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Solo Travellers Guide To 2 Days In Turin
TLDR: This 2 days in Turin guide for solo travellers highlights the city’s architectural marvels, rich cultural scene, and renowned culinary traditions, all with the hope you can get as much done as possible with 48 hours here.
Highlight
- Visit the Mole Antonelliana and the National Cinema Museum for culture and views.
- Explore the Egyptian Museum and the Royal Palace of Turin for a dive into history.
- Savour Turin’s culinary delights, including its famous chocolates and aperitivo.
- Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Quadrilatero Romano and wine bars in San Salvario.
| Monthly | 1 Night | 48 Hours | 3 Days |
About Turin
Turin, the capital of the Piedmont region, stands out for its elegant squares, baroque buildings, and grand boulevards. The city played a pivotal role in Italian unification and served as the first capital of Italy in 1861. It’s also a major cultural and business centre, home to iconic brands like Fiat and Lavazza.
Turin experiences a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and cold, foggy winters. Average temperatures range from 1°C (34°F) in January to 25°C (77°F) in July. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded.
With a population of around 886,000, Turin offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Its blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and culinary innovation makes it an intriguing destination for those seeking to explore the depth of Italy beyond its more frequented cities.
Tips and Tricks for Solo Travellers to Turin, Italy
Welcome to Turin, a distinguished city known for its refined architecture, rich cultural heritage, and culinary excellence, nestled in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. This guide aims to assist solo travellers in navigating and savouring the best of Turin within 48 hours.
- Safety in Turin: Turin is generally safe for visitors, with a relaxed atmosphere. Nonetheless, it’s prudent to be mindful of your belongings in crowded places, such as the popular Piazza San Carlo or while using public transport. Avoid walking alone in less populated areas late at night.
- Getting Around: The city is well-served by an efficient public transport network, including trams, buses, and a metro line, making it easy to explore. Turin’s city centre is also highly walkable, with many of its main attractions within easy reach on foot. A Torino + Piemonte Card is recommended for unlimited travel and access to various museums and sites.
- Language Tips: Italian is the spoken language. English is widely understood in tourist areas, but a few basic Italian phrases will certainly come in handy and are appreciated by the locals.
- Engage in Local Culture: Don’t miss the iconic Mole Antonelliana, now housing the National Cinema Museum, for panoramic city views. The Royal Palace of Turin and the adjacent Royal Gardens offer a glimpse into the city’s royal past. The Egyptian Museum, boasting one of the largest collections of Egyptian artefacts outside Egypt, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
- Culinary Adventures: Turin is famed for its chocolate and the invention of gianduja. Solo travellers should experience the traditional aperitivo culture, particularly in the bars around Piazza Vittorio Veneto. For dining, try local specialties like agnolotti del plin or vitello tonnato at historic cafes and trattorias such as Caffè Torino.
- Active Exploration: Stroll along the Po River or explore the vast Parco del Valentino with its beautiful botanical garden and medieval village. For art lovers, the GAM Torino offers a vast collection of modern and contemporary art.
- Nightlife:The Quadrilatero Romano area comes alive at night, offering a vibrant mix of bars, pubs, and clubs. For a more subdued evening, the wine bars in the San Salvario district offer excellent local wines and a cosy atmosphere.
- Recommended Hostels
Tomato Backpackers Hotel and Bamboo Eco Hostel are great options for solo travellers, offering a friendly environment, excellent amenities, and a central location for exploring the city.- Combo Torino: A contemporary hostel offering a blend of modern amenities and historic charm, located in a renovated building with a welcoming atmosphere.
- Location: Via dei Mercanti.
- Tomato Backpackers Hotel: A friendly, eco-conscious hostel known for its comfortable accommodations and social environment, perfect for meeting fellow travellers.
- Location: Via Silvio Pellico.
- Combo Torino: A contemporary hostel offering a blend of modern amenities and historic charm, located in a renovated building with a welcoming atmosphere.
- Day Trips: The surrounding Piedmont region is renowned for its vineyards. Consider a day trip to the Langhe area for wine tasting and to enjoy the stunning landscape.
Safety Note
While Turin’s inviting ambience makes it a great destination for solo travellers, maintaining vigilance in crowded and tourist-heavy areas is advisable.
48 Hours in Turin
Turin, nestled against the backdrop of the Alps, blends its royal history with modern culture and gastronomy, offering solo travelers a lot to enjoy. Here’s how to immerse yourself in Turin’s charm over two days.
Day 1
Morning
Piazza Castello and Palazzo Reale: Start your Turin adventure in Piazza Castello, the city’s historic heart. The Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) is a testament to Turin’s Savoyard legacy, offering insight into the opulence of Italy’s royal past. Early morning is ideal for exploring, as the soft light accentuates the architectural beauty and the square is quieter. Caffè Baratti & Milano provides a luxurious breakfast setting, where you can indulge in fine pastries and coffee amidst elegant interiors, echoing Turin’s regal ambiance.
- Breakfast Recommendation: Enjoy a luxurious breakfast at Caffè Baratti & Milano, an historic café known for its elegant interiors and fine pastries.
- Budget: €5-€15.
- Location: Piazza Castello.
Afternoon
Egyptian Museum: This museum boasts one of the most significant collections of Egyptian artifacts outside Egypt, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The extensive exhibits offer a deep dive into ancient Egyptian culture. For lunch, Porto di Savona on Piazza Vittorio Veneto serves traditional Piedmontese cuisine, offering a cozy atmosphere to refuel with dishes that highlight the region’s rich culinary heritage.
- Lunch: Sample traditional Piedmontese dishes at Porto di Savona, located on Piazza Vittorio Veneto, offering hearty meals with vegetarian options.
- Budget: Museum entry €15; Lunch €15-€30.
- Location: Museum: Via Accademia delle Scienze; Lunch: Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
Evening
Ristorante Consorzio: For dinner, this restaurant’s emphasis on high-quality, local ingredients and Piedmontese cuisine provides a sophisticated dining experience. It’s a chance to taste the innovation within Turin’s culinary scene.
- Budget: €30-€60.
- Location: Via Monte di Pietà.
Nightlife
Murazzi del Po: This riverside area comes alive at night, with bars and clubs catering to diverse tastes. It’s a vibrant place for solo travelers to experience Turin’s nightlife and meet locals, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Po River.
- Budget: €10-€20 for drinks.
- Location: Lungo Po Armando Diaz.
Day 2
Morning
Mole Antonelliana and National Cinema Museum: The Mole Antonelliana is Turin’s iconic landmark, offering panoramic city views and hosting the National Cinema Museum. The museum is a tribute to the art of cinema, making it a unique cultural experience. Caffè Mulassano, known for its historical charm, is the perfect spot for a quick breakfast, offering a taste of Turin’s café culture.
- Breakfast: Grab a quick bite at Caffè Mulassano, another of Turin’s historic cafes, offering a selection of coffee and pastries.
- Budget: Museum entry €11; Breakfast €5-€10.
- Location: Museum: Via Montebello; Breakfast: Piazza Castello.
Afternoon
Parco del Valentino and Borgo Medievale: This sprawling park is ideal for a leisurely afternoon stroll, leading to the Borgo Medievale, a fascinating recreation of a medieval village. It’s a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and offers a glimpse into historical life. Piola da Cianci provides a laid-back lunch option with simple, delicious fare, reflecting the casual side of Turin’s food scene.
- Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Piola da Cianci, a local favourite for simple, delicious fare at affordable prices.
- Budget: Lunch €10-€20.
- Location: Lunch spot near Parco del Valentino, exact location varies.
Evening
Dinner at Del Cambio: Dining at one of Turin’s oldest restaurants offers a refined culinary journey through Piedmontese and Italian dishes, set in a historic and elegant ambiance. It’s an exquisite way to experience Turin’s gastronomic excellence.
- Budget: €50-€100.
- Location: Piazza Carignano.
Nightlife
Bicerin at Caffè Al Bicerin: Conclude your visit by tasting the famous Bicerin, a traditional Turinese drink, in its namesake café. This cozy and historic setting is perfect for reflecting on your journey through Turin, offering a sweet end to your exploration.
This itinerary offers solo travelers a comprehensive view of Turin, from its regal history and cultural landmarks to its renowned culinary scene and lively nightlife, ensuring a memorable and enriching Italian experience.
- Budget: €5-€10 for a Bicerin.
- Location: Piazza della Consolata.
Departure Day
Finish your 2 days in Turin with breakfast and some much needed time on your camera roll, before getting yourself on to the next one.
Light Breakfast at Caffè Al Bicerin: Start your day with a visit to this historic café, trying the famous Bicerin drink if you didn’t the night before, alongside a selection of pastries.
- Budget: €5-€15.
- Location: Piazza della Consolata, near the Basilica of Consolata.
Time to fly
In a mere two days, Turin, Italy, unfurls its blend of baroque architecture, innovative art, and refined gastronomy. From the grandeur of the Mole Antonelliana stretching towards the sky to the elegance of the Royal Palace and the innovative spirit of the National Cinema Museum, Turin presents a spectrum of experiences. It positions itself as an exemplary destination for solo travellers aiming to immerse in the architectural beauty and intellectual vibrancy that characterise this northern Italian city. Enjoy your trip!
Additional Resources
- Turin Tourist Information Centre: +39 011 535181
- Tourist map of Turin: Click Here
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