Start your tour at Piazza Castello, Turin’s elegant central square, surrounded by grand baroque buildings like the Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama. Admire the square’s fountains and the regal atmosphere, a nod to Turin’s Savoyard past. From here, stroll south along Via Roma, a chic, arcaded street lined with upscale shops and cafés, capturing Turin’s refined charm.
After about 10 minutes, stop at Caffè Mulassano (Piazza Castello, 15), a historic Art Nouveau café since 1907, with mirrored interiors and a belle époque vibe. Enjoy a quick lunch of a tramezzino (triangular sandwich) or vitello tonnato (veal with tuna-flavoured sauce), affordable, no reservations needed, but arrive early to snag a table in this iconic spot. A bicerin (layered coffee, chocolate, and cream) adds a Turinese touch.
Continue south to Piazza San Carlo, Turin’s “drawing room,” flanked by twin baroque churches and elegant porticoes. Pop into Caffè San Carlo (Piazza San Carlo, 156) for a quick peek at its opulent interiors. From here, head east to Museo Egizio (Via Accademia delle Scienze, 6), the world’s premier Egyptian museum outside Cairo. A 20-minute highlights visit (entry fee applies) showcases mummies and artefacts.
Wander north along Via Po, another arcaded street with bookshops and boutiques, to Piazza Vittorio Veneto, a vast square with views of the Po River and the Gran Madre di Dio church. Cross the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I for a quick stroll along the river, soaking in Turin’s romantic waterfront.
Loop back west towards Via Lagrange and stop at Pasticceria Ghigo (Via Po, 52), a historic patisserie since 1870, for a hot chocolate or coffee with a gianduiotto (hazelnut-chocolate treat), Turin’s signature sweet, no bookings needed, but arrive promptly to enjoy its classic charm. Nearby, explore the Mole Antonelliana, Turin’s iconic tower and home to the National Cinema Museum. Admire its soaring silhouette or, if time allows, pop in for a quick museum visit (small fee).
Continue to Piazza Carignano, a charming square with the baroque Palazzo Carignano, once home to Italy’s first parliament. A quick glance at its ornate façade is a nod to Turin’s royal history. From here, head west to Via Garibaldi, a pedestrian street bustling with local shops and a bohemian vibe.
End your tour at Piazza Statuto, a grand square with the Frejus Monument and a slightly mystical air. For a final treat, visit Caffè al Bicerin (Piazza della Consolata, 5), Turin’s oldest café since 1763, for another bicerin or a slice of torta di nocciole (hazelnut cake), soaking up the city’s elegant ambiance. Alternatively, relax at Caffè Fiorio (Via Po, 8), a historic spot frequented by Nietzsche, watching Turin’s sophisticated street life unfold.
This 3-4 km route captures Turin’s baroque grandeur, chocolate-infused cuisine, and Savoyard heritage, perfect for a four-hour stroll. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled piazzas and bring a light jacket for Turin’s occasionally cool, breezy weather!
