Torino – quick travel guide

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Medium-large city in northern Italy surrounded by mountains.

A cooler, colder region, closer to the mountains…contrasting the more popular tourist destinations in Italy such as Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and coastal areas. Torino is a great city. Charming, walkable, greenest in Italy (35% is green). Great food and its own authentic attitude (and language) of the Piedmont region in Italy. Lots of historical architecture and beautiful sights, and squares.

My favorite, it feels much more authentic Italy in that you don’t see so many tourists and hearing English everywhere as you would in other places places in Italy. The vibe is also more casual, hipster, and counter-culture rather than the typical posh vibe that you see in Milan, Rome, Sicily, etc. Feels more chill to me and I love it. I also happen to have family here so I know it well.

1 day is enough to get a sense of Torino. 2 days lets you cover main tourist highlights. Add more days to explore nearby mountain stuff and have more time for big parks and museums. In short, a casual tourist passing through Italy would only need a day in Torino. Nothing here is a “must see” compared to other destinations in Italy.

Where to stay:

  • Centro – of course central is closest to everything, lots of people, restaurants, shops, big squares, and things to see. But the central area is still pretty big with lots of variance. So I’ll have to break it down further.
    • Piazza Castello to Piazza San Carlo – busiest and most commercial area. Highest concentration of people walking around both day and night. This doesn’t mean you can’t find peaceful accommodations, many have inner courtyards without noise. You’ll be passing these areas the most during your stay so it’s most convenient to be here.
    • Piazza Vittorio Veneto – biggest square but not where I’d recommend staying unless you really want a view of the water. It’s lively but doesn’t feel as authentically local as other parts of Turin. Area just south or west of here is also acceptable since it’s closer to the lively area.
      • Vanchiglia – area just north/NE of here (Corso S. Maurizio st) feels too much like a downtown with commercial buildings, far from livelier areas…I hear it’s also for very young budget folks, and has its own rowdy nightlife.
  • Aurora – area from Porta Palazzo marketplace going north across the river. Historically known as dangerous marketplace area with thieves, ethnic neighborhood, dirty, less desirable. Indeed, it’s cheaper here while still close to central. Rapidly gentrifying with nice restaurants, shops, and bars as well. Some streets more lively and less-sketch than others.
  • Quadrilatero – oldest area of Torino, just west of Centro. Very lively and authentic, also nightlife.
  • San Salvario – just south of Centro, next to Parco del Valentino park. Hip neighborhood but also many upscale restaurants and bars. Also known as the nightlife area and can be rowdy depending which streets. Can also be a nice peaceful area if you want to be next to a nice park. This area is farther off from the more central parts of Torino.
  • Porta Nuova train station – I don’t like being around here at night. Dirty, not nice-looking, not fun.
  • Cenisia & Crocetta – areas further west/SW of Centro. Cenisia is lively, good for everyone. Crocetta is more quiet, perhaps good for families seeking more affordable accommodation.
  • San Donato – big local area northwest of Centro. Chill and good for families, not touristy. Has the big Parco Dora nearby. Short tram ride to the center.
  • Lingotto, Cavoretto, Madonna del Pillone – yes, it’s cheaper but not practical because of transportation time into center.

If cost is no issues, I’d pick Centro for sure. It’s just so convenient to be right in the middle of the action. But if you wanted lower cost, still lively and authentic…I’d aim towards Quadrilatero, Aurora, or Cenisia. San Salvario for nightlife or to be next to a huge park.

Torino has good public transportation (cutting walking times by 2-3x), but the best part is that it’s very flat. It’s easier to rent a bike or e-scooter and get around even faster than public transportation.

Hostels & Hotels:

  • I didn’t stay any.

Neighborhoods, walking areas, public squares:

  • Piazza Castello & Piazza San Carlo – walk between these squares for your very first tour of Torino. Many beautiful things to see and take photos of, many shops and restaurants, people everywhere. Very lively all day and into the night.
  • Piazza Carlo Alberto – another lively square with nice buildings and many things to see. You’ll naturally pass this on your way to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the biggest square.
  • Piazza Vittorio Veneto (square) & Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I (bridge) – biggest square with the water and bridge right next to it. Take a photo of the blue-lit Mole Antonelliana at night, it’s like Torino’s “Eiffel Tower”.
  • Mercato Centrale Torino (aka Porta Palazzo) – generally, locals tell you not to go here because of thieves (pickpockets & snatchers). And especially to avoid at night. The busier areas surrounding it on the south and east sides are nice and worth exploring. The areas just north of it has less to see and feels eery dead at night.
  • San Salvario – hip vibrant area between train station and Parco Valentino. At daytime, it’s great to check out the park. At night, there are many nice restaurants. Also very lively (perhaps even rowdy) at night due to being the nightlife area.
  • Quadrilatero – nice area with more local feel. Lively. Explore around Obelisco Leggi Siccardi up to XVIII Dicembre (metro).

Activities to do:

  • Viewpoints, landmarks, sunsets, hikes:
    • Basilica di Superga*:
      • Church high up on the hills of Superga neighborhood with panoramic views of Torino down below and surrounding Alps mountains in the distance. Not in city center but every local will take you or recommend you this.
      • Best to go on clear weather day, arriving late-afternoon. Walk around the walls outside the church (it’s free) and sit on a bench, then buy your tickets for the basilica (dome) and line up 30mins around sunset. Basically, the aim is to get to the top terrace at the moment you want to see the sunset. It’s nice at sunset, but also nice after sunset. Then when you get back down, it’s dark and you’ve seen all daytime, nighttime, and sunset views.
      • Getting there is tricky…public transport takes longer but at least you don’t have to deal with parking hassle. Driving a car could mean you have to drive around an hour looking for parking, stressed and chaotic. Of course, you can get around this by going earlier or on weekdays.
      • Cheers – Bistrot Superga – nice restaurant on the hill by the church with great views from terrace. Eat (walk-in) lunch here before visiting the church, or make dinner reservations for after. Beware of slow service.
    • Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini*:
      • Another church on the hills with great views of Torino down below. This one much closer to the city just across the water from Piazza Vittorio Veneto (square). 15-20min walk from square, with 5mins of steep uphill. Pretty easy and so worth it. Afterwards, you can go back to town or walk north or south along the water (towards Valentino park) to stay in your “hiking” vibe.
      • The inside is much more beautiful than the outside, people do recommend going in. This church can also be seen at night from the city, it lights up blue at night on the hills. Not to be confused with peach color of Superga basilica.
      • Recommended for sunrise or sunset. I’d rather go late morning if you want to check out the inside as well. Go late afternoon to hang around for sunset, and then see night view when city lights come on.
    • Mole Antonelliana – you can go up the tower for 360 degree panormaic views. Buy tickets online beforehand as they sometimes sellout in person.
  • Buildings & architecture:
    • Squares – Torino feels like epic architecture around every corner. And it’s much easier to list my favorite squares than every building. Piazza San Carlo, Castello, Carlo Alberto, Vittorio Veneto.
    • Reggia di Venaria – historic beautiful castle.
    • Mole Antonelliana (National Museum of Cinema) – nice building from outside, I call it Torino’s Eiffel Tower. I’m not that impressed but indeed it’s a nice photo at night it’s lit up with blue lights. You can buy tickets to go up the tower for 360 degree panoramic view. The museum exhibit inside might be nice to some people.
    • Castles – I can’t remember everything my cousin (from this region) told me, but Torino and Piedmont region has many castles…both real and fake ones. And it’s fun to see if tourists can guess which are which.
  • Parks, gardens, green spaces:
    • Parco del Valentino* – nicest park and has a castle. Default one for tourists IMO.
    • Parco Archeologico Torri Palatine – nice park right by the Porta Palazzo market, surrounded by Torino architecture, old walls, and church nearby. Lots of dogs running around here.
    • Giardini Reali di Torino (garden) – nice hilly park close to city center. With views of the Mole.
    • Parco Dora – nice big space by the water. It’s nice but not magical or picturesque in any sense in case you’re wondering. More like a big local green space.
  • Bridges, water-points:
    • Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I (bridge) – main bridge and tourist waterpoint area with beautiful views. Take photos of water, trees, buildings, and landscapes all around.
  • Arts, museums, culture:
    • Museo Egizio – 2nd largest Egyption museum in the world, and most important one on the Nilotic civiliation. I heard nothing but great things. Most people will need 3 hours, but you could easily spend a whole day here.
  • Markets, shopping:
    • The entire Centro area is full of shops already, I highly doubt you’ll need to “look” for them.
    • Torino Outlet Village – many nice shops, it’s where the classy folks shop. It’s out of the city center and may be inconvenient to get here. Go here if you want a specific store that isn’t located in city center.
  • Tours:
  • Culture & Food:
    • Bagna caulda – salty anchovy hot paste that you dip vegetables in.

Many things in Torino cost money to enter and may require reservations in advance. Especially for museums and such, so look it up and buy your tickets online ahead of time!

Restaurants & Cafes:

  • Caffe Torino – nice big cafe right by Piazza San Carlo. Can be packed during daytime with many people waiting for a table.
  • Scannablue & Bottega Baretti – listed as favorites by WeekendinTurin.
  • Bottega Baretta* – absolutely beautiful place and delicious food. Highly recommended.
  • La Taverna del Berge – authentic traditional Piedmontese restaurant, small cozy place. Seems always full and needs reservation. Great food and shockingly affordable price.
  • Jon Cake – nice cake shop
  • l’Angolo di Parin* – beautiful traditional Piedmontese family run restaurant. Super decorative, Instagram-ey decor. Check out the ground-level but also basement level downstairs. Much bigger than appears outside. Food is more good than great, but definitely a worthwhile stop. I’d suggest lunchtime.
  • Focacceria Genovese Sant’Agostino – delicious pizza made out of I-forgot-what. Great for grab and go.

Bars, clubs, and nightlife:

  • There many bars everywhere.
  • Nightlife can be found in San Salvario, Quadrilatero, and Vanchiglia areas.

Miscellaneous tips:

  • Italy – quick travel guide
  • Transportation – lots of trains, buses, and also e-scooters and e-bikes to rent.
    • Rideshare/taxi – Uber is here but expensive and unnecessary since public transpo is good already. Taxis, I generally never use in Italy.
    • Bike apps:
      • I generally prefer bikes as the bike wheels provide more comfort over cobbled stone and uneven terrain. Front basket lets you carry things, elevated position gives you better visibility. All of them are ebikes giving you helpful power to cover long distance. I prefer RideMovi since it’s so much cheaper (3x) than Lime bikes.
      • But will admit Lime bikes are better built (sturdier) and more reliable with working engine batteries. RideMovi bikes had none-working engine issues like with every 3rd bike I tried. But no big deal, I just put it back and appeal the charge and pick up another bike.
      • Beware of parking zones before trying to cover large distances…I took a RideMovi bike several kilometers away to the mall and couldn’t park the bike.
    • Scooter apps – Lime is the most expensive but instead most sturdy and comfortable for riding over uneven terrain. So I prefer cheaper options like Voi or Dott. Bird is also here but I didn’t try since I figured they’d be expensive.
  • Mobile carrier:
    • Bought my ESIM from Iliad official store in Torino and it had very cheap plans (with hotspot feature). Fast enough, and decent enough coverage for what I was doing. Some areas in town did get spotty but still functioning.
    • I noticed many AirBnB accommodations in Torino don’t provide internet so you’ll definitely rely on your ESIM.
  • Safety – generally to avoid the Mercato Centrale (Porta Palazzo) area because of thieves, and watch out for rowdy drunk folks at nighttime San Salvario.

Itinerary:

  • ONE DAY – lunch at the square (or Parco del Valentino in afternoon), Superga Basilica or Chiesa di Santa Maria for sunset. Dinner and walk around the squares.
  • 2 DAY –
    • DAY 1 – walk the squares
    • DAY 2 –

Nearby towns:

  • Villastellone – small tiny town without much.
  • Carmagnola – small tiny town without much.
  • Asti – hour away

Unfiltered notes:

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