Hotels in Turin Province

Turin is a go-to destination for history and art lovers when they visit Italy. Famous for its numerous art galleries, restaurants, churches, palaces, opera houses, piazzas, parks and the like, Turin is a haven for those who want to enjoy good food while viewing a rich culture of art exhibits and iconic architecture.

Having been an annex of France up until World War 1, Turin was an important communication node between France and Italy when it was the capital before Florence. This made Turin a melting pot of different architectural styles from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical periods alike.

How to Get There

Turin itself has its own airport which makes it easy for travelers to go around the city. Torino Caselle is the main airport and from Caselle (via taxi) to the city centre it will only take around 30 minutes.

If you are on a budget, then a bus ride is also a viable and cheaper option. The SADEM and Terravision bus service links the airport to the city centre. Travel time will range from 45-50 minutes the most. The buses depart every 15-30 minutes and run all day (via Terravision). On the flip side, despite the longer travel time, this gives travellers more time to enjoy the scenic view of the city.

Another affordable option is the metro line Torino- Ceres by GTT company. It will cost about 3 euros and around 20 minutes of travel time. However, it is only open until 9 PM.

Getting Around

While taxis, trains, and buses are a common mode of transport in Turin, travellers can also rent a car with companies like Avis and Europcar. One will need to be 23 years old though and if without an EU license, an international driving permit will do.

Top Things to Do

When going around Turin, one must not miss being captivated by Mole Antonelliana. It is also known as Museo Nazionale del Cinema. Started as a synagogue, the iconic structure now houses motion pictures of all genres while giving visitors a 360-degree view across the city.

Another must-see is also the Piazza Castello located in the heart of the historic center of Turin. Hosting two major Baroque structures namely Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) and Palazzo Madama, the two buildings are a testament to the architectural finesse of Filippo Juvarra. Inside the Palazzo Reale is the Civic Museum of Ancient Art which showcases Turin’s artistic history from the start.

One may need some break from the architectural greatness of Turin and what better place to go to than Borgo Medioevale and Parco del Valentino. The two places give tourists a riverside view of the city focusing on the medieval village complete with a castle, shops, and artisan studios. Originally started as an exhibition, it is now maintained as a park for everyone to be mesmerised in.

Meanwhile, you can also check out The Juventus Stadium. Mostly for football (soccer fans), The Stadium (as what locals call it), has a museum and stadium tour for football lovers. Although the two are paid separately, the museum and stadium tour gives you access to locker rooms, a trophy room, and shops where one can buy Juv souvenirs.

After a day’s tour, travelers can also just sit idly by while enjoying hot chocolate or coffee at Piazza San Carlo. The arcaded area shows the classic beautiful squares and avenues of Turin where stylish shops and historic cafes are also found.

What to Eat

As the city itself boasts of museums and fine architecture, one would also appreciate Turin’s food offerings. One among which is Caffe Mulassano located at the Piazza Castello itself. Caffe Mulassano transports you back to the 20th century with its heavy brass, carved wood, and Art Nouveau design. Famous for what they call “tramezzino sandwiches”, the café serves coffee sweet pastries and the like.

Ever heard of Bagna Cauda? Served fondue style, bagna cauda center is the sauce made of anchovies, garlic, and milk. A flame is kept underneath to keep it warm while diners pick any vegetable they like (peppers, celery, fennel, etc) for dipping. Porto di Savona, one of the city’s oldest restaurants and located at the picturesque Piazza Vittorio offers this sumptuous dish.

Turin and truffles go hand in hand. The area itself is rich with this flavorful delicacy that their dishes are either garnished or made from this ingredient. Check Ristorante Solferino and have a taste of their risotto with truffles and/or raw meat with truffles.

Where to Stay

For history lovers out there, Turin overall is a haven. If you want to take in the city’s history further, try the Palazzo Ciablese housed in a 16th Century building in the Roman Quarter. The Turin Palace Hotel, on the other hand gives, travelers a modern and stylish accommodation inside the historic Turin. The rooftop terrace gives an impressive view of the sunset.

Vanchiglia district is an emerging area of Turin which is not so crowded yet compared to its counterparts like San Salvario. Consisting of a historical neighborhood between two rivers and close to Turin University, one will get to have a taste of local life and understand why locals love this lively and bustling area of Turin.

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