10 Best Photo Spots in Turin for Stunning Turin Photography

10 most Instagrammable places in Turin and photography tips

1. Piazza San Carlo

Piazza San Carlo, often called the “living room of Turin,” is a masterpiece of Baroque urban design. Surrounded by elegant arcades and historic buildings, the square is one of the best photo spots in Turin.

At its center stands the equestrian statue of Emanuele Filiberto, a tribute to the Duke of Savoy. On either side of the piazza, you’ll find the twin churches of Santa Cristina and San Carlo Borromeo. 

Considering the importance of this square, it gets crowded during the day. If you want to avoid crowds, you will have to wake up early.

2. Monte dei Capuccini

Monte dei Cappuccini offers one of the best views of Turin, making it a must-visit destination. This hill is home to a charming 17th-century church and monastery that overlooks the city. 

From its terrace, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Turin’s skyline, with the iconic Mole Antonelliana standing tall against the backdrop of the Alps. This is one of the top places in Turin to take pictures at sunset, so plan accordingly.

3. Piazza Castello & Palazzo Reale di Torino

Piazza Castello is Turin’s historic and cultural center. This big square is surrounded by some of the city’s most significant landmarks, including the Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama, and Teatro Regio.

You will want to photograph the beauty of the square and the exterior of the palaces. Even if you have limited time, you should visit Palazzo Reale di Torino. Once the residence of the powerful Savoy family, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must.

Step inside and explore the lavish interiors featuring baroque and rococo designs. Highlights include the Throne Room, the Ballroom, the Royal Armory, and the Royal Apartments, each more stunning than the last. Royal Gardens is another great photo spot in Turin.

4. Galleria Subalpina

Located between Piazza Castello and Piazza Carlo Alberto, the Galleria Subalpina is a hidden photo spot in Turin. Built in the 19th century, this arcade exemplifies elegance with its iron and glass structure and intricate decorative details. 

Inside, you’ll find a selection of quaint shops, cafés, and bookstores. Baratti & Milano, a historic chocolate shop and cafe, is an absolute must and a great place for coffee & souvenir shopping.

Its design features a glass ceiling and ironwork. The natural light coming through the ceiling creates a soft glow, perfect for capturing stunning photos. Its timeless beauty makes it a perfect photography spot in Turin.

5. Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista

The Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista is Turin’s main cathedral. It is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. Built in the late 15th century, the cathedral has a simple exterior but a richly decorated interior.

The cathedral is famous for housing the Shroud of Turin, one of Christianity’s most important relics. The chapel where the shroud is kept is a popular attraction. You can also climb the nearby bell tower for a fantastic view of Turin.

I was surprised to see Piazza San Giovanni completely empty in the middle of the day during summer. However, I would still recommend golden hour for a softer light and beautiful warm tones.

It is open from 9 am to 12.30 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm on the weekends. On weekdays it is open from 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 4 pm to 7 pm. The entrance is free.

6. Cinema Lux

Cinema Lux is a historic theater located on Via Po. Its Art Deco design makes it stand out from the surrounding buildings. The bold facade and retro neon signs are eye-catching and make it a unique photo spot in Turin.

It still shows movies today. However, you can still go inside and take photos of the beautiful gallery (the photo above was taken before the ticket check!). Try to avoid evenings and late afternoons when Cinema Lux gets crowded.

7. Parco del Valentino

Parco del Valentino, located along the west bank of the Po River, is one of the biggest public parks in the city. This park has earned recognition as “The Best Italian Park” after being selected from among the fifteen best Italian parks.

The park spans over 50 hectares. Within the park, you’ll find historic landmarks like the Castello del Valentino, a 17th-century castle that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

One of the park’s unique attractions is the Borgo Medievale, a replica of a 15th-century medieval village. Additionally, the park is home to the famous street lamps that appear to be sitting on a bench together.

The park is open year-round and free to enter. Spring and autumn are particularly stunning, as the park’s foliage changes with the seasons. It’s easily accessible by public transport or on foot from the city center. 

8. Palazzo Madama

Palazzo Madama is located in the center of Piazza Castello. This building has a mix of medieval and Baroque architecture, making it visually unique. It started as a Roman gate and evolved over the centuries.

Today, it houses the Museo Civico d’Arte Antica, where you can see art and artifacts from Turin’s past. The grand staircase inside is a popular Instagram spot in Turin. From the rooftop terrace, you can enjoy stunning views of the city. 

The entrance fee is 11 euros. The palace is open from 10 am to 6 pm, with the last entrance one hour before closing time. It is closed on Tuesdays.

9. Most Instagrammable cafes in Turin

Turin is famous for its historic cafés. These cafés combine history, elegance, and delicious treats, making them some of the best Instagrammable spots in Turin.

Caffè Platti is one of the oldest and most luxurious cafés in Turin. It dates back to 1875 and is known for its opulent interiors. The café serves classic Italian pastries, chocolates, and the famous bicerin, a local coffee-chocolate drink.

Baratti & Milano, located in Galleria Subalpina, is another iconic café with a long history. It was founded in 1858 and became a favorite of the royal family. The café is famous for its artisanal chocolates and desserts. 

Caffè Torino, situated in the busy Piazza San Carlo, is a popular photo spot in Turin. The café has an Art Nouveau style, with golden details and a relaxed ambiance.

Don’t forget to look for the lucky bull mosaic on the floor outside the café. Tradition says that stepping on it brings good fortune.

10. La Venaria Reale

La Venaria Reale is a beautiful palace located just outside Turin. Built in the 17th century, it was originally a hunting lodge for the royal family. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most impressive palaces.

The interiors are stunning, with unique ceilings and grand halls. The gardens are just as beautiful, with fountains, lawns, and seasonal flowers. But the real showstopper is the Galleria Grande, which will take your breath away.

Practical information for visiting the La Venaria Reale

Located about 20 kilometers from Turin, Venaria Reale is easy to reach and well-connected to the city center. The easiest way to get there is by taking the Venaria Express, which departs from Piazza Vittorio Veneto and Piazza Castello every hour.

La Venaria Reale is open from 9.30 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. The last entrance is one hour before closing time, however, you will need at least 2 hours to visit the palace and gardens. If you want to avoid crowds, make sure you visit La Venaria Reale before closing time. 

The entrance fee is 20 euros. It includes admission to the Reggia, the Gardens, and the current exhibitions. Otherwise, you can buy a ticket for 16 euros that includes Reggia and the Gardens.

In conclusion…

This is the end of the best photo spots in Turin, and I’m sure you are impatient to discover this underrated Italian city. Trust me, your camera will be working overtime during your trip!

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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