Nestled in the mountains at the northern end of Italy, Turin is a city that is bursting with style. While many people will head to Milan before Turin (or Torino, as its called locally), travelers shouldn’t discount this incredible city. From the views of the nearby Alps to the stunning architecture in the city itself, Turin is a hub for Italian art and culture. A weekend here is bustling with beauty.

Enjoy Piedmontese Mountain Cuisine At Gofreria Piemontèisa

Italy is known for its food, but if you are looking for something other than the standard pizza, pasta, and gelato, head to Gofreria Piemontèisa in the center of the city for some traditional mountain fare. This restaurant offers delicious gofri, miasse and miacce, authentic waffles, and wafers. These traditional foods date back to the 16th century, and a savory waffle filled with meats, cheese and vegetables is the perfect lunch choice that won’t take you too far from the main shopping district of the city (or overcharge you for uninspired tourist food). This is definitely a little spot that will make you feel like a local.

Drive Into The History Of Cars At Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile

There are plenty of museums in Turin (and in essentially every major Italian city, for that matter), but for travelers who are looking for something a little different, check out the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile. Turin is rightly proud of its history in the car industry (it’s where the iconic Italian car, the Fiat, was born), and this museum does so much more than just take visitors back through the history of the automobile. As well as having a collection of over two hundred cars, the museum also delves into the intricacies of car design and the negative impact of the car on the environment. This very modern museum also includes an F1 simulator for racing fans, and provides a great contrast to the more classic museums in the area.

Get The Best View Of The City From Basilica di Superga

Leave the center of the city, take the vintage tram up the hill of Superga, and you will find a gorgeous Basilica and some of the best views over the city and the mountains beyond. Dating back to the early 1700s, the Basilica is also a great place to soak up some of the history of Turin, and a walk up the 131 steps of the Dome will bring you out onto the balcony – the perfect spot to take photos of the city and the landscape beyond. As well as the Basilica itself, check out the atmospheric Royal Tombs (with a 45-minute tour), the Royal Apartments of the House of Savoy, and the Hall of Popes.

Indulge At Ristorante Del Cambio

Piedmontese cuisine is very different than the food found in Southern Italy, and if there is one place that does it best, it is Ristorante Del Cambio… which has been serving up incredible fine dining since 1757! Del Cambio has served dinner to Mozart, Casanova, Nietzsche and more, and offers up incredible rich and beautifully plated dishes. The restaurant also has a tasting menu, for anyone who wishes a tour of fine dining Piedmontese cuisine… although it’s unsurprisingly not cheap, and 135 euro a head. However, this is a chance to truly take in history as well as experience some of the dishes that the region is famous for.

Other popular attractions in Turin include the Royal Palace and the Museu Egizio (an Egyptian collection), but it’s also worthwhile to skip the tours and simply spend time wandering the wide avenues and beautiful squares, taking in the palaces and buildings of this beautiful (and underrated) city.