A Weekend in Turin — Destination Dreamer Diaries

The last time I went to Italy was five years ago, and we went everywhere – so be sure to check out my Italy page if you’re planning a trip around the entire country.

Small cafe on the quiet streets of Turin, Italy; October 2023

Turin definitely isn’t one of Italy’s main tourist attractions, and for good reason – it’s more like a typical European city than a distinguished Italian destination like Florence or Cinque Terre.

View of Turin from Hotel Principi di Piemonte; October 2023

Still, there are a few things worth seeing in this city – and I’m going to share them with you in case you happen to be passing through Torino in your Europe travels.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Piazza San Carlo

Situated in the city center, this is where you’ll find everyone on the weekends – eating a gelato or listening to a street artist.

Piazza San Carlo in Turin, Italy; October 2023

2. Palazzo Carignano

This is better for the photographers and writers who like peace and quiet – with umbrella covered cafes and classic Italian colors and architecture.

Palazzo Carignano in Turin, Italy; October 2023

3. Piazza Castello + Palazzo Madama

Walking through here, I came across a wonderful violinist and giant finger-painting mat for toddlers. Not as pretty as the first two piazza’s – but it has its own character worth checking out.

Royal Palace of Turin at Piazza Castello; October 2023

4. Palazzo Reale + Royal Gardens

In all honest, this garden – or Giardini Reali di Torino – is just another park, unless you opt to leave out of the Royal Palace of Turin. If you do the latter, you’ll get more of a Palace of Versailles vibe – which could prove worthwhile if you’ve never been to Paris.

5. Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista or Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

I didn’t find it essential to go in here, but it was definitely a distinctive piece of architecture in the city – and more reminiscent of other cathedrals I saw elsewhere in Italy five years ago.

Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin, Italy; October 2023

6. Porta Palazzo + Market!

What enticed me about this market driving into Turin from Milan is its size, which doesn’t surprise me as I had read prior to my trip that its the largest open air market in Europe!

Mercato di Porta Palazzo in Turin, Italy; October 2023

While it’s definitely worth stopping by to see just how massive it is, perusing this market on a Saturday afternoon isn’t likely to be peaceful – as it’s packed with locals trying to get their weekly groceries.

Something to keep in mind if this is a must-see while in Torino.

7. Mole Antonelliana for Panoramic Lift + View

I’m confident that this would’ve been the highlight of my trip, as much of the appeal with Turin is that it is a city surrounded by mountains.

Outside Mole Antonelliana in Turin, Italy; October 2023

Unfortunately, it was completely booked – which I was surprised by, seeing as Turin isn’t a tourist hub and it was shoulder season. Therefore, I recommend booking tickets in advance if this is a must-see during your Turin trip.

8. Piazza Vittorio Veneto

In the end, this was my favorite of the many piazzas I saw in Turin!

Cafes surrounding Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Turin, Italy; October 2023

Reminiscent of Oslo as the mountains surrounded the city and Nice with its architecture, this plaza in Turin is a happy medium if you want to feel like you’re in Turin and not just another European city.

Mountains and tress in the distance at Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Turin, Italy; October 2023

9. Parco de Valentino + Castello de Valentino

In my opinion, this park was slightly nicer than the outskirts of the Royal Garden – as it was a little livelier and full families and friends alike playing cards and going for a late Saturday afternoon stroll.

Parco de Valentino in Turin, Italy; October 2023

The palace is worth a walk by too, as it again - reminded me of Palace of Versailles outside of Paris.

Castello de Valentino in Turin, Italy; October 2023

10. Tram to View from Basilica of Superega

As I was riding into Turin, I could see this basilica off in the distance – and it really was quite magical.

I didn’t have enough time to do this on my trip, as it was a one hour venture and back from the city center – but if I were to go again, I think this would be at the top of my list.

Want to see my trip to Turin in action?

Watch my YouTube video below to see all of the things mentioned in this blog post!

Still looking for things to do in Italy?

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