coffee maker Lavazza, bitters brand Martini-Rossi, while the national broadcaster RAI has turned its former headquarters into a museum charting the story of broadcasting in Italy.
Turin, of course, it’s home to Juventus, Italy’s most successful football team, and Torino.
Local Cuisine
The Piedmont region, where Torino is located, is home to some of Italy’s best-known dishes. Don’t miss the chance to try bagna càuda, a warm dip made with anchovies and garlic, often paired with seasonal vegetables. Another must-try is agnolotti, small stuffed pasta typically filled with meat and served in a butter-sage sauce. Torino is also the birthplace of gianduja, a blend of hazelnut and chocolate, which you’ll find in everything from spreads to chocolate bars. End your meal with a bicerin, a traditional coffee-based drink layered with chocolate and cream, served in many historic cafés throughout the city.
Sweet vermouth was invented in Torino, so be sure to indulge in aperitivo at the famous Caffè Torino.
Local Attractions
Mole Antonelliana: Torino’s most iconic landmark, the Mole Antonelliana is a 167-meter tower with a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding Alps. It houses the National Cinema Museum, a unique experience for film lovers.
Egyptian Museum: Home to one of the world’s largest collections of Egyptian artefacts, this museum is second only to the one in Cairo, making it a must-visit for history buffs.
Palazzo Reale: Once the royal palace of the House of Savoy, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with opulent rooms, exquisite artwork, and sprawling gardens. Guided tours provide insights into the lives of Italian nobility.
Parco del Valentino: Located along the Po River, this beautiful park is perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Within its grounds is a charming medieval village (Borgo Medievale) complete with replica houses, a castle, and artisan shops.
Porta Palantina: Built in 1C AD and still one of the best preserved Roman gates in the world.
Shopping Colonnades: Also known as Via Roma’s Porticos, they are a remarkable stretch of covered shopping arcades that run through the heart of the city. Built in the 1930s, the colonnades offer a quintessentially elegant Italian shopping experience, blending high-end boutiques, luxury brands, and charming cafés, all sheltered beneath classical columns.
Getting to Torino
Torino is well-connected by various modes of transportation:
By Air: The city is served by Torino-Caselle Airport, located about 16 km from the city centre. Flights arrive from major European cities, and it’s easy to reach the city centre via train or taxi.
By Train: Torino is connected by Italy’s high-speed rail network. From cities like Milan, Venice, and Rome, it’s just a few hours by train, making it an ideal stop on any Italian itinerary.
By Car: If you’re driving, Torino is accessible by major highways. Parking is available throughout the city, but note that the historical centre is pedestrian-friendly, and some areas may restrict car access.
Juventus Stadium
Discounting renovated arenas, the Juventus Stadium represents the last major building project in Italy of any Serie A club. Built on the ashes of the cavernous and loathed Stadio delle Alpi, The Juventus Stadium is the most modern in Italy, and helped propel The Old Lady to a nine-year dominance of Serie A throughout the 2010s.
Read our stadium guide here.
Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino
Mention the Stadio Olimpico and the overwhelming majority of Italian football fans would think of Rome’s iconic – if somewhat dated – ground that is home to the Eternal City’s two clubs, Roma and Lazio.
Since hosting the 2006 Winter Olympics, Turin has had its own Stadio Olimpico and five years later Torino returned to have a home of their own after almost half a century of ground sharing with Juventus.
Built under Italy’s Fascist Regime, the old Stadio Comunale underwent a major revamp ahead of the Winter Olympics and its name – the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino – pays homage to the Granata’s finest ever team.
Ready to explore Torino?
This city is a delightful mix of history, culture, and modern charm, offering something for every traveller. Whether you’re here for the food, the sights, or the football, Torino promises an unforgettable experience.
