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Why Turin Should Be Your Next Weekend Destination

Experience authentic Italian big city life without the tourist crowds

Why Turin Should Be Your Next Weekend Destination

Tucked away in the northwestern corner of Italy lies a city that often slips under the radar of international tourists, yet offers everything you could want in a perfect weekend getaway. Turin (Torino in Italian), the elegant capital of our beloved Piemonte region, is a treasure trove of culture, history, gastronomy, and world-renowned wine. Whether you’re a foodie, a wine lover, an architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a sophisticated escape, Turin deserves a top spot on your travel wishlist.

A City of Elegance and History

As you arrive in Turin, one of the first things you’ll notice is the city’s grandeur. Broad boulevards lined with leafy trees, elegant porticoes, majestic palazzos, and historic piazzas give Turin an unmistakably regal air. That’s no surprise; this was once the first capital of a unified Italy and the seat of the powerful House of Savoy.

Turin’s architecture is a captivating blend of Baroque, Renaissance, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau. The stunning Piazza San Carlo, with its twin churches and central equestrian statue, sets the tone for the city’s grandeur. A short walk away, Piazza Castello houses the Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama, two architectural gems with centuries of royal history.

And then there’s the Mole Antonelliana, Turin’s iconic tower that pierces the skyline. Originally conceived as a synagogue, it now houses the National Cinema Museum, and the panoramic lift to the top offers breathtaking views over the city and the Alps beyond.

The Birthplace of Slow Food and Italian Aperitivo Culture

Turin is more than just a visual feast, it’s a culinary haven. As the capital of Piemonte, it lies at the heart of Italy’s slow food movement, born in nearby Bra. This philosophy celebrates local ingredients, traditional recipes, and the joy of taking your time over a meal. In Turin, every bite feels intentional.

You’ll find historic cafés like Caffè Al Bicerin (home of the famous chocolate-coffee drink of the same name), bustling food markets like Porta Palazzo, and modern trattorias showcasing the best of Piemontese cuisine (two Piemontissimo favourites are Al Gatto Nero and Pescheria Gallina). Dishes like tajarin al tartufo, vitello tonnato, and agnolotti del plin celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the region.

No trip to Turin is complete without enjoying an aperitivo. Unlike in other parts of Italy, where aperitivo means a simple drink and a few nibbles, Turin has elevated this tradition into an art form. Bars throughout the city; from trendy spots in San Salvario to upscale lounges near Via Lagrange — serve elegant cocktails accompanied by abundant small plates. It’s the perfect prelude to a long, indulgent dinner.

A World-Class Wine Region at Your Doorstep

Piemonte is home to some of the world’s most prestigious wines; and Turin is the perfect base for discovering them. Even if you don’t venture into the rolling hills of Barolo, Barbaresco, or the Alta Langa, you’ll find their finest bottles proudly featured on menus throughout the city.

Whether you’re sipping a glass of Barolo with rich meat dishes, enjoying a Barbera over a casual lunch, or toasting the evening with a crisp Alta Langa spumante, you’ll quickly understand why Piemonte is a paradise for wine lovers. Many bars and enotecas in Turin also offer wine tastings, where you can try rare vintages and small-batch labels you won’t find anywhere else.

Don’t miss Enoteca Rossorubino, Tre Galli, or La Drogheria for curated wine experiences that feel both luxurious and accessible.

A Vibrant Mix of Old and New

Turin isn’t stuck in the past,  it’s a living, breathing city with a creative and youthful spirit. Wander through the Quadrilatero Romano, the city’s ancient Roman neighborhood, and you’ll discover a lively mix of bars, boutiques, art galleries, and late-night haunts. The nearby district of San Salvario is a multicultural melting pot known for its street food, street art, and some of the best nightlife in northern Italy.

For culture lovers, Turin is home to world-class museums like the Egyptian Museum, which boasts the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities outside Cairo. The Museo dell’Automobile and the Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano are equally fascinating for history buffs.

Turin also pulses with creativity — from design fairs and book festivals to contemporary art shows and jazz concerts. Each season brings a new reason to visit.

A Relaxed Yet Sophisticated Pace

What makes Turin particularly appealing for a weekend getaway is its balance. It’s a city that offers all the elegance of Milan and the culture of Florence, without the crowds. You can take your time here. Stroll along the Po River. Enjoy a long lunch under the porticoes. Spend a lazy morning sipping cappuccino and watching the world go by in Piazza Vittorio Veneto. There’s no rush – and that’s exactly the point.

For wellness lovers, Turin is also surrounded by nature. You can take a walk through the Parco del Valentino, explore the hilltop Monte dei Cappuccini, or even venture out for a day trip to the vineyards or the Alps.

Perfectly Connected — Yet Off the Beaten Path

Reaching Turin is surprisingly easy. It’s well-connected by train (just 1 hour from Milan and 4.5 hours from Paris), and Turin-Caselle Airport receives flights from many major European cities. But unlike Italy’s better-known cities, Turin has preserved its local soul. You won’t find tourist traps on every corner;  instead, you’ll discover a city that welcomes visitors on its own terms.

Turin is also well connected to the Piemontese wine districts around Asti and Alba. In less than an hour you can reach Asti from where you can connect to the local line crossing through wine towns like Costigliole d’Asti, Castagnole delle Lanze and Neive. Read more about the traveling with train in Piemonte here. 

Plan Your Weekend in Turin

If you’re planning a weekend in Turin, here’s a quick itinerary idea:

Friday evening: Arrive, check into a boutique hotel in the city center, and head to San Salvario for drinks and a casual dinner.
Saturday: Start with coffee at Caffè Torino, visit the Palazzo Reale, and have lunch at Tre Galline or Consorzio. In the afternoon, explore the Egyptian Museum or the Cinema Museum, then enjoy aperitivo in Piazza Vittorio followed by dinner and a bottle of Barolo.
Sunday: Take a morning stroll along the Po River, visit Parco del Valentino, and end your trip with lunch and a glass of Alta Langa bubbles before heading home.

Final Thoughts

Turin is a city of quiet surprises. It doesn’t shout for your attention, but it rewards those who come with a deep and lasting impression. With its refined architecture, world-class food and wine, and vibrant cultural scene, Turin is the weekend destination you didn’t know you needed – until now.

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