Turin tours and tickets
Turin is an easy city to book. Only the Egyptian Museum and the Mole Antonelliana lift need a time slot, and only on weekends and in holiday weeks. Everything else can be bought on the day. The places to plan ahead are a table at a well-known restaurant and day trips into the Langhe wine hills, which are best with a driver.
Book these first
- Museo Egizio
- A few days ahead. Weekends and holiday weeks fill the time slots, and buying on the museum's own site avoids the queue.
- The Mole Antonelliana panoramic lift
- A few days ahead in summer. The lift takes a small group at a time, and queues build on clear weekend days.
- A table at a well-known restaurant
- A few days ahead. The small trattorias and the dinner at Del Cambio fill at weekends. Our Turin food guide lists how to book each one.
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Museums and galleries
Museo Egizio
The largest collection of Egyptian antiquities outside Cairo, with statues, papyri and a reconstructed tomb. Entry is by timed ticket, and an audio guide and guided visits are sold.
Which to pick. Buy a timed ticket from the museum's own site, and go at opening or after 3pm. Give it three hours; the statue gallery comes first.
A few days ahead on weekendsVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorMole Antonelliana and the National Cinema Museum
The city's tower landmark houses a museum of cinema, with a glass lift rising through the dome to a panoramic terrace. Lift tickets are timed, and the museum has its own ticket.
Which to pick. Buy a combined ticket for the museum and the lift, and go at opening or near sunset for a clear view.
A few days ahead in summerVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorMuseo dell'Automobile
A museum of the car, with vintage Fiats, racing cars and a timeline of Italian design. It sits south of the center and is a short tram or bus ride.
Which to pick. Go if you like cars or design. Buy at the door, take the tram from the center and allow two hours.
Not needed, buy at the doorVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorRoyal Palace and Palazzo Madama
The royal residence of the House of Savoy with state rooms, an armoury and a library, beside the Piazza Castello. A combined ticket often covers several royal sites.
Which to pick. Pick the Royal Palace for a first visit. A guided tour explains the rooms, which are otherwise dense.
On the day is fineTours and tickets on Viator
Churches and palaces
Reggia di Venaria
A huge baroque palace and gardens on the edge of the city, with exhibitions, a stag fountain and a gallery. A shuttle bus or train gets you there from the center.
Which to pick. Allow a half day and buy a combined ticket. The gardens are lovely in spring and early autumn.
A day or two aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorBasilica di Superga
A baroque basilica on a hill above the city, reached by a historic rack tram, with views over the Alps. The royal tombs lie below.
Which to pick. Take the tram up on a clear day. Check tram times, as the line runs limited hours.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSacra di San Michele
A medieval abbey on a mountain peak west of the city, the model for the monastery in The Name of the Rose. It is a day trip by car or tour.
Which to pick. Go by car or on a tour. Wear shoes with grip, and book a guide if you want the history.
A few days aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Food tours and classes
Chocolate and gianduiotto tasting
A guided walk to historic cafés and chocolatiers, with tastings of bicerin, gianduiotti and hot chocolate. It lasts around three hours.
Which to pick. Book a small group for a first morning, and come hungry. Ask what is included.
A few days aheadTours and tickets on ViatorAperitivo and food tour
An evening walk through bars and markets, with vermouth, small plates and a story of each. Porta Palazzo market is a common stop.
Which to pick. Choose an evening tour to see the city lit up and the cafes full. Check dietary options and the stops.
A few days aheadTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Langhe and Alba
Vineyards of Barolo and Barbaresco, hill villages and the truffle town of Alba, about an hour south by car. Tours include tastings at family cellars.
Which to pick. Join a small tour with a driver, since tastings and driving don't mix. Autumn is the truffle season, and is busy.
A few days aheadTours and tickets on ViatorLake Maggiore day trip
A large Alpine lake with islands, gardens, belle epoque villas and a boat service between the shores, about 90 minutes from Turin by train and boat.
Which to pick. Go by train and take a boat to the islands. Allow a full day, and check the last boat back.
A day or two aheadTours and tickets on Viator
City and museum passes in Turin
- Torino+Piemonte CardA visitor card covering entry to many museums and royal sites in the city and the region, and in some versions public transport. It suits people who plan several major visits in two to three days. Official page
Booking tours and tickets in Turin
Do I need to book the Egyptian Museum?
On weekends and in holiday weeks, yes. On a quiet weekday you can often buy at the door, but timed slots can run out.
Is the Mole lift worth it?
Yes for the view, particularly on a clear day. Book a slot for sunset or opening. The cinema museum itself is large and rewarding.
Is the Torino+Piemonte Card good value?
It is if you plan three or more major sights in a few days. For one or two visits, single tickets cost less.
What is the best way to see the Langhe?
With a driver or a small-group tour, since wine tastings and driving don't mix. Public transport is limited between villages.
Can I visit the Shroud of Turin?
The Shroud is shown only on rare public exhibitions. The cathedral and the museum on the topic are open year round. Check the official site.
What can I leave until I arrive?
Superga, Venaria, the Royal Palace and food walks can be done on the day. Book the Egyptian Museum, the Mole lift and weekend dinners first.