How to Spend ONE to TWO Days in Turin, Italy: 1 or 2-day itinerary 

Looking for the perfect Italian city break that’s not completely overrun with tourists? You’re in the right place!

Turin (or Torino, as the locals call it) is one of our favorite cities in Italy. It’s elegant, historic, and surprisingly relaxed compared to Rome or Florence. This is the city that gave the world Fiat cars, Lavazza coffee, and some of the most incredible royal palaces in Europe. Plus, the food scene here is out of this world, which (in our opinion) is reason enough to visit on its own! 

So if you’ve got just 24 hours in Turin, or maybe a full weekend to explore at a slower pace, keep reading because we’re squeezing in all the must-see highlights in no more than two days! 

Itinerary Overview

Turin’s historic center is quite compact, so walking is usually the easiest way to get around. You can also use the metro to get further out if needed, but most of this itinerary is completely walkable!

Before you start exploring, you should also familiarize yourself with the Torino+Piemonte Card. This is a tourist card that allows free entry into many of the city’s top sites, and you can buy a 24, 28, or 72-hour pass. 

For this itinerary, if you are just here for one day, it’s not worth the cost or time available to see the specific sights that are included (€29 for 24 hours). 

However, if you’re here for two days, it will absolutely be worth it as we have three major museums scheduled. The cost is about €40 for a 2-day pass, and the entry to the three museums we recommend would equal €54 if bought separately. So, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth! 

Before we get to the full itinerary, here’s a quick overview of what you’ll be doing each day:

• Day 1: Try the famous bicerin chocolate drink, wander around the historic center, take a street food tour, visit the Egyptian Museum, and enjoy a cozy dinner.

• Day 2: Choose between a visit to the Royal Palace or a backroad bike tour, then visit the National Museum of Cinema, and learn how to make pasta and tiramisu from a local.  

Day 1

Morning – Try Bicerin and wander the historic center

On your first day, you have a food tour starting at 10:30 am, so skip a full breakfast this morning (trust us on this one!). 

Instead, head straight to Caffé Al Bicerin, the home of Turin’s famous chocolate drink, bicerin. This is where the iconic drink (a layered mix of espresso, drinking chocolate, and whole milk) was first invented! Caffé Al Bicerin opens at 9 am daily, except Wednesdays when they’re closed, and we recommend getting there early so you can grab a coveted table outside and really savor your first taste of Turin.  

After your morning chocolate fix, spend some time wandering through Turin’s historic center. You’ll see the ins and outs of it on the food tour later, but we still recommend wandering around at our own pace first to take it all in. 

Eventually, make your way towards Piazza Castello, which is home to some of Turin’s most impressive historic buildings. Then, head over to the Giardini Reali di Torino (the stunning gardens right behind the Royal Palace). The meeting point for your upcoming food tour is just a 10-minute walk from Piazza Castello, so there’s no need to rush!  

Mid-day – Discover Turin on a food tour

This small group street food tour will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip to Turin!

Led by a Michelin-trained chef and food sociologist, it begins at 10:30 am from Piazza Castello and pairs plenty of delicious tastings with a deeper dive into Turin’s culinary culture and traditions. Over the course of roughly 4 hours, you’ll wander through the old town of Turin, stopping at a mix of historic venues, local favorites, and secret spots that you’d almost certainly miss on your own. 

Because you’ll be on the morning tour, your first stop will be a secret sweet tasting in a private location (such a fun surprise to kick things off!). You’ll also sample a selection of Piedmontese Street-Food Bites, and then finish things off with a wine bar lunch. 

You’ll definitely want to come hungry, because there’s a lot to get through; think antipasti classics, aperitivo-style small plates, local cheese, and of course plenty of local pasta. Our tour featured a beautiful ravioli dish, and it was divine!

By the time the tour ends around 2:45 pm, you’ll have a much deeper appreciation for Turin (and probably a list of places you’ll want to revisit before you leave).

Afternoon – Visit the Egyptian Museum

After your food tour wraps up, it is time to visit one of Turin’s most famous attractions: the Egyptian Museum. The museum is open until 6:30 pm (or 8 pm on Saturdays), but only until 2 pm on Mondays, so this afternoon slot won’t work if your first day is a Monday! There’s a lot to see inside, so plan on spending a solid 2-3 hours here.

You might be wondering, why is there a massive Egyptian museum in northern Italy? Well, when you visit, you’ll learn that under the ruling dynasty of the House of Savoy, the royals had a huge interest in Egyptian history and began importing artifacts to Italy. That’s why it’s now the second-largest Egyptian museum in the world (after Cairo), and it’s absolutely fascinating to walk through.

If you want the most in-depth look at the exhibits, you can book a private 2-hour tour. Or, if you picked up the Torino+Piemonte Card, your entrance is free, but you’ll still need to reserve your entry slot online in advance. If you don’t have the card, you can always buy a standard entrance ticket for €18 (more info on tickets and opening times here). 

Dinner – AM restaurant | Ristorante nel centro di Torino 

For dinner tonight, we’re sending you to AM Restaurant. This spot is located right in the historic center, but it’s tucked back a bit, making it feel like a real hidden gem. Everything on the menu here is seriously delicious, and the vibe is super cozy; perfect for your first evening out in Turin!

In true Italian fashion, the evening opening time is a bit later at 7:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday. So after your visit to the Egyptian Museum, you’ll have plenty of time to head back to your hotel to freshen up. Or, you can always stop off somewhere for a quick aperitivo before dinner. 

Because it’s a popular spot, you might want to book a table. We made a reservation online the day of, and it was super easy!

Dessert – Vanilla

You cannot end your first day in Italy without gelato! One of our favorite artisanal gelato shops in the city center is Vanilla. And despite the simple name, they actually have lots of unique and creative flavors to choose from. 

We love this spot for night one because it’s just a 10-minute walk from the dinner restaurant, so you can easily swing by. Plus, what could be better than strolling around one of Italy’s most beautiful city centers at night with a gelato in hand?

Related Read: Want more inspiration? Take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Italy for ideas on where to go next.

Day 2

Breakfast – The Mix Food & Juice

After lots of pasta and treats on day one, we recommend starting your second day with a nice, healthy breakfast at The Mix Food & Juice. Here, you’ll find things like avocado toast, crepes, and smoothies. I got the avocado toast, and it was exactly what I needed after all the indulgence the day before.  

For timings, this spot opens at 8 am, and we recommend getting there right around then. The Royal Palace opens at 9 am, and the alternative bike tour meets at 10 am, so getting an early start gives you some wiggle room to get to your next activity without feeling rushed. 

Option 1 – Visit the Royal Palace

If you’re in the mood for another dose of culture and history, head to the Royal Palace. We recommend spending around 2-3 hours here to fully explore all the rooms and exhibits. Tickets are €15 (if you’re over 25) or just €2 (if you’re between 18-25). But, if you have the 48-hour Torino+Piemonte Card, you can visit for free! 

You can also book skip-the-line entry tickets that let you bypass the queue and go straight to the entrance (a great way to save some time during busy periods). This ticket also includes a guided tour, which really brings the palace’s history to life. Just note that the guided tour usually takes off in the afternoon, so if you do choose this option, you can simply swap the afternoon visit to the National Museum of Cinema for this morning. 

Option 2 – Explore Turin on a bike tour

If you prefer to spend your morning outdoors in the fresh air, this Backroad Bike tour is a fantastic alternative to the Royal Palace. Running from 10 am to 1:30 pm, it’s a fun and active way to see a completely different side of the city that a lot of tourists miss.

We loved this tour because it takes you away from the busy historic center of Turin and out along the Po River, through beautiful local parks, and past hidden pockets of the city. You’ll also ride past some of Turin’s most iconic landmarks, including Piazza San Carlo, the Mole Antonelliana, and the striking Gran Madre di Dio church.

The pace is very relaxed, and the guides are incredibly knowledgeable about the city’s history and local culture. They also make sure everyone feels comfortable and included, with plenty of stops along the way to take in the views and ask questions. Honestly, it feels more like you’re riding around with a close friend than a tour guide! It’s no surprise this tour has so many five-star reviews!

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the meeting point is a bit outside the main center of the city (near the Marconi underground station), so you’ll want to grab a quick taxi out there or plan for a 25-minute walk from your breakfast spot. 

Lunch – Gino Panino

When you’re all finished at the museum (or bike ride if you chose option two), grab a quick, delicious sandwich at Gino Panino for lunch. We went with porchetta and gorgonzola, and it hit the spot perfectly. The bread was incredibly fresh, and the ingredients were top quality. 

This is a very casual spot, which is exactly what you want when you are trying to maximize your sightseeing time. Just keep in mind they’re closed for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

It’s also super close to the cinema museum, which is your next stop, so you won’t have to waste any time traveling across the city. Just grab your sandwich, enjoy a quick bite, and head straight to the museum!

Afternoon – Visit the National Museum of Cinema

The National Museum of Cinema is another incredibly well-loved museum in Turin. It’s dedicated to cinema history (primarily Italian), and the building itself is massive and visually stunning. 

Entrance to this museum is €18, or free if you have the handy Torino+Piemonte Card. And just like the Egyptian Museum, you’ll need to book your entry online in advance (even if you have the free card!). We recommend booking the 2:30 pm time slot, which gives you plenty of time to relax and enjoy your sandwich before heading inside. Just be sure to plan accordingly, as the museum is closed on Tuesdays.

While you’re here, make sure to check out the old-school panoramic lift that takes you right to the top of the building for incredible views over the city. Just keep in mind that tickets for the lift must be purchased separately from your museum entrance ticket, but it’s definitely worth it! 

All in all, you’ll want to plan on spending about 1.5 to 3 hours exploring the museum and taking in the views from the top. 

Dinner – Learn how to make pasta and tiramisu 

For dinner tonight, you’re going to learn how to make pasta and tiramisu!

This small group cooking class is hosted by a local home cook (called a Cesarina in Italian), and you’ll be meeting them in their home around 6 pm. Because this activity is in a private home, you’ll get the exact meeting point at the time of booking (so we can’t give you the exact location beforehand). However, we do know that the location will be easily accessible from the center via public transport or taxi/Uber.  

During the class, you’ll learn how to make authentic, fresh pasta from scratch. The host walks you through the entire process, from mixing the dough to rolling it out and shaping it perfectly. You’ll also learn the secrets to making a classic Italian tiramisu for dessert, which is surprisingly easy once you know the proper technique!

The best part is that you get to sit down and eat everything you have made at the end of the class, usually with a great glass of local wine and some fantastic conversation with your host and the other guests. 

It’s a fantastic, authentic experience that usually wraps up around 9 pm, leaving you with a full stomach and some great new recipes to take home with you. It’s easy to see why this tour has so many five-star reviews!

Related Read: Planning to explore beyond Turin? Check out our guide to renting a car in Italy for tips on driving, costs, and everything you need to know before hitting the road.

Where to Stay in Turin

Turin has some fantastic accommodation options, and because the city is so walkable, you can’t really go wrong as long as you stay somewhere near the center or one of the main train stations. Here are our top luxury, mid-range, and budget-friendly picks that work well for this itinerary. 

Principi di Piemonte – $$$

If you want to stay in one of Turin’s most iconic buildings, Principi di Piemonte is a 5-star luxury hotel right in the heart of the city (just a 5-minute walk to the Egyptian Museum). The building itself is an impressive 1930s Italian Rationalist-style landmark and one of the tallest buildings in Turin. It also features a full wellness center (perfect for when you have some downtime), and the beautiful Ristorante Casa Savoia, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

This place is pure Italian luxury, and totally worth it if you’re looking to splurge! In terms of pricing, you can expect rates to begin at around €195 per night and rise to €540+ depending on the season. See the latest room rates and book your stay here!

Albergo Ristorante San Giors – $$

For a stay with a ton of character, Albergo Ristorante San Giors is a fantastic 3-star option. It’s located just a short walk from the famous Porta Palazzo Market, and what makes this hotel so special is that every single room is individually decorated with unique works of art, so cool!

We loved the laid-back, artsy vibe of this place, plus the on-site restaurant makes an incredible dinner if you just want to stay in on one of the nights. You can expect rates to typically start from around €65 to €235 per night, which isn’t bad for a place so central. Check availability and secure your stay here!

Hotel Torino Porta Susa – $

If you want ultimate convenience at a wallet-friendly price, Hotel Torino Porta Susa is a brilliant choice. It’s located directly opposite the Porta Susa train station, so getting in and out of the city is incredibly easy. From here, you can walk to Piazza Castello and the Egyptian Museum right under Turin’s famous porticoes (those beautiful covered walkways with arches you’ll see all over the city).

The hotel also offers bicycle rentals and a daily buffet breakfast, making it a super practical and comfortable base for exploring the city. You can expect rates to start from around €75 to €190 per night, depending on the season.  Browse current rates and lock in your stay here!

If you want more great accommodations, make sure to check out all the hotels listed for Turin here!

Thanks for reading!

Turin might not be as famous as some of Italy’s bigger cities, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Between the grand piazzas, world-class museums, and seriously impressive food scene, it’s a place that quietly wins you over—and leaves you wanting more. With this itinerary, you’ll experience the best of the city without feeling rushed, which is exactly how a trip to Turin should be.

If you’re looking for more Italian adventures, be sure to check out our other Italy guides here for inspiration on where to head next. We love sharing our favorite finds, hidden gems, and can’t-miss experiences. Or browse a few of our favorite posts below!

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