GemmaTurin, or Torino as locals lovingly call it, is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. It’s not just about its rich history or world-class chocolate—though yes, you’ll definitely want to indulge. From my own personal experience, strolling through Turin’s Old Town feels like stepping into a living painting: narrow cobbled streets, elegant piazzas, and the kind of architecture that makes you stop mid-step just to admire it. If you’re planning to explore this city, forget rushing through museums or checking boxes—take your time. The Old Town is meant to be walked, savored, and discovered at your own pace.
Here’s a guide to 12 scenic walks in Turin Old Town that you truly need to see. Each one is a mix of history, culture, and that quiet magic only a city like Turin can offer.
1. Piazza Castello – The Heartbeat of Turin
If there’s one place to start your journey, it’s Piazza Castello. This square is the central hub of Turin’s Old Town, framed by historic buildings like the Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama. From my overall experience, there’s something mesmerizing about watching the locals go about their day here. You’ll see street performers, café-goers, and the occasional historical reenactment.
A walk around Piazza Castello is not just sightseeing—it’s immersing yourself in the city’s rhythm. Make sure to pause at the fountains and take a moment to appreciate the symmetry and elegance that define Turin.
2. Via Garibaldi – Shop and Stroll
Via Garibaldi is more than just a street; it’s a pedestrian paradise. Lined with boutiques, artisan shops, and cafés, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll. As you walk, notice the architecture: Baroque facades, carved wooden doors, and hidden courtyards tucked between buildings.
This walk is ideal for combining shopping and sightseeing. You can stop for a quick espresso, admire a street artist’s work, and continue wandering through one of the city’s liveliest arteries.
3. Piazza San Carlo – Turin’s Elegant Living Room
Known as the “living room of Turin,” Piazza San Carlo is a masterpiece of symmetry. Twin churches face each other across the square, and the cafés lining the edges are perfect for people-watching.
Take a slow walk around the square, and don’t miss the equestrian statue of Emmanuel Philibert. From my personal experience, sipping a cappuccino here while watching the city move is one of the simplest yet most satisfying pleasures Turin offers.
4. Quadrilatero Romano – A Blend of History and Modern Life
The Quadrilatero Romano is where Turin’s ancient history meets modern vibrancy. Streets like Via dei Mercanti reveal traces of Roman walls and medieval architecture alongside trendy bars and restaurants.
Walking here feels like time travel. You might step over cobblestones that have existed for centuries, then pop into a boutique that feels completely contemporary. It’s a walk that lets you see Turin’s layers, from ancient to modern, all in one experience.
5. Via Po and the Po River Walk
Via Po stretches from Piazza Castello to the banks of the Po River. This avenue is iconic for its arcades and elegant shops, but the real magic begins when you reach the river.
Follow the riverbank for a quiet walk away from the bustling streets. You’ll encounter locals jogging, students reading, and sometimes street musicians playing under the bridges. The combination of architecture and natural beauty makes this one of the most relaxing walks in the Old Town.
6. Piazza Carignano – Baroque Beauty Everywhere
Piazza Carignano is a smaller square with a big presence. Surrounded by Baroque buildings and crowned by the Palazzo Carignano, it’s a perfect place for photography and quiet contemplation.
From my overall experience, visiting this piazza early in the morning is magical—the light hits the buildings just right, and you’ll have the square mostly to yourself. It’s also a short walk from Piazza Castello, making it easy to combine both stops.
7. Via Roma – Elegant Shopping Street
Via Roma is Turin’s answer to sophistication. Lined with luxury boutiques, cafés, and historic palaces, it’s both a shopping destination and a scenic stroll.
Even if you’re not buying anything, walking here is a visual treat. Look up and admire the grand facades, the intricate balconies, and the subtle details that make Turin architecture so distinctive.
8. Borgo Dora – Markets and Hidden Gems
Borgo Dora is an eclectic neighborhood filled with markets, vintage shops, and street art. Walking here is like exploring a living, breathing museum of Turin’s culture.
From my personal experience, it’s the kind of place where you stumble upon treasures you never expected—antique stores, local delicacies, or quirky cafés tucked away in side streets. It’s less polished than the central squares, but that’s what makes it so charming.
9. Via Carlo Alberto – Academic and Cultural Walk
This street is home to historic university buildings and elegant cafés. Walking along Via Carlo Alberto gives a sense of Turin’s academic heritage, with students and professors moving between classes.
The street also leads to Piazza Carlo Alberto, another scenic square where you can pause and enjoy the city’s quieter side. From my overall experience, it’s a wonderful place to slow down, sit on a bench, and watch life unfold around you.
10. Piazza Vittorio Veneto – Riverside Grandeur
Piazza Vittorio Veneto is one of Europe’s largest squares, sitting along the Po River. Its sheer size is impressive, and the surrounding architecture is equally stunning.
Take a full loop around the square, enjoying views of the river and the hills beyond. From my personal experience, the evening light transforms this area, casting a warm glow over the historic buildings and making it ideal for photos.
11. Via San Francesco d’Assisi – Hidden Courtyards and Stories
Via San Francesco d’Assisi is one of those streets that feels like it has stories around every corner. Courtyards hide behind gates, small shops sell handcrafted goods, and local cafés offer perfect spots for a pause.
Walking here gives you a sense of Turin beyond the main tourist paths. It’s quieter, more intimate, and perfect for those who enjoy discovering the city’s secrets slowly.
12. Porta Palazzo Market – Color, Flavor, and Life
No walk in Turin Old Town is complete without a visit to Porta Palazzo Market. It’s one of Europe’s largest open-air markets, and the energy here is contagious.
Stroll through stalls bursting with fresh produce, cheese, meats, and flowers. From my overall experience, the market is not just about shopping—it’s a window into Turin’s daily life, full of color, flavor, and genuine human connection.
Final Thoughts on Exploring Turin Old Town
Turin Old Town is a city designed for walking, and each street, piazza, and alley offers something unique. From historic squares to hidden courtyards, scenic river paths to vibrant markets, these 12 walks let you experience the heart of the city.
From my own personal experience, the true joy of Turin isn’t just in checking off tourist sites—it’s in letting the city reveal itself gradually, one step at a time. So wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera, and let the streets of Turin guide you. By the end of your walks, you won’t just have seen the city—you’ll have felt it.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.