The capital of the Piedmont region, it has given us Juventus football club, Fiat cars and delicious Gianduiotto chocolate (never tastier than when sampled in its hometown). In fact, Turin has been at the centre of all things chocolatey in Europe since the 1600s, when the very first chocolate houses cropped up here with royal permission. Great things to doThese days the chocolate houses have been replaced with elegant cafés, looking out onto tree-shaded boulevards, but old Torino is still as vibrant in 2019 as it has been for hundreds of years. Come here to chat over a few glasses of Barolo wine, take a chocolate masterclass or just indulge in the truffle-scented regional dishes.
The wider regionA fertile patch of Italy bordering France and Switzerland, the wider Piedmont area is equal parts elegance and good food. Meals are all about lovingly cooked pasta doused in butter and sage, and wine that’s never served too soon. Admire the landscapes – which rival Tuscany for beauty – and the dignified palazzi of the countryside or take a refined dip in Lake Maggiore while you gaze up at the Alps. Hit the slopesEven the nearby skiing is some of the classiest around, with the resorts of Pragelato, Sauze d’Oulx and Sestriere all full to the brim with steaming hot grappa and spritzes tinkling with just the right amount of ice. Eat this: Agnolotti, the delicious Piedmontese version of ravioliDrink this: the Bicerin, Turin’s signature hot drink made of drinking chocolate and espressoFly to: Torino Airport or Turin-Caselle AirportSay this: Adiù, which means ‘hello’ in Piedmontese (the local dialect)Get around: by bus, tram or Metro. Buses and trams run from 06:00 to midnight and tickets cost €1.50 (90 minutes), €3 (four hours), €5 (one-day pass) or €17.50 for a 15-ticket carnet.
Flying from London? View your London airport options on our London to Turin flights page
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