Turin
Elegant, inventive, and endlessly surprising—Italy's most underrated great city.
About Turin
Turin is the city that gave Italy its unification, its royal dynasty, its first capital, its car industry, and its chocolate tradition. The former Savoy capital is a grid of grand boulevards, baroque palaces, and porticoed streets that feel more Paris than Rome. But Turin is no museum: it's a dynamic, creative city with a thriving contemporary art scene (the Lingotto building, Italy's answer to the Tate Modern), exceptional restaurants, and a coffee culture that invented the bicerin and espresso as we know them. The Egyptian Museum—the world's second largest after Cairo's—and the jaw-dropping Mole Antonelliana (now the Cinema Museum) are just the highlights. Turin also reinvented itself as a food capital, and the Eataly chain started here.
Best Time to Visit
April to June or September to November. The Salone del Gusto food festival (biannual, October) is world-class. Autumn brings white truffle season in the nearby Langhe. Spring is perfect for combining city and wine country.
Local Tips
- Visit the Egyptian Museum.
The world's second-largest collection of Egyptian artefacts is spectacularly displayed. A local will time your visit to avoid school groups and explain how the Savoy kings amassed this extraordinary collection.
- Ride the Mole Antonelliana lift.
The panoramic lift inside Turin's iconic spire-topped tower takes you to a viewing platform with 360° Alpine views. A local will combine it with the Cinema Museum inside and a bicerin at the nearby Caffè Al Bicerin.
- Do an aperitivo in the Quadrilatero.
Turin's historic market quarter comes alive at aperitivo hour with wine bars overflowing into the cobbled streets. A local knows the circuit of the best spots and the secret vermouth bars—Turin is where vermouth was invented.
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Isabella
Novara, Turin +3
I am a tour guide, a travel companion, and a travel designer, but perhaps above all, I am a discerning traveler. My decade-long experience and my way of discovering the world allow me to create proposals and itineraries that transform every trip into a unique and memorable experience. With a solid background in the tourism industry that began in hospitality and grew with travel, I have developed a keen sensitivity to the needs of my clients, ensuring travel experiences that go beyond expectations.
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Arianna
Alba, Turin +1
Hi there! My name is Arianna. I am translator and Italian teacher with a deep-rooted passion for the landscapes of Piedmont. I was born and raised in Alba, the heart of the Langhe, but I have also lived for several years in the vibrant city of Turin. This has given me a dual perspective on both our rural traditions and the urban pulse of the region. I have spent my entire life exploring the hills of Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato. My bond with this land is both personal and specialized—I even trained as a sommelier purely out of passion to better understand our world-class viticulture. Whether it’s the historical streets of Asti or the hidden trails of the Roero, I know these areas not just as a resident, but as someone who truly lives and breathes the local culture.
Emanuele
Milan, Como +10
Hi! I’m Emanuele, a passionate traveler and sports enthusiast with a love for discovering cities through their hidden corners and authentic experiences. While I’ve explored many places around the world, my heart is in Milan, a city I know inside out. I enjoy everything from iconic landmarks to quiet streets off the beaten path, and I love sharing those special spots that only a local can show. Whether it’s culture, food, history, or hidden gems, my goal is to create personalized experiences that make you feel truly connected to the city. I believe travel is about curiosity, discovery, and living a place fully (and I’d love to be your guide to experience Italy in a mindful, authentic way).
Francesca
Sanremo, Genoa +3
Hi there! My name is Francesca I’m passionate about arts, languages, and genuine connections. At the moment, I’m majoring in economics and communication for tourism in Lugano, Switzerland. Originally from Sanremo, I grew up on the Ligurian coast, where I lived for 18 years before moving to Turin to start college. I know Liguria quite well—I loved exploring new places there, and I also lived in quite a number of cities while growing up. I love sharing its culture and hidden gems with people who are not yet familiar with this beautiful region. Because I lived in Turin for almost four years during college, I also feel confident in my knowledge of its best local trattorias, must-visit corners and neighborhoods, and how to get the best views of the city’s skyline. Additionally, I’m half-Brazilian on my mom’s side, so I can also provide explanations in Portuguese if needed!