Free walking tours in Turin and what to see

Must-sees

Turin was the capital of the House of Savoy and the first capital of united Italy, and it shows in its straight avenues and kilometres of porticoes. The centre is Piazza Castello, with Palazzo Madama and the Royal Palace, part of the Royal Museums along with the Armoury and the gardens. Next door is the cathedral, with the Chapel of the Holy Shroud. A short distance away, the Egyptian Museum holds a major collection of art and objects from ancient Egypt.

The city's symbol is the Mole Antonelliana, home to the National Cinema Museum and with a panoramic lift. Stroll along Via Po to Piazza Vittorio Veneto and cross the river to the church of the Gran Madre. The Valentino park, by the Po, has a castle and a reconstructed medieval village. In the hills, the basilica of Superga offers views over the city and the Alps.

Free tours and guided visits

There are free walking tours of Turin, covering the historic centre and its main squares, and another route focusing on the city's mysteries and legends. There are also bike tours and a guided visit to the Reggia di Venaria, the Savoys' great hunting residence on the outskirts. Out of town, there are trips to the Sacra di San Michele, an abbey on a mountain top. The Torino + Piemonte Card gives access to many museums.

How long to spend

Two days are enough for the essentials: Piazza Castello, the Royal Museums, the cathedral and the Egyptian Museum on the first, and the Mole, Via Po and the Valentino on the second. With a third day you can go up to Superga or out to Venaria. Don't leave without trying a bicerin, the city's drink of coffee, chocolate and cream, in one of its historic cafés.

Where to stay

The most convenient option is to stay in the centre, between Piazza Castello, Via Roma and Via Po, where there are classic hotels and you can do almost everything on foot. The Quadrilatero Romano is lively with bars and restaurants. San Salvario, next to Porta Nuova station, is buzzing and close to the Valentino. The city has a metro, so areas a little further out also work well.