Turin in three days: the ultimate guide on what to do, see and visit

Before we set off with our itinerary of Turin in three days, some preliminary information. This city of elegant architecture is embraced by the Alps: Monviso, lying to the northwest of the city is a familiar and reassuring sight for Turin residents. In addition to its very strong connection to the mountains that surround it, Turin is a culturally vibrant and lively city. Did you know that Turin is also a mysterious city with esoteric appeal? 

Turin is easily reached by plane and train. Once in the city getting around by public transportation is really easy, because it is a city on a human scale. 

Finally, a few tips. Here we told you about the most interesting activities to do in Turin, while here you can find our tips on the best neighborhoods to stay in. If, on the other hand, you want to spend your three days in Turin in the most authentic way there is, read our guide to experiencing the city like a local.

Start your visit to Turin by exploring its historic center, where you will discover an elegant city full of shops and cultural sites. Wake up early, have breakfast, and head towards the Royal Palace, located in the Royal Square adjacent to Piazza Castello. It is a magnificent Baroque building that was the residence of the Savoy dynasty, the rulers of the city and the former royal house of Italy. The city's history intertwines with national significance, so there are many places to explore. For example, after visiting the Royal Palace, you could make your way to the Chapel of the Shroud in the Turin Cathedral, where the holy shroud of Jesus is preserved. You can also admire the architecture by Guarino Guarini.

After a nice lunch, visit the Egyptian Museum, the second-largest Egyptian art museum in the world after the one in Cairo. Here, you can admire tombs, mummies, objects, and artifacts that immerse you in the culture of ancient Egypt, from hieroglyphs to art, providing insights into the daily life of an ancient and fascinating civilization. At a certain point, you might even forget that you're in Italy!

Finally, to conclude the day, head to the hill of Superga and enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the city from its sanctuary. You can reach it by taking the tram from the Sassi station to Superga, where you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of the city below and the Alpine arc. Not a bad way to end your first day, right?

Let's dedicate the entire second day to the arts: visual and culinary. After visiting the historical apartments of the Royal Palace, we'll start the day by exploring the Galleria Sabauda, located just behind the Royal Palace. The gallery houses art pieces by important Italian and foreign artists such as Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Rubens, Van Dyck, and other great masters. If that's not enough, you can choose to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art at the Rivoli Castle, an 18th-century building that hosts a permanent collection of contemporary art. It's a place that all contemporary art lovers should discover for the quality of its collections and the architectural uniqueness of the location.

For lunch, treat yourself to a plate of agnolotti, the famous stuffed pasta parcels typical of Turin, often filled with meat. You can find them in one of the many restaurants in the city, and they are simply delicious. Don't forget to visit the Sandretto Re Rebaudengo Foundation, an important exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art and cultural innovation. Finally, enjoy the National Cinema Museum, located inside the Mole Antonelliana, where you can admire the history of Italian and international cinema through a vast collection of objects, photographs, and films.

We understand that it might be challenging to visit all the museums, so feel free to make a selection. The important thing is not to miss out on the traditional Piedmontese dishes for lunch and dinner, such as Vitel tonné (veal in tuna sauce), Anchovies "al verde" (a sauce made with parsley, garlic, and chili), the aforementioned agnolotti, Brasato al Barolo (beef braised in Barolo wine), fritto misto alla piemontese (mixed fried food), and the many traditional desserts like gianduiotto. And don't forget that Turin is the city where the aperitivo was born....

For your third and final day in Turin, dedicate your time to nature and outdoor activities. Start your day by visiting Valentino Park, a large urban park that stretches along the banks of the Po River. Here, you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the trails or relax on the green lawns. Within the park, you'll also find Valentino Castle, an impressive royal residence dating back to the 17th century. You can explore its fascinating interiors and admire the historical architecture.

Next, you can visit the Botanical Garden, located within Valentino Park. This garden houses a vast collection of plants and flowers from different parts of the world. You can stroll along the paths, discover rare species, and appreciate the beauty of nature.

After spending time at Valentino Park, you can continue your outdoor experience by visiting two important attractions near Turin: the Royal Palace of Venaria and the Stupinigi Hunting Residence.

The Royal Palace of Venaria is a sumptuous royal residence located a few kilometers from Turin. This majestic architectural complex was built as a hunting residence for the House of Savoy. You can explore its magnificent halls, Italian gardens, and admire the artworks decorating the palace. Additionally, the Royal Palace of Venaria regularly hosts exhibitions and cultural events of great significance.

After visiting the Royal Palace of Venaria, you can make a short detour to visit the Stupinigi Hunting Residence. This historic building, situated within a vast park, was also used as a hunting residence by the House of Savoy. The Stupinigi Hunting Residence is famous for its baroque architecture and offers a fascinating glimpse into the courtly life of the past.

Conclude your day immersed in nature and the architectural beauty of Turin by exploring these splendid outdoor locations.