Turin has long been on my radar, and while planning my month-long trip to northern Italy, I finally got to add a visit here, and I’m so glad I did! If you have 2 days in Turin, you’ll get just enough time to appreciate its elegant streets, historic cafés, and the quiet charm that sets it apart from other Italian cities.
I spent a few days wandering through its grand piazzas, sampling its local Piedmontese cuisine, and soaking in its mix of old-world and modern city life. But if I had to do it again in just two days, here’s how I’d make the most of it—without rushing.
From the city’s best architecture to local bites and a touch of royal history, this itinerary for 48 hours in Turin gives you a balance of culture, food, and slow travel moments. Whether you’re here for the museums or just want to sip a bicerin while people-watching, Turin has its own way of making you want to stay longer.
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Day 1 of 2 Days in Turin: Exploring the City Centre
The historic centre is compact, so you can see a lot without rushing. If you prefer a guided experience, there are great walking tours that cover the highlights. Otherwise, here’s how I’d spend the first day exploring on my own.
This itinerary is not broken down by time—morning, afternoon, and evening—so you can explore at your own pace. There’s no pressure to rush from one site to the next. How long you spend in each place is up to you, whether you prefer a quick look or a deeper dive, taking stock of what you might want to return to on your second day in Turin.
Here’s what I recommend you see on your first day.
Piazza Castello – The heart of Turin. This massive famous Turin square is surrounded by palaces and museums, including Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) and Palazzo Madama. Even if you don’t go inside, take a moment to admire them.
Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist and its tower – Turin’s main cathedral, home to the Chapel of the Holy Shroud. You can also climb the bell tower for a great city view, and it’s located near the Royal Palace. Make your way back to Piazza Costello.
Via Roma – A straight shot from Piazza Castello, this elegant street is lined with shops and cafés. It’s lined with beautiful arcades, and I love to window-shop as I walk enjoying the mix of high-end stores and local boutiques. It leads to the next stop.
Piazza San Carlo – Turin’s “living room.” This square has twin churches and the famous Caffè Torino and Caffè San Carlo, perfect for a mid-morning espresso and a bit of people-watching.
Piazza Carignano – Just a short walk away, this charming square is home to Palazzo Carignano, one of Italy’s most important historical buildings and where Italy’s first parliament met. It’s a gorgeous spot for a photo.
Piazza Carlo Alberto – A quieter square just behind Piazza Carignano, with a statue of Carlo Alberto and home to Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano where you can learn more about Italy’s unification.
Galleria Subalpina – A beautiful, covered passageway near Piazza Carignano and Piazza Carlo Alberto, filled with historic charm. This is a perfect lunch stop for a classic Turin café experience. Two great options: Baratti & Milano, a historic café that once served the Italian royal family, or Caffè Mulassano famous for a light tramezzino—Italy’s take on the tea sandwich.
Via Po – A beautiful arcade-lined street leading towards the river. Along the way, stop at a historic café like Caffè Fiorio, this also can be a great lunch spot.
Mole Antonelliana – Take a slight detour on Via Montebello to admire the symbol of Turin. You can take the elevator to the top for a view of the city. The building also houses the National Cinema Museum if you’re interested in film history this might be something you visit on your second day. Then make your way back to Via Po until you reach your next stop.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto – The city’s largest square, and a great spot to relax with an aperitivo.
Gran Madre di Dio – Cross the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I bridge to reach this neoclassical church, which offers a nice view back over the city.
After crossing the bridge, take a stroll along the riverfront promenade to unwind. This surrounding area is perfect for soaking in the sunset as locals gather to chat with friends on Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
I recommend dining in this area and have two excellent choices nearby: Magazzino 52, offering a refined twist on Italian classics, or Azotea.
Day 2 of Two Days in Turin: Deeper Cultural Exploration
After a full first day of seeing the major sights, Day 2 is all about truly experiencing Turin at your own pace.
Today, I recommend focusing on a deeper cultural exploration. This is where you choose what interests you most—whether it’s museums, historical sites, or simply wandering through different neighbourhoods.
Spend time soaking it all in without rushing; slow travel is about immersing yourself in what fascinates you and enjoying the moments. I’ve mixed recommendations that cover history, art, and local life, but how you spend your day is entirely up to you.
My suggestion is to choose two things from this list, one for the morning and one for the afternoon allowing you time to enjoy a few breaks for a coffee or gelato and a long leisurely lunch too.
Take your time, explore at your leisure, and let Turin’s rich culture unfold around you.
Museums
If you’re keen on diving deeper into Turin’s culture, these museums are must-sees:
- Museo Egizio – Home to one of the most important collections of Egyptian artifacts outside of Egypt. You can explore ancient mummies, statues, and fascinating relics that tell the story of this ancient civilization. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to truly appreciate it.
- Museo Nazionale del Cinema (National Cinema Museum) – Housed in the Mole Antonelliana, this museum offers a deep dive into the history of cinema. It’s an interactive experience with exhibits on film technology, cinema history, and even a breathtaking view of the city from the top. Around 1-2 hours should be enough.
- Galleria Sabauda – A fine art gallery displaying works from the Renaissance to the Baroque period, including pieces by famous artists like Caravaggio and Van Dyck. It’s a quiet, beautiful place to spend 1-2 hours.
Historical Sites
Royal Palace of Turin (Palazzo Reale): One of the city’s most significant historical sites and reason to visit as this palace was once home to the Royal House of Savoy, who ruled over Italy.
The UNESCO-listed palace complex includes beautifully furnished rooms, a stunning courtyard, and the Armeria Reale, where you can see armour and weapons from centuries past. Don’t miss the Royal Gardens for a peaceful stroll. Allow 2-3 hours to fully explore the palace and its grounds.
Neighbourhoods
- Quadrilatero Romano – Turin’s oldest district, full of narrow, cobbled streets lined with lively restaurants, bars, and artisan shops. It’s a great place to wander and experience the local vibe. Be sure to check out the Porta Palatina, an ancient Roman gate, and the Piazza della Consolata, a beautiful square with the iconic Santuario della Consolata church. The neighbourhood is perfect for spending a couple of hours at a slow-footed pace.
- Cit Turin – If you’re into Art Nouveau architecture, head to Cit Turin. This neighbourhood is famous for its stunning Art Nouveau buildings, featuring intricate details and elegant facades. Take a walk around Corso Francia to admire the beautiful villas and the best one of all is Casa Fenoglio-Lafleur designed by Pietro Fenoglio, the founder of the Liberty style of Art Nouveau in Italy. This area offers a quiet, charming atmosphere away from the tourist crowds.
Final Thoughts
Turin makes for an ideal weekend getaway, offering just the right amount of time to both see and truly experience the city. There’s enough to keep you busy without feeling rushed. Whether you’re exploring museums, wandering charming neighbourhoods, or soaking in the city’s rich history, Turin offers a slower, more immersive pace of travel that leaves you wanting to return.
For more travel inspiration and tips on planning your trip to Italy, be sure to visit my Italy page.
