After Victory for Italy last yearthe Eurovision Song Content 2022 is taking place in Turin this month.
The first semi-final took place on Tuesday May 10, the second semi-final is on Thursday May 12 and the all-important grand final is on Saturday May 14.
All screenings take place at 9:00 p.m. CEST.
If you were lucky enough to get tickets or just want head into town to soak up atmosphere, here are some suggestions for activities to do in and around Turin.
What does Turin look like?
Surrounded by the Alps, it has a slight French feel to the city and historically housed the Italian royal residence. Turin is famous for its cars (it is home to Decree), coffee (Lavazza) and Nutella which is produced nearby.
Due to its geography, Turin can get very hot, even in spring. The surrounding mountains act as a shield against the wind, and this means that in the summer the city can feel like it’s in a big flying pot. So be sure to bring light, comfortable clothes and stop by the ‘Toret’, the free public fountains dotted around the city.
The water comes straight from the Alps and the fountains are shaped like a bull’s head – the animal from which Turin takes its name.
What to do in Torino?
Visit the Mole Antonelliana
This monument is almost the logo of Turin, and you can see it punctuating the horizon from afar. There are a panoramic lift which takes you to a terrace, or if you’re feeling brave you can also climb the stairs to the top.
Stroll through the Parco del Valentino
It is a large park in the center of town, home to the university’s beautiful architecture department.
There is also a medieval mini-town (“Borgo”) hidden in the park. It’s a great place to bring a picnic and relax, or go biking or skating.
Enjoy the view from Monte dei Cappuccini
After a slightly steep climb, it’s worth the hike to what is probably the best view in town. You can really see how Turin is surrounded by Alps that stretch for miles and it’s a great photo opportunity.
Behind the belvedere is a late Renaissance style church, built for the Capuchin Order – which is also worth seeing.
Go for a bike ride by the river
There is a nice cycle path along the Po river. If you start at the Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio church and continue east towards Isolone di Bertolla, you will eventually arrive at Parco del Meisin where there is a small secluded beach.
There is a lot of bike rental shops across townas well as the bike-sharing service application ‘ToBike’, which offers daily or weekend passes.
Discover the many museums
In the unlikely event that the weather is not on your side, good alternatives inside are: the Cinema Museum (located in the Mole), the Car Museum (ideal for Fiat fanatics), the Lavazza coffee and the Egyptian museum.
The Egyptian Museum is actually considered the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the world outside from Egypt.
Where to eat in Turin?
You should try the local specialty of Gianduiotti, a hazelnut chocolate specific to the region, and of course the Nutella which is also made near Turin.
Farinata is a type of pizza made with chickpea flour, which you will rarely find outside of Turin.
Other local specialties include Vitello tonnato and Fritto Misto.
Osteria Cianci
It’s a cozy traditional place for lunch or dinner, and they almost exclusively serve local dishes.
It sits in a square – Largo IV Marzo – which is full of other great dining options too, and it’s a fantastic place to have an ‘aperitivo’ before dinner.
flower burger
Burgers like you’ve never seen them before. This vegan spot offers burgers that look more like pop art: in neon pinks and Instagrammable purples.
Circolo dei Lettori
This is still relatively unknown and hidden by beautiful marble steps. Rooms that once belonged to the royal family now serve as paneled academic reading spaces and a tea room.
With a peaceful library atmosphere, it’s a perfect place to enjoy tea and cakes accompanied by chandeliers and priceless artwork.
Alberto Marchetti
This is a great place for ice cream – worth trying the Gianduiotto flavor if you can.
Where to have a drink in Turin
Piedmont – the region that includes and surrounds Turin – is a famous wine regionso be sure to try some local varieties such as Barolo or Barbaresco while you’re there.
After your dinner, you may be offered a local digestive from the region, often made from alpine plants, such as genepì or San Simone.
If you don’t drink, Molecola is a local variant of Coca-Cola (its name refers to Turin’s famous mole monument).
Bicerin is another favorite; it’s made of Espressodrinking chocolate and milk, usually served with whipped cream on top – although this one is perhaps better suited to winter.
In Piazzale Valdo, Open Baladin is a great place to sample Turin craft beers and chill with the locals. It looks more like a mini festival than a pub.
Try the San Salvario district if you want a slightly more edgy nightlife experience, and Club Centralino is a great LGBTQ+ spot.
How to get to Turin by train
Since Romeyou can get to Turin by train with Trenitalia or Italo in about 5 hours.
There are also direct train lines from other major Italian cities such as Bologna, Florence and Milan.
From France, there are direct buses from Lyon, and a high-speed rail link under construction – although it is not clear when this will be finished.
There are also high speed TGV services from Paris which will take you to Turin in around 5 hours.
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