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How To Spend 24 Hours In Turin

TLDR: Embark on a 24-hour exploration of Turin, a city renowned for its regal architecture, historical significance, and contemporary art scene. Ideal for solo travelers, Turin offers a unique journey through majestic squares, elegant cafes, and fascinating museums, set against the backdrop of the Italian Alps.

Highlight

• Discover the Royal Palace of Turin, a symbol of the city’s Savoyard past and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Stroll through Piazza San Carlo, admiring the baroque architecture and sophisticated atmosphere.
• Visit the Egyptian Museum, housing one of the world’s most important collections of Egyptian antiquities outside of Egypt.
• Experience the local coffee culture in historic cafes, savoring a traditional bicerin, a unique Turinese coffee and chocolate drink.

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1 Night

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About Turin

Turin, the capital of the Piedmont region, has a population of around 870,000. It’s known for its refined architecture and a rich legacy as the first capital of unified Italy in 1861. The city played a pivotal role in Italian history, particularly as the seat of the House of Savoy, Italy’s royal family.

The city is distinguished by its elegant grid of wide avenues and squares, a contrast to the typical winding streets of many Italian cities. This layout is a testament to Turin’s status as a major European political center in the 16th and 17th centuries. Additionally, Turin is recognized for its significant contributions to Italian cinema and contemporary art.

For solo travelers, Turin offers an engaging mix of historical intrigue and modern sophistication. The city’s museums and galleries, such as the National Cinema Museum and the GAM (Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art), provide insight into its artistic and cinematic heritage. The backdrop of the Alps adds a scenic dimension to the urban landscape.

In 24 hours, Turin presents an opportunity to delve into a city that balances its regal history with a flourishing arts scene. It’s a destination that appeals to those interested in exploring Italy’s historical depth and its contemporary artistic expressions.

Where to Sleep In Turin

Turin, known for its elegant architecture and historical significance, presents a range of accommodation options. For budget travelers, hostels like Tomato Backpackers Hotel in the San Salvario district offer affordable and social stays. For a more traditional experience, consider hotels in the Centro Storico area, such as the Grand Hotel Sitea, close to landmarks like the Mole Antonelliana.

Getting to and From Turin

Turin is accessible via the Turin-Caselle Airport, catering to both international and domestic flights. The city’s main railway station, Porta Nuova, is a hub for trains from across Italy and Europe, making it a convenient entry point.

Travel Tip: The city’s grid layout and extensive public transport system, including trams and buses, make it easy to explore. The historic center, with its long arcaded streets, is also a delight to discover on foot, particularly areas like Piazza Castello and Via Roma.

Budgeting for 24 hours in Turin

Exploring Turin’s unique blend of history, art, and modernity can fit various budgets. Here’s a guide:

• Accommodation: Hostels in lively areas like San Salvario offer beds from €25 to €40. Hotels in central locations range from €60 to €120.
• Transportation: A day pass for public transport is about €5, ideal for navigating the city efficiently.
• Food and Drink: Enjoy a traditional Piedmontese breakfast at a café for €4 to €7. Turin’s restaurants and bistros offer local specialties like agnolotti for €15 to €30.
• Attractions / Entertainment: Key attractions include the Egyptian Museum and the National Cinema Museum. For nightlife, San Salvario and the Quadrilatero Romano are known for their bars and clubs, such as Banus Bar or Club 84.
• Miscellaneous: Allocate €20 to €50 for extra expenses like local chocolates or aperitivo in one of the city’s elegant squares.

Total Estimated Budget: A day in Turin can range from €70 to €150, allowing you to experience its unique historical and artistic offerings, savor Piedmontese cuisine, and enjoy the local social scene.

1 Day In Turin Itinerary

Morning

Turin, known for its refined architecture and historic cafes, offers a calm yet engaging morning atmosphere. It’s a great time for coffee aficionados to indulge in the city’s renowned coffee culture at historic cafés, like Caffè San Carlo, before dotting between some of the classic Baroque architecture.

• Start at the Mole Antonelliana, an iconic symbol of the city. Early visit allows for less crowded exploration. Entry to the National Cinema Museum inside: €11. Location: Via Montebello.
• Take a short walk to Piazza Castello, the heart of Turin, to see the Royal Palace and Palazzo Madama. Entry to Royal Palace: around €12.
• Enjoy a traditional breakfast at Baratti & Milano, a historic café in Piazza Castello. Budget: €5-€10.

Lunch

Lunch in Turin offers a chance to enjoy Piedmontese cuisine, known for its refined flavors and high-quality ingredients. The city has a range of options from traditional osterias to contemporary eateries, where one can savor dishes like agnolotti del plin (meat-stuffed pasta). Many places offer a “pranzo veloce” (quick lunch), suitable for working professionals. The only downside is that, like in many Italian cities, popular lunch spots in central areas can become quite busy.

• Visit the Porta Palazzo Market, Europe’s largest open-air market, a 15-minute walk from Piazza Castello.
• Sample local specialties like agnolotti or vitello tonnato. Lunch in a nearby trattoria: €10-€20.
• After lunch, explore the nearby Quadrilatero Romano area, known for its quaint streets and artisan shops.

Afternoon

Afternoons are well-suited for exploring Turin’s cultural offerings, such as the Egyptian Museum or the National Cinema Museum. The city’s numerous elegant cafes and pastry shops provide a delightful break for an afternoon treat, in line with the local custom of merenda (afternoon snack).

• Visit the Egyptian Museum, a 10-minute walk from Quadrilatero Romano. Entry fee: €15.
• Take a leisurely walk down Via Po, leading to the scenic River Po and the lush Valentino Park.
• Stop for a gelato at Gelateria Pepino, near Piazza Carignano. Budget: €2-€5.

Evening

Evenings in Turin are ideal for fine dining and leisurely walks in its historic squares. The grand squares, like Piazza Castello, light up, offering a beautiful backdrop for a post dinner stroll. It’s also the ideal time to indulge in the apericena tradition – a combination of aperitif and dinner, where one can sample a variety of local dishes and wines.

• Dine in the San Salvario district, known for diverse cuisine. Dinner cost: €20-€40 per person.
• Post-dinner, walk to the Gran Madre di Dio Church, across the river, for stunning night views.

Night

Turin’s night scene offers a mix of stylish bars and lively entertainment. While it’s not Milan or Rome in terms of nightlife scene, it’s not a let down either.

• Explore the bars in the Vanchiglia district. Drink prices: €5-€10.
• Popular bar: BLAH BLAH, known for its unique ambiance and live music.
• For a clubbing experience, visit the Kogin’s Club. Entry fee: around €10-€20.

Departure Morning

On your departure morning, Turin’s elegant streets provide a reflective end to your visit.

• Have breakfast at Caffè al Bicerin, famous for its traditional bicerin drink. Budget: €5-€10.
• If time allows, take a quick visit to the Palatine Towers, an ancient Roman gate. Entry: Free.

Hostel Recommendation: Tomato Backpackers Hotel – a trendy and eco-friendly hostel in the San Salvario district. Prices typically range from €25-€45 per night for a dorm bed.

Depart from Turin with an appreciation for its historical elegance, gastronomic delights, and lively yet historical ambiance.

Where Next?

After exploring Turin’s unique blend of baroque architecture, renowned museums like the Egyptian Museum, and its historical cafes, your journey through Italy’s diverse landscapes might lead you to new discoveries. Nearby, the Langhe region, famous for its wine and truffles, offers a picturesque landscape dotted with vineyards and quaint villages. Alternatively, the city of Aosta, nestled in the Alps, presents a fascinating mix of Roman ruins and alpine charm, ideal for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Each location near Turin reveals a different facet of Italy’s historical depth and scenic diversity. For more Italian adventures, peruse our ’24-hour guides’ series, or seek further travel inspiration on the Hostelworld app, your gateway to Italy’s unique experiences.

Sources

Turin Tourist Office: https://www.turismotorino.org/

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