Is it possible to visit Turin in one day?
Do you want to see Turin in a single day and make the most of your time? No problem! Turin is a city well-suited for a short visit, thanks to its compact historic center and many attractions easily reachable on foot or by public transport.
In this article, we propose a practical and efficient itinerary to discover the best of the city in just a few hours—perfect even if you’re staying in one of our apartments.
Starting Point for Visiting Turin in One Day: San Carlo Area
Our itinerary begins in a strategic location: Piazza San Carlo, the city’s vibrant heart and the location of our San Carlo apartment. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the main attractions, making it easy to get around without a car.
Morning: A Dive into History and Art
1. Piazza San Carlo (0 min, you’re already here!)
Known as the “living room of Turin,” this elegant Baroque square is the perfect place to start your day. Stop for a traditional Turin breakfast at Caffè Torino, Caffè San Carlo, or Baratti & Milano, surrounded by the porticoes and the famous Twin Churches.
2. Piazza Castello and Palazzo Reale (7 min walk)
Continue along Via Roma to reach Piazza Castello, the civic and cultural center of the city. Here you’ll find:
- Palazzo Reale, former residence of the House of Savoy
- Palazzo Madama, home to the Civic Museum of Ancient Art
- Armeria Reale, for military history enthusiasts
If you have time, we recommend visiting Palazzo Reale, with its historic rooms and beautiful gardens.
3. Turin Cathedral and Chapel of the Holy Shroud (5 min walk)
A short walk away is the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, the city’s main church. It houses the Holy Shroud in the stunning Chapel of the Holy Shroud, a Baroque masterpiece recently reopened to the public after extensive restoration.
4. Mole Antonelliana and National Cinema Museum (12 min walk)
Turin’s iconic symbol, the Mole Antonelliana, houses the National Cinema Museum. Short on time? You can still take the panoramic elevator for a unique view of the city and the Alps.
Lunch: Typical Turin Flavors
After visiting the Mole, it’s time to enjoy lunch. We recommend:
- Ristorante Porto di Savona (Piazza Vittorio Veneto) for traditional Turin dishes
- Mulassano for a historic sandwich and a quick lunch
If you prefer a traditional osteria (known locally as a “piola”), try: A Buta Stupa or Cà Dij Mat.
Afternoon: Stroll and Relaxation
5. Piazza Vittorio Veneto and the Po River (5 min walk)
After lunch, take a walk through the large Piazza Vittorio Veneto and enjoy the view of the Po River. If you have time, cross Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I to visit the Church of Gran Madre di Dio.
6. Turin Botanical Garden (approx. 20 min walk)
End the afternoon with a relaxing walk to the Turin Botanical Garden, a hidden natural oasis within Parco del Valentino. This charming garden, home to hundreds of plant species, is open to the public on weekends, making it a special destination for those seeking tranquility and beauty.
7. Before returning to your apartment, enjoy a glass of wine
After a day exploring museums, historic squares, and strolling along the Po, there’s nothing better than a good glass of wine before heading back to your apartment. In Turin, aperitivo is almost a ritual: a moment of relaxation and conviviality, often accompanied by small plates and local wine selections.
Recommended wine bars near our apartments:
Zona San Carlo
- Freevolo (€€)
Via Giolitti, 12/F
modern wine bar with excellent wine and platter selection - Smile Tree (€€€)
Piazza della Consolata, 9/B
creative cocktail bar with a visually striking presentation.
Zona Porta Susa
- Enoteca Botz (€€)
Via Botero, 7
ntimate space with natural wines, tapas, and cheese - Casa Mago (€€€)
Via Santa Maria, 12
refined wine bar with kitchen.
Zona Santa Chiara / Quadrilatero Romano
- Pastis (€€)
Piazza Emanuele Filiberto, 9b
bohemian atmosphere, Italian tapas, great wines and cocktails. - Bar Cavour – Del Cambio (€€€)
Piazza Carignano, 2
elegant and refined for a classy aperitivo.
Evening: Dinner and Return
After a full day, unwind with dinner at a traditional restaurant. Starting from the San Carlo area, we suggest:
- Osteria Rebezzana: Historic spot, 10 min walk from Piazza San Carlo, serving refined Piedmontese cuisine and excellent local wines (menu)
- Tre Galline: Famous trattoria in the Quadrilatero Romano, offering classic Piedmontese dishes like tajarin, vitello tonnato, and brasato al Barolo (menu)
- Cianci Piola Caffè: Popular small osteria with simple, tasty dishes at reasonable prices (menu)
After dinner, return to your apartment to end the day in complete comfort.
Conclusion
Visiting Turin in one day is possible with a well-organized itinerary! For a perfect starting point, choose one of the Home4Holidays apartments.
Discover all available solutions here: Home4Holidays – Our apartments.
