"Torino aka Turin" Top 5 Page for this destination Torino by ant1606

Torino Travel Guide: 930 reviews and 1,580 photos

Torino 2006 - Logo

Torino - Host city of the 2006 Winter Olympics

As a Torino (Turin) native and resident, I can't be blamed with impartiality for defining it an interesting place to visit. The first capital of Italy is an enriching cultural experience for all. The city's Roman standard grid street layout survived the years and it definitely makes it easy to move around. Most roads are as straight as a "Grissino Torinese", a traditional and renowned type of breadstick which was invented here. This great advantage can help the driving visitors as direction signs aren't much reliable, a simple city map would help staying out of trouble.
Parking availability is insufficient and calling for an improvement of public transportation - which isn't too bad though - and I'm sure most residents or visitors would share this statement. As many other cities with a long history, Torino doesn't always cope with recent progress. Public works and road construction in preparation for the Winter Olympic Games have caused daytime nightmares, although the event certainly deserved focus on the city's image and the occasion to clean buildings and improve the urban network. The post-Olympics times have seen a growing number of foreign workers and visitors who contribute to a more cosmopolitan ambience.
The city's rapid industrial growth, mainly in the 50s, 60s and 70s, took away some of the original baroque magic but, despite pros & cons, Torino still enchants the visitor who walks around the city center. Step inside an old cafe' or gaze at amazing buildings. Or both at the same time while sipping a cup of typical thick chocolate.

Please yourself with this excellent video presentations in Italian language:
Grand Tour - Torino
Grand Tour - Piazza Carignano
(The www.grmsit.com/grandtour video was available in several languages. It vanished, but I leave the reference here in case it will be resumed)

Comprehensive multilingual info:
www.comune.torino.it
www.provincia.torino.it
www.regione.piemonte.it/lingue/english
www.turismotorino.org
www.torino2006.org

Olympic update - Feb 27, 2006

The Flame is on!

As of 11 Feb 06 I was in Detroit, USA, and forced to watch my own city on TV. I missed the opening ceremony as I was flying from Mexico City but I could later catch it on tape.
It was somehow sad to be away during the opening of this once-in-a-lifetime happening in Torino but a few days later I could fly back home to find the city was simply fantastic. Hordes of fans from around the world, packed streets and live concerts every night at the Medal Plaza starting right after the honors ceremonies. I heard general positive comments about the city and the games' organization, and whenever I saw a visitor in awe in front of some city feature I found myself to be a prouder Turinese than I had expected to be.
What goes up must come down and the flame has now been extinguished for good. Two weeks of glory to be remembered forever!

Turin aerial view

If you fly to or from Turin across the mountains, you may want to choose a window seat for a great view of the Alps. Sit on the right side of the aircraft for a bird's-eye view of the city center just minutes before landing.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:You'll be surprised!

Intro Updated Jan 24, 2011
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Reviews (88)

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Local Customs (8)
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Shopping (7)
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Tourist Traps (2)
See All Caffe' Torino
Off The Beaten Path (7)
See All Nole Canavese - Fossil Forest
Nightlife (3)
See All The "Quadrilatero" area

Things to Do (17)
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Restaurants (6)
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Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All Torino - Downtown traffic limitations
What to Pack (1)
Torino - Packing List
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Friendly place for singles and for...

Travelogues (3)

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Comments (19)

JessieLang Sep 17, 2011 at 9:32 PM Report Abuse

Nice page with lots of information. Thanks!
Auburnfemirish Jan 22, 2010 at 10:30 AM Report Abuse

Many thanks Ant, really good information when compared with google map. Going to your beautiful city in a while and really looking forward to it
alza Sep 12, 2009 at 5:22 PM Report Abuse

Ant, this was fantastic! Can't pick, too many choices but Pza S.Carlo for my memory of it, the P. Madama.. un régal pour l'oeil, and chère Madame Bertot for her B&B. Love that diffuse golden light in Torino. Ciao!
Isabella9999 Sep 7, 2008 at 10:45 AM Report Abuse

Ciao Is there a market near this address? Viale Maestri del Lavoro, 10, 10127 Turin. If yes, how do i get there? Isabella
MATIM Aug 7, 2008 at 4:15 AM Report Abuse

Great to read your page after I visit Torino two weeks ago, this city really surprised me. Bring back good memories :) I visit National museum of cinema, I am glad i did, wonderful!
angiebabe Jul 9, 2008 at 3:47 PM Report Abuse

I was crazy to have been in Europe and not visited Turin or Athens for the Olympics - I regret it! but thanks for yr page!Amazed at yr long list of listed bldgs-&the tunnel system sounds fascinating!
oriettaIT Apr 24, 2008 at 2:31 AM Report Abuse

Great tips, thanks for sharing. E grazie per i preziosi consigli. Orietta
sylina Oct 14, 2007 at 4:48 AM Report Abuse

Ciao~ overheard in news this morning.. Venaria is re-openning today.. which means i would be able to see it in my trip.. that's so cool.. :) Cheers, Syl
starship Jun 18, 2006 at 10:58 AM Report Abuse

Ever since the Winter Olympics I have been curious about Torino. Thanks for sharing some great pics.
ezaguryk Jun 16, 2006 at 6:17 AM Report Abuse

Happy B-day!!!!! Wish the best in your day....greating from venezuela me piacere molto la tua pagina