Torino a Royal Dream: What to do in 3 days?

AI generated photo

Have you ever dreamed of exploring a city steeped in history, culture, and architecture? Turin, the first capital of Italy, is a destination that promises to enchant and inspire. From its palaces to its vibrant piazzas, Torino offers a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern-day sophistication.

To help you make the most of your Turin trip, I’ve organized a guide to the city’s top attractions, organized by proximity. Whether you have a day or more to explore, this itinerary will ensure you don’t miss a thing.

So, let’s embark on a journey through Turin’s royal heart!

How to spend 3 days in Turin?

Day 1: Piazza Hopping along via Roma

Starting from Porta Nuova train station, we walked straight ahead on via Roma to explore the beautiful piazzas! (P.S. as you walk you will encounter various shops and stores such as Zara, Bershka, Starbucks, souvenir shops…)

Piazza Carlo Felice

This first stop is characterized with a peaceful greenery space of “Giardino Sambuy”. Stroll across and admire the statues and beautiful fountains.

Piazza Carlo Felice, Turin

Piazza CLN

Next stop is Piazza CLN. Here we looked around to find the two beautiful fountains that represent the symbols of Turin’s rivers: Po and Dora. We took a souvenir photo with each and continued our route!

Fountain in Piazza CLN representing Po river in Turin
Fountain in Piazza CLN representing Dora river in Turin

Piazza San Carlo

Piazza San Carlo, Turin

Next up, we explored piazza San Carlo, a grand square surrounded by elegant buildings and shops under the arcades.

There you’ll also find the rampant bull, symbol of the City. Legend has it that stepping on the bull’s testicles and turning 3 times bring good fortune. So, why not make a wish?

The rampant bull-lucky charm and symbol of Turin

Museo Egizio – Egyptian Museum

Just along our way lies Museo Egizio. I’ve always been fascinated by the Egyptian civilization and Turin’s got me covered! This amazing museum has a huge collection of artifacts, statues, mummies and even a whole temple! It’s like stepping back in time and exploring the mysteries of one of the most fascinating civilizations ever.

A collection of artifacts in the Egyptian museum in Turin

An audio guide is also included with the museum tour, providing detailed commentary on each stop within the museum. This enhanced our understanding and appreciation of the exhibits.

A mummy tomb in Egyptian museum, Turin

Dig into delicious Italian food

As we were starving, we stumbled upon PLANET risto café Dal 1994 and decided to give it a try. What a lucky find! If you’re into football, you’ll love the place – it’s filled with signed jerseys of famous players. We ordered some pizzas, and they were delicious.

Galleria Subalpina

We accidently discovered Galleria Subalpina as we were exploring Turin. This shopping arcade has beautiful architecture and elegant shops. Turns out it’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a luxurious shopping experience.

Galleria Subalpina, Turin

Piazza Castello

Continuing our tour, we reached Piazza Castello, a stunning square that serves as the heart of the city and the entrance to the Royal palace. It’s surrounded by impressive historical buildings, including Palazzo Madama, and the Biblioteca Reale. The square offers a beautiful setting to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and royalty of Turin.

Piazza Castello, Turin
Piazza Castello, Turin

Explore the Royal Palace – Palazzo Real

Palazzo Reale is a magnificent royal palace that was once the home of the royal family of Savoy, and is now a popular tourist attraction. The palace boasts decorated interiors, exquisite art collections, offering visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of Italian royalty.

Palazzo Reale, Turin

Day 2: Turin Attractions and Experiences

Marvel at the Mole Antonelliana

Start your morning exploring Mole Antonelliana! This iconic tower is a symbol of Turin, and used to be the tallest building in Europe. It houses two fascinating attractions: the panoramic elevator and the National Museum of Cinema. You can purchase a combined ticket to experience both attractions at a discounted price. Don’t forget to plan your visit by checking Opening Hours and days (I remember Mole Antonelliana is closed on Tuesdays).

Mole Antonelliana, Turin
  • Panoramic elevator Experience: Ascend to the top of the Mole for breathtaking views of Turin. Enjoy beautiful scenery of the city’s historic center, the Alps, and the surrounding countryside. Aim to experience the panoramic elevator early in the morning (the Mole opens at 10am) to avoid long queues. Then take your time to explore the cinema museum.
Turin panoramic views from top of Mole Antonelliana
  • The National Cinema Museum: Delve into the history and evolution of cinema and learn about the pioneers of the big screen through interactive exhibits and classic films screenings.
The national Cinema museum is comprised of several spiral levels
Cinema Artifacts at the national cinema museum

Porta Palatina

After your Cinema Museum tour, embark on a short journey to discover the historic Porta Palatina. It’s approximately a 15-minute walk or a 12-minute bus ride away. I recommend walking to fully immerse yourself in Turin’s ancient atmosphere.

Porta Palatina, an ancient Roman gateway, dating back to the 2nd century AD, is a testament to Turin’s rich history. Originally part of the city’s fortified walls, Porta Palatina offers a glimpse into the Roman era and provides a fascinating contrast to the city’s more modern architecture.

Porta Palatina, Turin

Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

Just a 4-minute walk from Porta Palatina, you can visit Turin’s main cathedral, known for its impressive Baroque architecture and the Holy Shroud, the burial cloth of Jesus Christ.

Chapel of the Holy Shroud
Turin cathedral interior

Palazzo col piercing

Another four minutes walk and you’ll come across Palazzo Col Piercing, a captivating blend of history and contemporary art. The iconic “Baci Urbani” installation adds a unique touch to this historic building, making it a must-see for art lovers and curious travelers alike. We belong to the curious travelers group!

Palazzo col piercing, a pierced building in Turin

Devil’s Gate

As you continue your walk through the historic center of Turin, you’ll come across a spooky door called Portone del Diavolo, or “Devil’s Gate.” This creepy passageway is said to have been used by witches in the past to summon evil spirits. Its scary look and mysterious stories have made it a popular attraction for people who want to learn about Turin’s dark history. So our curiosity drove us to take a look!

Devil's Gate, Turin

Watch a football game on a magical Turin night

Are you a football fan like me? Turin is the home city of the legendary Juventus football team. Just 40 minutes from the city center, you can visit the iconic Juventus Stadium and immerse yourself in the world of football with plenty of activities to do:

  • Experience the vibes of a Juventus match: watching a Juventus game was a dream come true for me especially seeing my favorite player Buffon in action before his retirement. The passionate fans, the roar of the crowd, and the thrill of the game create an unforgettable experience for any football lover.
Juventus stadium
  • Shop and Dine: The stadium houses a vibrant shopping center where you can find a variety of brands and exclusive Juventus merchandise. If you’re planning to watch a game or simply explore the stadium, you’ll find plenty of dining options to satisfy your hunger.
  • Tour Juventus Stadium: I recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance, as they can sell out quickly. I learned this the hard way when I arrived at the stadium and found out that tickets were sold out 🙁 . Back then, I didn’t know I’ll be able to return two years later to watch a game.
  • Explore the Juventus Museum: Step back in time and relive the team’s glorious history at the Juventus Museum. Discover a collection of trophies, memorabilia, and iconic T-shirts worn by legendary players. If you’re planning to tour the stadium and museum, check their operating hours to plan accordingly.
Juventus stadium

Tips for the football game:

  • Always buy tickets from official sources to avoid scams and ensure authenticity.
  • Arrive at least 2 hours before the game to avoid long queues, find your seats, and enjoy the pre-game atmosphere. This also gives you time to explore the stadium as well as merchandise and food stands.
  • There are several security checks to make sure you’re not bringing anything that can be thrown on the field. bottles are not allowed. water
  • Bring your own water to stay hydrated, but dispose of the caps before entering the stadium. Check the stadium’s rules regarding food and drink, as some may allow outside snacks or have designated food areas.
  • Learn the teams’ theme songs and fan chants to immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Singing along will enhance your fun and experience. For me when the theme song plays at the beginning of the game and all the fans wave their flags and scarfs – it was a magical moment.
  • Plan your transportation: Consider public transportation, ride-sharing services, or parking options in advance to avoid any last-minute stress.

Day 3: A day by the Po river

Relax in Parco del Valentino and explore the castle

Parco Valentino in Turin is a delightful urban park that offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The park’s centerpiece is Valentino Castle, once a royal residence, now houses a university. Free guided tours are available, but reservations are required online through their official website.

Po river flows through Parco Valentino, Turin

Just 10-minutes away you’ll find Borgo Medievale, a charming medieval village on the banks of the Po river. Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets, admire the ancient walls and towers, and enjoy scenic views of the Po river. You can also have a snack or lunch in the outdoor cafes along the river.

Medievale in Parco del Valentino, Turin
Medievale in Parco del Valentino, Turin

Climb up the hill for awesome Turin views

Since you’re near the po river, take the bus across the river and climb up the hill of Monte dei Cappuccini to visit the Church of Santa Maria del Monte and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Turin with Mole Antonelliana in the center. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a good photo in my galley, so I used AI to create this image.

AI generated photo

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7 responses to “Torino a Royal Dream: What to do in 3 days?”

  1. Beautiful Torino ! Well shared with beautiful photos and description.💐

  2. Beautiful!

    1. Thank you Angela! 😊

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