What to see in Turin in 2 days: itinerary between Savoy elegance and creative quarters

Why Turin deserves 2 days

Turin surprises first-time visitors. Italy's first capital is not the grey industrial city of popular imagination, but an elegant metropolis with 18 km of arcades, historic cafes, a refined food scene and neighbourhoods undergoing creative transformation. Two days let you appreciate its depth without rushing.

Plan your trip with our guides: where to stay in Turin, where to eat in Turin and how to get to Turin.

Day 1: Historic centre and Savoy landmarks

Morning — Piazza Castello and the Royal Palace

Start at Piazza Castello, the geometric heart of the city. Visit the Royal Palace with its State Apartments and Guarini's Chapel of the Holy Shroud (recently restored). Cross into the Royal Armoury, housing one of Europe's most important weapon collections.

Hidden gem: the Royal Garden behind the palace — a green oasis rarely crowded, with baroque statues and fountains.

Afternoon — Egyptian Museum and Roman Quadrilateral

The Egyptian Museum is the world's oldest dedicated to Nilotic civilization and second in importance only to Cairo. The Gallery of Kings and the tomb of Kha deserve at least two hours. Then plunge into the Roman Quadrilateral: the alleys between Via Garibaldi and Porta Palatina host historic shops, natural wine bars and the Porta Palazzo market — the largest open-air market in Europe.

Walking route: from the Egyptian Museum head up Via Roma beneath the arcades to Piazza San Carlo (Turin's drawing room), then detour into the Quadrilateral.

Evening — Aperitivo and Mole Antonelliana

Piedmontese aperitivo in one of the Quadrilateral's bars (Pastis or Tre Galli). Then ascend the Mole Antonelliana by panoramic lift: the night view at 85 metres over the illuminated Alps is spectacular. If you have time, the Cinema Museum inside is a uniquely immersive experience.

Day 2: Creativity, river and hillside

Morning — San Salvario and Valentino

Explore San Salvario, Turin's most multicultural quarter: brunch at Edit (a former Gio Ponti factory converted into a food hall), then stroll through Parco del Valentino along the Po. The Medieval Village — a philological 1884 reconstruction — is free and atmospheric.

Hidden gem: the Valentino Castle, home to the Architecture faculty, has courtyards open to the public with 17th-century frescoes few people know about.

Afternoon — Hillside and Basilica of Superga

Take the historic Sassi rack railway up to Superga: the Juvarra-designed basilica dominates the city from 672 metres. The royal crypt holds the Savoy tombs. The view spans from the Alps to the Monferrato hills.

Alternative for contemporary art lovers: the GAM (Gallery of Modern Art) and the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo near Porta Susa station.

Evening — Aurora and Barriera di Milano

End by exploring the emerging neighbourhoods: Aurora hosts Lavazza Nuvola (interactive coffee museum with rooftop terrace), while Barriera di Milano offers street art, craft breweries and regenerated cultural spaces. Dinner with tajarin with sausage ragù in a traditional piola.

Practical tips

• Day 1: approximately 8 km entirely under the arcades (perfect even in rain)
• Day 2: approximately 7 km plus rack railway to Superga
• Torino+Piemonte Card 2 days: unlimited museums + GTT transport
• Historic cafes (Bicerin, Al Bicerin, Mulassano) are worth a stop for hot bicerin
• Turin is flat: perfect for exploring by bicycle with ToBike bike sharing