Turin

Italy has almost too many beautiful, important cities. Turin has been tarred with a bit of the 'grim-up-the-industrial-north' brush, thus it's been overlooked by many visitors. This is totally undeserved! Turin was Italy's first capital, just 150 years ago, when the city-states and dukedoms were finally united. Its historic centre has the requisite Baroque palaces and Art Nouveau mansions - many of which are now hotels, and some of the best places to stay in Turin.

It's not all about the past though, Turin is also a great place for fashion and Piedmontese cuisine, whilst there's a lively vibe to be found amongst the shady arcades.

Turin's green boulevards, lined with beautiful Art Nouveau cafes, are graceful and generously proportioned when you consider that this is the home of the Fiat. 'The Italian Job' didn't get it too wrong when they showed zippy little numbers shooting across the rooftops - the famous Fiat factory, one of Turin's great architectural landmarks, actually had its testing track on the roof. That's the kind of place Turin is - forward thinking and productive.

You probably know about Turin's winter games and the questionable Holy Shroud - the Fiats and 'The Italian Job' have been mentioned - but this is also a great destination for art lovers.

What Not To Miss

• The daily market, held by the Porta Palatina, the old city gates, is foodie heaven - the cheese, the salami and prosciutto, the porcini, the truffles, the bread, the hard chocolate (Turin was the first place to produce saleable hard chocolate!).
• Culture vultures should definitely check out the brilliant Automobile Museum, the excellent Egyptian Museum, the National Museum of Cinema and the Museum of Contemporary Art - all of which are home to fascinating collections.
• If you're into your architecture then you'll really appreciate the Mole Antonelliana, the tower in the centre of town, as well as the Piazza San Carlo, Basilica di Superga, Palazzo Reale and Piazza Carignano.

Given its popularity as a tourist destination, be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment - the best places to stay in Turin get quickly filled up, especially in the summer months.

For Something Special

• The Grand Hotel Sitea is a Turin institution. One of those grand, elegant hotels famed for afternoon tea and cocktail bar. Right in the heart of Turin, this is a smart, stylish place to stay favoured by distinguished guests and celebrities alike.
• Located in a quiet residential area, Hotel Victoria, Turin boasts wonderfully romantic traditional accommodation featuring four posters and fireplaces. With a lovely restaurant and spa, it has all the necessary ingredients for a memorable trip.
• NH Collection Piazza Carlina is an elegant 17th century property with unfussy yet chic rooms. Gym, restaurant and an enviably central location - with two rooftop terraces offering splendid views of the city.

Wonderful B&Bs

• With just two handsome rooms, Foresteria degli Artisti is a cosy, yet exclusive B&B. One apartment sleeps four, the other three. Both are decorated with antiques, row upon row of books and views over Turin's rooftops. This is easily one of the best places to stay in Turin if you want to imagine you're one of the players from 'The Italian Job'.
• Converted from an attractive 19th Century farm estate, Le Serre Suites & Apartments is just ten minutes from Turin, but feels like the middle of nowhere it's so quiet. As the name suggests these are self catering suites and apartments, so a great choice for groups or families.

Modern Boutique Arty Affairs

• If you appreciate Warhole, Aldo Mondio and Lichenstien then Art Hotel Boston is for you. Loads of wonderful original contemporary art works crowd its walls, they also have some great pieces of retro furniture. The design of the bedrooms is equally fresh and interesting.
• Townhouse 70's classical facade conceals the latest cool offering in this chic franchise. Right in the heart of Turin, near the Piazza Castello, this one of the best places to stay in Turin for a city break.

For An Apartment Or villa

If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Turin's nicest in the summer, with the average daily temperature rising to 21°C in July and August.
• This however is peak tourist season, so for a quieter and potentially cheaper alternative consider coming in May, September or October.
• International visitors can fly into Turin Airport, located 15km north of the city and well connected by public transport links to the centre.
• Ryanair fly direct from Stansted to Turin, Blue Air go from Luton, whilst easyJet and British Airways fly from Gatwick - with the journey taking just 2 hours.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Turin.
• Widen the net to search through our recommendations in Milan or Genoa.
• Alternatively, feel free to contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.