Turin’s Most Famous and Beautiful Squares | A Local’s Guide

Welcome to Torino, Italy – Italy’s first capital, the capital of Innovation, and… my hometown! Torino (Turin in English) is a true Baroque masterpiece with beauty at every turn – from the Royal Residences, iconic landmarks, the Alps, to the Piazze, “squares”.

Born and raised in Italy, I can tell you firsthand: “squares” squares are at the heart of Italian culture and a local’s day-to-day life. It’s where Italians meet up with friends and loved ones for a stroll or a coffee, stop listen to street musicians, soak in the essence of their city.

Due to this, visiting Turin’s squares is a crucial part to diving deeper into Turin’s culture, beauty, and history. Throughout these squares you’ll find everything from world-renowned museums, to royal palaces and residences, to the city’s most historic cafes.

Even better? You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking Baroque architecture, iconic portici (porticoes), and locals and travelers alike enjoying their day.

Without furtherado, here are Turin’s most beautiful and iconic squares – along with some local insights and tips to help you enjoy them like a true Torinese!😍👇

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The 5 Squares You Need to Visit When in Turin

Piazza San Carlo – Turin’s Most Famous Piazza

Welcome to the most famous and beloved square in Turin, Piazza San Carlo!

Nicknamed the “Salotto di Torino”, “living room of Turin”, Piazza San Carlo is the square where people meet up to stroll around, or catch up with friends or loved ones at one of the many cafes.

This square is surrounded by the most beautiful buildings, ones that feature Baroque architecture, and the iconic Portici of Torino.

Right in the middle of this square is the monument of Emanuele Filiberto, the Duke of Savoy. Around this square you will find several shops, historic cafes, and the “twin churches”. If you’re looking to soak in beauty and the best vibes – this is the square to be!

One of my favorite aspects of this square is that there is always a street musician playing – whether they are a singer, a pianist, or even a violinist. Because Ludovico Einaudi (my favorite pianist) is from Turin, you will often hear people performing his songs – bringing the ultimate Torino vibes.

Not only is this Turin’s most famous piazza, but also one of the most beloved amongst the locals.

Local Favorite. In the Spring and Summer time, make sure to get a Gelato al Latte from Biraghi!😍 This is one of Italy’s most important dairy brands and they make the most delicious milk gelato with just three ingredients: milk, cream, and sugar.

Piazza Castello – The Heart of Turin

Welcome to the heart of Turin — a square surrounded by royalty, history, and beauty.

Piazza Castello is home to Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama, and the Giardini Reali — three essential stops for history lovers. Its name, which means “Castle Square,” is a truly fits like a glove and gives a tribute to its regal past.

You’ll find elegant Baroque buildings, arcaded walkways “Portici” filled with cafés and shops, and four unique “floor fountains” where local students celebrate the start of summer.

Hidden Gem. If you visit Palazzo Madama, which I highly recommend, make sure you head to the top of the tower – this will give you spectacular views over Piazza Castello!😍

Being the heart of Turin, and the most famous square in Turin, Piazza Castello is a target for pick-pockets. As always, keep everything in a safe, zipped-up place and be aware of your surroundings! As long as you are aware of your surroundings, there’s nothing to worry about.

Piazza Vittorio Veneto – Turin’s Lively Riverside Square

This is the largest square in Turin and sits right along the Po River, with stunning views and endless energy.

Lined with endless, elegant Portici, this square is full of bars, cafés, and restaurants — making it one of the best spots for a pick-me-up, aperitivo, or an evening out. Locals of all ages come here to meet, chat, and enjoy the open space.

This is the perfect spot to stroll around, enjoy some drinks, and even start a 20-minute walk that brings you to Monte dei Cappuccini – the viewpoint that offers the iconic views over Turin (pictured above).

On your walk you’ll cross the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I, a bridge that crosses the Po river and offers beautiful views.

Piazza Carignano – History and Gelato

Out of all the famous squares, this is the one that feels the smallest but always so beautiful.

t’s home to Palazzo Carignano, one of the Royal Residences of the House of Savoy, and the Museo del Risorgimento, which documents Italy’s unification.

Just around the corner, you’ll also find the Museo Egizio, the second most important Egyptian museum in the world.

Local Tip. After visiting the museums, head to Caffè Gelateria Pepino, a historic favorite of the Royal Family and the inventor of the Pinguino — a chocolate-covered gelato on a stick. The perfect pick-me-up!

Piazza Carlo Alberto – Next to Galleria Subalpina

Sitting parallel from Piazza Carignano, Piazza Carlo Alberto is a beautiful, large square surrounded by stunning architecture and endless restaurants.

This square is right next to one of the entrances of the Galleria Subalpina, one of the most beloved sites in Turin and a must-visit.

As a fun fact, Piazza Carignano and Piazza Carlo Alberto share the Palazzo Carignano, one of the Royal Residences of Turin. With two different façades, the two squares have very different aesthetics – the façade in Piazza Carignano is much more historic than the one facing Piazza Carlo Alberto.

Something fun to do is walking through the Palace’s courtyard to reach the “opposite” square.

What is Turin Known For?

Being a spectacular city with endless innovations, there are several things that Torino is known for. Somethings that Turin is best known for are it’s architecture, particularly Baroque and Art Nouveau, hazelnut chocolate, the Egyptian Museum, and the Mole Antonelliana.

Want to Dive Deeper? Go on a Walking Tour!

Here are the best-rated guided tours throughout Turin, Italy. From bike tours to night walking tours (likely to sells out), these experiences have something for everyone. Save your spot with your favorite experience!👇

Map of Turin’s Most Beautiful Squares

Want more help with your travels? Check out my Posts!

Here additional posts that will help you out with your upcoming Turin and Italy travels!👇

• The Ultimate Guide to Turin Food / Piedmont Food
• The Most Historic Cafes of Turin
• How to Spend the Best One Day in Torino
• The Perfect 3 Days in Turin Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Turin: A Local’s Complete Guide
• 13 Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Turin, Italy
• The Most Historic Cafes of Turin
• Is Turin Worth Visiting? 9 Reasons Why it Is!

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I have to ask…

Which of these Turin Squares would you visit first?😍

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