Weekend in Turin: What to See and Where to Go
Early autumn is one of the best times to discover Turin, with its elegant and slightly mysterious charm accentuated by the warm, golden light of the season. In today’s article, we suggest some ideas for a weekend itinerary in Turin to experience the city authentically and make sure you don’t miss its main attractions.
What to see in 2 days in Turin: classic itinerary
If you love history, majestic architecture, and the splendors of the past, this itinerary is perfect for you especially if it’s your first time visiting Turin and you want to make the most of your 48 hours. On Saturday, after parking your car just outside the city center, take the metro to Piazza Castello, the vibrant heart of Turin, where the Royal Palace and Palazzo Madama stand two of the city’s emblematic buildings, featuring lavish royal apartments and impressive art collections.
Once your visit is complete, stroll under the arcades of the famous Via Roma to reach Piazza San Carlo, considered the city’s “drawing room.” In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the spirituality and mystery of the Egyptian Museum, the second most important in the world after Cairo’s: plan at least a couple of hours to explore this gem of Savoyard museum offerings. To save time, you can opt for dinner at one of the restaurants in the historic center or just outside, towards the Mercato Centrale: the culinary choices are varied, suitable for all budgets, ranging from Piedmontese specialties to international cuisine, and everywhere you can enjoy a glass or two of extraordinary local wines.
After a restorative night’s sleep, Sunday can be dedicated to discovering the royal residences outside the city center, such as the Reggia di Venaria Reale with its gardens, a Baroque masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, visit the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, an elegant eighteenth-century hunting lodge. In the afternoon, return to the city for a final exploration: among the many options available, one of the most popular for first-time visitors is ascending the Mole Antonelliana, the focal point of Turin’s skyline, along with the National Cinema Museum an interactive and entertaining experience that immerses you in the magical world of film. For both attractions, it is advisable to book tickets well in advance.
Less popular ideas for an alternative weekend in Turin
If you prefer to explore Turin away from the most classic tourist circuits, one alternative is to discover the city’s esoteric side: it is said that Turin is divided between white magic and black magic, and guided tours will take you to the sites behind this legend, such as the Fountain of the Corner of White Magic.
Another possible itinerary focuses on the city’s industrial history, another important piece of the mosaic that forms Turin’s complex identity: you can visit the Lingotto district, home to the former FIAT factory with its famous rooftop test track, now converted into a multifunctional center, or the Pinacoteca Agnelli, which houses works by Matisse and Picasso, and enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants inside the former factory.
If you prefer to experience authentic Turin, immerse yourself in the city’s soul: enjoy a walk along the Po River in Valentino Park, visit the evocative Medieval Village, or explore the Balôn, the oldest flea market in Europe, a true paradise for those seeking unique finds. Sunday can also be dedicated entirely to a food and wine journey: start with a bicerin and chocolate tasting at one of the historic cafés in the city center, then try Turin’s famous specialties such as bagna cauda and agnolotti del plin.
Want to explore Turin by car to make the most of every moment? Contact one of our car rental offices in Piedmont to find the logistical solution that suits you best (in particular, there are many Locauto car rentals in Turin available for you).
