Top Things to Do in Turin
Of all the cities I visited in northern Italy during my week long vacation, Turin was the highlight and my absolute favourite. There was something about it that felt very fairytale-esque, which is right up my alley. I was only in Turin for two days, but in this post, I'll share my top things to see and do in the city. I hope this post inspires you to plan your own trip or, if you’ve already been to Turin, to share your favourite spots in the comments below!
Museo Egizio – The Egyptian archaeological museum
Visiting the Museo Egizio was one of my favourite experiences in Turin. It is the world’s oldest museum dedicated entirely to ancient Egyptian culture and an absolute must when in the city. Founded in 1824, it is considered the most important collection of Egyptian antiquities outside of Cairo.
The museum is filled with incredible artifacts, from statues and papyrus to sarcophagi and everyday objects that bring ancient Egypt to life. At first, the size of the museum felt a bit overwhelming, but walking through 4000 years of history, art, and archaeology was really fascinating. One thing I really loved was the videos explaining how to read hieroglyphs, which was a really nice touch!
I booked my ticket to the Museo Egizio the day before, but since I was not there during peak season, it was not a problem. If you are planning your visit in the summer, I definitely recommend booking in advance! Full price tickets are 18 euros, but I paid a reduced student rate of 3 euros. The museum offers different ticket options, including guided tours. If you want to book a ticket or read more about the museum, you can click this link!
Monte dei Cappuccini - beautiful viewpoint over the city
If you've read some of my other blog posts or you know me personally, you know I’m a sucker for viewpoints. It doesn’t matter how long I have to walk or which mountains I need to climb—if I know there’s a pretty viewpoint, I have to see it. In Turin, that pretty viewpoint is on Monte dei Cappuccini.
Monte dei Cappuccini is a small hill in Turin, about 200 meters from the right bank of the River Po. This hill has been used for defensive purposes since antiquity, as it overlooks one of the most important crossing points of the river. At the top of Monte dei Cappuccini, you’ll find the Church of Santa Maria al Monte dei Cappuccini, and this is also where the viewpoint is located!
The viewpoint offers spectacular views of the city and the surrounding Alps. On a clear day, you can see very far, but it has a magical charm even when the weather’s a bit cloudy. The Church of Santa Maria al Monte is an example of late Renaissance architecture, with beautiful baroque-style decorations—and it’s definitely worth your time!
Walk alongside the Po river
Nature and I are a great combination, and whenever I’m in a big city, I tend to seek out places that bring me peace of mind. Turin has some beautiful nature spots, and my favourite is the River Po with its surrounding banks.
On both sides of the Po, you’ll find charming parks perfect for a walk, like Parco del Valentino and Parco Ignazio Michelotti. If you stroll along the river, you’ll definitely spot some breathtaking views!
Visit the centre: Piazza San Carlo and Mole Antonelliana
I know this is probably very obvious, but the centre of Turin is absolutely stunning and definitely one of the highlights! The Mole Antonelliana is the most famous landmark in Turin. It was originally conceived as a synagogue before being purchased by the Municipality of Turin and transformed into a monument to national unity.
Personally, I didn’t visit inside the Mole Antonelliana, but it’s good to know that it’s currently home to the National Cinema Museum. The visiting hours for the building depend on the museum’s hours, so it’s worth checking ahead. From what I’ve heard, you can visit the Mole Antonelliana by exploring the National Cinema Museum, which lets you appreciate the building from the ground floor. For those who love panoramic views (like yours truly), you can take the panoramic elevator to the highest point accessible to visitors.
Another beautiful landmark is Piazza San Carlo, a stunning Baroque-style square laid out in the 16th and 17th centuries. What I really loved about this square were the beautiful twin churches of Santa Cristina and San Carlo Borromeo, located on the south side of the square. They reminded me of Piazza del Popolo in Rome!
Conclusion
I hope that through this article, I’ve been able to convey some of my enthusiasm for Turin. I’m not sure if it was the weather, the architecture, or the general atmosphere, but the city truly felt like a little fairytale. I felt so comfortable and calm in Turin, which is always appreciated when you travel solo as a woman. I would love to return someday and explore even more of this beautiful city! If you have any hidden gems in Turin or other recommendations, I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
