I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Turin, but if you only have 1 day in Turin, there’s still plenty you can see without feeling rushed. Turin has a quiet charm—elegant but unpretentious, with grand piazzas, historic cafés, and a deep love for chocolate. It is my kind of city!
If I had just one day, I’d start with a morning espresso at a classic café, then head to Piazza Castello to soak in the city’s history. The Mole Antonelliana is worth a visit, whether you take the elevator up or just admire it from below. A walk along the Po River adds a nice break before you finish up your day with Turin’s incredible food scene.
Turin is a city best explored at a relaxed pace, even if time is short. Here’s how I’d spend one perfect day in Turin, based on my own experience.
Yes—but only if you’re selective. Turin is a compact city, and that works in your favour. Many of its highlights—Piazza Castello, the Mole Antonelliana, and historic cafés—are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to see a lot without feeling rushed.
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Is 1 Day in Turin Enough?
Yes—but only if you’re selective. Turin is a compact city, and that works in your favour. Many of its highlights—Piazza Castello, the Mole Antonelliana, and historic cafés—are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to see a lot without feeling rushed.
Spending 24 hours in Turin gives you a great introduction to the city. You can experience a bit of everything—grand squares, a riverside stroll, an interesting museum and a taste of gianduiotto—without needing to feel rushed.
If you pick a few highlights and leave time to just take it all in, one day can be enough to appreciate what makes Turin special. And if you like it? Well, there’s always a reason to come back.
What to Do in Turin for a Day
If you’re arriving in Turin by train, you’re in luck—Porta Nuova station puts you within walking distance of the city’s elegant city centre.
Morning
From here, head up Via Roma, a grand boulevard lined with arcades, high-end shops, and historic cafés. In just a few minutes, you’ll reach Piazza San Carlo, one of Turin’s most beautiful squares and the perfect place to start your day.
The wide, open space is framed by Baroque buildings and twin churches—San Carlo Borromeo and Santa Cristina—standing like mirror images at the far end. In the center, the equestrian statue of Emanuele Filiberto, Duke of Savoy, watches over the square.
But before getting too caught up in sightseeing, there’s an important first stop—Caffè San Carlo. This historic café is not only a beautiful one, but also known for its rich espresso and pastries, making it the ideal spot for a traditional Turin breakfast before setting off to explore.
Leaving Caffè San Carlo, continue along Via Roma, where the elegant arcades called porticoes provide a shaded walkway. A short stroll brings you to Piazza Castello, the city’s main square and a hub of history and culture, and is surrounded by some of Turin’s most important landmarks.
At the center stands Palazzo Madama, an architectural blend of medieval and Baroque styles and its stone towers date back to Roman times. Today, it houses the city’s Museum of Ancient Art.
The square opens into Piazzetta Reale, a quieter, enclosed space leading to the Royal Palace of Turin (Palazzo Reale), one of Italy’s UNESCO sites. This former residence of the Savoy kings is a must-see in Turin. Decide whether you want to explore the palace’s lavish interiors or simply admire its grand exterior, giving you more time to see the rest of Turin. Either way, I highly recommend taking a stroll through the Royal Gardens.
Before leaving the square, take a short detour to the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, home to the famed Shroud of Turin. While the shroud itself is rarely on display, the cathedral’s quiet interior is worth a quick visit. For a different perspective, head up the adjacent Bell Tower, where a climb rewards you with sweeping views over Piazza Castello and the rooftops of Turin
Lunch
For lunch, step into Galleria Subalpina, a hidden gem just off Piazza Castello. This elegant 19th-century arcade is a world of its own, with intricate ironwork in the Art Nouveau style, and a glass ceiling that lets in soft natural light. Unlike the more famous shopping galleries in Milan or Naples, this one remains a quieter one.
Here, you have two excellent options for lunch and can recommend either one. Baratti & Milano, a historic café that once served the Italian royal family, is known for its refined Piedmontese dishes and exquisite chocolates.
If you prefer something lighter, Caffè Mulassano is famous for inventing the tramezzino—Italy’s take on the tea sandwich—making it a great spot for a quick but delicious bite.
Afternoon
After lunch, make your way up Via Po, one of Turin’s most famous and iconic streets. Lined with elegant arcades, it offers a mix of bookshops, historic cafés, and vintage stores, all leading toward the river.
Before reaching the river, take a short detour to the Mole Antonelliana, Turin’s most famous landmark. Originally built as a synagogue, this towering structure now houses the National Cinema Museum. Even if you don’t visit the exhibit, taking the panoramic elevator up to the viewing platform is worth it—on a clear day, the view stretches to the Alps.
Returning to Via Po, continue to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Turin’s largest square. The open space, framed by uniform arcades, is lively yet relaxed, with locals gathering at cafés and enjoying the view toward the river. From here, cross Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I, a bridge spanning the Po, leading to one more stop.
On the other side stands Chiesa Parrocchiale della Gran Madre di Dio, a neoclassical church that has a striking resemblance to the Pantheon in Rome. You’ll find locals hanging out on its grand staircase as you get a beautiful view back toward Piazza Vittorio Veneto and the rooftops of Turin.
Evening
As the one day in Turin winds down, take a leisurely walk along the Po River, where the setting sun casts a warm glow over the water. The riverbanks are lined with trees, and you’ll often see locals jogging, cycling, or simply enjoying the fresh air.
For aperitivo, there’s no better place than Piazza Vittorio Veneto. The square comes alive in the evening as people gather at its many bars and cafés, sipping classic drinks like Vermouth or a spritz, paired with small bites. It’s the perfect way to slow down and soak in the atmosphere before dinner.
When it’s time to eat, you have two great options nearby. Magazzino52 offers a refined dining experience with a modern take on Italian cuisine, while Azotea brings a creative, contemporary touch with fusion flavours and a stylish setting. Whether you’re in the mood for classic or inventive, both spots ensure a memorable final meal in Turin.
Final Thoughts
Spending a day in Turin is just enough to get a taste of what this elegant city has to offer, although it is a city that makes for a great short weekend break. Its compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, from grand piazzas and royal palaces to historic cafés and scenic river walks. Beyond its architecture and food, Turin has a unique charm—less touristy than other Italian cities, yet interesting enough to make it worth a visit.
If you enjoyed Turin, there’s so much more to see in northern Italy! From the stylish streets of Milan to the romantic shores of Lake Como and the Shakespearean beauty of Verona, each city has its own reasons to visit.
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