Known for its elegant architecture, delicious cuisine, and fascinating history, Turin is the place to go if you fancy a cultural escape. Wander around the city’s cobblestone streets, and you’ll find you’re surrounded by historic castles, bustling piazzas, manicured gardens, and sophisticated palaces, all begging you to take a look and explore.

The city is brimming with so many fascinating landmarks and activities that you’ll never be stuck for what to do in Turin. From centuries-old ruins, magnificent cathedrals, and ostentatious palaces to captivating museums, secret underground tunnels, and some of the most exquisite food you’ve ever had in your life, Turin is sure to charm and delight.

With so many cool things to see and do, it can be tricky to know where to begin. So I’ve put together a list of the absolute best things to do in Turin. Add these fun activities and attractions to your Turin bucket list, and you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time exploring Italy’s first capital city. 

The Top 15 Things to do in Turin, Italy

1. Visit the Famous Turin Shroud

One of the most unique things to do in Turin (if not the world!) is to see the iconic Turin Shroud. Also known as the Holy Shroud, this religious relic is a length of linen cloth that bears the image of a man who is said to be Jesus of Nazareth. Even if you’re not religious, it’s still a fascinating thing to see.

The Turin Shroud is kept safe inside the Duomo di San Giovanni, the city’s main cathedral. Frustratingly, you’ll have to be pretty organized and flexible for the chance to see it. It’s hidden away most of the time and only displayed to the public every decade or upon papal decree. The next showing will be in 2025.

While you’ve got to have perfect timing to see the shroud, you can check out the cathedral it’s kept in almost any time. The Duomo di San Giovanni is open daily for free and is full of detailed frescoes and intricate carvings. 

2. Feel Like Royalty at the Palazzo Reale

For some of the best Turin sightseeing opportunities, head to the Palazzo Reale. Also known as the Royal Palace of Turin, this outstanding building was constructed in the 16th century and has symbolized immense strength and power in the center of the Piazza Castello for hundreds of years. 

From the outside, the palace looks truly remarkable. Its towering white façade is dotted with embellished windows that give the building a stately, official look. It has a fairly simple design (a basic square layout with a central courtyard), but this only adds to its charm and regal vibe. 

Step inside the palace and you’ll discover much more flamboyant and luxurious decor. There are several royal museums to explore, as well as the royal library that’s home to a seemingly never-ending collection of rare literature, and the Chiablese Halls, where you’ll find all kinds of artwork on display. 

You’re free to wander around the royal palace on your own. But if you really want to learn more about the spectacular building and its history, we suggest signing up for a guided tour.

3. Witness History at the Porta Palatina

The Porta Palatina, also known as the Palatine Gate, is one of the coolest things to see in Turin. It dates all the way back to the 1st century and, despite its significant age, is one of the best-preserved Roman gateways in the world. 

You’d expect something that’s almost 2,000 years old to be nothing more than a crumbling mess. But the Porta Palatina is in such good shape that it could have been built any time in the last century. In the 1st century, the inner city center was surrounded by an ancient wall. Crossing through the Palatine Gate was the only way you’d be able to access it.

Although there’s not much left of the original city walls, the gate still stands tall. There are two huge circular towers that flank the gateway, decorated with tiny notches. The center of the gate features two curved arches and many smaller arches that act as windows. 

At a staggering 98 feet high, the Palatine Gate dominates the area and is easy to spot from afar. 

4. Discover Ancient Wonders at the Turin Egyptian Museum

Tucked in between the Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo in the center of the city, you’ll find the Turin Egyptian Museum. While you’re unlikely to uncover any local secrets here, you will discover loads of fascinating truths about the ancient Egyptians and their culture.

Spending a day here is definitely one of the top things to do in Turin if the weather isn’t the best. The museum was created back in 1833, and its original comprehensive collection was curated from a handful of other museums. The collection has been massively expanded over the years, with many personal collectors loaning their pieces to the museum to be displayed.

Some of the most fascinating artifacts include wonderfully preserved statues of Rameses, Seti II, and Sekhmet. You’ll also find beautifully detailed papyrus scripts full of hieroglyphics, a mesmerizing sarcophagus of Ibi, and everyday items that you’ll struggle to believe weren’t made with some kind of modern machinery. 

5. Kick Things Off with Bagna Cauda

Turin is well known for its tempting, distinctive cuisine, and one dish you’ve absolutely got to try is bagna cauda. A great way to split up your day when you need a rest from all the Turin activities, bagna cauda is one of the city’s most popular antipasti dishes that is shared between everyone at the table as part of an appetizer.

It was originally created in the 16th century and is loved so much that it’s regularly eaten today. Bagna cauda is made by combining olive oil, butter, anchovies, and garlic. The ingredient combo sounds a little unusual, but after your first taste, you won’t be able to stop.

This unique appetizer has a thick hummus-like consistency and is served hot in a bowl in the middle of the table. Like fondue, it comes with long forks and vegetables or crusty bread for dipping. 

Because it’s so popular, you’ll find bagna cauda available in practically every local restaurant throughout the city. But for the best, we suggest making a reservation for Bruschetteria Pautasso. This central restaurant is known for serving the finest bagna cauda with a selection of fresh, seasonal veggies for dipping.

6. Gaze at the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista

The Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista is one of the top Turin attractions. Dedicated to John the Baptist, the colossal church is built on the site of three churches, just a short walk away from the Palazzo Reale.

Built in 1491, the cathedral is an excellent example of Renaissance architecture, with its striking white façade, delicately carved arches, and iconic dome. The front of the church is made from dazzling white marble. When the sun is shining at just the right angle, it creates a spectacular effect that seems to light up all of the Piazza San Giovanni. 

Step inside the cathedral and you’ll discover that the white marble theme continues through to the interior. Although the inside of the church is fairly simple, it has a spiritual, ethereal vibe, thanks to its lofty ceiling, white walls, and windows that let the light flood in. Take a look around and you’ll spot some hand-carved statues of religious figures and stunning frescoes. 

7. Party at Evergreen Fest

If you’re planning to visit in summer, one of the coolest things to do in Turin is to get tickets for Evergreen Fest. This exciting festival takes place each year in June and July in the beautiful Tesoriera Park. The events program is absolutely jam-packed with all kinds of activities and shows.

From music concerts, theatrical shows, and book readings to workshops, movie screenings, and foodie events, Evergreen Fest is guaranteed to have something that will win you over. The dates and the program change every year. So make sure you check the website to find out exactly what’s going on and when. 

There are even special family events and children’s events planned for people traveling with little ones, too. Your child could learn all sorts of interesting skills, from gardening to theater and magic. The best thing about the festival is that everything is free and hosted in multiple languages, so everyone can join in. 

8. Check Out the View from Monte dei Cappuccini

For some of the best sights in Turin, head to Monte dei Cappuccini. This spot is on the other side of the River Po and is the most incredible place for taking photos of the entire city, with the gorgeous snow-speckled mountains in the background. 

To reach the peak, you’ve got to follow a pretty strenuous 10-minute hike up a steep paved road. If you’ve got a car, you can avoid the exertion and drive up. But even if you have to go on foot, as long as you’ve got decent shoes and the ground isn’t wet, you shouldn’t have much of an issue.

Most travel guides suggest you take the cable car to the top of Mole Antonelliana for the best views. But the ride costs money, and it can be very crowded, especially during the busy summer season. By visiting Monte dei Cappuccini instead, you’ll have more space, save some money, and have the chance to snap pictures that other travelers don’t take. 

9. Relax at the Parco Valentino

Parco Valentino (also known as Valentino Park) is a wonderful place to wander when you need a breath of fresh air. Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, the beautiful park is located on the west bank of the Po River. It covers an impressive 125 acres, making it the second-largest park in Turin.

The stunning gardens were created in 1856 and are home to all sorts of things to discover. Take a walk around and you’ll come across a replica medieval village, the Valentino Castle, and a botanical garden. Even if you’re not really into history or flowers, spending a lazy afternoon at Parco Valentino is still one of the best things to do in Turin!

There’s a labyrinth of footpaths and cycling routes that will take you all over the park. And when you need a break, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the excellent selection of restaurants and cafes scattered throughout the space.

10. Try Fritto Misto alla Piemontese

If you consider yourself to be an adventurous foodie, you’ve got to try fritto misto alla Piemontese. One of the top things to do in Turin if you love a challenge, ordering this dish will either be an experience you love or one you’ll never be keen to repeat! 

Fritto misto alla Piemontese is a huge appetizer that’s served in the middle of the table for everyone to enjoy. It’s made up of loads of different things that are coated in a light semolina-breadcrumb batter and deep-fried until they’re crispy, golden, and perfect. The only catch is that the ingredients used in the dish are a little different than the stuff you’re probably used to eating. 

This Turin classic is usually made up of frog legs, livers, kidneys, lungs, testicles, veal, brains, sausages, apples, cabbage, and cookies, all of which are deep-fried and dished up together. It’s one of those things you’ll either love or hate – but it’s always worth a try. 

Porto di Savona is an excellent Piemontese restaurant that serves an amazing fritto misto alla Piemontese. The appetizer comes with lemon wedges that cut through the deep-fried flavor, and the presentation is fantastic.

11. Explore One of the Largest Open-Air Markets in Europe

Going shopping in the Porta Palazzo market is one of the must-do things in Turin, even if you’re not looking for anything in particular. One of the largest open-air markets in Europe, this popular shopping hotspot covers almost all of the Piazza della Repubblica and stretches on for over 12 acres. 

Take a look around, and you’ll discover 1,000 stalls selling almost everything you could imagine. If you’re traveling on a self-catering basis, this is one of the best places in the city to find top-quality ingredients to whip up delicious treats. 

Here you’ll come across seasonal fruits and vegetables, fish, meat, local cheeses, herbs, and spices, as well as all the pots, pans, and cooking equipment you need to transform them into a delicious meal.

The Porta Palazzo market is also home to a wonderful selection of vintage goodies and gorgeous clothing, giving you plenty of options if you want a special souvenir or some gifts for friends and family back home. 

12. Test Your Movie Trivia at the National Cinema Museum

Hidden away inside the impressive Mole Antonelliana Tower you’ll find the National Cinema Museum. One of the most fun things to do in Turin, especially if the weather’s not the best, a day at this intriguing museum will answer every question you’ve ever had about movies and cinema.

The museum is absolutely huge and spread out over five floors, each of which is dedicated to a specific genre. So whether you’re interested in horror, sci-fi, action, or comedy, you’re sure to find your favorite here. 

The exhibitions hold a staggering collection of trinkets and curiosities. The permanent collection is made up of old optical devices, including magic lanterns, plus original items from early Italian movies and examples of modern cinema technology. There’s also a colossal library where you can admire hundreds of thousands of movie posters, printed artworks, paintings, books, and movie reels. 

Temporary exhibits are a regular thing here. So make sure you check the official website to find out what’s going on during your visit. And don’t forget to ride the panoramic elevator! It’s got transparent walls so you can admire the view while climbing 250 feet to the top.

13. Celebrate at the Feast of San Giovanni

One of the best things to do in Turin in the summer is to join in with the Feast of San Giovanni celebrations. Held each year on June 24, this exciting festival celebrates Turin’s patron saint and boasts a program that’s absolutely brimming with events and activities.

There are three amazing events that stand out from the others. The parade of period costumes is the most popular event, which sees locals parade throughout the street dressed in typical clothing of the city. After sunset, a huge bonfire is lit for people to gather around at the lighthouse of San Giovanni in the center of the castle square. 

Try and stay awake for the end of the festival because it’s truly spectacular. A few years ago, fireworks were banned along the Po River. They’ve since been replaced with mesmerizing luminous drones that put on a phenomenal show, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. 

14. Enjoy the View from Basilica di Superga

Turin is home to countless stunning viewpoints, and you’ll find one of the most impressive at Basilica di Superga. This towering hill stands 2,200 feet tall and can be seen from absolutely everywhere in the city. 

There are several different ways you can get to the top. If you’re up for the challenge, you can hike – but it certainly isn’t easy. If you’ve got a car, the quickest way is to simply drive up. Or, for something a little more fun, you can ride the funicular to the summit. 

As well as the breathtaking vistas, the top of the hill is also home to a stunning basilica. It features a giant circular façade with a beautiful domed top. If you venture inside, you’ll have the chance to explore a crypt that guards the House of Savoy king’s tombs, in addition to the bodies of other regal princes and princesses. 

15. Chill Out with a Bottle of Barolo

As your vacation comes to an end, relax and unwind with a wonderful bottle of Barolo. Arguably the finest wine in all of Italy, Barolo is a special variant made with grapes harvested from the vineyards in Le Langhe, the gorgeous wine region in the Piedmont area of Turin. 

While this type of fine wine certainly doesn’t come cheap, the price is more than worth it for the chance to savor something so flavorful and complex. Even if you’re not really a fan of red wine, it’s worth a try. 

A Barolo’s flavor profile is made up of raspberries, cherries, rose petals, cinnamon, and white pepper. If you’re lucky enough to try one of the aged variants, you may also taste chocolate, leather, and licorice. 

Because this type of wine is so popular, you’ll find it at almost every bar and restaurant throughout the city. For an experience you’ll never forget, make plans to visit L’Enoteca. This wine bar is one of the best in the city and is guaranteed to have loads of varieties of Barolo for you to try!

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Turin. What’s your favorite? 

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