The 2006 Winter Olympics put “Torino” on the map—literally. The confusion over which name to use, the hard English “Turin” or the smooth, rythmic Italian has heightened since the city insisted on its native tongue back when it got the games. Regardless of which name it goes by, the often overshadowed northern city is universally admired now that it's had a chance to show off its many wonders. One of the greenest big cities in Italy, with vast public parks, the river Po, the hills beyond, and tree-lined boulevards blazed by Napoleon, Turin can in some ways feel more French than Italian in character. Espresso is caffé, the downtown is filled with royal history, and isolated castelli dot the hillsides surrounding the city. The seat of the wealthy Savoy king up until the mid-1900s, Turin became the first capital of the unified Italy in 1860 while its resident dynasty became the new nation's monarchs.
Though it has long since lost the title of Italian capital and the remaining Savoys are desperately clinging to their title in the current republic, culturally, Turin remains impressive. It is a showcase of contemporary art masterpieces, and its theater and music offerings rival those of Milan, the country's larger and more famous northern city. In many ways, Turin, with its rich history and quiet, beautiful neighborhoods, surpasses its fashionable neighbor.
Caselle Airport ( www.aeroportoditorino.it), 20km from the city, serves European destinations. From Porta Nuova, take the blue Sadem buses to “Caselle Airport” via Porta Susa. ...more
Geographically, there are really two Turins. On the left bank of the River Po, there's a dense Neoclassical city and a street grid with—gasp—right angles at nearly every corner. On the right bank, ...more
Turin's budget accommodations consist of a wide variety of hostels, hotels, and B and Bs that can suit anyone's tastes, but there's seemingly no rhyme or reason to the layout of these many properties. ...more
The Savoys first drank cioccolato in the 1600s, and since then, it's been all chocolate all the time in the ex-capital city that's home to the famous Nutella and Ferrero Rocher brands. The ...more
Mole Antonelliana. Once the largest structure in the world built using traditional masonry (a title sadly lost in the 1900s with the addition of some concrete), and still the world’s tallest ...more
Turin isn't one to brag, but it's got a notable cultural heritage. Having kings around tends to do that, and in Turin's case, the royal influence led to the development of a particularly rich theater scene ...more
During the 20s, Turin was home to over 100 movie production companies, and its love affair with cinema still lives on today. During the academic year, Turin’s university organizes screenings of ...more
Turin's shopping options can't match the luxury boutiques of Milan, but for more realistic buyers, the city has a wide array of choices. Stroll down Via Roma from P. Castello to window-shop in the brand-name ...more
It's hard to tell when Torino sleeps—things are happening every night of the week. From the pounding bass of dance clubs, to quiet wine bars and even calmer cafes, Turin offers something for just about ...more
Turin city proper wasn't the only thing onstage at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games; the majestic white-capped Alps beyond also got their fair share of TV time. While they made an occasional pretty backdrop ...more
From Turin, take a train to Sant’Ambrogio (30min.; 8 per day, last return 7:10pm; €2.50) to tackle the scenic 1½hr. climb from the village of Sant’Ambrogio to the monastery. Exiting ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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