One visit to Turin was enough to shoot it to the top of my favorite Italian cities list, surpassed only by Rome. Known as the birthplace of the automotive industry and famous for its art galleries, grand plazas, and a certain black-and-white football team, Turin is a mix of royal splendor, ancient history, and a few surprises that will either blow your mind or leave you scratching your head.
I must admit I wasn’t expecting anything special from Turin and boy I was wrong. After my visit in 2024, during which I spent in Turin 3 days – it shot up in my list of the best cities in Italy to the 2nd place after Rome especially thanks to the Egyptian Museum.
In one day in Turin, you’ll explore this underdog of a city, where ancient Egyptian mummies coexist with futuristic cars, and stunning Alpine views frame it all.
A must-visit landmark is Piazza Castello, the heart of Turin, rich in history and architectural beauty, featuring the Royal Palace, Palazzo Madama, and the Church of San Lorenzo.
You can easily walk to most of the places on this itinerary, but Turin also has a pretty good tram and bus system that you can utilize for the bits you can’t be bothered to walk to or the couple that are further out (like the car museum and viewpoint).
So, is Turin worth visiting? Absolutely, and here’s how to experience Turin in a day:
All the little blue blobs are places you’ll visit during your 1 day in Turin itinerary.
Hotel recommendation: Opera35 Boutique Hotel
Your day in Turin itinerary will look like this:
1. Piazza San Carlo
2. Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio)
3. Turin Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista)
4. Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale)
Top tip: Royal Gardens: Free to visit and provide a peaceful outdoor setting, perfect for a leisurely stroll behind the palace.
Palazzo Reale
5. Porta Palatina
6. Mole Antonelliana & National Cinema Museum
7. National Automobile Museum (Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile)
8. Monte dei Capuccini Viewpoint
View of the city surrounded by the Alps from Monte dei Capuccini viewpoint
This itinerary ensured I got the most out of 1 day in Turin by hitting all the historical highlights while including a number of seriously amazing museums. Everything included is doable in a single day…And I would not change a single thing during any future visit.
Turin-Caselle Airport is located about 15 km (10 mi) north of Turin’s city center. There are airport buses and a train that will get you into the city if you aren’t renting a car and don’t want to take a taxi.
Buses and trains will take you to one of two train stations in Turin: Porta Nuova is the main train station and is smack in the city center, while Porta Susa is slightly less convenient, but it is connected to the city center by metro and tram lines.
You have just landed in Turin!
Book a hotel and start your day in Turin
Piazza San Carlo with its twin churches
I started my day in Turin at Piazza San Carlo since it’s the perfect place to linger a bit before heading to the nearby Egyptian Museum. Remember, I wanted an early start if I was going to fit everything into a single day in Turin! Get your tickets for the Egyptian Museum at 9 am, and wander around Piazza San Carlo before then.
Piazza San Carlo is a large, centrally located, rectangular square with a bronze equestrian statue of Duke Emmanuel Philibert smack in the middle, with two mirror-image churches, Santa Cristina and San Carlo Borromeo, perfectly framing it. It’s a scene straight out of a Renaissance painting, minus the tourists who haven’t woken up yet.
Fun fact: Why are there two churches right next to each other on Piazza San Carlo? Because in 17th-century Turin, one church just wasn’t enough to show off the power of the Catholic Church! Santa Cristina and San Carlo Borromeo were built by different religious orders, and they’re basically architectural twins. Together, they make the square look like it’s got its life together—even if we all know it was just a bit of ecclesiastical one-upmanship.
I recommend grabbing a quick ‘caffé e cornetto‘ (coffee and croissant) under the arches of the arcade buildings to enjoy the quiet morning atmosphere—because it will end soon. Try the Stratta dal 1836, a pastry shop that’s been around since 1836 and made goodies for the royals!
Grab a caffé e cornetto for breakfast before starting your day in Turin
Now, onto the next stop! The Egyptian Museum, the largest of its kind outside of Egypt, holds an incredible collection of ancient artifacts (and so many mummies, and not just humans!). Even if you aren’t a history buff, the sheer scale and wonder of this place are enough to fascinate anyone.
I hope you are ready for a morning visit with the mummies at the Egyptian Museum, there are a lot of them!
Next up is the Egyptian Museum, and let me tell you, this place is about to slap you in the face with some serious history. I know, an Egyptian museum is not exactly what you expect to visit in Italy, but stick with it, it’s one-of-a-kind!
Top Tip: If you’re visiting on a weekend or any day during the summer, get your tickets online in advance, and aim to get the very first time slot at 9 am—you have a busy day in Turin ahead of you!
Without an online ticket, you can't be sure of getting into the Egyptian Museum on the day you want to visit
I walked in not expecting much and walked out absolutely stunned. Me. Stunned! This isn’t just any museum—it’s the largest Egyptian Museum outside of Egypt. We’re talking entire temples, statues, and enough ancient artifacts to make Indiana Jones jealous. Four floors of it!
Most of the collection was whisked away from archeological sites in Libya and Egypt at the turn of the 20th century. Now, before you start clutching your pearls over that whole "thou shalt not steal" commandment, let me just say—yeah, it’s a bit awkward. But on the bright side, you get to see things here that other museums would treat like the Holy Grail. Not in Turin! They just stack it all in one big showcase labeled “Burial Statues”. I mean, why bother putting them on pedestals when you’ve got a thousand other similar treasures to show off, right? A fantastic opportunity for the curious tourist.
The 17 animal mummies in the Egyptian Museum were even more awkward to look at than the humans! Look at that cute little bull
I couldn't fit the whole 18-meter papyrus in the photo, but at least you can see the hieroglyphs up close
Now, the thing everyone is interested in: is the mummies. The museum has 24 human and 17 animal mummies, and let me tell you, it’s as morbid as it sounds. It’s fascinating, sure, but also a little unsettling when you start thinking, "What if someone digs me up in 4,000 years and puts me on display?" Suddenly, cremation sounds pretty appealing. Honestly though, after your 10th mummy, you start feeling numb to the fact you are staring at a dead person and just accept it.
Exploring the mummies and sarcophagi in the Egyptian Museum will take you 2 hours minimum
There was a clear path that we could follow so that we could see everything in chronological order. Oh, and before I forget, the signs and labels here are all in English, which is a big plus if your Italian is limited to “pizza” and “ciao”.
Set aside 2 hours at the minimum to see all the Egyptian treasures in this museum.
Turin Cathedral and a closeup of the famous Turin Shroud
Now, for the (un)real deal—Turin Cathedral, home to one of Christianity’s most famous artifacts: the Turin Shroud. The Shroud, believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus, is kept in a bullet-proof, climate-controlled, air-tight box. So, when you’re finally face-to-face with this legendary relic... you literally can’t see anything.
As for the cathedral itself, it’s not exactly a showstopper. Built-in the 15th century, it’s undergone several renovations, mostly due to fires. The most interesting aspect (besides the Shroud) is that some members of the Savoy Royal Family are buried here, adding a touch of historical significance. But overall? It was a bit of a letdown, especially if you’re expecting grandeur. Or maybe it’s all that bling in the palace that you’ve just seen?
Turin Cathedral is just enough to take a quick look and move on. Sorry, not sorry.
Fun Fact: The Shroud of Turin is only displayed on rare occasions, typically once or twice a decade. Do you want to see the actual Turin Shroud? You can’t—unless you’re incredibly lucky and happen to be in Turin when the Pope decides to take it out for its rare showing. The Shroud has been kept in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist since 1578, and the last time it was on public display, in 2015, over 2 million people lined up to see it.
This is it. The Shroud with a barely visible Jesus and very visible patches that were used to cover up the holes one of the fires made
If you’re dead set on seeing the Holy Shroud, your best bet is the Most Holy Shroud Museum, where at least a replica is on display. Tons of replicas… plus countless photos, close-ups, statues, replicas of the camera that first took the photo, a replica of the thorn crown that Jesus might have had on his head, a replica of the replicas… you get the picture.
Then, move on to another top thing to do in Turin—the Royal Palace.
Palazzo Reale aka Royal Palace
I had actually visited Turin for the Egyptian Museum and the Royal Palace. This palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is hands down, the most beautiful I’ve seen in Italy. I originally aimed to check out the Royal Armory but to get there, you have to wander through the entire palace. So, I surrendered and hopped on the tour that was just about to leave—and I’m glad I did. The interiors are so lavish that it’s clear the Savoy Royal Family was living like the Rockefellers of their time.
From the outside and inside, the Royal Palace of Turin abounds with royalty
Top Tip: Whatever you do, don’t skip the Royal Armory—it’s filled with stuffed horses (for real) armored knights and weapons, and all the things my childhood dreams were made of.
The visit started from the state apartments in the Royal Palace, continued through the Royal Armory, and even touched on the Holy Shroud. While the ticket gave me access to the entire day, including the Savoy Gallery and Archaeological Museum with the Roman Theatre’s ruins, I had to be strategic with my time. Like I said—skip the artsy stuff and focus on the grandeur.
Royal Gardens, located just behind the palace, are free to visit and provide a lovely area for a leisurely stroll, complementing the opulence of the palace interiors.
And then there’s the incredible library—which, by the way, you can enter from outside the palace. Or can you? We stumbled into it, unsure if we were even allowed in, but nobody seemed to mind.
You can explore the Royal Palace on your own, or, like me, opt for a guided tour. In hindsight, a self-guided tour would’ve been just as good, but hey, live and learn.
Tip: The Caffè Reale Torino, which is located right in the palace, is a nice place to relax for a bit if you need a caffeine break.
The Royal Library houses works by Leonardo da Vinci himself
Here’s what I saw inside:
Porta Palatine—Roman gate
After visiting the cathedral and Royal Palace, I made a quick stop at Porta Palatine, the only standing Roman gate left in Turin. Originally, there were four gates, but this one is the survivor. It’s not entirely Roman, though—the two side towers were added in the 15th century. Despite that, Porta Palatina is still considered the best-preserved Roman monument in northern Italy.
I only needed about ten minutes here for some photos and a bit of gazing at its ancient walls.
The site is conveniently close to tram stops that can whisk you off to your next destination, the Mole Antonelliana.
The National Cinema Museum is housed in the Mole Antonelliana, which towers over Turin
Did you know that Turin is the birthplace of Italian cinema? Yeah, I didn’t either, but you learn something new every day! The National Cinema Museum is housed in the Mole Antonelliana, a towering structure that’s both a symbol of the city and a masterpiece of architecture.
Originally designed as a synagogue, this monumental building became a cinema museum, perfectly blending history and the magic of the silver screen.
There are a ton of interactive exhibits at the National Cinema Museum, including shadow puppets and a setup that helps you understand how cameras and lenses actually work
Fun fact: The Mole Antonelliana was the tallest brick building in the world when it was completed in 1889. Its spire reaches 167 m (545 ft), making it a distinctive part of Turin’s skyline.
From the top of Mole Antonelliana, there is a beautiful view of Turin. We could just barely make out the Alps in the background, but they were mostly hidden in the clouds
The exhibitions inside the museum trace the evolution of cinema, from the first cameras to iconic movie memorabilia, including actual props from Star Wars. There’s plenty of interactive fun, too—ever wondered how those early cameras worked? Or how technology evolved to give us the blockbusters we love today? You can get hands-on with some of the exhibits, and there’s even a semi-creepy horror show that might make you jump (but it’s the olden-days type, so it’s more silly than scary).
I can’t decide what’s better—the actual cinema museum or the panoramic elevator. I swear, stepping into it feels like entering Willy Wonka’s glass elevator—except instead of chocolate, you’re flying up toward the epic dome of the Mole Antonelliana. The interior of this building is so stunning that the ride alone is worth it, even before you step out onto the 360-degree balcony at the top. The views are epic, with all of Turin spread out below you like on a silver platter, and, on clear days, the Alps in the distance. Stupendo!
The glass elevator that takes you up into the impressive dome at the Mole Antonelliana. Stupendo it is! (on the right: looking down from the elevator)
When booking, you'll need two tickets—one for the museum and one for the panoramic elevator, with a specific timed entry (they can be bought as a combo for EUR 20).
Fun fact: The Mole Antonelliana was originally meant to be a synagogue, but after years of delays and cost overruns, it was sold to the city of Turin and eventually became a monument to national unity. Today, it stands as a symbol of the city and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Turin.
I couldn't resist taking a picture with this classic
I am a car enthusiast, and therefor the National Automobile Museum (MAUTO) in Turin was supposed to be my paradise. With over 200 original cars from 80 brands across the globe, this museum explores the evolution of the automobile, from the first Ferraris and Rolls-Royces to F1 race cars and military jeeps.
According to Times magazine, the National Car Museum in Turin is one of the 50 best museums in the world. Unfortunately, I can’t agree. Yes, it’s good. But I still think the Hollywood Cars Museum in Las Vegas is better. I had high hopes for this one as the cherry on the top after 1 day of Turin sightseeing, but to be honest, the Egyptian Museum knocked it out of the park for me far more. But I still think you should go, maybe just adjust your expectations down a couple of notches.
The Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile is easily accessible
The MAUTO collection was started by Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia, a man so passionate about cars that he gathered not just vehicles, but also chassis and engines, tracing the automobile’s journey through history, technical advancements, and cultural impacts. He dumped all of it (and then some) into a museum that you and I can now visit. Thanks, Carlo!
What’s on display? Cars that embody creativity and technical excellence, each telling its own story of success, failure, or innovation. This isn’t just a museum of shiny vehicles; it’s a testament to the 20th century’s obsession with progress, and the passion that drove manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and drivers to push the limits of transportation. I can respect their drive (pun intended)!
I don't think it's the best car museum in the world, but you'll still find plenty of cool cars you'll want to take pictures with
For me, the highlight was the 1968 Jaguar E-Type, a car so stunning that it’s often called the most beautiful in the world. The original is worth over USD 2 million, and I always say I’m going to buy this beauty for my retirement and just flex in it like a proper old grumpy man. Wish me luck!
Now, if you drive to the MAUTO, all you need to do is hop in your car and head to the last stop on today’s itinerary, a beautiful viewpoint over Turin. For the rest of you, saddle up those buses!
Your day in Turin is coming to an end, so let's enjoy the beautiful views from the Monte dei Capuccini viewpoint
End your 1 day in Turin on a literal high note with a visit to Monte dei Capuccini. This hill offers a postcard-perfect view of the city, with the Alps framing the backdrop if you’re visiting on a clear evening. The view here arguably outshines the one from Mole Antonelliana—because now you actually get to see Mole Antonelliana in the panorama!
The viewpoint is next to the church at the top of Monte dei Capuccini. The hill is named after the Capuchin order, who built the church and convent that still stands today.
Right next door there’s the Museo della Montagna, a museum about alpine culture & mountaineering, which is free with the Torino + Piemonte Card, but honestly, it’s nothing to write home about. And by the time you get there, it’ll probably be closed anyway (closes at 6 pm).
Anyway, you’re at Monte dei Capuccini mainly for the view, so take a moment to soak it all in before calling it a day in Turin. Or, if you prefer to do all that soaking while sitting down, pop into the small restaurant that’s also on the site. I didn’t try it myself so I can’t vouch for it, but it has pretty good reviews, outdoor seating, and, of course, very good views.
Look, I'll be straight with you—one day in Turin barely scratches the surface. I've spent countless hours wandering these streets, and I was still finding gems tucked away in those fancy arcaded walkways. But if one day is all you've got, this itinerary hits the good stuff.
You know what I love most about Turin? The way everything just flows. One minute you're gawking at the Mole Antonelliana (still can't pronounce it properly), the next you're sipping bicerin in some centuries-old cafe that looks fancier than my entire apartment.
This place grabbed me by surprise. It's got this perfect mix of old-school Roman streets, over-the-top Baroque buildings, and cool modern stuff that just works. And somehow it's still flying under the radar while everyone crowds into Rome and Florence.
Here's the deal: next time you're planning a trip to Northern Italy, give Turin at least a full day. Those snow-capped Alps in the background, museums that'll blow your mind (hello, Egyptian artifacts!), and chocolate that'll ruin all other chocolate for you - trust me, you'll be plotting your return trip before your first day is even over. I know I was!
Next stop, Aosta Valley?
Turin is best known for being the birthplace of the automotive industry, home to Fiat, and the iconic black-and-white Juventus football team. But don’t forget the city’s royal palaces, plazas, delicious chocolate, and the not-so-visible Shroud of Turin.
Yes, Turin is very walkable. The city center has a convenient Roman grid layout and extensive covered arcades, making it comfortable to explore on foot in various weather conditions. An 8-kilometer walking circuit connects major attractions.
Don't miss trying the traditional Turin breakfast of fresh pastries and bicerin (a layered coffee drink) at historic cafes. Also, explore the Porta Palazzo market, Europe's largest outdoor market, and indulge in Turin's famous chocolate, especially gianduiotti and cremino.
Sure, if you’re patient enough to wait for the Pope’s next big reveal! On average, the Shroud is shown every 5 years, and the crowds are nuts. Last time, 2 million people came to see it! Otherwise, you’ll be staring at a bullet-proof box—sorry, folks! You can see lots of replicas in the Holy Shroud Museum.
One day in Turin is enough to see the main attractions, but you won’t be bored if you stretch it to two. Beyond that, pack your bags and head to Aosta Valley for more adventures!
Consider purchasing the Torino+Piemonte Card, which offers free admission to many attractions and discounts on public transport. Also, look for fixed-price lunch menus at restaurants and try the apericena, a meal-sized aperitivo buffet that's more affordable than a traditional dinner.
The best time to visit Turin is easily May/June and then September/October. Remember Turin is in northern Italy, it gets cold quickly. You also don’t want to visit in the summer, because It gets very crowded thanks to school holiday and summer tourists from all over Italy.
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Resources
• My own experience and visit 2024
• https://www.visititaly.eu/places-and-tours/how-to-use-public-transport-in-turin-while-saving-money
• https://museireali.beniculturali.it/en/royal-gardens/
• https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20130325-mini-guide-to-architecture-in-turin
• https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/837292/most-historic-buildings-and-sites-in-turin
Hi, I’m Jan. I travel fast and intensely, whether I’m exploring the buzz of Tokyo in 3 days or road-tripping through mountains and beaches on a 3-week Thailand adventure. And no matter where I am, you’ll always find me in a comfortable hotel at night and eating the best food.
If that sounds like your kind of journey, hop on board, and let’s explore the world together!
I started this blog after realizing how tough it can be to find reliable, authentic travel info. You wouldn’t believe how many “travel bloggers” never even visit the places they write about! On Next Level of Travel, you can count on my full honesty and insights drawn from my firsthand experiences.
Here’s the deal: not every destination is all superlatives and unicorns. I’ll let you know if a tourist attraction isn’t worth your time, like skipping overrated stops in my 2-week Spain itinerary. And when I find something truly special—like the perfect mix of culture and nature in Cape Town—you can trust that it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
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