Turin Hotels

Tantalising Turin

Often overshadowed by its glamorous cousins, the Italian city of Turin is just waiting for some well-deserved attention. With world-class museums, chic shopping districts and historical architecture that will leave you speechless, you’ll be saying ‘Rome who?’ in no time.

You can’t travel through Turin without coming face to face with spectacular architecture. A visit to the 16th-century Valentino Castle, 19th-century Our Lady Help of Christians church and early 20th-century Consolata Shrine should quench your thirst for magnificent monuments. If you’re craving a mocha and biscotti, look no further than the Piazza San Carlo, where the people-watching is just as satisfying as the food. And then after dark, the fun really begins as the beautiful people emerge and Turin’s pumping nightlife gets into gea.

Turin’s Top 10

Turin History

• Basilica of Superga – This beautiful cathedral stands atop a hill and celebrates a victorious war against the French.
• L’Armeria Reale -Turin's Royal Armoury holds an interesting array of exhibits thanks to the Sardinian king Charles Albert.
• Palazzo Madama – Also known as the Civic Museum of Ancient Art, this is the former home of the queen.
• Mole Antonelliana – This synagogue built in 1888 is Turin’s tallest building.
• Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist – Built in 1498, this is home to the Shroud of Turin.

Turin Art & Culture

• National Cinema Museum – This museum is home to a range of exhibitions perfect for cinema fanatics.
• Egyptian Museum – This museum houses an interesting collection of artefacts from ancient Egypt.
• Museo dell'Automobile – Home to 170 vehicles from throughout the ages. Keen motor enthusiasts will love it here.
• Galleria Subalpina – A pedestrian passage located between Piazza Castello and Piazza Carlo Alberto with historic cafes.
• Castello di Rivoli – Found in Rivoli, this castle features a modern art museum.

Turin Shopping

• Porta Palazzo Market – This ethnic market sells a wide variety of goods at inexpensive prices.
• 8 Gallery – A lengthy corridor in Lingotto that is home to a wide range of shops.
• Via Garibaldi – Strictly for pedestrians, this shopping zone can be located between Piazza Castello and Piazza Statuto. Ideal for a tranquil shopping experience.
• Via Roma – A mix of expensive, high-fashion stores and affordable clothing chains can be found here.
• Le Gru – A shopping complex located a short distance outside of Turin.

Gay & Lesbian Turin

• Caffe Basaglia – The perfect venue to mix with Turin’s gay community.
• Turin’s Gay and Lesbian Film Festival – This annual festival in April is worth checking out.
• Centralino Club – This is one of the most popular clubs in town.
• Queever – The destination to party through the night and see men in drag.
• 011 Sauna Club – Relax in style and make new friends at this popular destination.

Turin Outdoor

• River Po Park - A protected natural park and an idyllic venue to enjoy Turin in the sun.
• Valentino Park – Found near the River Po, this stunning park is one of Turin’s largest.
• Orto Botanico dell'Università di Turin – The botanical gardens of the University of Turin featuring many different species of plants.
• Parco della Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi – One of Turin’s most beautiful parks. Take a stroll around this park on a crisp autumn day.
• Parco della Tesoriera – This park features a playground that will keep kids amused for hours.

Turin Sport

• Catch the Juventus F.C. play at their home ground, Juventus Stadium.
• Watch the skiers on the slopes of Piedmont.
• Visit the Palavela ice rink to watch figure skaters in action.
• Take a trip to the Valentino Park motor racing circuit to explore this large track.
• Check out the Turin F.C. at their home ground, Stadio Olimpico.

Turin Events

The Torino Comics and Games Festival in April is a comic book geek’s utopia. You’ll find everything from Superman to Asterix, plus dress-up comps and an entire area dedicated to Star Wars.

Breakdancing and ballet are bedfellows at September and November’s Torino Danza, an awesome dance fiesta with performances at venues across Turin.

Celebrate the unconventional, innovative and eclectic at the Torino Film Festival in November, one of the most important festivals in all of Italy.

The Artissima International Fair of Contemporary Art brings the crème de la crème of art exhibitions, theatre and dance studios to Turin in November. Perfecto!

Even the obnoxious buskers can’t dampen the colourful, jovial and utterly delicioso Turin Christmas Market in December.

When To Go

• Winters are frosty, so rug up if you’re planning an end-of-year holiday. The average winter temp sits at about 4°C (39°F)
• Late spring/early summer brings a truckload of rain. If you’re not a fan, avoid visiting between April and June.
• Summer is nice and toasty, with temps usually hitting the 25°C (77°F) mark.

Getting Around

• GTT operates the city’s buses, trams and interstate train line. Trains and buses are cheap, efficient and clean.
• There are plenty of bike lanes, but the notoriously heavy traffic can make cycling a tad stressful. If you’re keen on biking your way around the city, make sure to take extra precautions.
• Taxis are plentiful and reliable, but very expensive. Best only used for emergencies – like getting home from a night of serious clubbing.

General Information

Attractions & Activities

Restaurant & Nightlife

Climate

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