Hotels in Turin

Turin: Italy's Elegant Royal Capital

Tucked beneath the snow-capped Alps in northwestern Italy, Turin (Torino) is one of Europe's most underrated city-break destinations. Once the seat of the House of Savoy and the first capital of unified Italy, this Piedmontese powerhouse combines grand Baroque architecture, world-class museums, and a café culture so refined it gave the world the bicerin. Whether you're drawn by football, fine chocolate, ancient Egypt, or simply the pleasure of strolling porticoed boulevards with an espresso in hand, Turin rewards every kind of traveller.

History, Royalty, and Baroque Grandeur

Turin's regal past is impossible to miss. The city's historic centre is laid out in a precise grid — a legacy of Roman origins and later Savoy urban planning — and its grandest spaces are genuinely breathtaking. Piazza Castello sits at the heart of it all, flanked by the Palazzo Madama, the Royal Palace of Turin, and the Royal Armory. The Royal Palace itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into the opulent lives of the Savoy dynasty through its lavishly decorated state apartments and throne room. Just steps away, the elegant arcaded oval of Piazza San Carlo — nicknamed the "drawing room of Turin" — is the perfect spot to linger over a coffee and soak in the city's refined atmosphere.

World-Class Museums and the Mole Antonelliana

Turin punches well above its weight when it comes to museums. The Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio) is the oldest Egyptian museum in the world and the second largest after Cairo's, housing an extraordinary collection of mummies, sarcophagi, papyri, and monumental statuary. It is, quite simply, essential. Equally iconic is the Mole Antonelliana, Turin's defining silhouette — a soaring 19th-century spire that was originally conceived as a synagogue and now houses the fascinating National Cinema Museum. A panoramic lift whisks visitors up through the building's interior to a viewing platform with spectacular Alpine and city views. Art lovers should also seek out the Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano and the Galleria Sabauda for Savoy royal collections.

Football, Food, and Piedmontese Pleasures

Turin is synonymous with Juventus, one of the most decorated football clubs in the world. The Juventus Stadium (Allianz Stadium) offers tours and a dedicated museum for fans eager to get close to the club's storied history. But Turin's greatest passion may actually be food. Piedmont is one of Italy's premier gastronomic regions, and the city reflects that proudly. Expect rich tajarin pasta with butter and sage, slow-braised brasato al Barolo, and an almost religious devotion to chocolate — Turin is credited with inventing gianduja, the hazelnut-chocolate blend that inspired Nutella. The city's historic cafés, including Caffè Al Bicerin and Caffè Fiorio, have been serving locals since the 18th century and are cultural institutions in their own right.

Practical Tips for Visiting Turin

Getting there: Turin Airport (Caselle), officially Torino–Caselle International Airport, connects the city to major European hubs. Alternatively, Turin Porta Nuova Station is the main rail hub, with frequent high-speed connections to Milan (around 45 minutes), Rome, and beyond — making Turin an easy addition to any Italian itinerary.

Getting around: The city centre is highly walkable thanks to its grid layout and extensive covered porticoes (over 18 km of arcaded pavements). A metro line and tram network cover wider areas efficiently.

Where to stay: Options span every budget. Luxury hotels in Turin cluster around the historic centre and near Piazza Castello, offering proximity to the city's grandest sights. Boutique hotels in Turin deliver character and personalised service, often in beautifully restored palazzi. Business hotels in Turin are well-represented given the city's industrial heritage (FIAT was founded here). Budget hotels in Turin and accommodation near Porta Nuova Station offer great value and excellent transport links. Hotels near Centro put you within easy walking distance of all major landmarks.

Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. December brings atmospheric Christmas markets to the city's squares.