Is Turin worth visiting? After spending three nights in this charming Italian city, I can confidently say yes. Located at the foot of the Alps, Turin surprised me with its elegant streets and amazing art nouveau architecture.
As I strolled through its grand piazzas and sipped decadent hot chocolate in century-old cafes, I couldn’t help but wonder why this gem remains off the typical tourist radar. Turin might not have the immediate draw of Rome or Florence, but that’s exactly what makes it special.
It’s a city of quiet charm, where café culture thrives, and the Alps peek through the skyline. Of course, it’s not for everyone—if you’re chasing postcard-perfect landmarks or a busy nightlife, you might be left wanting. But for those who appreciate slow travel and a more authentic slice of Italian life, I will uncover why Turnin might just be Italy’s best-kept secret.
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Is Turin Italy Worth Worth Visiting? The Reality of an Overlooked Destination

I’ll be honest—Turin does have its challenges.
Its location in the northwest means it’s a bit out of the way compared to Italy’s main tourist hubs, so getting here takes more effort, especially if you’re relying on public transportation.
I spent a month touring northern Italy, exploring cities like Verona, Lake Como, Genoa, and Milan. To get to Turin, I took a train from Genoa after spending a couple of relaxing days, and when it was time to leave, I caught another train heading to Milan—a convenient route for this part of Italy.
Initially, I had hoped to include a side trip to France or Switzerland, but the logistics proved challenging since I was travelling exclusively by train. While cities like Lyon in France (of 4+ hours by train) or Geneva in Switzerland (just over 3 hours by train) are relatively close, fitting them into my schedule felt like too much of a detour.

Most visitors I noticed were business travellers, so the city doesn’t cater much to tourists.
As I tried to chat with locals, I often hit a language barrier, and even when we could communicate, Turinese seemed a bit reserved compared to the laid-back locals in southern Italy. Even Italians have a saying about their own people—the farther north you go, the snobbier they become.
I’d also say Turin isn’t ideal for Italy first-timers as you need to dig deeper to appreciate its charms and it requires a bit more planning and flexibility, especially if you want to explore beyond the city center.
But for those who enjoy digging a little deeper and connecting with a place on a cultural level, Turin offers an experience that feels refreshingly authentic.
Is Turin Worth Visiting? Reasons Why I Think It Is!

When I first planned my trip to Turin, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s not the kind of city that gets as much attention as Rome, Florence, or Venice, but after spending time here, I found that Turin offers plenty of reasons to visit—especially if you’re looking for something a little different from Italy’s usual tourist spots.
Turin sits along the banks of the Po River, giving the city a picturesque backdrop that adds to its charm, and here’s why I think Turin is worth visiting.
Turin’s History: A City That Shaped Italy

Turin’s history is what first drew me in. Did you know it was once the capital of Italy? Walking its streets, you can feel the weight of its past, from its Roman roots to its role in Italian unification.
I visited Piazza Castello, surrounded by grand palaces, and strolled through Porta Palatina, a striking Roman gate that has stood for centuries. For a deeper dive, the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento offers interesting insights into how Italy became a united nation.
Turin’s Architecture: A Blend of Elegance and Art Nouveau

The city is known for its Art Nouveau movement, known locally as “floral style”. I was happy to wander through neighbourhoods like San Donato and Cit Turin reminded me of Brussels, where I could admire the beautiful examples of this style, with its characteristic flowing lines and nature-inspired motifs.
One of the highlights of my time in Turin was staying in an Art Nouveau apartment in the historic Casa Boffa Costa. This beautifully preserved Art Nouveau building was designed in the early 1900s with its original intricate ironwork and stained glass.
For architecture lovers like me, choosing accommodations like this is a must. Not only does it reflect the character of the city, but it also aligns perfectly with the principles of slow travel—immersing yourself in the local culture and choosing places with a story. Casa Boffa Costa is a window into Turin’s architectural history and a reminder of why this city is so special.

Beyond the architecture, Turin’s streets and piazzas are elegant, with covered arcades perfect for exploring in any weather.
The Galleria Subalpina, a charming 19th-century arcade, was one of my favourite spots to duck into, with its mix of shops, cafes, and art galleries.
Museums in Turin: World-Class Exhibits to Explore

Turin has some of Italy’s best museums, and they’re a huge reason why I found it so worth visiting.
The Egyptian Museum, home to one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts outside Cairo, is a must-see. It reminded me of my visit to Berlin’s Neues Museum on Museum Island.
I also could have spent hours at the Mole Antonelliana, which houses the National Cinema Museum—its quirky exhibits and panoramic views from the top which is actually the world’s tallest museum.
My husband, if he were with me, would have enjoyed the National Automobile Museum, highlighting Turin’s role in Italy’s automotive history.
Food in Turin: A Culinary Capital of Coffee and Chocolate

Turin is famous for its coffee culture and rich hot chocolate, which pairs perfectly with a bicerin—a local drink of espresso, chocolate, and cream. Although you can find this in Milan cafes too, it originated in Turin.
Piedmontese cuisine is hearty, with dishes like vitello tonnato (veal with tuna sauce) and tajarin pasta topped with truffles which I loved. The food scene here is a slow food lover’s paradise.
One of Turin’s busiest spots is Porta Palazzo Market, Europe’s largest open-air market, where you can explore endless stalls of fresh produce and local delicacies.
Turin for Slow Travel: A Refreshing Change from Tourist Crowds

What I appreciated most about Turin was its unhurried vibe. Unlike the tourist-heavy cities in Italy, Turin felt calm and quiet.
I could take my time lingering in a museum or over my afternoon tea at the elegant Caffè San Carlo.
For those who prefer a more immersive, authentic Italian experience, Turin offers exactly that, all without the crowds. That’s why I fell in love with this city.
Final Thoughts
Turin is one of those cities that reveals itself slowly, rewarding travellers like me who are curious enough to look beyond Italy’s usual hotspots. It’s a place where history, culture, and food come together in a way that feels authentic and unhurried.
If Turin has piqued your interest, you’re in the right place—as I have several articles on how to plan your itinerary to find the best places to eat, I’ll be answering the questions travellers often ask when planning their trip.

