Discovering the ancient Egyptians, admiring grandiose views from above, taking a plunge into space or experiencing a day as princes and princesses? There are many, many things you can do in Turin in two or three days: an engaging and fun family exploration of beauty, culture, fun and experiences that will remain in your heart. You'll be spoiled for choice, including kids friendly museums, palaces and castles, parks, gardens and technological innovations!
Walking around the city
Welcome to Torino! Let's start getting to know the city from Piazza Castello with its Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Reale that seem to look each to another in the eye. We are in the heart of the city: treasures and wonders within reach of "small steps" await us here.
On the square is also the church of San Lorenzo, with its amazing dome by Guarino Guarini, the architect who revolutionized the city and also designed the Duomo and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud. From there, you can continue to the Porte Palatine and Palazzo Chiablese or reach the relaxing and rejuvenating greenery of the Royal Gardens.
To get a taste of Turin's colors and vibrancy, we recommend a trip to Porta Palazzo, one of Europe's largest open-air markets: chaotic and picturesque, it will submerge you in a whirlwind of intertwining scents and voices!
After a stroll down Via Garibaldi, head to Piazza Carignano, a delightful, walkable Baroque gem, where Teatro Carignano and the Caffè Pepino overlook. Here you can have a very mouth-watering and unique experience, a sort of fascinating journey through time that will remain in the hearts of young and old alike. It is the Merenda Reale, offered in the historic cafes and coffee shops of the city's Royal Residences: hot chocolate or bicerin accompanied by historic cookies, strictly for dipping.
If it's time for shopping, the right streets for window shopping are Via Lagrange, Via Roma, Piazza San Carlo, peeping into the charming Savoy Galleries, Subalpina, Umberto I and San Federico. At the end of the day it's time to enjoy an aperitif perhaps in one of the city's charming open-air lounges, Piazza San Carlo, Piazza Carlo Alberto or Piazza Carlo Emanuele, known as Piazza Carlina.
From the Mole Antonelliana to Valentino Park
Ready for another ride of discovery? Let's reach Piazza Castello again ( well worth seeing again!) and continue toward the river, walking along the arcades of the elegant Via Po to land at National Museum of Cinema, housed in the iconic Mole Antonelliana, symbol of the city. On a clear day, it is worthy to ride the panoramic elevator to the top to enjoy a spectacular view from above.
We then cross the light-filled Piazza Vittorio Veneto in the direction of the hills, point toward the Church Gran Madre and from there climb up to the Monte dei Cappuccini to admire the city from above. After so much walking, the children deserve a break in the green: the right destination, descending back toward the city, is Valentino Park, along the Po, which is home the Giardino Roccioso where the poetic sculptures of garden artist Rodolfo Marasciuolo are scattered, and Valentino Castle, now home to the Faculty of Architecture.
Family-friendly museums
Special attention dedicated to children and girls is the common thread that characterizes the places of culture and beauty in the Piedmontese capital. There are indeed many Museums, different in type and characteristics, that offer workshops, activities and services designed for families.
First of all, the Egyptian Museum: beloved and highly visited, it traces the history of one of the most fascinating civilizations for boys and girls. A unique collection of statues, papyri and sarcophagi housed in completely renovated spaces. Not to be missed: the Hall of Kings, with a display made of mirrors that will leave you breathless. Inside the museum, families will also find the ZeroSei Space, a curated and welcoming play area designed for young children.
Another unmissable destination for families is the National Museum of Cinema: fascinating for all ages is the path inside the Mole Antonelliana that traces the history of cinema in an engaging and interactive way. Nestled in a unique hillside landscape, Infini.to is the Museum of Astronomy and Space and Planetarium. Take your time as it will not only appeal to children but also to you as parents.
The The National Automobile Museum is the must-see stop to discover the great history of the car, including roaring engines, vintage cars, racing vehicles and futuristic cars. Soccer lovers will not want to miss a visit to the Juventus Museum or the one dedicated to the Grande Torino.
There is also a perfect destination in the city for little scientists and environmental enthusiasts: the Museo A come Ambiente is the first museum in Europe totally dedicated to the environment, with an experiential approach.
Art enthusiasts can choose from a number of museums, which on weekends often offer engaging workshops for children, such as GAM (Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art), la Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, il PAV - Parco Arte Vivente, il Museum of Oriental Art a short distance from the city, Rivoli Castle Contemporary Art Museum
Turin also hosts original museums, such as the interactive Museo del Risparmio (Museum of Saving), dwhere savings, economics and finance are discovered in a fun way; the Mufant, an exhibition space dedicated to the Fantastic, Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror.
Royal Residences and Castles
The stage for court life, places of power but also of leisure and pleasure, the Royal Residences of the House of Savoy in Piedmont are a sumptuous testimony to the city's past, designed and built by the most important architects of the time. They allow us to experience court life amid grand ballrooms, majestic apartments, frescoed ceilings, and manicured parks and gardens.
In the heart of the city, the Royal Museums of Turin include the Royal Palace, Royal Gardens, Royal Library and Armory, and the Savoy Gallery: they offer a fascinating journey through history, art, and nature.
On the other side of the Po, behind the Gran Madre district, climb up to the Villa della Regina, the former court vineyard, from which there is a priceless view of the city.
On the close outskirts of Turin, there are two destinations not to be missed: the beatiful Reggia di Venaria, with its breathtaking Galleries and gardens to be discovered, and the enchanting Stupinigi Hunting Lodge.
All aboard, here we go!
Sunny days and you want to visit the city at a leisurely pace but without missing anything? Opt for a visit aboard the iconic red double-decker bus City Sightseeing. Admiring the city from above is not bad at all! Along the way, comfortably seated, you can discover stories and curiosities of the places thanks to the audio guide with an accompanying narration.
And if you prefer to savor atmospheres of the past, look for the Tram 7 route or reach the Basilica of Superga for a stunning view aboard the Sassi-Superga tramway as known as Cremagliera.
Welcome Tour®: to each his own guided tour.
Guided tours that take you to the heart of the city amid history and myths, legends and must-see places resume in spring. Welcome Tours are offered not only in Carmagnola, Ivrea, Pinerolo e Chieri. Various proposals and durations are offered, including those that are suitable for "little fee".
The full calendar is here
Tips: families can choose between the Torino+Piemonte Card formulas for visits to to all Museums in Turin and the Region, or the il Royal Pass for the Royal Residences and a reduction on the Egyptian Museum and the Cinema Museum.