3-Day Turin, Italy Travel Itinerary

Introduction:

Turin, or Torino in Italian, is a culturally rich city located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. It is known for its elegant baroque architecture, historic cafés, and alpine views. Turin was once the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia and the first capital of unified Italy, which gives it a regal, historic atmosphere. A 3-day trip to Turin offers visitors the chance to explore world-class museums, royal palaces, charming piazzas, and indulge in rich Piedmontese cuisine and famous chocolate.

Places to Visit:

1. Mole Antonelliana: This iconic tower is the symbol of Turin. It houses the National Cinema Museum and offers panoramic views from the top.
2. Egyptian Museum of Turin: This museum is one of the largest and most important collections of Egyptian antiquities outside Egypt.
3. Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace of Turin): This palace served as the residence of the House of Savoy and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Piazza Castello: This is the historic heart of Turin and features several landmarks, including Palazzo Madama and Teatro Regio.
5. Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista: This cathedral is home to the famous Shroud of Turin, believed by some to bear the image of Christ.
6. Museo dell’Automobile: This museum showcases Italy’s automotive history and innovation, including early Fiat models.
7. Parco del Valentino: This large urban park along the Po River features the medieval-style Borgo Medievale and is perfect for walking or cycling.
8. Villa della Regina: This royal villa is surrounded by vineyards and offers a tranquil retreat with impressive views of the city.
9. Lingotto Building: Formerly a Fiat factory, this building now houses a shopping mall, art gallery, and rooftop test track.
10. Piazza San Carlo: Known as “Turin’s drawing room,” this elegant square is lined with baroque churches and historic cafés.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Royal History and the City Center

• 8:30 AM: Start at Piazza Castello. Walk around the square and admire the Palazzo Madama (30 minutes).
• 9:00 AM: Visit Palazzo Reale for a 1.5-hour tour of the royal apartments and armory.
• 10:30 AM: Walk 5 minutes to the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista and see the chapel where the Shroud of Turin is kept (45 minutes).
• 12:00 PM: Lunch at Caffè San Carlo, a historic café in Piazza San Carlo (10 minutes’ walk).
• 2:00 PM: Visit the Egyptian Museum of Turin, just 5 minutes from Piazza San Carlo. Allocate 2 hours.
• 4:30 PM: Relax and shop in Via Roma, one of Turin’s main shopping streets.
• 7:00 PM: Dinner at Ristorante Del Cambio, one of Turin’s most historic fine dining venues.

Day 2: Culture and Riverfront

• 9:00 AM: Take the tram or taxi (15 minutes) to the Museo dell’Automobile. Explore the exhibits for 1.5 hours.
• 11:00 AM: Travel 10 minutes by taxi to the Lingotto Building. Walk around the shopping mall and visit Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli (1.5 hours).
• 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Eataly Torino Lingotto, just a short walk from Lingotto.
• 3:00 PM: Go to Parco del Valentino (10 minutes by tram). Explore the park and visit the Borgo Medievale (1.5–2 hours).
• 6:00 PM: Take a leisurely stroll along the Po River.
• 7:30 PM: Dinner at Trattoria Valentino, located near the park, with traditional Piedmontese dishes.

Day 3: Panoramic Views and Villas

• 9:00 AM: Visit Mole Antonelliana and go to the top for a city view. Then, tour the National Cinema Museum (2 hours total).
• 11:30 AM: Travel 15 minutes by taxi to Villa della Regina. Enjoy the villa and gardens (1–1.5 hours).
• 1:30 PM: Have lunch at Ristorante Al Gufo Bianco near the hillside.
• 3:00 PM: Return to the center and spend your last afternoon enjoying Piazza San Carlo with coffee or gelato at Caffè Torino.
• 6:00 PM: Optional visit to a chocolate shop like Guido Gobino for Turin’s famous gianduiotto chocolates.
• 7:30 PM: Farewell dinner at Tre Galline, known for traditional cuisine and rustic charm.

See Itinerary Map (Includes Places to Visit and Accommodations)

Best Time To Go:

The best time to visit Turin is from April to June and September to October. During these periods, the weather is mild with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 25°C. Spring brings blooming parks, while fall offers scenic vineyards and food festivals. Winter (December to February) can be chilly and foggy, but magical with fewer tourists and festive lights. Summer (July–August) can be hot and less active as locals go on vacation.

Activities To Do:

• Taste Local Chocolate: Turin is the birthplace of gianduja, a mix of hazelnut paste and chocolate. Visit artisan shops like Guido Gobino or Peyrano.
• Attend a Classical Concert: The Teatro Regio di Torino regularly hosts opera and classical music in a stunning setting.
• Join a Food Tour: Guided tours introduce you to Piedmont’s cuisine, including truffles, agnolotti, and vermouth.
• Ride the Historic Tram 7: This scenic circular tram ride is a nostalgic way to see the city’s major squares and buildings.
• Visit Local Markets: The Porta Palazzo Market is Europe’s largest open-air market, great for tasting local cheeses, breads, and produce.

Accommodations:

• Principi di Piemonte – UNA Esperienze: A 5-star luxury hotel near Via Roma with spa facilities and elegant decor.

• Grand Hotel Sitea: A historic hotel offering refined service and proximity to Piazza San Carlo.

• Hotel Victoria: Known for its boutique charm and wellness center.

• Hotel Roma e Rocca Cavour: Classic decor and great location opposite Porta Nuova station.

• NH Collection Piazza Carlina: A modern hotel in a restored 17th-century building.

• Hotel Dock Milano: Simple rooms with a great central location near Porta Susa station.

• Tomato Backpackers Hotel: A social and eco-friendly hostel in the San Salvario area.

Transportation Options:

• Metro: A single-line metro connects key points including Porta Nuova, Lingotto, and Collegno.
• Trams and Buses: Run by GTT, they cover the city extensively and are ideal for sightseeing and daily travel.
• Taxis: Readily available but more expensive. Best used for early mornings or off-hours.
• Bike Sharing (TOBike): Great for short distances and exploring parks.
• Walking: The historic center is pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.
• Car Rentals: Useful for day trips to the Piedmont countryside but not ideal for inner-city travel.
• Train: Porta Nuova and Porta Susa stations connect Turin to Milan, Genoa, Florence, and France.

Tips:

• Buy a Torino+Piemonte Card: This gives access to museums, public transport, and discounts on tours.
• Book Major Attractions Online: Museums like the Egyptian Museum and Mole Antonelliana often have long lines.
• Carry Cash: Some cafés and small vendors may not accept cards.
• Respect Siesta Hours: Some shops may close between 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM.
• Try Vermouth: Turin is the birthplace of vermouth, and many bars offer tasting flights.

Turin, Italy is a treasure trove of royal elegance, culinary richness, and cultural depth. In three days, visitors can marvel at baroque palaces, explore one of the world’s best Egyptian museums, and indulge in Piedmontese gastronomy. Whether admiring alpine views from the Mole Antonelliana or relaxing in a riverside park, Turin offers a refined yet accessible Italian experience that blends history with innovation.