Turin remains one of Italy's most underrated cities. With its beautiful sights and rich coffee and chocolate culture, this royal city is well worth a few days of your time. Whether you're planning a city trip or just making a stop on your road trip, here are the top activities to enjoy over two days – anything less wouldn't do Turin justice.

For a more compact list of the top 10 highlights or additional travel info, check out our Turin City Guide. If that's still not enough, you can browse through all the attractions available by clicking the "More Attractions" button.

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Day 1: Palace of Venaria Reale

Turin boasts an impressive array of royal palaces and Savoy residences. If you have time to visit only one, make it the Palazzo Venaria Reale. Conveniently located in the heart of Turin, it is one of the most significant residences of the Savoy dynasty and is often compared to the Palace of Versailles! Inside, you can explore a variety of exquisitely designed rooms featuring an impressive mix of Neoclassical and Baroque architectural styles. Highlights include the Royal Armory and the Galleria Sabauda, which together offer an outstanding collection of art.

Climb the Campanile of the Cathedral

Right next to the Palazzo is the Cathedral of Turin , renowned for the Turin Shroud. Inside the cathedral, climb the campanile for a splendid view over the city. The climb might be a bit strenuous, but the panoramic view is worth the effort. Plus, at just 4 euros, it's a bargain.

Inside, half of the cathedral is adorned with magnificent Baroque chapels, while the other half primarily consists of Renaissance chapels with some Gothic elements. The Holy Shroud is located in the last chapel on the left side. However, you won't be able to see it because it must be protected from light. It is only displayed very rarely. Instead, a replica hangs in its place.

Stroll along Via Roma

From the cathedral, take a leisurely walk towards Piazza San Carlo along the elegant Via Roma. This main street of Turin is lined with sophisticated arcades, luxurious shops, and historic buildings. Piazza San Carlo , often referred to as the Living Room of Turin, is a place where you can admire impressive Baroque architecture and soak up the lively atmosphere. The square is dotted with traditional cafés and restaurants; ideal for a break and some people-watching. It also hosts numerous public events throughout the year.

Enjoy a Bicerin or Hot Chocolate

No visit to Turin is complete without trying the legendary Bicerin. This tempting blend of hot chocolate, espresso, and cold Crema di Latte has been served since 1763, and locals insist that its layers should not be mixed to fully appreciate its unique flavor.

You can find Bicerin all over Turin, but for a historic experience, go to Caffè Torino right on the Piazza San Carlo. It offers a beautiful historic ambiance and excellent coffee, though it is quite pricey. For a truly iconic experience, don’t miss Caffè Al Bicerin. This is one of Turin’s most famous coffeehouses, renowned for its exceptional Bicerin.

For better value, visit Orso Laboratorio del Caffè. It’s one of the best-rated cafés in Turin and is conveniently located near the main train station.

Mole Antonelliana

The Mole Antonelliana is one of Turin's most iconic landmarks. The ascent to its panoramic platform offers a breathtaking view of the city and the Alps, making it a must-visit for every traveler.

To avoid long queues, we recommend purchasing tickets online in advance. This also allows you to plan your day better by knowing your time slot. When your time arrives, you’ll line up for the lift. The elevator, which accommodates six people, offers a glimpse of the Museo Nazionale del Cinema below as it ascends.

When is the best time to visit? Either in the early morning or the evening. If you time it right, or get a bit lucky, you can enjoy the stunning sunset view - truly fantastic!

On the lower floors, film fans can explore the National Cinema Museum. As the former film capital of Italy, Turin hosts one of the world's most significant museums of its kind. The museum showcases the history of cinema through an extensive collection of film equipment, posters, and other artifacts.

Evening stroll along the Po River

Either before or after your dinner, enjoy a relaxing walk along the Po River. From the Molo, head to the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I bridge, which offers a fantastic view of the Gran Madre di Dio . From there, you can stroll towards Parco del Valentino , Turin's oldest park. Wander along the peaceful river paths and take in the beautiful cityscape. At sunset, the river glows with a warm, golden light, creating a perfect ending to your day.

Day 2: World-Class Egyptian Museum

Start your second day early with a visit to the Museo Egizio . This museum is the most important in the world for ancient Egyptian culture, second only to the museum in Cairo. Founded in 1824, it captivates visitors with its four floors showcasing over 30,000 exhibits, including statues, sarcophagi, and mummies. The exhibition is excellently curated, and many pieces are presented interactively, making the visit particularly engaging.

Practical Tips:

• Book tickets online in advance: The museum often sells out, especially on weekends and during peak season. Plan your visit a few days ahead and be punctual.
• Visit duration: Allocate at least 3 to 4 hours to fully enjoy the extensive exhibitions.
• It’s best to download the free audio guide in advance.
• Consider taking a guided tour for deeper insights into ancient Egyptian culture.

Relax in the Parco del Valentino

If you need a break, enjoy a picnic in Parco del Valentino . This enchanting park is picturesquely situated along the Po River and is one of the city's most popular spots. The park is known for its expansive green spaces, beautiful gardens, and the Castello del Valentino , a 17th-century castle that now houses the architecture faculty of the University of Turin.

The Botanical Gardens, established in 1729, are a highlight, featuring a variety of plant species. Along the riverbank in the park, there is a pier where you can take boat trips on the Po. If you love the Medieval Ages, you can also stroll through the Borgo Medioevale , a cool replica of a medieval village and castle.

Palazzo Madama

Palazzo Madama in Turin is part of the UNESCO World Heritage "Residences of the House of Savoy" and today houses an exquisite art museum. This museum is a true treasure trove of Italian and decorative art, showcasing works from the medieval era to the late Baroque period. The building itself is a magnificent Baroque palace with splendid rooms, armories, and a beautiful garden. Interestingly, the medieval botanical garden was once the castle's moat!

One of the highlights is the Juvarra staircase and the panoramic view from the observation deck, offering a 360° view of the city and the Alps. On clear days, you can even see all the way to Superga, another masterpiece by Juvarra.

Strolling in the Galleria Subalpina

Take a stroll through the Galleria Subalpina, one of Turin's most elegant shopping arcades. Nestled between Piazza Castello and Piazza Carlo Alberto, right next to Palazzo Madama, this arcade delights with its stunning glass and iron structure.

Once used by the Savoy king for sheltered walks between the palace and the parliament, the Galleria is now home to historic cafés like Caffè Baratti & Milano. It was also a favored meeting spot for artists and writers, including Edmondo De Amicis.

Following in the Footsteps of Fiat

Just outside the city, you'll find the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile - an absolute must for car enthusiasts. Turin is the heart of the Italian automotive industry and the birthplace of Fiat. This museum houses an impressive collection of over 200 cars, showcasing the history of the automobile from its inception to the present day. The exhibition is spread across three floors and features interactive areas and rotating special exhibitions.

Visit duration: Plan for 2-3 hours. Planning: If the museum is a priority, consider scheduling it in the afternoon and swapping it with a visit to Palazzo Madama and the Galleria Subalpina.

Gran Madre di Dio

If you have extra time, add the impressive neoclassical church Gran Madre di Dio to your itinerary. It is located at the end of the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I bridge. Built in the early 19th century, this landmark offers a great view of the Po River. The monumental dome, reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome, and the beautiful staircase are particularly impressive. Inside, the architecture is simple yet elegant.