Itineraries for Your Trip to Turin
1 Day in Turin for First Timers
Turin is decidedly underrated. Although it attracts fewer international visitors than other northern Italian hubs like Milan, Venice, or Florence, the capital of the Piedmont region boasts grand neoclassical architecture, exceptional museums, and some of Italy’s finest cuisine (and wines), not to mention dramatic views of the surrounding Alps.
Those advantages are why I’ve visited Turin more often than any other destination in Italy. And while it still surprises me how little-known this jewel of a city is, the fact that it’s comparatively free of crowds is yet another reason to love it. If your curiosity is piqued—and you only have time for a short trip—here’s how to discover the best of Turin in just one day.
Turin experiences all four seasons, with sweltering temperatures in the summer and snow in the winter—pack and dress accordingly.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a visit to the Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio)—it’s home to one of the world’s most important collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
The best way to learn how a new city is put together is to explore it on foot, so book a small-group morning walking tour to get a personalized introduction to the best of Turin. As you visit the city’s stately piazzas and covered galleries—and stop to admire top landmarks like the Mole Antonelliana, Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), and Royal Church of San Lorenzo (Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo)—your guide will share stories that bring the city’s regal past to life.
After stopping for lunch—look for local specialties like agnolotti pasta and vitello tonnato—head to one of Turin’s landmark attractions: the Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio). Home to more than 26,000 ancient artifacts, it’s billed as the most important Egyptian institution outside of Egypt itself. Instead of waiting in line to buy tickets, guarantee your entry in advance—and minimize any stress—by booking a tour of the collection highlights, with admission included in the cost.
After your edifying museum experience, start your night on a decadent note with an early-evening wine-tasting experience. Italy’s Piedmont region happens to produce some of the world’s finest wines—including Barolo and Barbaresco—and in a guided tasting you’ll learn about local grape varietals, winemaking techniques, and how to assess wines like a professional. Choose an option with light snacks included, and you’ll get the perfect aperitivo experience—and a jumping-off point for a night out on the town.
