Is Turin Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons Why it Is!

If there’s one question that instantly gets me talking for hours, it’s this: Is Turin worth visiting?
As someone born and raised in this underrated gem of northern Italy, I can confidently say — abso-freaking-lutely!

It’s hard to put into words how phenomenal Turin is — and how much I wish more travelers would give it the spotlight it truly deserves.

In this post, I’m sharing all the specific reasons why Turin is 100% worth visiting. Or better yet, why it absolutely belongs on your travel bucket list.😉👇

Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links that can help me earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. If you click through and purchase with these links, thank you in advance for the extra support.💖😊

7 Reasons Why Turin Belongs on Your Italy Travels

1. Turin’s History: The First Capital of Italy

Home to the Royal House of Savoy, a royal dynasty that ruled Italy until 1946 and unified Italy, Turin is the very first capital of Italy.

The Royal Family helped shape Turin into the phenomenal, and may I say breathtaking, city that it is today. Having ruled for so long, Turin is home to over 20 royal residences and buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site collectively known as the “Residences of the Royal House of Savoy”.

The different architectural types of these palaces and residences, include Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau. Each residence has its own unique design and features – reflecting the different historical periods and artistic influences of the time.

The Royal Family’s influence extended far beyond politics and the city’s architecture. They are also responsible for founding Turin’s incredible Museo Egizio, preserving the Holy Shroud, and even major industrial innovations.

In other words, their legacy is everywhere, and Turin couldn’t have a richer cultural heritage.

2. Turin’s Architecture: “Paris of Italy”

Nicknamed the “Paris of Italy”, Turin is known to have some of the most beautiful architecture in Italy.

Turin’s architecture mainly features elegant Baroque, along with some Neoclassic and Art Nouveau. Wherever you walk in the city, you will be surrounded by endless beauty.

You’ll find architectural beauty everywhere you go, whether you’re walking through the city center and its breathtaking squares, or you’re visiting the Royal Residences, and so forth.

3. The Capital of Innovation

If I told you that Turin is the capital of innovation, especially in Italy, you’d probably wonder if I’m exaggerating or biased. Thankfully, I got some solid proof for you – besides simply listing all the wonders that have come out of this city.

Between 2024 and 2025, Torino received two awards: 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism and the European Capital of Innovation Award. How cool is that?😍

Turin has a rich history of innovation and has been a strong contributor to various fields.

From its incredible industrial heritage to culinary inventions, Turin has created several world-renowned innovations. Some being Fiat, Lavazza coffee, Gianduja chocolate, and Vermouth.

4. Turin’s World-Class Museums

Turin is home to the world’s 2nd most important Egyptian Museum, the Museo Egizio, and the world’s tallest museum, Museo Nazionale del Cinema.

The Egyptian Museum, home to over 36,000 thousand artifacts, is dedicated to the Nilotic Civilization and shows you over 4000 years of history.

Carlo Emanuele I, Duke of Savoy, was fascinated with Egypt and assembled a collection of Egyptian antiques (starting in the mid-1600s). This collection kept expanding through the years through archeological expeditions and acquisitions.

Want to dive deeper into the history of this museum and its artifacts? This best-rated guided tour might be perfect for you! Book your tickets before they sell out.👇

Home to the National Museum of Cinema, the Mole Antonelliana is the tallest museum in the world.

Cool fact: Turin is the birthplace of the Italian film industry, with the first Italian film originating in 1905. This explains why it hosts the National Museum of Cinema.

The Mole Antonelliana is 167.5 m / 543 feet tall, and thanks to its height and panoramic lift – you can enjoy some of the most beautiful panoramic views of Turin (if you get the Panoramic ticket).

5. Turin’s Food: Chocolate, Food, & Wine … Oh My!

Turin is the capital of the beautiful Piedmont region of Italy – a region that is famous for its incredible cuisine and high-quality products.

Piedmont is the home to the Slow Food movement, a food philosophy that emphasizes the use of traditional, locally sourced, and sustainable food products – while also promoting regional culinary traditions and supporting local farmers.

Discover all the Must-Try Turin Foods and Drinks 😍🍽️

With that being said, in Turin (and in Piedmont in general) you will eat the freshest foods and drink amazing wines.

Don’t leave without trying Gianduja (hazelnut chocolate), sipping a Bicerin, or tasting the regional favorites like Agnolotti del Plin and Albese.

6. The City Hugged by the Alps

Wherever you stand in Turin, you will be able to admire the endless beauty of the Alps that surround it!🥹

In addition to the beautiful views, you can also reach some of the best ski resorts in just about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

As you can see in this shot, these are the Alps hugging Turin – this view is from the stunning Basilica of Superga, another hidden gem of Turin to visit.

If you pay attention during your flight, Monviso and the Basilica of Superga will welcome you.

7. Turin’s Culture: Authentic Northern Italian Experience

One of the best parts about Turin still being an overlooked city and a hidden gem, is that the city continues to stay true to its rich culture. Here, you cannot find tourist traps – like you would in Rome, Florence, and Venice.

In Turin, you will be able to experience a true and authentic Italian city that is proud of its culture, history, and heritage.

Due to this, Torino is the perfect destination for anyone craving an authentic experience and wants to dive deeper into the Northern Italian culture.

One cultural experience can’t miss out on, which originates from Torino, is Aperitivo!🍸

Aperitivo to Italy is what Tapas are to Spain — a pre-dinner “tradition”, where people gather for drinks and enjoy small plates together.

The Torino + Piemonte Card!

The Torino + Piemonte card gives you free entrance to all the royal residences, museums, and discounts on transportation, services (ex. Panoramic lift in Mole Antonelliana), and more.

Depending on the length of your stay, select which card you want and enjoy all the free, or discounted, activities and sites of your choosing in Turin!👇

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

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

• The Perfect 3 Days in Turin Itinerary
• How to Spend the Best One Day in Torino
• Where to Stay in Turin: A Local’s Complete Dive for Tourists
• 18 Best Things to Do in Turin, Italy
• The Ultimate Guide to Turin Food
• 13 Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Turin, Italy
• The Most Historic Cafes of Turin

📌 Pin it for your Future Italy Travels!

I have to ask… Will you be adding Turin to your future Italy travels?

Will you be adding Turin to your future Italy travels? If so, what convinced you? I hope this guide inspires you to visit my hometown.😍

Share this with family and friends who would find this helpful!👇