Turin in 24 Hours: One-Day Turin Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Your one-day Turin itinerary

• Breakfast: Platti Caffè
• Morning: Piazza San Carlo, Cinema Lux, museum visit (Egyptian Museum, Palazzo Carignano, Palazzo Madama, or National Museum of Cinema)
• Lunch: Ristorante del Cambio ($$$) or Tabui: Ristorante di Tartufi ($$) or Pino & Pino ($)
• Afternoon: Galleria Subalpina, Royal Palace of Turin, Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista, Palatine Gate (optional)
• Dinner: Mercato Centrale Torino
• Alternative: Monte dei Capuccini viewpoint and dinner at the Al Monte Dei Cappuccini

Breakfast: Platti Caffè

Start your one day in Turin at Platti Caffè, one of Turin’s oldest and most iconic cafes. Established in 1875, this historic cafe is known for its luxurious interior and impeccable service.

Order a classic Italian breakfast of cappuccino and a fresh croissant or try a bicerin, Turin’s famous coffee-chocolate drink layered with cream.

Piazza San Carlo

Once you finish your breakfast, head to the Piazza San Carlo, often called Turin’s “living room.” This elegant square features the twin churches of Santa Cristina and San Carlo Borromeo and is surrounded by stunning baroque buildings and lined with charming cafes.

Cinema Lux

Take a short stroll to Cinema Lux, an iconic cinema with beautiful art deco interiors. While it’s primarily a movie theater, the architecture is worth a quick look. It’s a great spot to snap a photo before heading to your next destination.

Depending on your next choice, you can visit Cinema Lux either before or after the museum. Also, it won’t take long to see Cinema Lux, and thanks to its central location it can be easily implemented in your one-day Turin itinerary.

Museum Visit

Turin is home to several world-class museums, and some of the best secrets are hidden behind closed doors. Depending on your interests, these landmarks are essential stops for any Turin itinerary for first-time visitors.

Egyptian Museum: Known as one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts outside of Egypt, this museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Palazzo Carignano: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning palace houses the Museum of the Risorgimento, dedicated to the unification of Italy.

Palazzo Madama: Located in Piazza Castello, this palace is both a historic landmark and an art museum.

National Museum of Cinema: Housed in the Mole Antonelliana, this museum offers an interactive experience of the history of cinema. Don’t forget to take the panoramic elevator to enjoy stunning city views.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to visit all these museums, so pick one of the options and spend the rest of the morning exploring the real beauty of Turin. In case you are not into museums, you can sleep in and use this time for shopping instead.

Lunch: Ristorante del Cambio, Tabui or Pino & Pino

Turin’s culinary scene is diverse, and for lunch, you have three excellent options depending on your budget and preferences:

• Ristorante del Cambio ($$$): For a luxurious experience, dine at this historic restaurant, which has been serving Piedmontese cuisine since 1757. Signature dishes include risotto al Barolo and vitello tonnato.
• Tabui: Ristorante di Tartufi ($$): If you’re a truffle lover, this mid-range restaurant offers a variety of truffle-based dishes that highlight Piedmont’s culinary excellence.
• Pino & Pino ($): For a budget-friendly option, this casual eatery serves delicious local dishes with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you eat, pair your meal with a glass of Barolo or Barbera wine, two of the region’s famous varieties. This is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Turin.

Galleria Subalpina

After lunch, visit Galleria Subalpina, a charming 19th-century arcade filled with boutiques and cafes. Stop by Baratti & Milano, a historic chocolate shop and cafe, to buy some souvenirs or to savor Turin’s famous chocolates.

Royal Palace of Turin

The Royal Palace of Turin (Palazzo Reale) is a must-visit destination on your one-day Turin itinerary. Once the residence of the powerful Savoy family, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a perfect sample of Turin’s royal history.

Step inside and explore the lavish interiors, which feature baroque and rococo designs. Highlights include the Throne Room, the Ballroom, the Royal Armory, and the Royal Apartments, each more stunning than the last.

After exploring the palace interiors, step into the Royal Gardens, designed by the landscape architect André Le Nôtre, who also created the gardens of Versailles. 

If you are still wondering what to see in Turin in one day, Royal Palace is an absolute must.

📖 Private Turin Royal Palace Tour with Holy Shroud Chapel & Armory
📖 Small-group Royal Palace Skip-the-line Tour
📖 Turin: Royal Palace Guided Tour

Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista

A short walk away is the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista, Turin’s main cathedral. This 15th-century church is home to the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, which houses the famous Shroud of Turin (though the actual shroud is rarely displayed).

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, which makes it one of the best free things to do in Turin.

Palatine Gate (Optional)

If you have time, visit the Palatine Gate, one of the best-preserved Roman gates in the world. It’s a fascinating reminder of Turin’s ancient past and makes for a quick, interesting stop. This is a great addition to a Turin travel itinerary.

Dinner: Mercato Centrale Torino

For dinner, head to Mercato Centrale Torino, a lively food market offering a variety of cuisines and local specialties. From fresh pasta to gourmet pizza, you can sample a bit of everything here. This stop is a highlight of any one-day Turin itinerary.

Alternative: Monte dei Capuccini viewpoint

In case you want to skip the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista and Palatine Gate or don’t feel like eating at the market, take a short trip to the Monte dei Cappuccini viewpoint. 

This hilltop offers panoramic views of Turin, especially stunning at sunset. After enjoying the views, dine at Al Monte Dei Cappuccini, a charming restaurant known for its traditional Piedmontese dishes.

This can be a great extension of your one-day Turin itinerary in case you are visiting Piedmont during summer when days get longer and sun sets later.

Do you have an extra day in Piedmont? Visit La Venaria Reale near Turin

This masterpiece of Baroque architecture was originally constructed in the 17th century as a hunting retreat for Duke Charles Emmanuel II of Savoy. Today, it stands as a sample of Italy’s rich cultural heritage, earning its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inside, you’ll find beautiful halls decorated with frescoes, each room more splendid than the last. The Galleria Grande, with its stunning vaulted ceilings and endless rows of windows, is the palace’s highlight.

Once you have seen the interior, it is time to visit the gardens, which feature geometric flowerbeds, fountains, and sculptures.

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.

Useful travel tips to know before visiting Turin

How to arrive to Turin? 

Arriving in Turin by air

Turin Airport (Aeroporto di Torino-Caselle) is about 16 km from the city center. It serves both domestic and international flights. From there you can easily reach the center by bus, train or taxi.

• Train: The GTT train connects the airport to the Dora station in Turin in about 20 minutes.
• Bus: SADEM buses run every 15–30 minutes to Porta Susa and Porta Nuova stations in the city.
• Taxi/Car: A taxi ride to the center takes around 30 minutes.

Arriving in Turin by train

High-speed trains make Turin easily accessible, with a travel time of just 1 hour from Milan and 4 hours from Rome. Turin has two main train stations:

• Porta Nuova Station: Located in the city center, it’s ideal if you’re arriving from Milan, Rome, or Florence via high-speed trains like Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa or Italo.
• Porta Susa Station: The second-largest station, often used for international routes and connections from France, such as the TGV from Paris.

Arriving in Turin by bus

Long-distance bus companies like FlixBus, Itabus, and BlaBlaCar Bus operate routes to Turin from major cities in Italy and Europe. Buses arrive at stations near Porta Susa or at Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.

Where to stay in Turin?

Turin is the fourth-largest city in Italy, so staying in a central location is highly recommended. The Piazza San Carlo area is an excellent choice, offering easy access to all the major attractions on foot. Additionally, it provides convenient connections to public transportation.

• Luxury: Royal Palace Hotel (some rooms have an amazing view!)
• Mid-range: Corte Realdi Luxury Rooms Torino
• Affordable: Hotel Torino Porta Susa

How to move around Turin?

Getting around Turin is straightforward, thanks to its well-organized public transportation and walkable city center. The historic center is compact, making walking one of the best ways to explore major attractions in Turin. 

For longer distances, the city offers an efficient public transport network, including trams, buses, and a single metro line. Tickets can be purchased at newsstands, tobacco shops, or vending machines and must be validated upon boarding.

Taxis are available but can be expensive compared to other options. If you prefer flexibility but don’t want to pay for every taxi ride, renting a bike or electric scooter is a fun and eco-friendly way to move around.

In conclusion…

This is the end of your itinerary and I am sure you have a fun day in Turin ahead of you. Despite the limited time, you can still see the best of Turin and tick it off your bucket list.

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.