Turin: Italy’s Elegant Northern Capital of Chocolate, Cafés and Royal Palaces

Turin is one of Italy’s most refined and underrated cities — a place of grand boulevards, royal palaces and café culture that feels distinctly different from the rest of the country.

Nestled beneath the Alps in northern Italy, the city was once the capital of the powerful House of Savoy and later became the first capital of unified Italy.

Today Turin blends aristocratic elegance, rich culinary traditions and vibrant modern culture.

Arriving by train, the city reveals itself through sweeping arcaded streets, historic piazzas and magnificent Baroque architecture.

It’s a destination that rewards travellers who appreciate history, art and atmosphere.

Why Turin?

Turin is often compared to Paris.

The comparison makes sense: elegant avenues, grand squares and stylish cafés create a sophisticated urban landscape.

But Turin also has a distinct personality shaped by its royal past and industrial heritage.

The city became the heart of Italy’s automobile industry — home to Fiat and generations of Italian engineering innovation.

Yet despite its size and importance, Turin feels relaxed and approachable.

Visitors quickly discover a city rich in culture but free from the overwhelming crowds of other Italian destinations.

Royal Heritage and the House of Savoy

Turin’s golden age began when the House of Savoy chose it as their capital in the 16th century. Over the following centuries they transformed the city into a showcase of Baroque architecture and royal grandeur. The most impressive symbol of this power is the Royal Palace of Turin, located in Piazza Castello.

Inside, lavish apartments, grand staircases and opulent halls reveal the splendour of one of Europe’s great dynasties. Nearby, the Palazzo Madama combines medieval foundations with a spectacular Baroque façade.

Together these buildings tell the story of Turin’s political and cultural importance.

The Egyptian Museum

One of Turin’s most surprising attractions is the Museo Egizio, the Egyptian Museum.

It holds the largest collection of Egyptian artefacts outside Cairo and is widely considered one of the world’s greatest Egyptology museums.

Ancient statues, papyrus scrolls and elaborately decorated sarcophagi offer an extraordinary glimpse into ancient civilisation. Even travellers who don’t normally visit museums often find themselves captivated here.

Elegant Arcades and Café Culture

Turin is famous for its beautiful arcaded streets, which stretch for nearly 20 kilometres across the city. These covered walkways were designed to protect aristocrats from the weather as they moved between palaces and cafés.

Today they create a wonderfully elegant urban atmosphere.

Historic cafés such as Caffè Torino and Caffè Al Bicerin have been serving locals for centuries. It’s the perfect place to slow down and experience Turin’s refined culture.

Chocolate and Piedmont Cuisine

Turin is Italy’s chocolate capital.

The city invented gianduja, the famous hazelnut chocolate blend that later inspired Nutella.

Local culinary specialities include:

• Bicerin, a layered drink of espresso, chocolate and cream

• Vitello tonnato, veal served with a creamy tuna sauce

• Agnolotti pasta from the Piedmont countryside

• Wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco

Food lovers will find Turin endlessly rewarding.

Day 1: Royal Turin

Piazza Castello

Start in the heart of the city, surrounded by royal palaces and historic buildings.

Royal Palace of Turin

Explore the lavish residence of the Savoy dynasty.

Turin Cathedral

Visit the cathedral that houses the famous Shroud of Turin.

Evening Aperitivo

Enjoy the Italian tradition of aperitivo in one of the city’s elegant bars.

Day 2: Museums and River Views

Egyptian Museum

Spend the morning exploring one of the world’s greatest Egyptology collections.

Mole Antonelliana

Climb or take the elevator to the top of this iconic tower for panoramic views of the city and Alps.

Po River Walk

Stroll along the banks of the Po River and enjoy the relaxed pace of local life.

Ideal Two-Day Structure

Day 1 – Royal palaces and historic squares

Day 2 – Museums and riverside views

Turin offers a refined, cultured experience of Italy that feels both elegant and authentic.

Getting to Turin by Train

Turin sits on one of northern Italy’s main rail routes.

From Milan

• High-speed trains

• Approx. 1 hour

From Florence

• High-speed Frecciarossa trains

• Approx. 2 hours

From Paris

• Direct trains via the Alps

• Approx. 5 hours

The main station Torino Porta Nuova lies within walking distance of the historic centre.

For more rail-based journeys across Italy, explore Touring Italy by Train:https://mybook.to/TouringItalybyTrain