Things to do in Turin

22nd March 2019

Amazing things to do in Turin

Situated in Northern Italy, Turin is the capital of Piedmont. Overlooked by the Alps, Turin is a fascinating city with many things to do. Whether you travel to Turin as part of a longer Italian itinerary or make it the focus of your trip you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Overlooking Turin Italy — View across Turin, Italy

Egyptian Museum Turin

At the top of your list of things to do in Turin should be the amazing Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio). If you have even the smallest interest in Egyptian history you’ll love this place. It has so many fascinating exhibits it is hard to know where to start. Fortunately, you get a free audio guide with your admission ticket which provides a number of guided route options for your visit.

Wall paintings at the Egyptian Museum in Turin

Firstly, some practical details. Entrance to the museum is a very reasonable 15 Euros. You will not be able to take large bags inside the museum but there is a cloakroom facility for 1 Euro. Be aware that they are very strict on this and anything bigger than a medium-sized handbag will need to be stored.

Things to do in the Egyptian Museum

We chose to follow the full tour which lasts 150 minutes. If you don’t want to spend that much time there is a short our lasting 60 minutes and also a 90-minute family tour option. I can’t imagine visiting and not seeing everything as it is just so fascinating. After all, you’ll see things here that you just won’t see anywhere else outside Egypt.

Coloured models at the Egyptian Museum — Brightly coloured models

The museum is organised over 4 floors and you start your visit in the basement before taking the escalator up to the 2nd floor and working your way down. For me, there are so many highlights in the Egyptian museum that it is difficult to pick out the important things to do. However, some exhibits do stand out.

Tomb of Iti and Neferu

One particularly special moment for me was seeing the Tomb of Iti and Neferu. When you look inside, make sure to view the spectacular wall paintings. Like me, you may be surprised at the amount of colour you see in something so ancient.

Temple of Ellesiya

Another amazing exhibit is the Temple of Ellesiya. This is preserved in the museum in Turin as part of a UNESCO project in order to save temples threatened by the construction of the Aswan Dam. Moreover, you can actually walk inside the temple which is an incredible experience. You feel as though you’re transported back to ancient Egypt. Without a doubt, one of my top things to do in Turin.

Gallery of Kings

Later, just as you think you’re finishing your visit to the museum you find yourself on the ground floor in the Gallery of Kings. Wow, just wow. You think you’re heading for the exit but instead, you enter this stunning room full of incredible statues. Be prepared to spend far longer in this museum than you expected but please take your time and absorb this amazing collection of Egyptian artefacts.

Explore the Piazza Castello

If you want to be where the locals hang out in Turin then the Piazza Castello is the place to be. Here, you’re in the heart of the city. Look around and you’ll find plenty of things to do, theatres, cafes, museums. In the background, the square is dominated by the majestic 16th century Royal Palace.

Visit the Royal Palace

Top things to do in Turin - Royal Palace — Royal Palace in Turin

While you’re in the Piazza Castello take the opportunity to visit the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale). It’s part of the Royal Museums complex a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. Tickets cost 12 Euros and will also give you access to the Armoury and a number of other museums so you could easily spend a whole day here exploring.

Before you go in, look out for the statues of the twins Castor and Pollox from Roman Mythology the palace entrance. Once inside the palace, you’ll experience the beautifully decorated rooms with exquisite furnish. It really is a feast for the eyes.

Armoury

Your ticket for the Palace also allows you to visit the Armoury. As well as showcasing an extensive collection of armour and arms the museum is housed in an ornately decorated building which is worth visiting in its own right. The collection is based on items accumulated by King Charles Albert but has been added to over the years. It’s a magnificent collection and another top pick for things to do in Turin.

Reale Gardens

If you’re at the Palace complex and feel like getting some fresh air after exploring the museums then head outside to the Royal Gardens. It’s also worth mentioning that if you’re looking for things to do in Turin for free there is no admission fee for the Gardens.

During your visit, you can meander past the fountain, admire the palace from a new viewpoint, marvel at the beautifully laid out lawns or simply relax in this delightful green space.

Visit Juventus Stadium

If you love football then you won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the spectacular home of the famous local Italian football team, Juventus. The Allianz Stadium is located a bit further away, about 7km north of the city centre The easiest way to get there is by car but it is possible using public transport. If you visit on non-match days then take a bus from in front of Porta Susa Railway station. Whereas, if you’re attending a match you can take the M1 underground line to Bernini Station then take the special tram to the stadium.

Unlike at many football grounds, you can tour the museum and stadium on both match and non-match days. Tickets for the museum only cost 15 Euros. A combined ticket for the stadium tour and museum is 22 Euros. They run special tours on matchday which cost 30 Euros and also include the museum.

Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile

Do you love cars? If so, a visit to the Museo Nazionale dell’Autombile (National Car Museum) in Turin should be on your list of things to see in Turin. Here, you can see more than 200 cars from 80 different brands. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a museum just for petrol heads though. Overall, there’s something for everyone.

Trace the history of the motor car as you explore each stunning exhibit. The presentation and layout of the museum are excellent and you’ll be totally drawn in. Spend some time looking at everything from design and construction to how cars are advertised in order to make us buy.

Marvel at cars made for speed in the racing section. Consider madness and obsession over cars in the Madness exhibits. The museum showcases the motor car as a work of art, an object of obsession, a vision of the future – and more. It’s something the whole family will enjoy.