Turin swept me off my feet like a proper espresso—smooth, rich, and full of surprises. This northern gem in Italy’s Piedmont region, framed by the snow-capped Alps, is a city that mixes grand boulevards, chocolatey cafés, and a laid-back charm that’s pure Italian magic. My first evening, strolling through Piazza San Carlo with a creamy gianduja gelato in hand and baroque buildings glowing around me, I knew I’d stumbled onto something special. For European travellers after a blend of history, culture, and cracking food, Turin’s a belter of a spot. Here’s how it nabbed my heart and why you’ll want to give it a whirl.
Why Turin Feels Like a Classy Mate
I rocked up in Turin expecting a bit of industrial grit, but what I got was a city that’s dead posh yet proper welcoming. It’s got regal palaces, buzzing markets, and a vibe that’s less in-your-face than Rome or Florence. Getting here’s a doddle—cheap flights from London, Berlin, or Paris land at Turin Airport, a quick 20-minute train or taxi into the centre. High-speed trains from Milan or Geneva zip in under an hour, with Alpine views that’ll have you glued to the window. I went in spring, when the air was fresh and the squares weren’t rammed, but autumn’s golden glow is just as lush, and winter’s got a cozy, festive buzz with Christmas markets. Turin’s walkable, elegant, and full of moments that make you grin.
Palazzo Reale: A Royal Knockout
The Palazzo Reale was my first stop, and it proper blew me away. This 17th-century royal palace, once home to the Savoy kings, is all glittering chandeliers, velvet walls, and rooms that scream old-school grandeur. I wandered through the Royal Armoury, gawking at swords and suits of armor, and the gardens outside were a cracking spot for a breather. The audio guide dished up juicy tales of royal dramas—proper soap opera stuff. Next door, the Cappella della Sacra Sindone had me hushed, even if the Shroud’s just a replica now. Grab a combo ticket to see both and go early to dodge the queues. This place isn’t just a palace; it’s Turin flexing its regal roots.
Piazza San Carlo: The City’s Living Room
Piazza San Carlo is where Turin comes to strut its stuff. This grand square, flanked by baroque arcades and twin churches, felt like a film set. I plonked myself at a café—Caffè Torino, an old-school gem—for a bicerin, this mad mix of espresso, chocolate, and cream that’s pure Turin. Locals were nattering, kids were chasing pigeons, and street musicians added a bit of soul. I wandered down Via Roma, a swanky shopping street nearby, window-shopping fancy boutiques I couldn’t afford. The square’s perfect for people-watching, especially at dusk when the lights kick in. It’s Turin at its most alive, elegant but never stuffy.
Food That’s a Proper Feast
Turin’s food scene had me eating like I’d never see a kitchen again. I went mad for agnolotti, these little pasta parcels stuffed with meat and drowned in sage butter, at a cozy trattoria in the Quadrilatero Romano. The Mercato di Porta Palazzo, Europe’s biggest open-air market, was my morning haunt—nabbing fresh figs, nutty cheeses, and crusty bread for a picnic by the Po River. For something sweet, gianduja chocolates—hazelnut heaven—were my weakness, grabbed from a tiny shop in Via Lagrange. And don’t skip a vitello tonnato, veal in a creamy, tuna-flavored sauce—it sounds weird but tastes like a dream. Pair it with a glass of Barolo, and you’re living the Piedmont life.
Mole Antonelliana: Views and Cinema Vibes
The Mole Antonelliana, Turin’s spiky skyline star, was a proper highlight. This bonkers 19th-century tower houses the National Cinema Museum, and I lost hours geeking out over old film posters, props, and a screening room that felt like a time machine. The lift to the top—glass-walled and a bit wobbly—gave me unreal views over Turin’s rooftops, with the Alps flexing in the distance. I went on a clear afternoon, and the panorama was worth the slightly sweaty palms. The museum’s quirky and fun, but the view’s the real show-stealer. If you’re a film buff or just love a good lookout, this is Turin’s ace card.
Culture and Piedmont Pride
Turin’s got a cultural buzz that’s classy but never snooty. The Museo Egizio, the world’s second-biggest Egyptian museum, had me gawping at mummies and glittering treasures—proper Indiana Jones stuff. If you’re here in September, the Salone del Gusto food festival brings Piedmont’s wines, cheeses, and truffles to the streets—a foodie’s dream. I loved the Quadrilatero Romano, a gritty-cool neighborhood with bars and live music, where I caught a jazz trio over a Negroni. Evenings in Turin’s arcaded cafés, with locals debating football over aperitivi, felt like I’d crashed a mate’s night out. Turin’s got that Piedmont knack for mixing highbrow with heart.
Practical Tips for Your Turin Jaunt
- When to Go: April–May or September–October for lush weather and fewer crowds. Summer’s warm but quiet; winter’s festive and cozy.
- Getting There: Fly to Turin Airport (20 minutes from town) from major European cities. Trains from Milan or Geneva are quick and scenic.
- Getting Around: Walk the centre—it’s dead compact. Trams or bikes for farther spots; taxis for late-night hops.
- Where to Stay: Piazza San Carlo for elegance, Quadrilatero Romano for nightlife, or near the Po for chill vibes.
- My Tip: Pack comfy shoes for arcades and a light scarf for breezy evenings. A cheery “buongiorno” gets you smiles and maybe an extra biscotto.
Why Turin Sticks With You
Turin’s more than a city—it’s a proper vibe. It’s the clink of a bicerin spoon in a grand café, the hush of the Palazzo’s gilded halls, the glow of the Alps at sunset. It’s where royal history meets chocolatey soul, where every meal’s a feast, and every square’s got a story.
