Turin aerial sunny day

5 tips for a perfect day in Torino: a complete itinerary

Paola Face
Paola

Paola is the one that always knows where you should go on holiday next.

29 Mar 19

1. Don't miss breakfast!

You have to try it: cappuccino in Turin is great, the best in Italy. If you're looking for the classy ancient atmosphere of the historical bars, nothing better than the Caffè Mulassano, in Piazza Castello (here the "tramezzino", the delicious version of the sandwich, was invented). Stay at the counter, like the locals, it's cheaper and you'll be able lo enjoy the best show of any travel: looking at people.

If you want the coolest experience, you have to be at 8.30 outside the Bicerin, via della Consolata, to skip the crowd and enjoy the famous local hot drink made with coffee, chocolate and cream.

For an authentic Italian breakfast the right place is the Pasticceria Venier, in via Monte di Pietà, where you'll find homemade pastries and the typical local cookies, "baci di dama" (lady's kiss) made with chocolate and hazelnuts.

Breakfast in Torino

2. Take a walk under the arcades

Did you know that in Torino you can take a pleasant walk even under the pouring rain without getting wet? Friedrich Nietsche knew it well, and he enjoyed every day the 12 km of interconnected arcades of the city center.
In Piazza Castello you take the arcades, walk in front of the beautiful Teatro Regio and go and touch Cristoforo Colombo's pinkie in front of the Prefettura, like the locals do to get lucky.
Staying under the arcades you can walk down the shiny Via Roma and get to Piazza San Carlo (and touch the bull's balls on the pavement in front of Caffè Torino, another common ritual).

Columbus Torino under the arcades

3. Enjoy a good little lunch and an unforgettable snack

For lunch, avoid the sandwiches for tourists and go to the Convitto in via San Francesco da Paola: you can taste typical little dishes and their great homemade pies.  Or you can go next door to Vitel etonnè, where they serve the traditional plate of meat with tuna-mayonnaise sauce that is a must try. Other options are Chez Rinòo, authentic and cheap, or the trendy Poormanger, where a local version of the Jacket Potato is served. 

For the afternoon snack, if you want to try an incredible gelato there is Ottimo, and for other sweet treats you can go to Gobino or Pasticceria Ghigo.

Convitto where to eat in Torino

4. Explore one of the great museums and palaces

  • Museo Egizio, wonderful. Book in advance and avoid the long lines at the door. The entrance fee includes an audioguide.
  • Palazzo Reale to dive into the history of Italy or Palazzo Madama for art exhibitions.
  • Museo del Cinema, in the Mole Antonelliana, that you can reach walking by the Cavallerizza Reale, the best way to meet the symbol of Torino. 
  • Museo Lombroso e il Museo di Anatomia, that you can reach by tramway or with a long walk in the Parco del Valentino.
Egyptian Museum

5. Try an "apericena" or, better, a "merenda sinoira"

It's more than just an happy hour: the "apericena" is a ritual that you can find in every bar in Torino. You order a drink and you have free access to a rich buffet of food that will make you thirsty again. You can find the best "apericena" in Torino in the multiethnic San Salvario neighborhood: DDR, Soundart, Beerba are just some of the bars that are trending in this moment.
Our choice is, however, the traditional "merenda sinoira" from Piemonte: no fancy mojitos with exotic finger food, but a good glass of Nebbiolo with anchovies and their green sauce at the little Vini Caffè, Via S.Anselmo 3. If you are still hungry after that, in San Salvario you can find very good restaurants as La Sartoria, l’Angolo di Parin, Scannabue or Coco’s

Apericena anchovies