Turin might not have the same tourist traffic as Rome or Venice, but that’s exactly what makes it irresistible. Nestled at the foot of the Alps, this Italian city is a perfect mix of baroque elegance, rich history, and mouthwatering chocolate (trust me, you’ll want to plan an extra day for gianduja indulgence). From sipping espresso in historic cafés to wandering grand piazzas and uncovering hidden art treasures, Turin is packed with surprises. Here are eight things to do in Turin that will make you wish your suitcase had an extendable bottom.
1. See the National Cinema Museum
If you’ve ever Googled a photo of the Turin skyline, then you’ve seen the city’s iconic Cinema Museum. Housed inside the striking Mole Antonelliana (that really pointy building), the Museo Nazionale Del Cinema Torino isn’t just for film buffs. This is a playground for anyone who loves a little drama.
Start on the upper level to discover vintage cameras and movie posters that transport you back to the silent film era. Hands-on exhibits that let you experiment with projection and special effects. Downstairs, you’ll find larger-than-life exhibitions showcasing some of the most iconic moments in movie history. In addition to permanent displays of monster movie paraphernalia and costumes from outer space epics, the museum often features special exhibits. During my spring 2025 visit, the Cinema Museum was hosting “The Art of James Cameron.” This showcase featured more than 300 sketches, props, costumes, and photographs from the director’s long and storied career.
2. Explore the Egyptian Museum
Who would’ve thought that one of the top things to do in Turin was see ancient Egyptian artifacts? Turin is actually home to the largest Egyptian museum (Museo Egizio) outside of Cairo, showcasing more than 37,000 pieces spanning from pre-pharaonic Egypt through Roman occupation. You could easily spend days wondering the galleries, examining gilded sarcophagi, colossal statues, and ancient jewelry, so it’s best to either book with a guide or go in with a game plan. Among the highlights here are three copies of the Book of the Dead, an entire in-tact tomb, the immense (and perfectly preserved) Sarcophagus of Horkhebit, and one surprisingly scandalous papyrus that has been dubbed “the world’s first men’s mag.”
3. Drink Bicerin
With a name that sounds like an antibiotic, bicerin will certainly cure what ailes you. Turin’s signature drink is a mocha lover’s dream. Imagine layers of rich drinking chocolate, espresso, and a cloud-like topping of whipped cream or frothy milk. The strange moniker is actually a product of its traditional serving vessel — “bicerin” actualy means “small round glass” in the Piedmontese dialect.
The key to sipping this classic concoction? Don’t stir it. The combo is meant to be savored through its individual components. Plus, that layered look is all part of the charm. Visit the 250-year-old Caffe al Bicerin to sip it in its original habitat, or enjoy the coffee-cocoa combo at any number of Turin’s streetside cafes.
4. Try Gianduja
Few things to do in Turin are as delicious (or quintissentially Turinese) as tasting gianduja. This creamy blend of chocolate and hazelnuts was born in the early 1800s, when cocoa imports were scarce and local chocolatiers stretched their supply with prized Piedmont hazelnuts. The result became Turin’s signature sweet, inspired everything from pralines to the first Nutella.
To savor it like a local, plot a self-guided gianduja tour. Start with a classic gianduiotto at historic Caffarel, sip a decadent bicerin at Caffè Al Bicerin, and finish with modern interpretations at Guido Gobino or Peyrano. Between bites, stroll past Baroque palaces and elegant piazzas — because in Turin, chocolate isn’t just dessert, it’s heritage. Few things to do in Turin offer such a rich (and tasty) history lesson.
5. Visit the Royal Palace Museum
Among the most dazzling things to do in Turin, the Royal Palace Museum (Musei Reali Torino) delivers a full immersion into the city’s royal past. Built in the 16th century for the House of Savoy and later transformed into today’s Musei Reali complex, it’s home to opulent apartments, the Royal Armoury, the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, the Royal Library (complete with works by Leonardo da Vinci), and the Galleria Sabauda. The grounds (especially the Royal Gardens) offer a splendid, peaceful contrast to the richly decorated halls.
Tickets cost about €15 and can be purchased online in advance — essential for weekends and high season. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM (closed Mondays), the palace is best enjoyed early in the morning for quieter halls and cooler gardens. If you’re lucky enough to visit on the first Sunday of the month, admission to many state museums — including this one — is free, making it a perfect stop on any self-guided Turin itinerary.
6. Eat Your Way Through Mercato Centrale Torino
Mercato Centrale Torino is where Turin’s culinary heart beats loudest, making it one of the tastiest things to do in Turin. Opened in 2019 in the city’s historic Porta Palazzo district (also home to Europe’s largest outdoor market) this three-floor food hall spans over 48,000 square feet and packs in nearly 30 artisan vendors, a brewery, a coffee roastery, a cooking school, and plenty of event space.
You can graze your way through Raffaele D’Errico’s fresh bread, sample Moroccan bites from LellaMama, dive into southern Italian street food, or cool off with a cone of creamy gelato. Open daily from early morning to late night (with shorter hours on Mondays and a lively midnight close on Saturdays), the food hall is most enjoyable in mid-morning or after dark for an upbeat dinner-snack vibe. Easy to reach at Piazza della Repubblica, Mercato Centrale Torino offers a full sensory snapshot of Turin’s evolving food scene, all under one delicious roof.
7. Explore the Lavazza Museum
Italy’s proud coffee culture is on full display with a side of flair at the Lavazza Museum. Housed in the striking Nuvola Lavazza complex, the tour unfolds across five themed areas — Casa Lavazza (history of the company), The Fabbrica (coffee’s making journey), The Piazza (espresso rituals and iconic designs), The Atelier (creative advertising and collaborations), and Universo — a 360° multimedia realm that pulls you into a dream-like cloud of visuals, sound and scent.
Upon arrival, you’ll receive a smart espresso cup embedded with RFID, which lets you activate interactive screens, projections, and photo moments as you wander. At the end you get a proper tasting (your choice of a well-pulled special blend or coffee ice cream) and leave with your senses buzzing.
Tickets run about €10 for adults, €8 for under-26s and seniors; free for very young children and certain pass-holders. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m (last entry around 5:30), but weekends and holidays fill up fast. Reserve ahead when you can. Visiting mid-morning on a weekday gives you breathing space for all the interactive bits without long queues.
8. Take Panoramic Photos at Villa della Regina
Perched on a hillside just above the city, Villa della Regina (Queen’s Villa) is both a historic royal vineyard and a garden-filled panorama that captures Turin’s elegance in one glorious vista. Commissioned in the early 1600s by Cardinal Maurizio of Savoy and later transformed by Savoy queens (especially with input from architect Filippo Juvarra), the villa boasts richly frescoed royal apartments (most of which were sadly distroyed during WWII), Italian-style gardens with fountains, terraces, and even its original vineyard. Walking the grounds you’ll discover fountains, grottos, pavilions, and paths framed with green and sky — ideal for photos that capture the city spread out with the Alps as backdrop.
Getting in is simple: full ticket for villa + gardens is about €10, reduced rates (for young adults etc.) drop to around €2, and the gardens alone are cheaper. It’s closed on Mondays; normal hours run approx 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ticket office closes an hour earlier) Tuesday through Sunday. Visit in spring or early autumn for blooming gardens and softer light, and aim for morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and get those golden-hour shots.