Torino, or Turin, Italy is the capital of the 3 C’s: cars (Fiat is from here), coffee, (Lavazza is from here), and chocolate (gianduia is from here). So honestly, what isn’t there to like about this town? Turin makes for an amazing day trip from Milan given it is only a one-hour train ride away – and usually only about €12. Here is my guide on how to spend one day in Turin, Italy.

Arriving in Turin

Turin is highly connected and accessible by train, which is my recommended means of transport around Italy. You can either arrive in Porta Susa or Porta Nuova given both are right in the city center, so check if either train stop may be cheaper. Once off the train, you’re welcomed by a city with large piazzas, unique architecture, and many hidden beautiful gems.

Wake Up with a Bicerin

As a coffee and chocolate lover, what better way to wake up than a Bicerin? It is a traditional drink with thick layers espresso, hot chocolate, and cream that was invented in 1763 at Caffe al Bicerin. YUM.

I sat on their patio within the piazza and decided to add their house biscuits on the side of my order (treat yourself, right?). The waitress told me not to mix the drink and let the flavors naturally blend into each other with each sip. This is absolutely my version of a fantastic way to start the day!

Keep in mind, Bicerin is famous throughout all of Turin. If you are having another craving later in the day there are plenty of other cafes to try it at as well.

Head Across the Street to the Santuario della Consolata

The Santuario della Consolata (Church of the Virgin of the Consolation) has one of the most unique church layouts I’ve seen. Most church layouts in Italy have a rectangular shape. There is a main alter and the sides of the church are full of many, smaller chapels. At this church, the chapels surround the alter in circular shape. Believers may want to do some more digging to read about the miracles that are said to have occurred at the church throughout its history.

Make sure you walk around the entire church to explore as you’ll find a lot of unique history regarding the church and WWII with some signage explaining. While exploring, discover the room full of wall covered in cartoon-like drawings. They are similar to obituaries; each drawing displays how someone died (sickness, tram accident, etc.).

Marvel at the Roman Ruins

Before my trip to Turin, I never realized there are Roman ruins here! In fact, they are still fairly well in-tact! You’ll come across them at Porta Palatina, the former Roman gate, which is connected to portions of the remainder of the city wall.

If you follow the wall, you can also view the former theatre.

Check out The Shroud of Turin

There has always been a lot of chatter regarding The Shroud of Turin and it’s authenticity. For anyone unfamiliar, the shroud is said to be the linen cloth Jesus was wrapped in to be buried with after he was crucified. On the cloth, there appears an image of a man; it is believed this is actually the imprint of Jesus on the cloth. Pretty epic.

In the front left corner of the church, you can visit the shroud. Granted, you won’t be seeing the real thing. It is out of sight within an airtight container of bulletproof glass. The real shroud hasn’t been displayed to the public since 2015. Nonetheless, they have an enlargement of the portion of the shroud with Jesus’ face to give viewers the impression of what it looks like. So, are you a believer?

Cross the River for a Panoramic City View

On the other side of the Po, there is admittedly not too much to explore. However, it is definitely worth crossing to enjoy an epic view of the city surrounded by the mountains. If you want a decent view and a hefty workout, hike up to the Parco Pubblico di Villa Genero.

If you don’t feel like burning as many calories on an uphill hike and want a quicker (and likely better view), head to the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini. While the inside of the church is a bit underwhelming, the panoramic here is priceless.

Munch on a Traditional Meal from Turin

If you only have one day in Turin, I recommend ordering a local dish. Therefore, a must-try meal is the agnoletti, a delicious pasta stuffed with roasted lamb and meat sauce.

Random side note: one key difference I notice about restaurants in Italy is that they don’t douse their food with sauces (unlike Americans who LOVE our sauces). I’ve come to realize this really allows the eater to enjoy and experience the full flavors!

Indulge in a Chocolate Dessert

I originally mentioned that Turin is known for its chocolate, especially given it is the birthplace of gianduia. They are truffles made out of a chocolate-hazelnut blend. It’s hard to only eat one!

The most famous spots in the city to pick up something for your sweet-tooth are Caffarel and Guido Gobino.

Visit Museums

Turin is also very famous for the plethora of museums around the city. Granted, there won’t be time to see all of these museums since you only have one day in Turin. Therefore, take some time to investigate my suggestions below and see if any peak your interest. As always in Italy, be sure to check the hours; many museums may not be open on Mondays.

• Egyptian Museum – This is one of the largest Egyptian museums in the world.
• National Museum of Automobiles – Learn the history of the automobile by touring a collection of over 200 cars.
• National Museum of Cinema – A museum dedicated to film, located in the Mole, an architectural staple of the city.
• Lavazza Museum – Immerse yourself into the world of coffee – Lavazza comes from Turin!
• Museum of Radio and Television – Gain an understanding of the history of Italian TV and the birth of RAI.

Enjoy a Vermouth Tasting

Did you know Turin is the birthplace of many famous vermouths? Really, this town has got it all! Vermouth was originally used for medicinal purposes, but as we know it today it is used as an aperitivo and an important ingredient in cocktails – hello, Negroni!

The Tourism of Turin board now makes tasting and understanding vermouth more accessible to visitors. For €18, you can try 3 tastings of vermouth (with big pours, I might add) along with some snacks. This is something you don’t want to miss during your one day in Turin.

For more information and an expansive list of all participating vendors, read here.

That rounds your one day trip in Turin! I hope you enjoy your visit to this amazing Italian city.

You may also be interested in my other Italy guides:

• How to Spend One Day in Verona, Italy
• How to Spend One Day in Florence, Italy
• How to Spend Three Days in Naples, Italy

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